Meet your Ballard's Black Island Hosts...

Stephen Slick General Manager – Ballard’s Black Island

                                                                                                   1. What path brought you to Ballard’s Black Island? I’ve grown up on the lake and have always had a deep passion for fishing. My grandfather was a commercial fisherman on the lake so I believe fishing runs in my blood. Throughout my childhood I spent countless hours fishing on Lake of the Woods and knew that the resort business is what I wanted to do. When this incredible opportunity came up I knew it was once in a lifetime and there was no way I could refuse.

2. What most excites you about your work and the contribution you can make? Having grown up around the resorts I feel that I have excellent experience with guests. I enjoy meeting new people every day and being able to hear new stories and create new friendships. I look forward to seeing people year after year at the resorts and learning what’s happened over the course of the year. I view myself as a very personable type of guy and I look forward to each new group I get to meet.

3. Where can we find you when you’re not working? When I’m not working I can almost guarantee I will be in one of three different places; on the water, in the field, or in the woods. Whether I’m in pursuit of that colossal pike, those giant honkers, or that elusive monster buck I am always doing what I love to do.

4. How do you want to be remembered? I want to be remembered as part of the experience. I want guests to say that they had an excellent time whether it was on or off the water. I want to be remembered for my personality. I also want people to not only remember how excellent the fishing was but how special their experience was while at the resort.

Gary Moeller Marketing Manager – Ballard’s Black Island

1. What path brought you to Ballard’s Black Island? I’ve been in the fishing industry for over twenty years. And all of it has taken place on Lake of the Woods. This is a new opportunity for me… At a unique location on the Canadian portion of the lake. It’s remote, secluded, and offers a multi-specie fishing adventure.

2. What most excites you about your work and the contribution you can make? Having the ability to recruit and introduce new visitors to Lake of the Woods is my biggest contribution. One of my favorite stories is from a first time customer (83 year old woman) that fished with us last summer. At the end of her stay her comment was this: “This is the best fishing vacation I’ve ever had in my life”. Wow! I love it when we can share that type of experience with someone who has fished multiple locations across the U.S. and Canada.

3. Where can we find you when you’re not working? On the water of course! From a freshwater fishing perspective Lake of the Woods truly has it ALL. And with 14,000 islands and 1 million acres of water, I’m going to try my best to fish every square inch. My latest “passion” involves a 9wt fly-rod and toothy northern pike. They crush a top water streamer like a tarpon and I’m addicted to the chase.

4. How do you want to be remembered? It’s all about the experience. That’s how I see it. And if I’m able to bring people to Lake of the Woods, showcase its incredible opportunities, and make folks happy for an hour – a day – a week – or a lifetime…    Then that’s how I’d like to be remembered.

Jessie Anthony – Business Manager – Ballard’s Black Island

1. What path brought you to Ballard’s Black Island? Ballard’s Resort on the South shore of Lake of the Woods has been in my family for 50 years and I have fond memories of taking houseboat trips and spending time at our family’s cabin up on the lake. I am passionate about the family tradition that Ballard’s Resort carries and am excited to continue that tradition in the idyllic setting of Black Island.

2. What most excites you about your work and the contribution you can make? My favorite part of this business is building relationships. I enjoy seeing our customers that remember me as a child as well as ones now who are watching our kids grow up. The family atmosphere is very important and I consider our guests to be friends. I definitely take pride in making sure our guests are taken care of in a professional yet personal manner and their experience is the best that it can be.

3. Where can we find you when you’re not working? Nick and I have three children; Alexis (5), Dominic (4) and Olivia (18 mo) so in my “free” time I am usually running around with them...time at the pool and on the lake in the Summer and Mini-Mite hockey, School and Sunday School in the Winter keep us busy. We also enjoy time on the lake, ice or open-water fishing and spending time with our extended family.

4. How do you want to be remembered? I would like to be remembered as a person who goes the extra mile; whether it be taking an extra step and providing exceptional, specialized service to each of our guests and friends, being active with and supporting our kids and family or volunteering my time with our church and community.

Nick Anthony - Sales Manager - Ballard's Black Island