By Shawn Hogendorf, Staff Writer

Lynn Hollenback of Prior Lake has worked in the hospitality business for more than 30 years.

Her most recent adventure finds her wearing a Hawaiian shirt, a baseball cap and greeting customers with “Aloha,” when they enter Maui Wowi. Maui Wowi opened on the Fourth of July next door to the Prior Lake Library.

Most of Hollenback’s experience is  with the hotel industry, but she says along the way she’s “done it all.”

Prior to the opening of Maui Wowi’s newest location, Hollenback worked for owners Randy and Mary Bigler in the Burnsville Center location.

“I like dealing with people,” Hollenback said of her longevity in the hospitality business. “It’s never the same. It’s always a challenge. I just like to keep moving.”

As a manager at Maui Wowi, Hollenback said she has the chance to partake in a variety of events with the catering and banquet side of the business.

“We do softball tournaments, graduation parties and other sports tournaments,” Hollenback said. “If we sell enough at the event, we donate back to the company that hired us, so it’s a great relationship.”

Hollenback said one of her favorite things about working at Maui Wowi is that it has its own niche. She said she loves all the items, but her favorite is the Kona coffee and the orange-mango smoothie.

“I love that we feature Hawaiian coffee,” she added. “I think that’s the best coffee out there.”

When Hollenback isn’t busy at work, she enjoys biking, reading and cross-country skiing in the winter time. 

Q and A with Lynn Hollenback

What’s your favorite menu item?

One of my favorites is the orange-mango smoothie.

What’s the best book you’ve read lately?

I’m into Nora Roberts right now, but [I] don’t have a favorite. I like to get into an author and read everything they write.

Where would you like to travel?

I would like to go back to Hawaii. Once you get a breath of Hawaii, it sticks with you.

Who’s your favorite musician?

I like a lot of music, but probably Roy Orbison.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I’m a photography buff. People don’t realize the extent of the pictures I have or have taken.

 Shawn Hogendorf can be reached at (952) 345-6374 or shogendorf@swpub.com.