We were sad to see CBO was sold. We've been using them since 2006, when Mark Beaumont was running it. It was the first to send us info when our scout troop was looking for an outfitter, and they made the trip a great experience
Being right on the lake before and after the trip made a nice transition back to civilization. Carl and Lori worked hard to keep it going and were knowledgable and easy to work with. The couple of years with the pandemic and fires had to be tough. Does anyone know what the plans are for the future of the business? I know they are not planning to be outfitting for trips. Maybe a resort?

So sad. I met Carl and Lori at the boat sport and travel show in Indianapolis. Good people. The wife and I did a Basswood basecamp for our 25th anniversary and CBO did a wonderful job making our trip very enjoyable and that cold beer that was waiting for me when we got back to the outfitter was awesome. Wish them luck in there future endeavors.

Sorry to hear that Carl and Lori have sold CBO.

I really liked Pat and Chickie Harristal who were long time owners of CBO way back as long as I can remember… early 1990’s. Great hosts. I think they bought into a business in Manitoba.

I’m no expert here, but I’m pretty sure Swenson owned CBO and has been trying to sell if for the last few years, pre pandemic. I thought Carl and Lori just manage the place and live at the house right on site. I know they had a buyer arranged that was going to keep Lori and Carl as managers in the summer of 2019, but something made that sale fall through. They were planning to add a restaurant and so a lot of us in the neighborhood got kind of excited about it. Alas, it fell apart. Am I wrong that the place is owned by John Swenson?

Tony

No plans to be an outfitter...
Changes At Canadian Border Outfitters

We were under the impression Carl and Lori were managing and buying the business along the way.

I just received a newsletter from Williams and Hall that the new owners of CBO have asked them to reach out to CBO's former outfitting customers to offer outfitting services.

Edit: Well, duh. I just read the linked page in jhb8426's post in which CBO made it clear that they contacted W&H.

My understanding from the good folks at Williams & Hall in conversations had there this summer with Blayne and Dave is that the Smyka's are planning to turn it into a sort of living quarters for seasonal workers in the area. Seems there is a shortage of good places to stay for those working the tourism season. Think Residence Inn.

pd

This is odd to me. I wonder how much it sold for? Was the valuation based on income generation or just asset value?

I guess I don't really know how much of a need or value is in seasonal worker housing. It seems as though it would hold more value as it was.

She already owns, what appears to be a successful small business in Northern Grounds Coffee Shop. Good luck to them, I hope it works out.