A Spirit Lake family had a child’s birthday party scheduled for Sunday morning, but there was a major problem: Their new pool had no liner. While most businesses would have blamed the supply chain and called it a day, Angie Schaub and Gretchen Lolis — the sisters behind Okoboji Pool Company in Spirit Lake — viewed it as a personal mission to make sure their client’s celebration wasn't ruined.
Angie hopped in her truck and drove the 24-hour round trip to Indiana to intercept the delayed shipment, returning at 10:30 p.m. Friday night to ensure that the installation was finished before the first guest arrived. In a community where summers are short, this kind of neighbor-first reliability has turned the two sisters’ company into a cornerstone of the local pool service industry. But their whatever-it-takes philosophy didn't appear overnight; it was forged through decades of serving the Spirit Lake community in a different capacity.
From Real Estate to the Water's Edge
Before they became the faces of the pool scene, Gretchen and Angie were immersed in the world of real estate — a 50-year legacy started by their mother. After years of helping families find their dream homes, the sisters noticed a recurring frustration: Clients were constantly asking for pool maintenance recommendations that didn't exist locally.
“The nearest professional pool maintenance was nearly 100 miles away in Sioux City or Sioux Falls," said Gretchen. “We realized that our community didn't just want a chemical delivery; they needed local experts who could fix a pump on a weekend.”
In February 2024, they decided to stop talking about the gap in the region and fill it themselves by launching Okoboji Pool Company.
The duo leaned into their complementary strengths: Angie became a technical powerhouse mastering installation and maintenance for heaters and pumps, while Gretchen took the lead in focusing on the numbers, marketing and customer experience.
They didn't start small. In their first season, they grew from eight accounts to 30 existing pools, quickly proving there was a high demand for their business.
Banking on Local Trust
Turning vision into a reality required a financial partner who understood that in a resort town, business fluctuates with the seasons. Gretchen and Angie knew exactly who they could trust with their vision.
“I have been banking with Northwest Bank since 1985," said Gretchen. "Even when I moved away to the East Coast, I still had my mortgages and other banking services through them. They’ve always been my bank.”
Rather than purchasing a new building on the outskirts of town, they decided to renovate an 1890s church in downtown Spirit Lake to be their headquarters and retail shop.
“We wanted to bring life back to the downtown area and create a destination for our neighbors,” said Gretchen.
But, they needed a partner who saw the building’s potential. Gretchen found that advocate in Nicole Evans, bank president at Northwest Bank. With Nicole’s help, they secured a renovation loan to transform the old structure.
“Nicole believed in us," said Gretchen. "She didn't just give us a loan; she gave us the stability to build the business we wanted without looking over our shoulders.”
Because the pool industry is cyclical, they secured a business loan for seasonal business fluctuations to bridge the quieter months during the offseason.
"It was just so easy,” said Angie. “Northwest Bank didn't make us jump through a million hoops. They just believed in what we were doing.”
Beyond the initial loans, Northwest Bank became a daily operational partner. Here are the specific tools Okoboji Pool Company uses to build their business:
- Renovation Loan: Vital for transforming the historical church into a modern showroom.
- Seasonal Business Loan: Provides working capital to keep the team paid during lean winter months.
- Business Checking: Simplifies cash flow by keeping business and personal finances separate.
- Integrated Payroll System: Essential for managing their 13-person summer crew and filing accurate taxes.
- Fraud Protection: Real-time monitoring that recently saved the sisters from significant financial friction.
CREATIVE DIRECTION
A Multi-Generational Hub
The building that houses Okoboji Pool Company is also home to Goose Feather Books, owned by Gretchen’s daughter, Lucy. After growing up in New Jersey, Lucy felt the pull of her roots and decided to launch her creative venture alongside her mother and aunt.
“I had to make a decision of what my life was going to look like,” Lucy says. “There was a feeling in my gut that this was right.”
Lucy transformed the space into a community destination. For Lucy, the partnership with Northwest Bank is a vital part of starting her business.
“Having a bank that understands my family’s multi-generational vision — and provides technical tools like payroll and fraud protection — is exactly what helps me to focus on books and my customers,” says Lucy.
Now, while a customer browses for pool accessories or customized signs, they can also pick up a bestseller or a unique gift from Lucy’s shop.
These women-owned businesses are rounded out by the support of the entire family — nine members in total, including Angie’s four sons. And at the end of every season they honor their hard work with a well-earned tradition.
“We always end our season with an amazing trip to Cabo to celebrate,” said Gretchen.
CREATIVE DIRECTION
Inspiring the Next Chapter
As women in a traditionally male-dominated industry, the sisters sometimes face initial skepticism on the job site.
“When they see me walk up, they’re like, ‘Oh, yeah, she’s not going to be able to do anything,’” said Gretchen. “But instead of being discouraged, we use it as fuel to provide even better service. We don't just sell equipment; we sell the peace of mind that comes with knowing your summer memories are in good hands.”
Their mission is to teach homeowners how their equipment works, building trust through transparency rather than just selling parts. As they gear up to build a dozen new pools this year and expand their retail presence, the sisters remain grounded in the advice their mother gave them decades ago: “Do everything; expect nothing.”
As for advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs, Lucy echoes her mother and aunt: “Be mindful of who you’re receiving advice from. Life’s about failing. Take the risk if you can — just go for it.”
Whether you are navigating seasonal cash flow or renovating a historical space like Okoboji Pool Company, Northwest Bank provides the small business banking solutions — from seasonal business loans to payroll systems — to help you be successful. Contact our business banking team today to get started.
