Give us some background on yourself/your business:
Edochi was born out of a desire to preserve important historic buildings while thoughtfully adapting them to modern uses like guest accommodations. With my background in design and building renovation and my brother Bud’s background leading top global brands, it made sense to put our collective experience to work in the Keweenaw.
How many years have you been in business?
The dream of living and working in the Keweenaw has been in our hearts and heads since we were kids coming to the area every summer. Edochi became reality in 2013 with the purchase of the German Hotel and Beer Saloon (c. 1846) and Crestview Cabin (c. 1940). The Eagle River Lighthouse (c.1855) followed in 2014. Strangely enough, it turns out our great, great aunt owned and ran the hotel and saloon and her daughter married the owner of the Lighthouse. We didn’t know this piece of our family history until last year. In some compelling way, it feels like we were destined to be the stewards of these properties.
What’s an interesting fact about your business most people don’t know?
Keweenaw County’s first jail is on the third floor of the old German Hotel. It is pure rustic charm, cast iron locks and all. The building next door is a pre-Civil War mining saloon, original in many aspects. Folks drive past these buildings on Main Street Eagle River and have no idea what lies behind the front door.
Do you have any advice for new business owners?
Be passionate about what you do. Clients sense it in their experience of what you offer. Courageously let your instincts lead you in a direction and then back it up with solid research. Believe that what you offer has real value. Each of our properties is infused with the belief that time away from work and everyday life is invaluable. People can spend their precious vacation time and money anywhere in the world. When they choose Edochi and the Keweenaw, we want it to be as magical and memorable as possible.
What brought you to the area?
Deep family roots dating back to the 1840’s and an ageless, unexplainable desire to put down our own roots here.
What keeps you here?
The amazing people, the beauty and uniqueness of this place, the endless possibilities being born here every day, and a genuine desire to give back to a community that has captured our collective imagination for a lifetime.
What are your business’s goals?
To expand the Edochi style and craftsmanship embodied in our properties to products and green spaces. We recently acquired 800 acres in Eagle River and a turn of the century warehouse on the Portage Canal in Hancock. Both promise an opportunity to broaden our artisan mindset to thoughtful modern uses.
