Deep Roots, Community First

For my wife, Michelle, and me, owning The Lakes News Shopper as the second-generation isn’t just a business—it’s our way of giving back to the community that raised us.

After a rewarding 10-year journey coaching college basketball across the country from Tennessee to Wyoming, the pull of home was undeniable. In 2007, we chose to return to the Iowa Great Lakes Area to raise our own family and plant deep roots. Today, our family has grown to include our adult children, Shaelyn (and her husband, Nathan Miklo) and Tyler (and his wife, Annabella). This past April, we were blessed with our first grandson, Brooks Nathan Miklo. Embracing the role of grandparents has only deepened our commitment to ensuring this region remains a vibrant, thriving place for future generations.

Invested in Our Neighbors

When we aren’t enjoying family time on the water, golfing, or cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones and Minnesota Vikings, our passion is local service. For us, being “community-driven” means showing up for our neighbors:

1. Investing in Youth: Spanning over a decade as the Okoboji high school basketball coach and serving as President of the Okoboji Youth Basketball Association.
2. Strengthening Families: Serving as the past Board President for the Bedell Family YMCA.
3. Shaping Our Future: Currently contributing to local growth and civic pride through active roles on the Spirit of Okoboji Board and the Okoboji Tourism Committee. Also have served as University of Okoboji Winter Games Chairperson and Cheerleader.

We love the Iowa Great Lakes Area, and we are profoundly grateful to live, work, and serve alongside all of you.

For me, the Iowa Great Lakes isn’t just home—it’s a passion. I’ve lived here for over three decades and have spent the last 25 years in the marketing industry with one simple mission: helping our local business community win.

I’m honored to serve as a Board Member for the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber and stay active with the Spirit Lake Noon Kiwanis. I truly love every season we experience in Okoboji, whether I’m out boating and golfing during our beautiful summers or gearing up for football season. You can usually find me cheering loudly for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Bears!

My greatest joy, however, comes from my family. I am the proud parent of three amazing children and a doting grandma to three delightful grandchildren. I look forward to putting my experience to work and helping your business become the next local success story!