About Us
Green Gate is as symbolic as it is observed.
Entering our property, a canopy of pines tower overhead as you leave the highway behind you. Passing through nature’s “Green Gate”, you will arrive at the century-old farmstead that we call home.
Green Gate also symbolizes our endeavor to create a sustainable lodging facility where everyone can enjoy and learn. By following strict green building standards, choosing environmentally preferred purchases, adopting energy conservation policies, using environmentally friendly products and supporting non-motorized recreation, we hope to create a gateway to how our future can be.
Shawn
After growing up in Northern Minnesota, Shawn moved to Minneapolis to pursue an career in Mechanical Engineering. During this time, his developing interests in health and fitness led to a second career in Nutrition Science and his passion for the sport of triathlon.
Eventually, he wandered away from the big city and back to Minnesota’s Iron Range, where he worked as a Nutritionist, Co-op deli manager, concrete countertop designer and handyman. In 2002, he purchased the farmstead and has since worked in the sustainable restoration of this historic property. As an avid endurance athlete, he was also drawn to the area’s endless recreational opportunites. When he’s not building barns, Shawn can usually be found skiing, running, cycling and paddling the trails around northern Minnesota.
Lisa
Lisa discovered her love for the water while growing up on the banks of the St. Croix river in Stillwater, Minnesota. She has since lived and traveled throughout the country, earning degrees in social work and nursing (RN) along the way. Her education and interests have lead to a variety of positions from Appalachian trail hut cook to emergency room nurse. In 2005 she made her way to Duluth, Minnesota and continued her move north to Biwabik after meeting Shawn. She currently works as an ER nurse in a local hospital. In her spare time, Lisa can be found exploring the north woods on foot, bike, snowshoe, and skis. Nature photography and pottery also capture her interest. When the winter snow melts, she hopes to improve her green thumb by expanding the Green Gate gardens and landscaping.
