MEET THE INNKEEPERS: Don Bruce, Grafton Inn

By Marti Mayne

Throughout the past few months, we’ve been introducing the people behind the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE).  While a getaway to a nondescript chain hotel or resort might offer a comfortable bed and a private bath, you won’t find the general manager offering a pair of cuff links when you forget yours or a tea and sympathy when you need it.  It’s the people behind the Distinctive Inns of New England that make the romantic getaways so special.  To show you why, we’re introducing them one by one on the DINE blog.

GraftonInn-Don_Bruce_May9_2013Today, we’d like to introduce one of the newest innkeepers to the Distinctive Inns of New England crowd, Don Bruce, the new innkeeper and General Manager at the Grafton Inn.  A born and bred Vermonter, Don has returned to his old stomping grounds to manage the Grafton Inn, starting just a few months ago. Don was born in Rutland, and raised in Bellows Falls, VT.  He earned a BS in Recreation Management at Lyndon State College in Lyndonville, VT with a double major in Theatre.  It’s there that he met his wife, Lisa.

Don held a number of jobs prior to moving into hospitality.  He was the Director of Student Activities at Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire for five years, and also worked as an expeditor for a few years at Jones & Lamson Machines in Springfield, VT.  Knowing that his heart was in hospitality, his first foray into the field was the Outdoor Activities Director at The Balsams Resort in Dixville Notch for a summer/fall season. Don has remained in the hospitality industry since then for 27 years, working his way from Sales Manager to General Manager. His most recent position  prior to joining the Grafton Inn was at Six South Street Hotel in Hanover, NH where he supervised construction and the opening of this new property.

When askeGraftonInn-seniorcouple-smallerd about innkeeping versus hotel management, Don answered “I’ve always had an interest in becoming an Innkeeper and running an inn. I just liked the idea of being in an environment where service can be more personalized….the setting more intimate and special. I applied to be the innkeeper at the Grafton Inn 18 years ago, but didn’t get the job. When I heard that the position was open I just had to throw my hat into the ring again….and got the job!”

Don’s is among a few DINE innkeepers who’ve had careers in both hotel and inn management.  When asked what he likes best about innkeeping, Don tells us he especially enjoys the guest interaction and playing a role in helping guests to enjoy their Grafton Inn/Vermont experience. “I’m a native Vermonter and love to introduce guests to all that our wonderful state has to offer,” says Don.

GraftonInn-DonBruceandwife-Lisa-2Don and his wife Lisa have four daughters, all of whom reside in New England. One daughter lives in Burlington, VT, one in Hinesburg, VT, another in Watertown, MA and one in Grafton, VT. During the rare times he’s not at the inn, Don enjoys fishing in Vermont’s lakes and streams and the waters of Cape Cod Bay.  Additionally, he likes antiquing. “I like to go to flea markets and yard sales…searching for treasures….hoping to maybe strike gold like they do on Antiques Road Show”.  Our guess is that Antiques Road Show is among his favorite TV shows!

To learn more about the other DINE innkeepers, scroll through the DINE blog.  The innkeepers are the personalities behind the DINE buildings.  They are the heart and soul of your romantic getaway or outdoor adventure.  And we’re quite sure that once you meet them in person, you’ll agree that it’s the innkeepers who make a fine DINE stay.  Click here to check availability for your August DINE getaway.