Meet the Modeltowners
Learn more about the businesses, organizations and people that make up our amazaing community. Check back for updates.
Jesie Melchiori, Co-Owner & General Manager
Up North Lodge, Gwinn MI
Growing up in Gwinn and a love for the community, Jesie came back to Gwinn to co-own and manage the Up North Lodge and Event Center which is a premier event space located in the heart of Upper Michigan. This interview is between co-owner Jesie Melchiori and High School Senior Andi Roberts of the Forsyth Forward ADDA Student Team. Running Time 3:19 min.
Dan Eden, Owner
Eden Tree Service, Gwinn MI
Dan provides excellent service and comprehensive health assessment and management of your trees. Living here since the early 2000s, Dan has a love for the woods, water, and the people in this wilderness he calls home. Video Run Time 2 min. 30 sec.
Diane Bostow, Host
The Maki House, Gwinn MI, a recently renovated 1908 Company (miners') house, retains its early character with a 21st century industrial vibe. Radiant heat in the floors also provides unlimited hot water to the showers. There is ample parking on premises for snowmobiles and other sport vehicles. Your Host, Diane Bostow takes great pride in the home and the comfort of her guests.
Alan Cook
Owner - BuyGreatOil.com
Executive Director, Forsyth Forward
I graduated from high school in southern Wisconsin in 1979 and joined the U.S. Air Force just weeks later, beginning a 23-year career that started right here at K.I. Sawyer. Being close to home and my grandmother in Escanaba made those first four years special and created the connection to Upper Michigan that never left me. After serving around the world, I returned to Sawyer in 1992 and bought 40 acres near Gwinn—my first step toward putting down real roots in the UP.
When I retired in 2001, I worked in the propane industry but kept coming back to build my cabin and spend time in Forsyth Township. Eventually, my wife Lynn and I made the move permanent, embracing a simpler life surrounded by the wilderness we love and enjoying our time with our pup Kota. Upper Michigan is, to me, beautiful, genuine, and full of opportunity. I’m grateful to call this place home, and proud to say I’m a Modeltowner.