Our Team - Schuler's

President / CEO

Sue Damron

In late 2019, after more than 20 years with the company, Sue Damron has acquired full ownership of the iconic restaurant in downtown Marshall as President and CEO. She joined Schuler’s in November of 1998 as Executive Assistant to the Chairman, Hans Schuler. Over the years, she worked her way up the management chain—in 2002 was named General Manager and in 2010 was named the restaurant’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In 2014, she acquired a minority ownership share and was named President and Managing Partner.

“I felt it was time to complete handing over the reins of our successful business to someone who has consistently shown herself to be a capable and innovative leader in our industry and in our community,” says Hans Schuler, whose grandfather Albert founded the company in 1909. “I’m pleased to say that we are now able to successfully complete that transition, handing over a successful, established business to a proven partner and someone who will be an excellent steward of our family’s legacy.”

Through periods of dynamic change and transition—including major upgrades to the restaurant, an evolving industry and guest demographics, and catering challenges like the 2010 Kalamazoo River oil spill crisis—she has proven to be up to the task. Hans Schuler and the entire Schuler’s team has learned to count on her, and she has taken the lead role in managing and directing Schuler’s continued success in the marketplace.

A lifelong Calhoun County resident who grew up 20 miles northeast of Marshall at Duck Lake, Damron attended Kellogg Community College and Olivet College, studying business and accounting. Before joining Schuler’s, she worked at Starr Commonwealth for nearly 10 years in Starr’s Michigan Community-Based Programs. As a result, she developed effective “people skills” and learned to promote teamwork and collaboration – approaches that have served her well in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Sue is also civically involved, currently serving as Vice Chair of the Marshall DDA/LDFA Board and Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation. She is a Director at Homestead Bank in Albion. Previously, she has served and chaired the Marshall Area Economic Development Authority and Marshall Tourism Committee.

Much like the Schulers, the Damrons are a family affair. Husband, Shannon has been a constant support, and her children, Josh and Elizabeth, have both had jobs at the restaurant. Elizabeth currently serves on the Schuler’s management team and has chosen the industry for her career. Sue will laugh and tell you, her one-year-old granddaughter, Charlotte will work with her one day.

“The Schuler’s brand remains dedicated to providing an unparalleled experience,” says Damron. “We have the benefit of generations of experience behind us that will continue to guide us toward the future as one of Michigan’s longest-established restaurants. Every day is a new challenge in the restaurant…and I love that.”

GENERAL MANAGER

Joe Caron

Joe Caron has been with Schuler’s for over 10 years now and serves as the General Manager.

“Doing things the ‘Schuler Way’ has been a rich tradition that has helped the restaurant maintain its historical roots, but also adapt to the future,” Caron says about his favorite part of Schuler’s history.

As our General Manager, a typical day for Joe involves connecting with guests and managing the front of the house service team. “I make it a point to check in around the various areas of the restaurant with my team members and make sure that they’re in the loop on all of our upcoming events, along with our vision for providing guests with the best Schuler experience.”

Incredibly involved with various organizations within our Marshall community, Joe currently serves as Marshall’s Mayor, elected in 2018, and was a City Council member prior to that. Joe is also a member of the Marshall Rotary Club, as well as a core team member of Marshall’s Youngish Professionals Committee. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, hanging out with his dog Bernie, going to live concerts, traveling, and working on home improvement projects.

Every day he strives to look for greatness while remaining grateful, and that serves him well here at Schuler’s, where we evolve and adapt to the times. If you know Joe, you also know he places a significance on the importance of tradition, here and throughout the community.

“I feel it’s important to be a role model for a new generation of leadership in Marshall,” Joe says, and we’re lucky to have him with us to do just that.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Elizabeth Birch

Elizabeth Birch joined the Schuler’s team when she was only 16 years old, working as a hostess. Over the last 12 years, she has served in a variety of positions including busser, bartender, server, manager-in-training, Pub Manager, and Banquet & Catering Manager, before accepting her current position as Operations Manager. Her extensive hospitality experience, coupled with a can-do attitude and friendly demeanor, makes her an integral part of our busy restaurant.

Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Management from Western Michigan University (Fun fact: she was a dancer for the WMU Dance Team!) She became certified as a Tourism Ambassador in 2018, received the Kalamazoo Supervisory Leadership Certification in 2017, was certified by Dale Carnegie in 2015, and received her Food Safety Certification in 2014.

When asked to describe someone she admired and why, she immediately referenced her mother, Sue Damron, President and CEO of Schuler’s Restaurant and Pub. “My mom is the strongest, most hardworking woman I’ve ever met. I continue to learn new things from her every day whether I like it or not!”

Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband, Jordan, daughter, Charlotte, and dog Gus when she’s outside of work and will be adding to her family in late July when they will welcome their second daughter, Adeline. She loves to cook, explore the outdoors, kayak, bike ride, hike, dance and play softball.

She chose Schuler’s as her career because she loves the camaraderie of the team and considers them an extension of her family – and they really are. “Schuler’s has been open for just over 112 years and is still a family-owned restaurant – I find that just incredible!”

CONTROLLER / ACCOUNTING MANAGER

ROB GILLSON

Rob Gillson works as Schuler’s Controller/Accounting Manager. Serving as our Accountant from 1995 till 2008, we are very excited to have him back in action behind the scenes, helping Schuler’s remain successful and growth-oriented.

Enjoying his career, he’s currently re-introducing himself to the restaurant business and acclimating to the general rules and operations from an accounting standpoint. When asked who he admires in life, Rob mentioned John E. Peterson, a person who overcame physical diversity (polio), and transformed himself spiritually, mentally and physically into a man and businessman many would admire. “He’s learned to live life in today’s increasingly chaotic world, while still exercising high morals, and not depending on the opinions of others,” says Rob.

When asked about Schuler’s, Rob is impressed with the restaurant’s prolonged life and core philosophies. “Despite being around for over 100 years, Schuler’s continues to change with the times and remains relevant and viable, I really respect that,” says Rob.

Outside of work, Rob is a Master Instructor holding the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt in the Korean marital art of Hap Ki Do. He likes spending time with his wife and daughters; after growing up with one brother, he says, “raising girls is educational and always an adventure.”

FACILITIES MANAGER

Brad Gillett

It seems like everyone has a story and history connected to Schuler’s. Brad Gillett is no exception. He started as a busser when he was 16 years old, and has been a server, host and bartender taking care of guests in every role he’s held.

Like many of our guests, his grandparents started his connection to Schuler’s, moving to Marshall in the 60’s. The restaurant remains their choice to celebrate special occasions from birthdays, client dinners and other special occasions. Brad shares, “I have heard so many stories first-hand of people that have been coming here for well over 50 years, and they are always fond memories. … It is great how each of the Schuler generations had something to add to the restaurant to make it better, and now, Sue Damron, is keeping that tradition going.”

When not working, you can find Brad exploring the amazing natural resources of Michigan–hunting, fishing, or hiking with his fiancé and dog. He also enjoys helping others with home improvement projects, (fun fact, he’s also a certified home inspector), or you’ll find him spending time with friends and family, including 4 brothers all in Marshall.

“I left Schuler’s in 2016 to pursue a career in the construction industry with Schwitzer Inc. in Battle Creek, where I learned valuable knowledge that helps me at the restaurant every day. It feels good to have made it full circle. I enjoy working at Schuler’s, and working in Marshall,” Brad says. And we agree, we’re glad he’s (back) here!