Michael Belot2014 Rising Alumni
Michael Belot is responsible for the leadership, synergy, sales, marketing, growth, and profitability of Kohler’s Sheboygan County operations. These operations include all lodging, spas, restaurants, realty, commercial development, retail shops, and management of 2,000 acres of green space and farm land. He is the vice chairman for the 2015 PGA Championship and already planning for the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits. Previously, Michael worked almost 12 years for the PGA of America and most recently was the Director for the 2012 Ryder Cup. The Ryder Cup won "Event of the Year" and "Best Professional Single Sport Event" at the SportsTravel Awards and was a finalist for "Event of the Year" at the Sports Business Journal awards. In addition, Michael has worked in a variety of capacities on the past 4 Super Bowls.
Employer
General Manager, Destination Kohler
Kohler Company
CEHD Degree
B.S., Sport Management
What is your favorite University of Minnesota memory?
I loved attending basketball games at the Barn. It is the best venue in college basketball as far as I am concerned. As Minnesota was the host school, I also had the opportunity to intern for the 2001 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four, which provided memories for a lifetime.
Who has inspired you the most during your career?
My father. He was an executive and to see how he perfectly balanced his career and our family is something that I strive for. It taught me that it can be done and that family always comes first.
What skills are important to succeed as a young professional today?
Don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know. Take calculated risks, because a tremendous amount can be learned even in failure.
Outside of your job, how do you grow professionally?
Reading industry magazines both directly related, and unrelated, to what I do. Ideas are everywhere and I am not ashamed to borrow.
What is a "fun fact" about you?
I have been fortunate enough to meet Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake. Not a lot of people can say that.
What was the impact and benefit of your experience in CEHD?
I was greatly helped by the network available to me at the University of Minnesota. The connections I made helped lead me to a variety of professional opportunities that shaped my career.