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The Lakeville business community is proud to recognize Steve Allen, General Manager at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club, as the 2024 Businessperson of the Year. Known fondly as “The Mayor,” Steve’s journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to his community.
A Lifelong Journey of Leadership
Steve grew up in Chisago Lakes as the oldest of four siblings. A jack of all trades, he excelled in baseball, hockey, and football, while also working on his best friend’s farm. These early experiences taught him the values of teamwork and perseverance.
As a kid, Steve started his work journey on his friend’s farm. In fact, if he was not in hospitality, his dream job would be sitting in a big machine moving dirt and enjoying all motorsports! Steve later joined Marriott, where he spent 17 years working in various roles across the country, including Scottsdale, Vail, Santa Clara, and Atlanta. It was in Atlanta that he met Cathy, his wife of over three decades, in a serendipitous series of events involving a misplaced airport shuttle and a hotel registration mix-up. Together, they have two children: Alexis, a 28-year-old nutritionist, and Nick, a 22-year-old auto technician at Belzer’s.
In 1996, while deciding where they wanted to raise their family and living with Cathy’s brother in Prior Lake, Steve’s path led him to Brackett’s Crossing Country Club in Lakeville by way of a job posting for a Catering Manager. Despite initial hesitations about remaining in hospitality, he applied for the position. When asked where he wanted to be in five years - during his interview with Tom Smith, the club’s owner, Steve boldly stated that he aimed to sit in Tom’s chair (behind the notorious orange metal desk) within five years. Just three years later, in one of Steve’s greatest and most emotional professional memories - Tom and Peggy took him to lunch and asked if he was ready for the chair – and the role of General Manager—a position he has held for over two decades.
Building Brackett’s into a Family Home
Under Steve’s leadership, Brackett’s Crossing has become more than just a country club—it’s a home away from home for families. “The people here are the key to our success and my happiness,” Steve says. From member events like the Monster Mash and Gingerbread Night to manager luncheons celebrating the staff, the ownership and management team foster a culture of warmth and hospitality.
Brackett’s is known for its “say yes” philosophy, going above and beyond to ensure guests have memorable experiences. Steve recalls managing unique challenges, such as storing live barnyard animals indoors during a rainy event or replacing carpet after an ATV drove up the club’s stairs. Through it all, his focus has remained on resolving issues quickly and keeping the atmosphere positive.
A Pillar of the Community
Steve’s influence extends far beyond the club’s walls. A longtime Rotarian, Club Managers of America Board member, President and Chamber Board member, he is deeply involved in supporting several community organizations and initiatives. Was recognized at National Conference for being at one club for 25 years. His commitment to Lakeville and its people has earned him admiration from peers and mentors alike.
Sarah Smith-Larkin, co-owner of Brackett’s, praises Steve’s character: “Steve has a lot of strengths as a General Manager, but his best attribute is being a great human being. He is liked by all in the Lakeville community, and you never worry when he is working.”
Gary and Jane Pahl, owners of Pahl’s Market and past Businesspersons of the Year, add, “His dedication to Brackett’s, the people of Lakeville, and his family makes Steve an exemplary example of what the Businessperson of the Year is all about.”
Michael Bohnert, retired Catering Manager at Brackett’s and long-time friend, shared: “Steve is the definition of a visionary. He always had a knack for asking 'What about this?' or 'What if we did that?'—constantly pushing us to think bigger and better. His focus was always on our members and staff, ensuring we delivered the best product with the most hospitable team. Steve played a crucial role in both the vision and execution of our new ballroom and restaurant remodel. I had the privilege of working alongside Steve for 25 years, and you’d hardly ever see one of us out and about without the other. Congratulations to my long-time business partner and friend Steve on this well-deserved award!”
Tom and Peggy Smith, owners of Brackett’s Crossing Country Club, 2002 Businesspersons of the Year, and Steve’s long-time role models, expressed their admiration: “Steve Allen has been at Brackett’s for a wonderful 28 years. As our General Manager he has pretty much done everything over the years to help the club succeed and grow. More importantly, Steve and Cathy have become good friends to Peggy and me. Steve’s involvement with the community and dedication to many local organizations speaks to his love for Lakeville. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
Looking Ahead
When Steve is asked about retirement, he’s quick to say he is in no rush. When the time comes, he plans to travel, golf, and spend more time outdoors. “I dream of being on the water,” he says. For now, his heart remains with Brackett’s Crossing, where he continues to build on the club’s legacy of excellence and community spirit.
Congratulations to Steve Allen on this well-deserved recognition. His vision, leadership, and heart have made a lasting impact on Lakeville and beyond.
Honoring Steve and other 2024 award winners
Steve Allen will be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner & Awards Program, being held on January 30, 2025 at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club. Other honorees include Community Business Partner of the Year – B-52 Burgers + Brew; Education Business Partner of the Year – The Better Half; Tourism Business Partner of the Year – Michels Corporation; Volunteer of the Year – Pat Arling; and Ambassador of the Year – Dusty Brown, Laker Promotions. Tickets to the Annual Dinner can be purchased at LakevilleChamber.org/events or by contacting the Chamber office at 952-469-2020.
PAST BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR HONOREES:
1990 Jack Berdan, Menasha Corp.
1991 Vic Kohlnhofer, Kohlnhofer Insurance
1992 Dan Ahman, The Chart House
1993 Jack Matasosky, APPRO Development
1994 Tony & Patti McDonald, McDonald Eye Care Associates
1995 Mike Watters, Marquette Bank
1996 Bob Johnson, South Suburban Medical
1997 Maynard Johnson, Hitchcock Industries
1998 Carl Wahlstrom, Independent School District 194
1999 Bob Vogel, New Market Bank
2000 Jerry & Martha Erickson, Erickson Drug
2001 Dave Fellon, Progressive Rail / Landscape Junction
2002 Tom & Peggy Smith, Brackett’s Crossing Country Club
2003 Terry North, Alcorn Beverage
2004 Glenn W. Hasse, Ryt-Way Industries
2005 Dick & Mary Ann Clemmer, Dick’s Sanitation
2006 Jerry & John Enggren, Enggrens Market
2007 Mark Hotzler, Metro Equity Management
2008 Brad & Audrey Johnson, Johnson Companies
2009 Tim & Roz Peterson, Southfork Center
2010 Gary & Jane Pahl, Pahl’s Market
2011 Norman Oberto, Imperial Plastics
2012 Karl Drotning, Crystal Lake Automotive
2013 Dan & Sue Schmitt, Schmitty & Sons
2014 Glenn Starfield, Express Employment Professionals
2015 Tom Mork, Lakeview Bank
2016 Colleen Ratzlaff LaBeau, LaBeau & Associates
2017 Karen & Ken Wentworth, Hobo / Chemquest /Triton Inc.
2018 Kristina Murto & Steve Volavka, Ensemble Creative & Marketing
2019 Bruce Rydeen, CERRON Commercial Properties
2020 Beth Kohlnhofer Raskovich, Kohlnhofer Insurance
2021 Jay and Sue Blanchard, Safety Signs
2022 Kevin Delk, Delmar Company
2023 Bob Curtis, Bob Curtis Agency Farmers Insurance
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