202 2
SEPTEMBER 3 & 7, 2022
PROGRESS Edition Growth, challenges and
Photos by Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Construction continues on Gracewin Living Cooperatives, a complex for senior living, in Baxter.
opportunities abound in the lakes area
Hiring signs remain a constant in changed work landscape By Renee Richardson Brainerd Dispatch
Change.
It’s a constant in business, especially during the last three tumultuous years. Even before the pandemic, change seemed to be coming as fast as a loaded toboggan on a steep, icy hill. VIDEO Matt For video, Seymour, see an active brainerddispatch.com member of the lakes area business community, is one of a number of people who found this was the right time for a change. Seymour sold his independent gas station/convenience and liquor stores in the lakes area in April. The move was an option he said he was exploring before the pandemic’s challenging times arrived in the spring of 2020 with the last few years contributing to the right moment.
Even as he is transitioning to a new way of defining himself outside of work, Seymour remains optimistic about the lakes area. “We’re blessed to be in a unique area,” he said. “I believe there is a resilience built into the lakes area that serves us very well.” Seymour said it’s about managing challenges versus hoping or holding out for change. He was quick to point out he wasn’t an economist when asked about the workforce landscape and labor shortages, which were anticipated to challenge business long before anyone heard of COVID-19. With his extensive experience and as an employer of about 50 people, Seymour doesn’t expect changes in the workforce for some time, saying it will take a generation. “I think it’s stressful for everybody,” he said. One of the ongoing challenges is creating a workplace that is
GROWTH: PAGE 4
Gretchen Rogers, North Central Medical Supply president and CEO, said the company’s 10-year lease in its current location ends this year. After looking for space to move into before the end of the year, Rogers said they looked at options to build to suit their business. And the corner property, which has been on the market, provided the opportunity they were looking for amid a host of medical businesses and clinics and with a senior living complex currently under construction nearby in the Gracewin Living Cooperative.
Generations of families enjoy Whitefish Chain, including owners
The resorts of the Whitefish Chain remain locally owned and operated, and many have been owned by the same families for generations By Megan Buffington Echo Journal
maternal grandfather, Lynn Boyd, started the Vacations on the resort in 1945, beginWhitefish Chain, ning with a tent cabin though modernized, and slowly building have remained largely more. When Schwietunchanged for nearly a ers’ grandparents were killed in a car accident century. The list of amenities in 1966, his mother has grown, and the toys returned with her famhave gotten bigger, but ily to the resort she some of the same resorts grew up at. Schwieters remain from when they grew up during an era were first opened in the of resorting boom. He saw the installation of 1930s or ‘40s. “It sounds odd, but the first swimming pool several years ago we put at Boyd Lodge. When he in air-conditioning, and eventually took over, he (before that) we didn’t helped lead the expanhave air-conditioning,” sion of the resort, addsaid Mike Schwieters, ing seven new cottages owner of Boyd Lodge and a main office and on Lower Whitefish and store with a small gathMegan Buffington / Echo Journal ering space to join the Rush lakes. As vacationing becomes more extravagant, resorts grow further from their roots Schwieters has seen 17 three-to-five bedas simple getaways to the lake. At Beacon Shores Resort, owners Dan and Karen the modernization in room cabins. Scholz want to preserve simplicity with modern amenities. resorting first hand. His “Everything’s bigger
Table of Contents A changed workplace and workforce .......................................................1 Generations of families enjoy Whitefish Chain ........................................1 Sugarberry Creek Candle Co. brings great outdoors home ....................2 Nature Link Resort gets guests to unplug................................................3 Franklin Arts Center’s creative community.............................................13 Readers share job and career advice ...................................................13 The Mercantile Thrift & Gift tries to find something for everyone ......... 14 Aitkin taps into small town charm with business savvy .........................25
and better. We’ve got dishwashers and gas grills instead of charcoal grills and air-conditioning and screen porches,” Schwieters said. “That stuff’s changed, but the feel of when you’re here, hopefully, has stayed somewhat the same.” Schwieters is one of many running a family-owned resort on the Whitefish Chain. Every resort on the chain is privately owned and operated, with most having been in the family for at least two generations. Compared to the rest of the lake, Karen and Dan Scholz, Beacon Shores Resort, are
WHITEFISH: PAGE 5
Next generation steps up in the family business................................... 25 Folklore Tattoo offers intuitive experience............................................. 26 True North Basecamp, Cuyuna Cove provide outdoor getaways..........27 Sanchez Burrito manifests the American Dream....................................37 Crosslake Town Square businesses thrive on camaraderie...................37 Mattson Lumber faces change as family................................................37
For companion videos and photo galleries to go with the stories profiled in the annual Progress Labor Day edition go to the Dispatch homepage www.brainerddispatch.com where readers, viewers and listeners will find links to videos and photos. Readers can also connect with Dispatch stories via a daily podcast, the Brainerd Dispatch Minute.