Author: GetHooked

New Business: Kenny Lanes

Kenny Lanes, the newly reopened bowling alley in Baudette, MN.

Taking the initiative to become an entrepreneur can be a stressful endeavor. Matt and Anna Stein and Matt’s parents, Kenny and Joann Ignaszewski, have found the experience of running a small business fulfilling, thanks to family involvement and the support of the community.

“Our whole family is actively involved in running the business; We all chip in running the kitchen, serving customers, and running the business. Kenny is a mechanical whiz and keeps all of our equipment up and running.”

The inspiration for Kenny Lanes came from a family trip to Duluth nearly 20 years ago, when they stopped at a local bowling alley and discussed how owning a bowling alley would be a great family endeavor and positive addition to their community. Soon, they began making plans to open a bowling center in their hometown of Warroad and even spent time working at a bowling alley in the early 2000s to understand the operations better.

Feeling like the upfront costs of building a bowling alley were out of their means, Matt, Joann, and Kenny put their dream on hold and continued to work at their jobs until last July when Anna saw the Baudette bowling alley listed for sale and said: “I think we can make this work!” The family jumped into the planning, and with help from a loan from the IDC, a local economic development nonprofit, they were able to purchase the business and reopen the bowling alley in December 2021.

“While we all had good jobs, we were motivated to do something for ourselves and bring something back to the community.” It’s been a learning experience. We’ve never owned our own business before. We’ve had hiccups, but we’ve worked together, doing our best, and it’s working!”

Kenny Lanes offers three bowling leagues, open bowling, blacklight bowling on the weekends, and a place to hold parties. With all of the family being music lovers, the family has incorporated musical themes into the entire business including the décor and a musically themed menu that includes burgers, pizza, and sandwiches. Kenny Lanes also serves a variety of cold drinks, including Beer, seltzers, and sodas.

The Lake of the Woods community has actively supported the family as they’ve stepped into small business ownership. Shortly after the bowling alley reopened, a significant power surge knocked out the bowling equipment. A couple of the league bowlers that night were electricians and helped get all the equipment up and running again. Unfortunately, the surge destroyed their pizza oven and upon hearing this news, a neighboring business, donated an older unused pizza oven so they could continue operating.

“The best part has been the support from the community. We’ve been welcomed with open arms, and everyone has been great.”

Kenny Lanes is located just off of Hwy. 11 at 109 4th Ave. NW. For more information check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Kenny-Lanes-102600225574684 or call (218) 242-6838.

New Business: Soul Soar Integrative Wellness

After growing up and attending college in Illinois, Danielle Abel came to Baudette in 2007 with her husband Nick, who had accepted a DNR position as a forester. At first, the move to Lake of the Woods was a bit of a culture shock to the couple from Illinois. The couple only planned on staying until Nick could find a transfer to a larger community, but after a few months into their stay, they found themselves falling in love with the tight-knit community.

“We loved how well we were able to get to know our neighbors and friends and that they were generally invested in our lives. Shortly after moving to the area, someone sent us a letter addressed to Nick and Daniele Abel and forgot the address, and the letter still was delivered to our house! We couldn’t believe that the post office would not only know where to deliver it but put in the effort to make sure it got to us. I think that shows just how close the community is.”

Now 14 years later, Nick and Danielle live on an 80-acre homestead 12 minutes outside of Baudette, where they raise their two children, Claire (7) and Tim (4). When not at work or school, the Abel family enjoys being active outdoors and spending time with friends.

In the summer of 2020, Danielle began looking for ways to use her background as a Registered Nurse, certified personal trainer, certified nutrition coach, healthcare informatics experience, and personal wellness journey to help people build new habits towards a healthier lifestyle. Over the next several months, the ideas continued to evolve. On April 1, 2021, she launched Soul Soar Integrative Wellness, a virtual health and wellness coaching business designed using a telehealth model of care. She also leverages an eCommerce (online) based business model, giving her the ability to help clients from anywhere in the world.

Soul Soar provides 1 on 1 health and wellness coaching in addition to personal training, using an evidence-based and client-centered approach. She recommends interventions based upon what her clients tell her are their health and wellness goals. Danielle coaches her clients on many different health and wellness topics, including nutrition, menu planning, and exercise, with considerations related to lifestyle factors and the development of a resilient mindset.

“My philosophy for Soul Soar is to simplify the science of exercise and nutrition and create personalized plans for clients. There’s not a 1 size fits all approach to wellness because there are so many unique client considerations, whether it be diet, physical limitations, or even financial issues.”

To find out more about Soul Soar Integrative Wellness, or to inquire about services, check out https://soul-soar.com/ or find it on Facebook www.facebook.com/soulsoarintegrativewellness

Lake of the Woods County Awarded $250,000 For Small Business Grants

Per the COVID Relief Bill signed by Governor Walz on December 16, 2020, Lake of the Woods County is being awarded $250,000 to provide grants to local businesses and non-profits impacted by the current pandemic. The Lake of the Woods Economic Development Authority will solicitation, review, and authorize grant awards on behalf of Lake of the Woods County to eligible businesses in the County.

For Application Materials, Click Here

Grant Eligibility:
•                     Businesses and non-profits must be located in Lake of the Woods County
•                     Businesses must have no tax liens as of date of application
•                     Businesses must be registered with the MN Secretary of State –Active & in Good-Standing
•                     Business must demonstrate a decline in revenue from 2019 to 2020
•                     New businesses may apply and will be evaluated based on demonstrated pandemic impact
•                     Businesses with physical storefronts and employees will be given priority over self-employed and home-based businesses
•                     Non-profit organizations that have business-like revenue sources are eligible, (i.e. product/service sales, ticket sales, membership fees)

Grant Information: Maximum grant amount per legal business/non-profit entity is targeted at $20,000; however, award amounts will be based on the number of eligible applications received and funding priorities. Click here to view eligible expenses and more details.

Applications will be evaluated primarily on the impact of public health closure and revenue decline from 2019 to 2020. However, data will be collected on several other factors that may influence the award amount such as fixed operating costs, COVID Relief funding to-date, and industry.

For Application Materials, Click Here

Completed Application Forms should be emailed to rzemek@hrdc.org

Should you have any questions, please contact Ryan Zemek, 218-333-6541

Application deadline: January 29th, 2021 (5:00 pm)

Business Spotlight: Fitness on Main

Originally from Northern Minnesota, after service in the Navy, Chad Fulton found his way to Long Beach California, where he met and married Vikki Fulton. Wanting to be closer to Chad’s family, the Fulton’s moved back to Baudette in 2002. It was quite the change of pace for the Fulton’s leaving Long Beach, but one that was welcome. Vikki said,

“I really appreciated how comfortable and safe I feel in Baudette, you get to know people much easier here than in other communities.”

Even in a pandemic, people find ways to follow their dreams and start a business and that’s just what Chad and Vikki Fulton did when they recently opened Fitness of on Main Virtual Studio and Gym opened in Baudette. After buying and renovating a building on Main Street in 2018, the Fulton’s saw a need for a fitness center. “We went to the community to help come up with a plan for the commercial space. We put out a survey asking the question “what could our community use” The answer came back, a gym and fitness studio!

The gym opened on September 28th, 2020 and includes treadmills, ellipticals, and recumbent bikes, a power rack, pulley unit, benches, dumbbells, and kettlebells. The 23’X29’ virtual studio, provides over 350 virtual fitness classes to users anytime, anywhere. The gym also has 3 ADA accessible bathrooms with showers. Memberships are available at a monthly rate or discounted rates are available for semi-annual or annual memberships. Members have 24-hour access to the building with a key fob. Special discounts are available for families, with 10 per month for each additional person. Discounts are also available to members of law enforcement and veterans.

As with everyone else, the Fulton’s plans for 2020 have been altered with rapid spread of Coronavirus, but they and their Manager Ari Lopez, are doing their utmost to ensure people can exercise as safely as possible. This includes measures such as encouraging masks to be worn, when not using actively exercising, limiting capacity to keep the gym from getting crowded, routine disinfection of all equipment including machines and weights before and using bottle fillers instead of a drinking fountain.

Outside of owning a gym, Chad works for the United States Border patrol and Vikki works as a nurse at Lakewood Health Center. When they’re not busy with work and operating their business, the Fulton’s like to spend time with friends, play cards, and enjoy the outdoors. For more information about Fitness on Main, you can check out https://www.facebook.com/fitnessonmainbaudette or call (218) 760-1147.

New Business: Lake of the Woods Electric

After spending years vacationing in Lake of the Woods, Robert, and Jessica Carlson and their daughters Mackenzie and Taylor, decided to skip the commute and make the decision to live in Lake of the Woods full time.

“We were spending nearly every weekend at the Lake and as always dreaded having to drive back.”

Originally from Duluth MN, Robert, went to school at Lake Superior College to become an electrician. After a 5-year apprenticeship, he became a Journeyman. Throughout his career, he was able to get experience in a variety of different areas of the trade from large industrial electrical contracting to residential wiring, even acting as an instructor to aspiring electricians at his alma mater.

The Carlson had been coming to Lake of the Woods to ice fish since the Mid 1990s and were encouraged to spend time in the area during the summer as well. Their first summer trip was in 2001 and they fell in love with the area. One trip a year turned into 6 or 7, and the Carlson’s decided to buy a property on West Zippel Bay. They soon were spending every free weekend coming to Lake of the Woods to get away from the stresses of metro living. In 2017, they made the decision to make the move permanently.

“One weekend, my wife said to me I don’t want to go back, I’m staying at the cabin. We felt it was the right age for the kids and wanted to slow things down, so we made the move.”

After spending the last 3 years working for Marvin Windows in Warroad, Robert decided to use his 20+ experience and go into business for himself. Robert began working on his business idea in June and this September, officially launched Lake of the Woods Electric. Lake of the Woods Electric is a full-service, licensed, bonded, and insured class A electrical contractor company. They serve the entire Lake of the Woods region and provide service on everything for small residential jobs to industry-specific service.

When away from work and school, the Carlson Family loves to enjoy the area’s outstanding outdoor amenities. Their advice for anyone considering a move to Lake of the Woods:

“If you’re looking for a different lifestyle, It’s the perfect place to be. It’s a great place for the kids to grow up, everyone we’ve met has welcomed us with open arms.”

To find out more about Lake of the Woods Electric check out https://www.facebook.com/Lakeofthewoodselectric, call Robert at (218) 434-1213 or email Lakeofthewoodselectric@Gmail.com

Riley Stromlund, 16 Year Old Entrepreneur | Lake of the Woods, MN

What does 16-year-old Riley Stromlund have in common with billionaires Jeff Bezos, Mark Cuban, and Richard Branson? They all started their first business before graduating from high school.

Riley Stromlund is not only a goalie for Lake of the Woods High School’s hockey team in Baudette, MN, he’s also a golfer, an avid outdoorsman, and an ENTREPRENEUR!

When Riley isn’t studying for school or playing sports you’ll likely find Riley designing custom painted fishing lures for anglers who fish the famous waters of Lake of the Woods, the Rainy River, really, anywhere across the country. “The first lure I made I carved out of wood and painted it. It peaked my interest! It was after that when I got an airbrush and started painting blanks that we ordered online.”

Riley is self taught, “I’ve watched a lot of YouTube videos. I’ve learned to make my own stencils and different techniques to paint them.” His sunfish and blue gill pattern are his favorite because “They are the most detailed”.

His favorite part about painting lures, “It’s relaxing and I get to be creative. I listen to music and just paint! I also like hearing people who have caught fish on one of my lures.”

The summer of 2020, a customer caught a 30” walleye on Lake of the Woods using one of Riley’s lures, “That was exciting!” Not only do his lures catch legendary walleye’s he also caught pretty big Northern’s when he’s taken them to the dock to test run them.

You’ll find Riley’s fishing lures on local Facebook swap and sell sites or you may purchase his lures locally at his mom’s Salon, K-Salon, in Baudette. Each lures sells for $10. Not able to make it to Baudette, but still want to purchase a lure, click here to message K-Salon.