Rick and Shelly both grew up in small towns, just a few hours from Birchwood. They both experienced the magical midwest summer fun of fishing for pan fish, swimming, floating down lazy, winding rivers, catching firefly's in mason jars and roasting marshmallows over a blazing campfire. Camping at a nearby lakeside KOA is a cherished part of Ricks childhood memories. He had always wanted to own a resort so he could provide families the same special opportunity he had as a child. But fate had a different plan... offers and opportunities led him overseas for close to 20 years. He worked in Antarctica, Greenland, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, and, Afghanistan. Exploring Ireland, England, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand in his free time. Meanwhile, back in the states Shelly was busy raising 2 fabulous kids, running a business, vacationing every year or two in various places around the world while living on both coasts and even some places in between during the same span of the 30 years Rick was overseas. In 2010 Shelly came "home" to Birchwood to help take care of an ailing parent. She and Rick found each other shortly after she moved back. He was on a 3 month break deciding where in the world he wanted to get lost in next. They ended up enjoying the whole summer of 2010 together! Sadly, in September Rick was off overseas once again. They stayed in touch via Skype and email and over the next 7 years maintained a long distant relationship, meeting up in Birchwood two times a year. during Ricks time off. They even managed to sneak away together to Turkey and the Seychelles on two separate occasions. Finally, Rick found a reason to come home for good. In March of 2018 they got married & bought a resort. And now you know the rest of the story!
Both of them love lake living, meeting new people & look forward to running the resort for many years! They are all about helping others build their own beautiful memories.