Your Brumder InnKeeper...

Tonja's direct cell phone: 414-899-2036

The Brumder Mansion Bed and Breakfast is blessed to have Ms. Tonja Thomas as our permanent Innkeeper. She is a talented woman who uses her gift of warm hospitality and combines it with tough business savvy experience to manage the complex day to day operations of both the Brumder Mansion and Grand Central. One traveler stated that the Innkeeper made the best breakfast that they’ve had in years!! With multiple skills as the top chef, Tonja has elevated both properties to a new level of excellence that “wows” the guest as soon as they arrive and throughout their stay.

This level of excellence did not develop over night. As a very young girl in Mississippi, she worked at her mother and stepfather’s Bed & Breakfast. Tonja has vivid memories of daily responsibilities; serving drinks, serving snacks in the gambling hall, and cleaning & frying fresh fish (from the family owned catfish farm) for countless hearty breakfasts. Her favorite responsibility during her busy childhood? To nurture and care for the numerous puppies living at the family’s dog kennel. Through these early experiences of helping with the family businesses is how Tonja developed her service heart.

At the age of 15, Tonja decided to move to Milwaukee, Wi. to live with her father and further develop her service heart. In the late 1980’s, she began to cultivate her gift of caring by working with seniors in residential assisted living homes. Developing her senior care skills gave her a new opportunity to practice compassion and patience.

In 1999 a new skill emerged and developed when she took on the challenge of opening her own Childcare Center. The Center successfully operated until 2006 when later that year she decided to fulfill her dream to obtain a Hotel and Hospitality Management degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). She was excited to be accepted into this highly demanding program. With prior internships in Vegas under her belt, a prestigious internship at the historic Knickerbocker Hotel and Condominium complex was required for successful completion of this program. June 2007 Tonja graduated from MATC.

Armed with solid credentials and varied experiences, Tonja has also become a valued employee of Four Points Sheraton in Milw. As Executive Housekeeper she manages a staff of 25 daily. Ensuring that this 149 room property is spotless requires great attention to detail and top management skills. Tonja is enjoying her career as it affords her the opportunity to live with passion in the service industry. As Executive Housekeeper and Innkeeper at the Brumder Mansion Bed & Breakfast and Grand Central, Tonja’s fulfilling her dream to share her gifts and talents with people to make their lives a bit more uncomplicated.