One of the many incredible aspects of living in Central Minnesota is the beautiful, scenic, well-kept trails and nature areas. And now, we have a business like Lake Wobegon Outfitters, ready and willing to help us all enjoy them to the fullest!
Lake Wobegon Outfitters, nestled at the Lake Wobegon trailhead in Avon, MN, is your gateway to adventure. They offer rentals of top-notch Velotric E-bikes and Paddle North inflatable paddle boards. E-bike rental includes a bike trunk, lock, and helmet. The paddle board rental includes a pump, paddle, life jacket, and leash. By providing high-quality equipment, Lake Wobegon Outfitters has redefined summer enjoyment and exploration, making outdoor fun accessible to all. “You don't need to invest in expensive equipment – or worry about getting it to and from your destination – to make the most of summer. Just show up and ride an E-bike or pick up your easy-to-transport paddle board,” shared founder Wayne Birkholz.
Wayne's journey with Lake Wobegon Outfitters began in 2019, a venture that was sparked by a personal passion. “I found a graphic designer that did retro advertising badges, and I simply imagined how it would look with Lake Wobegon Outfitters as the business name. I had the designer create some concepts with Bikes, Boats, and Boards, and the business really followed the creation of the logo. The logo I use now is a simplified version of what I started with, designed by local agency Gearbox Functional Creative. Also, I'm a fan of the Prairie Home Companion. The old radio show bit that Garrison Keillor does with his fictional radio sponsors was also an influence for the retro design - not to mention the fictional town of Lake Wobegon.”
“I'm originally from the Osseo/Maple Grove area. I attended college and graduated from SCSU, where I met my wife, and we ended up making St. Cloud our home. I majored in Local and Urban Affairs at SCSU, which is another way to say City Planning /Public Administration. My interests at the time were transportation and community development. I eventually interned with the Stearns County Parks Dept. to assist with a bikeway plan update. I also did public outreach and information sessions with cities along the trail when the Lake Wobegon Trail was still in the planning stages.”
“Combined with my background as a lifelong cyclist and outdoors person, as well as an occasional paddle race participant, it formed my interest in starting the business. I've biked long distances since I was a kid. When I moved to St. Joseph, I really started to put some miles on the Wobegon Trail, and I realized that the trail, which is one of the most scenic in the US, just didn't have the users that it should have. I thought about doing bike rentals some time ago, but the game changer is the electric bike, which allows people to bike farther and faster, and it opens up the trail to a larger segment of bikers who wouldn't otherwise be able to ride the trail. So visitors to the area can see more and do more in an afternoon on the trail.”
Lake Wobegon Outfitters is the only business that offers e-bikes and inflatable paddle board rentals in the area. “I'm currently a mobile business. I have a van and a trailer that I use to bring the bikes and paddleboards to Avon.”
Collaboration with other local businesses has been a cornerstone of Lake Wobegon Outfitters' success. “I'm personally a big advocate for buying and doing business locally. I made an effort to find local suppliers and, if not local, within the state. For example, Paddle North is my supplier for my paddle boards, and they are a MN-based business. The support and outreach from the local business community have been amazing! The Small Town Tourist podcast was the first to pick up my story, and I did an interview with them. KNSI News and the Sauk Centre Herald have also written feature stories about the business. Gathering Grounds Coffee shop in Avon has been a superfan since day one and has posted on their social media about my arrival in town. Another great promoter has been Rugged Wellness, an Avon business that offers a mobile sauna experience. I am in the early stages of providing e-bikes on weekends at Art in Motion in Holdingford. We are also fortunate to be collaborating with K-Power Yoga, as they are offering paddle board yoga classes this summer. I'm truly grateful to the residents and the City of Avon, who have been extremely welcoming and supportive of my business. Lastly, I’m thankful to ILT Academy, the SBDC, and the GSDC, who are responsible for creating partnerships and an ecosystem that allows business startups to thrive in Central MN.”
“I'm an introvert by nature, and I've had to stretch myself to engage with people during the startup and with customers,” explained Wayne. “But I've been amazed at how friendly and encouraging people have been, from my vendors to people stopping by and asking how things are going and even thanking me for bringing the business to Avon. It's random experiences, too. I spoke to a man from Berlin who is biking around the world. He started in Rome and has biked 22,000 miles since he started. He was working his way west when we met in St. Joseph on the trail. That is some amazing determination!”
Lake Wobegon Outfitters is Wayne’s full-time venture. “I resigned from my job in April and have been working 12-hour days, seven days a week, at the park in Avon since. I decided that if I were going to try this business, I would go all in. The advice in entrepreneurial circles is to fail fast. If I don't do enough business this season, I'll have to determine if it's due to the lack of marketing or the lack of a market and then decide if I keep going.”
“I'm new to being a small business owner. I have a lot to learn and experience yet. But I believe being an entrepreneur is a creative endeavor as much as or more than just a "by the numbers" effort. The people I have shared startup courses with talk about their big ideas first, not the finances, capital, or market share. What is the idea, how will it help the community, and how can I take it from an idea into a living, breathing, and functioning business? For me, at least, it's been the consultants and the organizations that support small businesses that have helped flesh out my idea into something functional and viable.”
“I would love to have the community engage on our social media. Tell me what you want to see, if you have event suggestions, or have questions about renting E-bikes and paddle boards. Also, spread the word on social and by word of mouth. Tell your friends and family (even those out of state!) that there is an e-bike option to see the trail next time they plan to visit. Or tell one of your friends or neighbors who don't bike as often that an e-bike might be the answer to getting out more. Our booking system allows for advance reservations. If you want to try an e-bike or paddle board this season, make the reservation now. We look forward to meeting you!”
Your next adventure awaits!
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