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   Every resort couple that owns or buys a resort has their own unique story. However, when you boil it all down there generally is a somewhat common script. It seems to go something like this: Spouse A grew up on or has a family that owned/operated a resort and has always had a dream of owning their own resort. Spouse B did not and thinks Spouse A is crazy. But in the end, Spouse A & Spouse B end up owning a resort and live happily ever after… mostly.

Troy and Nancy Loren of Little Boy Resort and Campground were named 2024 Council of Minnesota Resorts (CMR) Resorters of the year by fellow CMR members at the 2024 Fall Conference. Photo submitted.

   This year’s winners followed this script, kinda. Troy Loren’s grandparents had owned a resort and sold it while they were young. The seed was planted early and grew as they later bought a lake lot on a lake with a cool resort. They would frequent that nearby resort, purchasing gas, bait, and ice cream. While enjoying their time at the lake, they realized they never wanted to go home (the seed was now really growing). They approached the owners of the resort about buying it and were told yes, but it would be about 8 years before they would be ready to sell. But… The call came earlier than that! Another party had made an offer to buy the resort, but the owners held to their word and contacted our recipients to see if they wanted to buy the resort, and if so, it was theirs. After an immediate “YES” by Nancy, they gave up their jobs as maintenance/groundskeeper and hair stylist, left their lives in Becker, and the rest is history. They never looked back and never regretted their decision. The seed that had been planted years ago had now grown into a reality.  

   The original resort consisted of 7 cabins, 11 campsites, and 15 seasonals. But in typical CMR owner fashion, they have expanded to 10 cabins, 20 campsites, 25 seasonals, 4 suites and a bar/restaurant.  

They both attended a Community of Minnesota Resorts (CMR) conference prior to purchasing the resort and have been members ever since. They have been board members and involved in membership and legislative committees. Nancy continues to spearhead our silent auction and conference fundraisers leading the popular 50/50 game affectionately called “Head or Butt.” They both enthusiastically continue to support the CMR and credit the organization with helping to guide them for the past 20 years. They were especially grateful for the CMR support during the time they were trying to re-open a nearby resort. CMR members testified at the county hearings on their behalf, as they were running into unsupported opposition from lake owners. After 5 years, they ultimately sold the property but remain grateful for the unwavering support of their friends in the CMR. 

   But as we all know, running a resort full-time isn’t enough. They are actively involved with their local chamber, lake association, coaching kids sports activities, and still somehow have time to teach Sunday school and confirmation classes. 

   Their 2 children grew up on the resort. Their daughter and son-in-law are there full time running the bar and restaurant, handling their social media, and their son comes home to help with opening and closing the resort. When it is time to retire (after the resort’s 100th anniversary in 2029), they have a plan in place to step aside and let their next generation take over.  

   So now I ask you all to NOT place your hands on your head or butt, but rather put them together, as it is our great honor to present the 2024 CMR Resorters of the Year to Troy and Nancy Loren of Little Boy Resort and Campground.

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