Meet Ian & Kate Hunter of Lakeville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian & Kate Hunter.

Hi Ian & Kate, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Lakeville Off-Road opened its doors in 2019 with a simple passion: helping people get the most out of their off-road vehicles. What started as a small, hands-on operation quickly grew into a trusted shop serving enthusiasts across Minnesota. We specialize in upgrades, repairs, and custom builds—including several fully custom made Jeeps and Buggies we designed to push limits and showcase what’s possible.

Our roots run deep in the off-road community. Ian, our co-owner, has spent the last 10 years as the Land Use Director for the Minnesota Four Wheel Drive Association, working tirelessly to expand trail access and protect public lands for responsible recreation. That same commitment to advocacy and community shows up in everything we do—from organizing trail events to offering personalized service.

We’ve built our reputation on transparency, quality, and long-term relationships. It’s been an incredible journey—and we’re just getting started.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but every challenge helped shape who we are today. When Lakeville Off-Road started in 2019 it was a one-man operation, with Ian working out of a small rented hoist space and doing everything himself. Growing from that into a full-service shop with a 2,400 sq ft location and a strong team took grit, long hours, and a lot of learning along the way.

One of our biggest struggles was balancing growth with quality. We had to build systems from scratch, manage fluctuating demand, and stay adaptable through supply chain issues and shifting customer expectations. There were moments where it felt like we were sprinting just to keep up—but those moments taught us how to be resourceful, resilient, and focused on what matters most: serving our customers and supporting the off-road community.

It’s been a journey of trial, error, and constant improvement—and we’re proud of how far we’ve come.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Lakeville Off-Road, off-roading isn’t just what we do—it’s 100% of our livelihood. We live and breathe this lifestyle, and that dedication drives everything from the work we do in the shop to the way we guide our customers. We specialize in upgrades, repairs, and custom builds tailored to real-world terrain and adventure.

What sets us apart is our firsthand experience. We’ve traveled all across the U.S. and internationally to explore different types of terrain—from rocky mountain passes to desert trails and muddy forest roads. That exposure helps us educate our customers on what to expect and how to upgrade their vehicles based on where they’re headed next. Whether it’s suspension tuning, armor selection, or gear recommendations, we bring practical insight to every build.

We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built for transparency, quality, and personalized service. Our team genuinely cares, and our customers feel that—from the first conversation to the final install

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Off-roading is more than a business for us—it’s a lifestyle, a community, and a constant adventure. We’re grateful for every customer who trusts us with their build, and every trail that challenges us to grow. Whether you’re just getting started or planning your next big expedition, we’re here to help you get there.

Thanks for letting us share a piece of our story. We hope to see you out on the trails.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lakevilleoffroad.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakevilleoffroad/