The U.S. Small Business Administration has named Aimee and Preston Osborne of Lakewood Lodge as SBA’s Minnesota Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year. In recognition of National Small Business Week, SBA’s Minnesota District Office will recognize its 2024 state winners locally in the weeks ahead.
“This award highlights Veteran’s achievements in the business world and is just one small way we share our country’s gratitude for their dedication, time, and sacrifice,” shared Brian McDonald, SBA’s Minnesota District Director. “We are honored to recognize Aimee and Preston for their service in the United States Army, and their continuous support of their community in Deer River, MN.”
Aimee served in the United States Army from 2000-2004 as an ammunition specialist in the 1st Calvary Division, Fort Hood Texas. November 2001, after 9/11, Aimee was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Prior to purchasing Lakewood Lodge, Aimee worked as a Marketing and Social Media Director.
Aimee and her husband, Preston, met while serving in the Army. After 20 years of service, Preston retired as a Sergeant First Class, Calvary Scout, and Master Gunner. While serving in the US Army, Preston went on five deployments, including to Albania, Iraq, and Afghanistan – his longest deployment being 18 consecutive months. Preston earned several awards and distinctions throughout his military career, including a Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, 11 Army Accommodation Medals, and Combat Action Badge.
Lakewood Lodge is an upscale resort that began operations in 1917 as a premier fish camp on Lakewood Bay of Sand Lake in Itasca County. Aimee grew up in Deer River, and her family owned and operated Lakewood Lodge from the 1980’s to mid-1990’s. Aimee said, “I walked through the woods to get to grandmother’s house.”
Year after year, Lakewood Lodge is the choice destination for family reunions, groups of fishermen, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts. The resort has a positive reputation for its location and amenities, positioned alongside the Chippewa National Forest, Bowstring State Forest, and on a lake offering diverse fish species stocked by the DNR. Under the ownership of Aimee and Preston, Lakewood Lodge is positioned to continue its legacy for another 100 years.
At the time of purchase, Aimee was excited for Lakewood Lodge to transition to a new generation of ownership and return to her childhood home. Minnesota Business Finance Corporation (MBFC) supported Aimee and Preston in their purchase with an SBA 504 Loan, in addition to awarding them with a $3,000 MBFC VetLoan Advantage Rebate.
The couple have been focused on creating awareness for the trails in the area to let tourists and locals know that there are many trails available to the public. Aimee said, “That was kind of my personal mission, to get a visitor’s guide really geared towards trips and what people can do in the area, trails, trails, there’s more than just fishing.” On County Road 35, she mentioned that people can drive an ATV on the road and do not have to have a road authorized vehicle because the county has authorized it. They are having an upcoming ATV ride for the Deer River chamber to help that initiative and show off some of the trails and boost local businesses after a rough winter.
Both Aimee and Preston have a heart for volunteerism, and are passionate about supporting the community Aimee grew up in. From day one, they have taken any chance to improve and uplift their community, whether that be through coaching little league baseball, serving as a girl scout leader, and contributing to local fundraising campaigns. Additionally, Aimee and Preston serve on several local boards where they dedicate their time and talent. Aimee was a member of the Lights in the Pines initiative as well and helped see that to fruition.
“When we knew we were going to come back to Lakewood, I was really excited for the opportunity to give back to my community, because I grew up here. I’m very familiar with this community. I knew that there were a lot of people in this community that helped me when I was a kid… we do a lot of giveback stuff. And one of the other things I like to do is help other businesses, so if I can buy stuff for our store and we try to get everything locally made.”
Aimee recognized God in their quest to buy Lakewood Lodge and said that it was quite a journey. After talking to real estate, banks, and the previous owners for six months, they bought Lakewood Lodge. “It was completely a God thing and that’s why having this award is important. These people, Minnesota Business Finance Corporation, who put us in for this award, and Bank Vista and Northland Foundation, ARDC [Arrowhead Regional Development Commission], Entrepreneurship Fund, all of those people helped us get Lakewood. We would not have gotten Lakewood on our own if it wasn’t for the funding made available to us and the previous owners.”
Find out more information at lakewoodlodge.com
National Small Business Week 2024 is taking place the first week of May and will include a multiday virtual event open to all. The conference will feature numerous educational panels, and recognize national award winners, including naming this year’s National Small Business Person of the Year. For registration and additional information on National Small business Week, visit https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week
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