Imagine the excitement! It’s late January, 2020, and you’ve just purchased a classic Minnesota lake resort. All the thoughts turn to spring, a dream come true and a year ahead like no other!
Then a worldwide pandemic happens. And yes, it’s a year like no other.
But optimism persists with new resort owners Jamie and Angie Nelson. They took possession of Shady Grove Resort near the City of Otter Tail at the end of February 2020. The pandemic didn’t stop them and with precautions in place, they truly enjoyed their first summer season.
“Most of our guests showed up,” Angie said. For those who opted out, the Nelsons simply transferred 2020 reservations to be used this year. “We understand the situation and we are all about customer service,” she said.
They did their homework prior to purchase. Shady Grove has a reputation for good customer service, Angie said, since the bulk of their reservations are repeat business; some with a 30-year annual history or more! Most people who stay at Shady Grove are family groups, many from states south of Minnesota like Nebraska and Iowa.
When the Nelsons started looking at buying a resort, they heard that Shady Grove was for sale; it just wasn’t on the market yet. Having toured a couple other resorts, the Nelsons were immediately smitten as they walked through the property. “We liked how kept up it was,” Jamie said. “They (the sellers) wanted this to stay as a resort,” Angie said, and that matched the Nelson’s intent perfectly.
