Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Savoie.
Hi Mark, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I had spent most of my life in the sales industry in one form or another until 2019, when my wife and I decided it was time to move to our favorite vacation spot, the north shore of Lake Superior. We bought a house in Tofte, and I started my life in the hospitality business. I dipped my toe in at Bluefin Bay, had a stint at Cascade Vacation Rentals as the Owner Relations Manager, and finally ended up at the most beautiful place on earth, Solbakken on Superior, where I’m currently the resort manager. I’m responsible for the day-to-day running of all aspects of the resort. I have the pleasure of sitting in my office and staring off to the horizon, seeing the fantastic grand expanse of Lake Superior. Some days, it is calm and shimmery, and others, the waves crash upon the shore, nearly to the decks of our lakeside cabins. It is a beautiful place to work. My wife Mary and our two kids, Samantha and John, started coming to the North Shore nearly 35 years ago. Our kids moved here in 2018, and we followed a year later. It has been wonderful making this our home!
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I began working at Solbakken on Superior during one of the harshest winters in decades. The record-breaking low snowfalls caused a significant decline in visitors throughout the entire season. According to Explore Minnesota, 91% of businesses in the Arrowhead Region were negatively impacted by the unfavorable weather conditions. The primary reasons for the negative impact on businesses along the shore were the warm weather and lack of snow. Our resort’s winter business heavily relies on snow, and we are located within five miles of Lutsen Mountain, the area’s leading ski resort. We are also across the highway from one of the significant trailheads for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Due to these factors, our business experienced weeks of emptiness or near emptiness during the winter. We hope to recover some losses throughout the summer, but this will require remaining full until October. We faced significant financial difficulties over the winter, with revenue at record-low levels. As a result, we had to rely on reserves for many basic expenses. Despite this, we highly emphasized our staff and ensured we never missed a payroll. Our staff is the backbone of our business, and this past winter, we operated with a skeleton crew of extremely hard workers. However, finding adequate staff is also a considerable challenge, and we are now trying to ramp back up.nd we are now trying to ramp back up.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As Resort Manager at Solbakken on Superior, I spend my days helping guests enjoy their stay. I provide insight into the North Shore area, assist with reservations, and act as the go-to person for guests and staff. I’ve been in this position for a short but tumultuous time. The winter of 23/24 has seen the lowest snowfall in at least a decade. Our business relies on snow; with it, the number of people we serve will grow!
I came in when morale was low and business needed to be better. I spent the first few months working with staff to make our little resort more friendly. Staff and guests are happier, and our scores are up! This is what sets me apart; I’ve got this uncanny ability to bring peace and harmony to an otherwise grizzly situation. I can do this because I genuinely love talking with and helping people. When guests check in to the resort, I visit them and make them feel like they are entering my living room. Most people like to talk about themselves and tell you their life stories; most are fascinating!
It’s essential to step out from behind the desk, shake a person’s hand, and make them feel welcome. We have many regular guests, and I always take time to find out their stories, where they are from, why they keep coming to the resort, and their favorite memories. All of this makes our guests feel more at home. We are a small resort with 16 cabins and motel rooms, so I’m happy that this allows me to do this.
What does success mean to you?
Success differs from how much money you make or how many fancy cars you have. I believe that success is measured by the number of people’s lives you can touch. I’ve always worked in a people business where I can speak with people from all walks of life. After we talked, I developed a sense of what people need to improve their lives, whether it’s helping them plan the perfect getaway or showing them the history of our lodge. If, after our interaction, they feel one bit better, then I’m happy.
Early in my career, I spent time working as a collector. Oh, you say, no fun at all. For the average person, that may be true. I always looked at it as if I would help you fix something. I will help you settle your debt, bringing you many good things. Your credit is going to improve by the act of paying, your stress level is going to improve because you aren’t going to be yelled at by someone calling at dinner time, and because you don’t have that stress, all those around are going to enjoy that closeness return. Being a collector doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It’s all a state of mind. I’ve applied that same philosophy to virtually everything in my life. If I can help someone overcome something in their life, I achieve that little bit of success, and one achievement leads to another until you are successful.
Pricing:
- Reasonable pricing starting at $125 a night
- Motel rooms can be rented for a single night
- Just steps from the shoreline
- Many units are pet friendly
- Historic 90 year old lodge
Contact Info:
- Website: www.solbakkenonsuperior.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SolbakkenResort
