As a college student, John Drewes set a goal to run his own business by the time he was 30.
Now at 27, he reached his goal a little sooner than he anticipated, but it all works out in the end -- he's doing something that he enjoys to the point that sometimes he can't believe he's getting paid to do it.
Drewes opened up "At Ease Dock and Lift" this spring and has been busy getting lake enthusiasts ready for an exciting summer.
The business offers a variety of services from installation, removal and repair of docks and lifts to sales of all sorts of water front products and accessories.
Drewes also offers pontoon and snowmobile trailer rentals and this winter, he will be providing outdoor and indoor boat storage.
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Additionally, he plans to carry a variety of fish houses in the winter at his all-year round business, which is located about seven miles east of Detroit Lakes on Highway 10.
And during the stormy summer months, his services include storm recovery and insurance estimates in case of boat or dock damage.
Drewes grew up near Hitterdal but always visited family and vacationed in Detroit Lakes. So when the opportunity came up for him to move here, he couldn't pass it up, he said.
He worked for a local docks and lifts company for five years before opening his own business.
"It was something that I really, really thoroughly enjoyed," he said. "So it was natural for me to start my own business."
Drewes learned the ins and outs of the business and established relationships with clients and even the competition, which he says spreads the success all over the industry.
"Let them make their buck but still take care of your customers," Drewes said.
His expertise helps him recognize all different types, designs and styles of dock systems, which makes for easier repair and installation.
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"Some of that knowledge comes in handy when you deal with people over the phone," he said.
But most of his work requires dealing with customers at the shoreline. He has sold docks and lifts to many lakes area residents and has dealt with every single one of them in person, he said.
At Ease Dock and Lift carries manufacturers who offer a 20-year warranty and others with a 10-year warranty.
The main manufacturer is "Pier Pleasure," which provides roll-in and sectional docks as well as Jet Ski and pontoon lifts.
At Ease Dock and Lift is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday by appointment.
Drewes also has a dedicated cell phone number that he invites all customers to reach him at any time.
"People want what they want when they want it," he said, which is why he's available 24/7 at 218-849-5212.
