Brothers Building Successful Log Furniture Business

Matt and Jeff Balmer tried their hand at college, moving from their hometown of Crosslake, MN, to attend a public institution in Duluth full time.

It didn't take. Instead of finishing their degrees, the brothers left school to go back to their home. They had decided upon another route for furthering their education.

In March 1998 they used their collective knowledge and money to start the Lonesome Cottage Furniture Company. By the end of 1999 their log furniture was popular enough that they were able to move into a 10,000-square foot plant in Pequot Lakes, MN, their current headquarters. Today the business has over 20 employees and sales of almost $1 million annually.

The secret to their success? No real secret: "Know your competitor, know yourself, know your product, and be prepared to work incredibly hard," said Matt, who is 27. For the first two years the brothers worked 12-hour days almost every day.

'There were plenty of growing pains experienced along the way," said Jeff, 26, "but the hard work really did payoff."

While holding down regular jobs and nursing their fledgling business, the two attended classes at night through the 2+2 Management Program that St. Scholastica offered at Brainerd 's Central Lakes College. Today the program is part of ADEP (Accelerated Degree Evening Program).

"It was very convenient and a friendly environment for non-traditional students," recalled Matt. "It was not time-consuming and I knew having a degree was an important safety net."

Jeff was inspired by his brother's enthusiasm and also enrolled.

"I could see how much Matt enjoyed the program," he said. "It's a great way to get a degree from a reputable school."

The brothers spent two evenings a week learning about management, accounting, human resources and other skills they would soon utilize use in their business.

"Gary Gregoria, associate professor of management was a great instructor and counselor to us," Matt said.

"The Benedictine values were alive in the way the instructors cared for the students," Jeff said.

The brothers say that St. Scholastica provided them with knowledge they continue to use everyday.

"In my experience, public education could not have been more different in comparison to the priorities of St. Scholastica," Matt said. "I really enjoyed going to class and interacting with other adults who were from all walks of life. These people had real-life business experiences that directly related to what we were studying."

Both sometimes miss their days of doing the hands-on work of the business, but marvel at how far Lonesome Cottage has come. These days Matt spends his time selling to commercial and residential buyers while Jeff oversees the shop area.