Hi, I’m Ally! I was born and raised in Traverse City and am the Director of Operations at Wuerfel Resorts. I graduated from Traverse City Central High School and went on to expand my industry education at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. After college, I worked in finance and venture capital for a couple of years before having the chance to move back to the area and join Wuerfel Resorts as the third-generation family member.
Our firm has been servicing Traverse City for over 50 years through the development and management of independent hospitality facilities. As Director of Operations, I am overseeing our two current projects, Alexandra Inn and Harbor Brook Hall, which are both opening this summer!
Alexandra Inn is a 32-unit boutique hotel on East Grand Traverse Bay that features a rooftop terrace restaurant. The Inn has been a lifelong dream of mine and it is such a blessing to partner in this development alongside my parents, Josh and Tonya Wuerfel. We truly believe it is going to bring something unique to the area and hope the community agrees!
Our second project is revitalizing Harbor Brook Hall back into a waterfront event center. I have heard so many stories of weddings, reunions, and conferences hosted there years ago and we look forward to welcoming events back to the space soon.
Q: Please tell us about yourself.
Passion for hosting, planning, and helping others create lasting memories! I have an amazing family, two adorable kittens, and love cycling, going to the beach, and catching the sunrise/sunset in my spare time.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My career in hospitality started at a young age helping out in anyway I could from cleaning hotel rooms to selling tickets at the Beach Bums. After college I looked to expand my hard skills and pursued a career in finance at JPMorgan Chase & Co in New York City. I then transitioned to corporate venture capital at Touchdown Ventures. Amidst the pandemic I decided to move back to my hometown and had the incredible opportunity to join Wuerfel Resorts full-time. I am currently the Director of Operations and am blessed to have a job that promotes and showcases Traverse City while also helping others plan some of the best days of their lives, including weddings, vacations, honeymoons, and more.
Q: What is your favorite book?
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. A tried and true classic that always reminds me of the importance of human connection, empathy, and support.
Q: What are some of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Flying Noodle, PepeNero, Towne Plaza, Apache
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I was born and raised in Traverse City! After living out of state for work and college the past few years I am ecstatic to be back. There truly is no place as beautiful and friendly as Traverse City.
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
Take advantage of local insights. Whether its the cashier or hotel receptionist, locals have incredible recommendations on hidden gems, best beaches, and where to grab something to eat.
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet?
It would be great to have lunch with all of my siblings. The four of us are scattered across the world right now with work and college and we haven’t had the chance to all be together recently. I would have to pick Boonedocks or Don’s Drive-In as those were our favorites as kids.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The people! Our community only exists because of all the amazing people here. You can always count on a friendly face and genuine connection when meeting anyone.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I lived in hotels for nearly half of my childhood. Not as exciting as Suite Life of Zack and Cody but it did make a short commute to work 🙂
Q: Which yearly event in Grand Traverse County do you enjoy best?
The Cherry Festival Air Show is hard to beat. The town has such great energy during the festival and the show is great to enjoy from West Bay.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in that season?
I love enjoying a late summer sunset on the water. The bay is so peaceful that time of day and the water is warm enough to fully enjoy.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Compassion, Support, Love
