Little Harbor Club’s Secrets to Seasonal Staffing Success

Little Harbor Club (LHC), in Harbor Springs, Mich., is a generational family club that operates for 13 weeks each summer. For each season, General Manager/COO Jed Avery, CCM, and his team recruit, hire, and quickly train a full complement of seasonal employees—from waitstaff to culinary staff—to provide exemplary service and experiences for the club’s 650 members. Once the club opens, there’s non-stop activity, with food-and-beverage sales now reaching $2 million for the short season.  

Little Harbor Club sustains its success year after year by fostering an environment of community and opportunity among a carefully curated staff of college students from the U.S. and abroad (with J-1 visas) and by maintaining a robust recruiting program.

To effectively and efficiently train staff to deliver high-quality service from day one, Avery says, it’s essential to have a balanced blend of new and returning employees, effective management, and a nurturing culture. A solid recruiting program is crucial for developing such a team.

Many staff members, drawing from their experiences, not only return year after year, but also actively recommend their friends to join the Little Harbor team. Referral bonuses are offered to returning team members who introduce high-quality candidates.

At the conclusion of each summer, recruiting for the following season begins in earnest.  LHC staff members travel to over 20 universities and colleges during the school year, beginning as early as mid-September. This includes not only schools in-state and in neighboring states, but other leading hospitality and culinary institutions and organizations. Any money spent on recruiting will have a positive impact, Avery says; there is no effort that is too small or too costly. 

From Summer Job to Full-Fledged Career

LHC’s strong commitment to job fairs has yielded many quality employees, including Lily Zelenak, the club’s current Events and Dining Room Manager. 

 

“As a sophomore at Michigan State University [MSU], I attended a career expo in 2024 searching for a summer internship,” Zelenak says. “Although I knew little about the private-club industry, I chose to pursue an opportunity with Little Harbor Club. As MSU’s leading recruiter within the club industry, LHC offered benefits and experiences few employers could match, including complimentary housing, employee meals, competitive pay, and valuable professional development. 

“What began as a summer job ultimately helped to shape my career path and became one of the most impactful experiences of my college career,” she adds. “Beyond the financial benefits, I found a supportive community where co-workers became close friends and mentors invested in my personal and professional growth. The leadership team encouraged me to explore career interests, challenge myself, and build lasting relationships with both members and fellow employees.

“The experience inspired me to return for a second season in 2025 and ultimately influenced my decision to pursue a career in hospitality and the club industry,” Zelenak adds. “I became actively involved in the MSU Student CMAA chapter, helping to recruit and mentor future club-industry students. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business, I have now returned to Little Harbor Club to continue learning and growing. Looking back, I am grateful for the opportunities, mentorship, and friendships that helped shape both my career path and who I am today.”  

A Focus on Culture and Core Experiences

Another crucial component of LHC’s year-to-year success, Avery adds, is the understanding demonstrated by LHC’s Board and membership for the value of not only providing housing to the seasonal staff, but also encouraging and supporting continuous improvement and upkeep of the lodging through generous investment.    

“It’s about more than simply staffing all positions,” says Avery. “It’s about building a culture that allows your employees to not only succeed in their jobs, but also grow and thrive. It’s providing leadership and core experiences while helping them create memories for a lifetime.”