During a conversation, their realtor suggested that they consider becoming realtors themselves. They eventually decided to do just that, turning Dave’s interest in property investment into a new career.

First they both took an intensive four week course to obtain a real estate license and worked under a broker. Then they purchased Treacy Properties in Marcell and moved into its offices in the Frontier Sports building.

They named their business MN Lakeshore Properties to reflect what their customers would be looking for and increased their staff with additional realtors.

Despite a current slowdown in number of buyers, the future still looks good to them. “This area has a good 15 years of people moving into this area,” believes Dave, with baby boomers looking for homes for retirement. But he doesn’t worry that the area will become overpopulated because so much property is held by the Chippewa National Forest and state.

Being in real estate has been a rewarding experience, they said. “We’ve made so many friends from we sell property to,” said Dave. And it’s satisfying to be connecting people with their dreams.

When designing their new building, they realized that the structure itself could also be a part of that process. People “live in concrete and blacktop in the Cities. When they come up, they want wood,” explained Dave.

By coming into a building with wood and log furniture and a large stone fireplace, it sets the stage for what their own vision is for a cabin, said Cheryl. It creates the “up north experience” and helps them come up with ideas for their own designs.

Along with meeting their customers’ needs, the Ritters noted that Marcell lacked available commercial space. The extended their own office budiling to include up to three 800 sq. ft. rental office spaces. Now just a shell, the office space could be customized. The Ritters also plan to landscape in some outdoor sitting areas so community members and visitors can take advantage of their wireless “hot spot.”

It’s partly a way of giving back, said the Ritters. They have appreciated the community support they have gotten – they have been so encouraging, said Cheryl.

Joining the Ritters in building their new offices were: Dale and Brenda Hill, RK Construction and the Kongsjord family, Goggleye Electric, Cozy Air, Fideldy Brothers Well Drilling, Lakeside Lumber, Juntunen Enterprises, Sage Enterprises, Tom Barrett (floor tile), Gerald van Peursen, Bert Pritchard (wood furniture), Tom Brewick (concrete), Dave Olson (logs).