In late 2019, Sue Damron became the sole owner of Schuler’s, the iconic restaurant in downtown Marshall, after over two decades of dedicated service. As President and CEO, Sue carries forward the legacy of excellence established by the Schuler family in 1909.
Sue’s journey with Schuler’s began in November 1998 when she joined as Executive Assistant to Hans Schuler. Her exceptional leadership skills propelled her through the ranks: she became General Manager in 2002, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2010, and in 2014, acquired a minority ownership stake while being named President and Managing Partner.
Reflecting on the transition, Hans Schuler remarked:
“I felt it was time to pass the reins to someone who has consistently proven to be a capable and innovative leader in our industry and community. Sue is the perfect steward of our family’s legacy.”
Sue’s leadership has steered Schuler’s through significant industry shifts, including extensive renovations, adapting to changing guest demographics, and navigating the challenges posed by two statewide COVID-19 shutdowns shortly after she assumed full ownership. Her resilience and forward-thinking approach have solidified the restaurant’s foundation for ongoing success, earning the trust and confidence of the Schuler family and the entire team.
A lifelong Calhoun County resident, Sue grew up at Duck Lake, just 20 miles from Marshall. She studied business and accounting at Kellogg Community College and Olivet College before spending nearly a decade with Starr Commonwealth’s Michigan Community-Based Programs. This experience honed her collaborative leadership style, which has been instrumental in her success in the hospitality industry.
Beyond Schuler’s, Sue is deeply involved in her community. She serves on the Marshall DDA/LDFA Board, the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation, and the Calhoun County Culinary Arts & Hospitality Advisory Council. She is also a Director at Homestead Bank and has previously chaired the Marshall Area Economic Development Authority and Marshall Tourism Committee.
Sue’s commitment to growth and innovation has driven significant expansions since she assumed full ownership. She spearheaded the development of seven apartments and five hotel rooms in the historic restaurant’s upper floors and transformed the nearby “Dreamer’s Furniture” building into a 250-person event space with three additional hotel rooms.
For Sue, Schuler’s is not just a business—it’s a family endeavor. Her husband, Shannon, has been a steadfast supporter, and her children, Josh and Elizabeth, have both worked at the restaurant. Elizabeth is now part of Schuler’s management team, continuing the family’s involvement in the industry. Sue is especially proud of her granddaughters, Charlotte and Addeline, who she jokingly predicts will join the team one day—one as a chef and the other as a manager – leaving it up to them to decide which.
In her free time, Sue enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, particularly her granddaughters.
Under Sue’s leadership, Schuler’s remains committed to its century-long tradition of delivering unparalleled dining experiences. As she says, “Every day is a new challenge in the restaurant… and I love that.”
Incredibly involved with various organizations within our Marshall community, Joe has served a four term 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.
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 Sales and Marketing Manager. Her extensive hospitality experience, coupled with a can-do attitude and friendly demeanor, makes her an integral part of our busy restaurant.
It seems like everyone has a story and a history connected to Schuler’s, and Brad Gillett is no exception. Brad’s Schuler’s story began when he was just 16 years old, working as a busser. Over the years, he has served in nearly every front-of-house role, including server, host, and bartender, giving him the opportunity to take care of guests in many different ways.
Brad’s connection to Schuler’s, however, began long before his first day on the job. His grandparents moved to Marshall in the 1960s, and Schuler’s became a favorite place for their family to celebrate birthdays, host client dinners, and mark other special occasions.
“I have heard so many stories firsthand from people who have been coming here for well over 50 years, and they are always fond memories,” Brad shares. “It is great how each generation of the Schuler family had something to add to the restaurant to make it better, and now Sue Damron is keeping that tradition going.”
When he isn’t at Schuler’s, Brad enjoys spending time with his wife, Krista, and their two young children. An outdoorsman at heart, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and taking advantage of Michigan’s natural resources. He also spends plenty of time with friends and family, including his four brothers who all call Marshall home.
From a 16-year-old busser to Facilities Manager, Brad’s story is another example of the generations of employees and guests who have made Schuler’s part of their lives. We’re certainly glad his journey brought him back home.
