Bill and Beth are retired owner-operators of the Solbakken Resort at Lutsen, MN and the small-but-good Solbakken Bookshop. They have lived in Lutsen since late 1979. While at the resort we initiated development of the North Shore Mountain Ski Trail and the Lutsen-Tofte Tourism Association.

Beth served briefly on the founding board of the Superior Hiking Trail Association and the advisory board for the Audubon Center; Bill was founder and president of the Gitchi Gami Trail Association, a non-motorized trail flanking Lake Superior.

Beth is a prolific quilter, originally making quilts for all the beds in her resort; and both are enthusiastic readers. Their interests include both Alpine and Nordic skiing, hiking, canoeing, and camping. Bill does running and inline marathons and long distance biking. Beth loves both birding and wildflowers. As Highpointers Club members they have visited 36 of the 50 state highpoints.

"Our working years, our life was very structured, so we have limited commitments since retiring in 2006. But friendships are very important and we are excited about working with Mike and Kate to achieve their dream."