What Does It Take to Run Operations at Lakes of the North?

From the outside, it can be easy to think of Lakes of the North simply as a property owners association with a collection of amenities. Behind the scenes, the operation is much larger and more complex.

Lakes of the North encompasses more than 10,000 acres across Antrim and Otsego Counties and includes more than 8,000 individually owned lots. The Association employs nearly 70 people and operates an extensive collection of amenities and services, including an 18-hole golf course, restaurant and tavern, airport, campground, clubhouse and aquatic facilities, private beaches, recreational areas, maintenance operations and the Association Management Office.

In actuality, Lakes of the North functions as a $3 million-plus organization while essentially operating four or five very different businesses at the same time.

And each has its own business model.

Different Businesses, One Association

The golf course operates very differently from the restaurant. The restaurant has different staffing, inventory, revenue and customer-service demands than the campground. Recreation and aquatic facilities have their own seasonal demands, staffing and operating requirements. Maintenance supports an enormous amount of property, equipment and facilities, while the Association Management Office handles membership, assessments, collections, property records, communications and the administrative responsibilities that keep the Association functioning.

Each operation has its own budget, staffing needs, equipment, vendors, revenue and expenses, busy seasons, challenges and priorities. What makes perfect business sense for one department may not make sense at all for another.

Yet they aren't separate companies. They share resources, serve the same membership and ultimately contribute to the financial and operational health of one Association.

That is part of what makes running operations here so unique. It requires understanding several very different business models while also understanding how they fit together and affect the Association as a whole.

It Takes People

Amenities don't operate themselves.

Behind the golf course, restaurant, pools, campground, airport, beaches, offices, buildings and recreational facilities are employees working in very different roles.

Managing a workforce of this size requires more than schedules and job descriptions. It requires hiring and training employees, supporting department managers, communicating expectations, addressing workplace concerns, coordinating between departments and making sure people have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs effectively.

It also requires understanding people.

Knowing how to listen, communicate effectively, resolve problems and work with many different kinds of people is just as important to successful operations as understanding budgets or equipment.

Workplace culture matters too. A professional and productive environment requires clear expectations, accountability, respect and open communication.
Cultivating an open-door environment gives employees and members alike the ability to ask questions, share ideas and raise concerns. It allows problems to be identified earlier and encourages people to work together rather than in silos.

Common-Sense Logistics Matter

With this many operations happening simultaneously, good planning is essential. So is common sense.

Do we have enough employees scheduled when an amenity will be busiest? Does a department have the equipment and supplies it needs before the season begins? Can projects be coordinated to avoid duplicating work? Is there a simpler or more cost-effective way to accomplish something? What happens when a piece of equipment unexpectedly goes down? Who needs to know about a change before it happens?

Those may sound like simple questions, but across numerous departments and facilities, they are a significant part of running the Association effectively.
Sometimes good operations require detailed planning and long-term strategy. Other times, they require looking at a problem practically, finding the most sensible solution and getting it done.

The Business Behind the Amenities

There is a substantial business operation behind everything members see.
Budgets have to be developed and monitored. Revenue has to be managed. Bills and employees have to be paid. Contracts have to be reviewed. Vendors have to be coordinated. Equipment has to be purchased and maintained. Buildings and facilities need repairs. Projects have to be planned and prioritized.

Every department has needs, but resources are not unlimited. Decisions have to consider what is necessary today while also preparing for what the Association will need tomorrow.

Responsible operations mean looking ahead, prioritizing resources and maintaining the financial and operational health of Lakes of the North for the future.

Above All, Member Service

With so many different business and operational responsibilities, it can be easy to focus on what happens behind the scenes. But above all, Lakes of the North is a member service organization.

The Association belongs to its membership, and ultimately these operations exist to serve that membership.

Good member service doesn't mean that everyone will always receive the answer they want. It means listening, responding respectfully, providing accurate information, explaining decisions, finding solutions when possible and treating members fairly and consistently.

Every phone call, email, and interaction at an amenity contributes to the member experience. Sometimes the most important part of member service is simply making sure someone knows they have been heard.

Communication and Transparency

In an organization this large, communication is constant.

Information moves between members, employees, department managers, administration, the General Manager, the Board, accountants, attorneys, contractors, vendors, government agencies and community partners.
Good communication isn't simply sending an email or posting an announcement. It means knowing what needs to be communicated, who needs to receive it, when they need it and how to explain it effectively.

Transparency has to be a priority.

Members should have opportunities to understand what is happening within their Association, how resources are being used, what projects are underway and why certain decisions are being made.

Expect the Unexpected

The planned work is only part of running operations at Lakes of the North.
Equipment breaks. Employees call in. Weather changes plans. Vendors encounter problems. Buildings need unexpected repairs. Projects get delayed. Legal or administrative issues arise. Members bring forward concerns that need immediate attention.

Being able to adjust quickly without losing sight of everything else that still needs attention takes organization, flexibility, problem solving and the ability to recognize what truly needs to be prioritized.

Where Governance Meets Daily Operations

All of this brings us to another important part of the equation: the Board of Directors.

Lakes of the North has benefited from Board members who have volunteered significant time, experience and energy to serving the Association, and as members select the next directors, the goal is to build on that foundation by choosing individuals who support the membership through a strong understanding of and respect for the Restrictive Covenants, Bylaws and Regulations, while promoting sound governance, effective operations and quality member service.

It can be easy to think of a Board election as something separate from the day-to-day experience at Lakes of the North. In reality, the two are closely connected and do not function independently of each other. 

The Board and operations have different responsibilities. The Board provides governance and broader direction, while management and staff handle the day-to-day operation of the Association. But decisions made at the governance level do not stop at the board meeting. Their effects move through management, departments and staff, and ultimately reach the membership.

Budget priorities affect what departments can accomplish. Long-term planning affects facilities and amenities. Policies affect how staff carry out their responsibilities. The way leadership communicates affects how information moves through the organization.

In that sense, organizational culture starts at the top and works its way through the entire Association.

For operations to be efficient, financially responsible and service-oriented, there needs to be a productive relationship between governance and operations. That relationship works best when decisions are made with an understanding of their operational and financial impact, and everyone remains focused on serving the Association as a whole.

A strong Board does not require nine people who always agree. Different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are valuable. What matters is the ability to work constructively, ask thoughtful questions, understand financial information, consider the practical consequences of decisions and maintain a professional working relationship with the people responsible for carrying those decisions out.

The relationship between governance and operations directly affects nearly 70 employees and over 5,000 property owners and their guests. 

A positive culture helps attract and retain good employees, encourages cooperation between departments and allows staff to focus their energy where it belongs: operating the Association and serving its members.

And most importantly, members experience the results of that culture where it matters most, home! 

That is why the Board election matters far beyond who occupies a seat at the Board table.

The members elected to the Board will participate in decisions that influence the environment in which the entire Association operates. The positive effects of good governance should be felt throughout the organization. 

For an Association of this size and complexity, Board service carries significant responsibility. Financial literacy matters. Experience matters. Communication matters. Collaboration matters. Understanding the appropriate relationship between governance and operations matters.

And above all, a commitment to serving the membership as a whole matters. 

2026 Board of Directors Election

The 2026 Annual Election will be held:
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Polls Open: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Lakes of the North Clubhouse
6273 Pineview Drive, Mancelona, MI 49659

Three Board seats are up for election this year, with the three elected directors serving three-year terms.

Members may vote in person during polling hours or by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots must be received by October 9, 2026 and returned to the designated Annual Election P.O. Box in the pre-addressed envelope. Absentee ballots cannot be returned to the Management Office, Association staff or the office drop box.

Members must be in good standing for their vote to be counted. 

The Annual Meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 10 at the Clubhouse, following the election.

The Board members elected this October will help shape the governance environment in which Lakes of the North operates. Those decisions have real effects on employees, amenities, finances, member services and the overall culture of the Association.

Get informed, consider all candidates carefully and make an informed choice at the ballot box.

What It Takes

When operations are running smoothly, much of the work required to make that happen isn't particularly visible.

Members see the golf course ready for play, the pool open, the restaurant serving meals, the beach maintained, the campground operating or someone at the office ready to answer a question.

What they may not see are the decisions, conversations, schedules, repairs, purchases, budgets, planning and coordination happening behind the scenes.
Running operations at Lakes of the North takes financial responsibility and long-term planning. It takes people who understand their individual roles while also seeing the bigger picture. It takes a healthy work culture, transparency, effective communication, practical problem solving and common-sense logistics.

And it takes a governance structure that allows those things to happen effectively.

The Board, management and staff have different roles, but they are parts of the same organization. When those roles work together constructively, employees are better positioned to succeed, operations can function more efficiently and members are better served.
 

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Meet the Candidates & 2026 Annual Election Information

As members of Lakes of the North, we all share an interest in the future of our community. From maintaining amenities and managing Association finances to planning for future improvements and protecting the long-term interests of property owners, the decisions made by the Board of Directors have an important impact on our Association and its membership.

Member participation in the election process is an important part of helping shape that future.

Meet the Candidates: September 4, 2026

On Friday, September 4th at 6:30 p.m. at Settings Restaurant, Lakes of the North members are invited to attend our Meet the Candidates event.

This is an opportunity to meet the individuals running for the Lakes of the North Board of Directors, hear directly from them, ask questions, and learn more about the experience, ideas, and perspectives they would bring to the Board.

Meet the 2026 Candidates: 

• Wendy Arnold

• Rebecca Grosinsky (I)

• Jeff Houston

• Joe Mento (I)

• Tracie Munro (I)

• Gary Ogonowski

• Rob Swick

Each candidate has made the decision to step forward and seek an opportunity to serve the Lakes of the North membership. Serving on the Board is an important commitment that involves oversight of Association finances, facilities, amenities, policies, planning, and other matters affecting the community.

Complete candidate biographies are available on the official Lakes of the North website at lakesofthenorth.com.

Get Informed Before You Vote

Candidate biographies provide valuable background information, but Meet the Candidates offers members an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking election.

Members are encouraged to consider each candidate's experience, priorities, ideas, and approach to Board service. Questions might include how candidates view the Association's priorities, financial responsibility and long-term planning, communication with members, and working collaboratively with fellow Board members, management, staff, and committees.

Lakes of the North is a diverse community. Some members live here year-round, while others are seasonal residents or own vacant property. Members also use and value Association amenities in different ways. Different backgrounds and perspectives can contribute to a productive Board, and becoming familiar with the candidates helps members make their own informed decisions at the ballot box.

2026 Annual Election Information

The 2026 Lakes of the North Annual Election will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Lakes of the North Clubhouse, 6273 Pineview Drive, Mancelona, Michigan.

Polls will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Members may cast their ballots in person during those hours or vote by absentee ballot.

Election ballots will be mailed to members approximately 30 days before the election. Members should carefully review and follow the voting instructions included with their ballot.

To be counted, all absentee ballots must be received on or before October 9, 2026. Members voting by mail are encouraged to return their ballots early enough to ensure they arrive before the deadline.

Absentee ballots must be returned in the enclosed pre-addressed envelope to the designated P.O. Box. Absentee ballots mailed or delivered to the Management Office will be considered invalid.

Please also remember that you must be a member in good standing for your vote to be counted.

Members choosing to vote in person may do so Saturday, October 10th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Lakes of the North Clubhouse.

2026 Annual Membership Meeting

Following the election, the 2026 Annual Membership Meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 10th at the Lakes of the North Clubhouse.

The meeting will include Association business and reports, including the President's Report, General Manager's Report, officer reports, Auditor's Report, committee reports, and the announcement of election results.

Members who are unable to attend the Annual Meeting in person may watch online by visiting the Lakes of the North website and logging into Member Central.

Mark Your Calendar

The election begins with becoming informed. We encourage members to join us for Meet the Candidates on Friday, September 4th at 6:30 p.m. at Settings Restaurant to meet the candidates, hear what they have to say, and ask questions.

Then, be sure to exercise your right to vote. Watch for your ballot approximately 30 days before the election, return absentee ballots by October 9th, or vote in person on October 10th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Get informed. Meet the candidates. Ask questions. And make your vote count.

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Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Community!

Every year, Lakes of the North members have the opportunity to help shape the future of our Association by voting in the Annual Board of Directors Election.

Whether you have owned property here for many years or are a newer member, your vote is one of the most important ways you can participate in your community. The individuals elected to the Board make decisions that influence the Association's finances, amenities, governing documents, long-term planning, and overall direction. The choices made today help shape the experience of every property owner for years to come.

Voting is about more than selecting names on a ballot. It's an opportunity to learn about each candidate, consider their experience and priorities, and choose the individuals you believe will best represent the Association.

2026 Annual Election
Election Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Polling Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Location:
Lakes of the North Clubhouse
6273 Pineview Drive
Mancelona, MI 49659

The Annual Membership Meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m., immediately following the election.

Voting Options
To vote in the Annual Election, you must be a member in good standing. If you have questions about your membership status, please contact the Management Office before Election Day.
Members may cast their vote in one of two ways.

1. Vote in Person

Visit the Lakes of the North Clubhouse on Saturday, October 10, 2026, between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to cast your ballot.

2. Vote by Absentee Ballot

If you are unable to attend in person, you may vote by mailing your absentee ballot.
To help protect the integrity of the election process:

• All absentee ballots must be received by October 9, 2026, to be counted.
• All absentee ballots must be mailed to the designated P.O. Box. A pre-addressed return envelope addressed to the Annual Election P.O. Box is included with your election materials for your convenience.
• The Management Office cannot accept ballots.
• Ballots may not be left with Association staff or placed in the office drop box.
• Hand-delivered absentee ballots and absentee ballots mailed to the Management Office are invalid.

If you have an address change, please update your mailing address as soon as possible to ensure you receive your election materials. You can update your address by logging into Member Central or by contacting the Management Office.

Meet the Candidates
There are three (3) seats available on the Board of Directors this year. The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes will each serve a three-year term.
The candidates, listed in the order they were drawn, are:

• Gary Ogonowski
• Joe Mento (Incumbent)
• Tracie Munro (Incumbent)
• Jeff Houston 
• Rebecca Grosinsky (Incumbent)
• Wendy Arnold
• Rob Swick

The candidate resumes and responses are published exactly as submitted by each candidate. To learn more about each candidate's background, qualifications, and priorities, please click the link below to view the candidate resumes before casting your ballot.

Click Here for Candidate Resumes 

Every Vote Counts!
Serving on the Board of Directors is an important responsibility, and the individuals elected will help make decisions that affect the future of Lakes of the North and the experience of every member.

Every ballot represents a voice in the future of our community. Whether you choose to vote in person or by absentee ballot, your participation helps shape the leadership and direction of the Association for years to come.

We encourage every eligible member to make an informed decision, cast their vote, and take part in this important annual process.

Your participation matters. Your vote matters.

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You May Be More Qualified Than You Think
With the July 10 deadline for Board of Directors candidate packets coming up, Lakes of the North members have a chance to get involved in the community by serving on the Board.

Running for the Board can seem intimidating to many. Some people think they need board experience, or that they must know about association rules, legal issues, or finances before they can help. Others just assume someone else is more qualified.

But in truth, many great community leaders start just like most candidates - with a desire to help and an openness to listening.

Serving on the Board isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about sharing your perspective, asking good questions, listening to others, and working together to tackle the Association’s challenges and opportunities.

Strong boards come from having people with different backgrounds and experiences. Business owners, retirees, teachers, tradespeople, healthcare workers, veterans, volunteers, and community advocates all bring valuable skills to the table.

Here are some qualities that often make someone a good director:
• A willingness to listen to different viewpoints
• An interest in learning and understanding issues
• Strong communication skills
• Sound judgment
• Respect for differing opinions
• A commitment to serving the membership as a whole
• The ability to work as part of a team

No one expects a director to know it all. Serving on the Board is a team effort, and the best boards have members with different experiences and viewpoints.

Being on the Board is a chance to learn how the Association works and to help shape its future. The responsibilities are important, but many directors have found the experience rewarding, educational, and meaningful.

Even if you’ve never thought about running before, take another look at this opportunity and think about stepping up.

You might be more qualified than you realize.

You can get candidate packets for the 2026 Board of Directors election from the Association. Please submit your completed packet by 5:00 p.m. on July 10, 2026.

There are many ways to get involved in the community, and serving on the Board is one of them. When members step up, give their time, and share their experience, they help make Lakes of the North stronger for the future. Please consider serving.

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What Makes a Community Like Lakes of the North Successful?

Communities the size of Lakes of the North do not stay successful by accident.

With thousands of properties, multiple amenities, year-round operations, seasonal demands, maintenance projects, events, and daily member services all happening at the same time, it takes constant effort from a lot of people working together behind the scenes.

One of the biggest things that keeps a large association running well is having people who genuinely care about the community and take pride in the work they do. From the maintenance department and golf course staff to the administration office, restaurant, campground, and clubhouse staff, along with the support of the Board of Directors, every department plays a role in the member experience.

In recent years, Lakes of the North has also benefited from a skilled and experienced team of managers that have continued to focus on improving communication, strengthening operations, and creating a more service-oriented culture throughout the organization.

A successful association also has to think beyond just today. Daily operations matter, but long-term planning matters too.

Over the past several years, Lakes of the North has continued investing in amenities, infrastructure, equipment, and facility improvements across the community. Some of those projects are highly visible, while others happen quietly behind the scenes. Either way, they all contribute to maintaining and improving the overall experience for members and guests.

As communities grow and age, planning becomes more important. Equipment wears out, buildings require updates, and infrastructure needs ongoing attention. Communities that plan responsibly are better able to handle those long-term needs without losing sight of future improvements.

Communication is another major piece of the puzzle.

Members want to know what is happening in the community, where projects stand, and how decisions are being made. Over time, Lakes of the North has continued working toward better communication through blogs, project updates, town halls, financial reporting, social media, and member outreach.

But no association succeeds on staff and leadership alone.

Member involvement is one of the most important parts of building a strong community. Whether it is attending town halls, volunteering for events, serving on committees, supporting amenities and local activities, or simply being involved and informed, engaged members help shape the direction and culture of the community.

Some of the most successful events, improvements, and traditions at Lakes of the North have happened because members stepped forward with ideas, participation, and support. A community works best when people feel connected to it and invested in its future.

No community this large operates without challenges, differing opinions, or periods of disagreement. In organizations of this size, progress requires leadership that can stay focused on long-term stability and the overall good of the community, even during difficult conversations or changing circumstances.

A great community is built by people who choose cooperation over division and long-term progress over personal conflict.

Looking ahead, Lakes of the North continues to focus on maintaining strong operations, improving amenities, investing responsibly, and creating an environment where members feel welcomed and informed.

People choose to be part of communities like Lakes of the North for more than just the amenities. It is the friendships, traditions, events, volunteer involvement, and shared pride in the community that make this place special. Over time, those connections are what turn an association into a true community.

At the end of the day, the continued success of Lakes of the North comes from people who care about where they live, stay involved, support one another, and continue working together to build something meaningful for future generations.

Interested in getting involved in the community? Consider joining a committee! Please contact the Management Office at 231-585-6000 or sign into Member Central on the website for a list of committee chair contact information.

Thinking about running for the Board of Directors? Candidate packets are due back to the Management Office via email in PDF format no later than 5:00 PM on July 10, 2026. Please visit Member Central and the Association Documents page to access candidate packets and additional information.


 

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