Harlan Karlstad and Bob Defries are the instructors for Hotel-Restaurant Management. Together they hold over 50 years of experience. They both have backgrounds in Hotel, Restaurants and Resorts and hold strong industry ties. They have owned and managed at many levels and maintain a close working relationship with their students.
Harlan Karlstad
Hotel Restaurant Management Instructor
Email Address: harlank@alextech.edu
Phone Number: 320-762-4438
Background:
Harlan has been an instructor in the Hotel-Restaurant Management program at Alex Tech since 1985. He teaches in the areas of Restaurant Mgmt., Bar & Beverage Mgmt., Hospitality Accounting and Supervision of Operations.
Occupational Background:
20 years in restaurant management as a General Manager, Regional Supervisor and owner in North Dakota, Oregon, Washington and Minnesota.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education and Physical Education - Mayville State University
- Certified to teach courses through the National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel & Motel Association.
Bob DeFries
Business Management Instructor
Email Address: bobd@alextech.edu
Phone Number: 320-762-4637
Background:
Bob has been an instructor at Alex Tech since 1987, and teaches classes in hospitality management, supervision, human resources and marketing. He serves as advisor to business management students.
Occupational Background:
- Holiday Inns – Front Office, and Food and Beverage Management
- Woodcreek Resort – General Manager
- Great West Hotels – General Manager
- Certified Hotel Administrator, American Hotel & Lodging Association
- Past President, Midwest Association of Hospitality Educators
- Past President, MSCF Chapter, Alexandria
Education:
- M.S. in Hospitality Administration, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- B.S. in Business Administration/Marketing – Mankato State University
- Additional Graduate Coursework in Business Management