By Jackie Rehm
Let me introduce myself. I am Jackie (Landsverk) Rehm, born and raised in Lanesboro, MN. Fifteen years ago, I came back home to start a business, and here I am now, running a successful motel in Lanesboro and enjoying small town life.
It has been a journey. Starting and operating Green Gables Inn has been one of the most challenging endeavors in my life thus far. My learning curve started out steep, and then stayed that way. Every time I think I’ve figured it all out, technology changes, the economy changes, and my customers’ needs change. It is ever evolving. And I love the challenge.
I would encourage anyone who loves hard work and who has an adventuresome spirit to try it. The risk is worth it: there’s nothing better than the feeling of getting up every morning knowing that whatever you do that day is fully your decision. Owning your own business challenges almost every sensible notion you’ve ever had. I have been conflicted in decision making and confronted with bad decisions, but at the end of the day, I’ve always known that those decisions were mine to make and mine to correct.
My friend Bonnie Handmacher, another B&B owner, recently asked me if she could have her wedding on the grounds of Green Gables. Of course I said “Yes” right away, even though I hadn’t realized or fully appreciated what a perfect site it would turn out to be. As planned by Bonnie, the wedding was absolutely beautiful, and I thoroughly enjoyed not only the satisfaction of seeing a friend happily marry, but also providing a space in which a multitude of friends could enjoy the couple and each other on a perfect summer afternoon. I learned that my property could play “Host” in yet another way. As I said earlier: ever evolving. My journey continues and I am still looking forward.
As I reflect on the last fifteen years of running a successful small business, I am pleased with the results of my efforts. Has it been easy? Not always. Has it been rewarding? Yes. Would I do it again? Most certainly.
Green Gables Inn
303 W Sheridan St
Lanesboro, MN 55949
Phone: 507-467-2936
Toll Free: 800-818-4225
Email: green@acegroup.cc
Website: www.lanesboroweb.com/greengables
