Most businesses are nothing without the dedication and reliability of hard-working employees. Northwoods Bird Dogs is no different.

Three years ago, Jerry and I took a big step when we decided that we couldn’t do it all ourselves anymore. The business had grown, thankfully, and to serve our clients in the way we wanted to, Jerry needed help with training and kennel chores.

Through the grapevine we heard about Zac Colton, who was 15 years old at the time. After meeting and talking to Zac and his parents (and his parents checking us out, too!), we hired him. Zac lives about 15 miles away on a hobby farm with four horses and a couple of dogs. Now a high school senior, he is involved with basketball and golf.

We feel extremely fortunate that Zac has returned each summer to work for us.

Our neighbor, Jeff Hintz, comes over three days a week to help.  He’ll do anything but his main job is as shooter. He works for free access to our wireless home network so after work each day he stops by the house and downloads whatever he needs to his iPad. 

Jeff is retired from a successful career in the Twin Cities and who, along with his friend, Ron Watson, has owned a chunk of Pine County land for 25 years. The two are avid grouse and woodcock hunters and spend a good share of their summers and falls as our neighbors at their hunting lodge.

Thank you, Zac and Jeff!