By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Lacey Schofield grew up in the small town of Kiowa, just over 100 miles south of Great Bend, near the Oklahoma border. Knowing she wanted to be in the hotel and hospitality business, Schofield began working in the industry in Hutchinson and Wichita. Schofield and her husband decided to open a restaurant in Ellinwood, but had a change of mind after arriving.
Putting her resume out there, the late Loren Unruh hired her to become the manager at the Best Western Angus Inn. Keeping a successful hotel over the years has been all about customer service and treating her employees well.
"I practice the principle where you don't ever ask somebody to do something you're not willing to do yourself," said Schofield. "I try to walk the walk and talk the talk. I try to treat my employees like they are my family. We know each other's spouses and kids."
After 18 years with the hotel in Great Bend, Schofield is resigning to accept a position with the City of Ellinwood.
"It's going to feel really weird not driving to Great Bend everyday, but I'll still be close by," said Schofield. "I had the best mentor. I would not have been here without Loren. My life will look very different, but I want to thank everyone."
Unruh passed away in late 2022, but Schofield learned the business side of the hotel industry and how to treat people the right way from a man she considered to be a second father.
"I miss Loren dearly," said Schofield. "He was the best teacher, not just about business but about character too. He was so well respected."
Schofield’s final day at the hotel will be Sept. 16. Naran Patel has moved with his family to become the next manager.
"Naran will be great," said Schofield. "He's established in the hotel business. He really wants to be part of the community."