By Miles Flynn | Southern Indiana Business Report
FRENCH LICK — Lauren Jones, a familiar face to Southern Indiana television viewers, is beginning a new professional and personal chapter at French Lick Resort. The longtime news anchor began her role as marketing manager for the resort late this summer, and the new opportunity follows a period of turmoil that included a long battle with COVID-19 and seeing her contract with WAVE 3 News go unrenewed.
Rediscovering the destination and herself
Through her youth in Columbus and her time in Evansville and Louisville television, Jones has been no stranger to French Lick Resort. “It used to remind me of the movie ‘The Secret Garden’ when I was younger, this gigantic luxurious place, and now I’ve grown to appreciate it even more as an adult, seeing it through the eyes of people I love,” she told Southern Indiana Business Report. “I love how the energy and atmosphere have stayed the same for decades, but the amenities, and things to do around the resort, and even around town, have grown. It’s the perfect date night getaway, or family trip, and we are extremely lucky to have it in Southern Indiana.”
The resort always played a big role in helping her relax and recuperate through the years with her husband, Louisville television meteorologist Jude Redfield, and their three children. “It’s one of the only places where I feel like I can truly relax and not worry about anything,” she said.
And that solace was sorely needed after she began to feel her life was turning upside down. First, she tested positive for COVID-19 in November 2020. Then in March, after a lengthy battle with the virus, her employment with the station that had been a part of her identity for a decade came to an end. French Lick Resort was the first place she visited during her COVID-19 recovery.
Since Jones says planning is in her DNA, it was difficult, initially, for her to slow down and explore new directions. “But, through my experience with COVID-19, I learned that I have to trust God, and His process, and that whatever plan I thought was right for me is ultimately up to Him,” she said.
Jones believes that higher power placed her on the long path that ultimately led to where she is now. “I know He put French Lick Resort in my life many years ago as a way to rest and recharge when life got too hectic or busy, and it’s been full circle to see Him put the resort back into my life, just in a different capacity,” she said.
Seeing the silver lining
Jones admits the transition was a tough one; she said the last 10 months have been the most challenging of her life. “One day I was a busy morning news anchor living life at 200 miles per hour, then in the blink of an eye, I couldn’t get out of bed because I was so sick, I suddenly lost my job, became a stay-at-home mom for the first time ever (and a teacher when my kids were virtually learning because of the virus), and was trying to find my purpose again,” she said.
However, once she accepted that new perspective along the way, everything changed. “Admittedly, it’s taken me a few months to see the silver lining, but when I finally felt like I was looking forward, instead of backwards, it was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I’ve been able to slow down and really be present with my family, and ‘feel’ again,” she shared. “Whether that’s gratitude, or acceptance, I’ve learned a lot of hard lessons in a short period of time…”
Jones is quick to praise her new colleagues for all they’ve done to help with the life change, too, by being so understanding, compassionate and encouraging. “Most of the people I work with are parents, and I didn’t have that before, so it’s awesome to share stories about our kids and family, and even those who don’t have kids are just great people to chat with and learn from,” she said. “This entire transition has felt very natural to me. I grew up in a small town in Southern Indiana, much like French Lick, where everyone is kind, hardworking and doing their best, so it feels very much like home to me. I’ve loved every minute.”
Now, while she still calls the last 10 months the most challenging period of her life, she also believes that time has been the most rewarding.
Eager to tell destination’s story
For Jones, the foundation for the new role was built during those many visits to the resort and its people. “Over the years, I became friendly with the wonderful staff at the resort. Our partnership, and my subsequent employment there, was a natural progression,” she said.
In addition, her extensive professional experience is another asset she brings to the position. “One of the reasons I was so attracted to the French Lick opportunity is that I’m able to dabble in several different things while still using the skills I’ve learned as a journalist,” she noted. “I’ll be doing a lot with the marketing team, from promoting the resort on social media, to emceeing events, telling stories through the eyes of people in the community, to working with sales and other departments to help share how remarkable to resort is — with others.”
Dyan Duncan, the resort’s director of marketing, said having Jones join the team is truly a thrill. “Her warm and genuine personality really connected with her TV audience, and it fits the aura of what French Lick and West Baden are all about. As a Hoosier native, she understands how French Lick Resort is so treasured among those who visit and have witnessed the resort’s restoration over the last 20 years. Lauren will be a wonderful asset in helping us continue that legacy,” she commented.
Among the experiences Jones is eagerly looking forward to being a part of are the resort’s seasonal celebrations. “No one does the holidays better than French Lick Resort, and I can’t wait to see the magic behind the scenes, and how it all comes together, first hand,” she said.
Several planned themed getaway weekends for visitors to let loose and celebrate safely will be announced soon. “From a marketing standpoint, we will be doing the same things that guests have grown to know and love, but we’ll also be branching out and evolving as the resort continues to grow, so will the adventures we have for our guests,” Jones said.
She’s also excited about the resort’s social engagement in issues of importance to the community. Jones cited the ongoing initiative to construct more workforce housing as one example. “It’s no secret that we need more available housing for people to want to come work in our area but need somewhere to live,” she said. “I’m excited to use my news background to shine a light on that, and also share ways that the towns and resort are helping with this initiative.”
Jones has already been busy exploring the resort and diving into some of the stories she plans to share. A literal high point so far was climbing atop the the West Baden Springs Hotel for a look at the scenery and a trip down into the hub at the center of the famed dome, where visitors at some point in the property’s 120-year history painted several angels. “Oh my goodness, climbing to the top of the dome at West Baden to see the angels room was incredible!” she said. “I was very nervous and also emotional. When I finally made it to the top and was able to look around at the beautiful resort, and surrounding town, it took my breath away. Then when I finally saw the paintings of the angels, I had one of those ‘wow, this is my life’ moments. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of that just a few months ago, so I felt very grateful and blessed. There’s also something to be said about seeing this well-preserved piece of history up close and personal, yet knowing so much of it is still a mystery, since no one knows who painted the angels 100+ years ago. It’s a reminder that we are just a miniscule part of this enormous puzzle called life.”