About Us
Hotel Galena’s Leadership: Driving Excellence and Innovation
Hotel Galena is a partnership between Nate Gawlik and Sara & Randy Bangs. Nate is the primary host and operator of Hotel Galena. Randy and Sara are advisers that don’t do much and make suggestions from afar.
Nate comes from the hospitality industry with nearly 10 years of working in a variety of managerial roles. He has been the General Manager of a Hampton Inn, served as a Hospitality Consultant for ResNexus, and acted as the Guest Services Manager at Eagle Crest Resort overseeing 335 units on a 1900-acre three golf course resort. He has received numerous awards for service excellence and leadership.Nate brings outstanding customer service skills, a passion for excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry and a keen sense of understanding about how to build a successful team.
Nate’s passions are in volunteering with youth services, riding his motorcycle across the country, hiking, exploring new markets, and becoming a resident expert on Galena.
Randy and Sara, a dynamic duo in the hospitality industry, have established a prominent presence in the midwestern markets by managing a collection of four bed and breakfasts and launching the luxurious Owl Ridge Cabin in Wausau, Wisconsin. Their impressive selection of properties, each with its own unique charm, includes the Pleasant Street Bed and Breakfast in Oconomowoc, the historic Allyn Mansion in Delavan, the renowned Kalamazoo House in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and the acclaimed Stewart Inn in Wausau.
Their expertise in providing top-tier hospitality is reflected in an array of accolades. They’ve set an unparalleled standard, with recognitions that include the top-rated bed and breakfast in Wisconsin, the distinction of being the first two-suite “diamond collection” property globally, and earning the title of the number one hotel in Wisconsin. Additionally, their properties have achieved the highest ratings in Kalamazoo, secured three 5-star ratings on Google, and been ranked the seventh best Small Stay property in the U.S. These achievements underscore their consistent dedication to warm hospitality, culinary excellence, pristine accommodations, and superior concierge services.
At the heart of their collection is the Stewart Inn, a 1906 Arts & Crafts masterpiece situated in Wausau, designed by George Maher, a renowned figure in the American Arts & Crafts movement and a contemporary of the illustrious Frank Lloyd Wright. This architectural marvel is esteemed as one of the most complete existing examples of Maher’s architectural philosophy, showcasing original woodwork, breathtaking stained glass windows, custom light fixtures, and an array of meticulously maintained fireplaces.
The Stewart Inn provides guests with five opulently furnished rooms, each featuring a private bath and steam shower, blending historical elegance with modern luxury. Located on a tranquil downtown residential street, the inn is a stone’s throw from the bustling River District’s shops, eateries, and museums. It’s also conveniently positioned just three blocks from the Grand Theater and a mere four miles from the adventure-rich Granite Peak Ski Resort. The inn’s dedication to excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed, with a stellar five-star rating on both Google and TripAdvisor, and it’s currently heralded as the number one hotel in Wisconsin, alongside being in the top 10 small stay hotels in the U.S. for two consecutive years.
Adding to their portfolio, the Owl Ridge Cabin is a testament to Randy and Sara’s vision of integrating luxury with the tranquility of nature. This secluded cabin, nestled on a private five-acre woodland near downtown Wausau, is a haven for those seeking a mix of romance and modernity. It features an open concept kitchen, dining room, and living area, all framed by large windows that offer panoramic views of the surrounding forest. The cabin includes a lavish king bedroom and a spa-inspired bath, complete with a floating vanity, walk-in steam shower, oversized soaking tub, heated towel rack, and a state-of-the-art Toto toilet.
Since its inauguration in December 2022, Owl Ridge Cabin has become a sensation, boasting heated floors throughout and triple-zoned air conditioning for optimal comfort. The cabin’s allure has been spotlighted by significant media coverage, including features in prominent magazines such as Madison and Milwaukee Magazine, Midwest Living, and national outlets like USA Today and MSN. Its recognition extends to television with features on ‘Discover Wisconsin’ and Travel Wisconsin, solidifying its status as one of the top-rated cabins in the Midwest.
