Today we’d like to introduce you to Jack Martinsen. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Pine Point Resort was first established in the 1930s. It is located on Eagle Lake which is part of the Pike Lake Chain in the middle of the Chequamegon National Forest.
This resort had gone through the care of 4 different owners before Jack purchased it in 2014. Jack first heard that the resort was for sale from his mother. Although the business had been around since the 1930’s it was very much an undiscovered gem to anyone outside of the local Delta area. Jack grew up helping his mom on a family resort and had a passion for the hospitality industry from a very young age. Jack graduated from UW Stout in 2007 with a degree in Hospitality Management. During college, he worked as an intern at Lutsen Resort in MN. This experience continued to grow his desire to own a business of his own someday. Shortly after college, Jack moved to Naples Florida, and worked at The Players Club and Spa. After moving back to his hometown in Ashland, Wisconsin, Jack then worked on the road as an office manager for Northern Clearing.
When Jack heard from his mother that there was a resort for sale in the area, he toured the property and saw the beauty and potential it offered. Jack became the owner of Pine Point Lodge at 25 years old. When Jack first purchased the resort it consisted of 4 small cabins, a bar, a pole barn for storage, and a trailer that was used as living quarters by previous owners. Upon purchase, there was much to be done as there had been no construction updates for about 30 years.
Jack began first by remodeling cabins. He also started landscaping and breathing new life into the property and grounds. Next, he added a commercial kitchen to the bar and Pine Point Lodge began serving food! The original bar finally got remodeled in 2018 when Jack married his wife Mary. Currently, Pine Point Lodge consists of 6 cabins, a full bar, and restaurant, an outside bar with wood fired pizza oven, pontoons for rent, and 5 seasonal camper sites.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are always challenges that come with owning a small business. As many small business owners do, Jack had to teach himself many additional skills beyond what was offered to him in a traditional college education.
Jack had to learn how to cook and run a kitchen, bartend, manage costs of goods and merchandise, housekeeping, landscaping, grounds, and machine maintenance, as well as all aspects of construction work including plumbing and electricity. For a resort owner, the necessary ability to fulfill these roles often within the same 24-hour period is constant.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Pine Point Lodge prides itself on being a relaxing and friendly place for guests and customers alike to enjoy the beauty of the Northwoods. Pine Point offers homemade BBQ ribs, brisket, and pork on the weekends and artisan wood-fired pizzas on other days in the summer. Our business has a reputation for Trivia Tuesdays where locals and visitors gather for an evening of drinks, learning, and laughter.
We are most proud of Pine Point’s ongoing commitment and role within the Delta community.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Personally – Jack and Mary are avid water skiers and took engagement photos while water skiing fully dressed in wedding attire.
Professionally – Pine Point is beginning to market itself as a wedding venue. Our lodge is a wonderful place for friends and family to gather within an intimate beautiful setting resulting in the opportunity to extend the celebration over a whole week or weekend.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pinepointlodge.net
- Facebook: facebook.com/pinepointlodgeandresort
