How Lynn & Jason Bought a Waterfront Resort and Built a Sauna Empire | EP#02

Ever thought your dream project was too risky… or too remote?

Lynn Makela didn’t let any of that stop her.

In this episode, we’re diving into the story of how she and her husband left the grind of city life to redevelop a forgotten lakeside resort in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—using grit, vision, and a whole lot of sweat equity.

This isn’t some fairytale flip. This is what it really looks like to start where you are, with what you’ve got, and build something locals love.

We break down:

• How Lynn found and financed a 27-acre resort (yes, even with a tiny-town bank)

• The real cost of going from “cabin in the woods” to cash-flowing short-term rentals

• What it means to phase a project when you don’t have deep pockets

• Turning zoning quirks and ancient septic systems into creative solutions

• Building authentic local partnerships that bring projects (and communities) to life

Bold truth: You don’t need a big city or a big check to make a big impact. You just need the courage to go first—and the right people on your team.

Learn more about our guest: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmakela/ https://www.instagram.com/takkasaunas/ https://www.instagram.com/smallcraftco/ https://www.instagram.com/freshcoastcabins/ https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/ https://www.instagram.com/localrealestatedevelopers/ https://linkedin.com/company/local-real-estate-developers

✅ Sign up for the LRED Developer Vault & Monthly Newsletter: ⁠http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin⁠

🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more: https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper

Ready to go from podcast listener to Local Developer? Whether you're just getting started or ready to go all in, we've got the tools to help you build what matters in your own backyard.

→ Programs & Resources: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/

→ 90-Day Masterclass: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/build-it-course

→ Apply for the Mentorship Program: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship

#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #BuildWhatMatters #ThinkBigStartLocal #GatekeepingEndsHere #FromVacantToVibrant #CommunityFirstDevelopment #RealEstateWithPurpose