My name is Katelyn, I’m a 31 year old Military Spouse and boy mom of 3! We moved to Big Lake from the Columbia Heights/Fridley burbs about 7 years ago when we were searching for a place to raise our little hooligans. We certainly found home in the City of Big Lake!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Alex and I have been married for nearly 11 years, and he’s served in the Army for almost 20. Woohoo for retirement! We have 3 sons, Michael 14, Luke 9 and John 8 who have attended Big Lake schools since we moved here in 2015. We are a HUGE hockey family and love camping and fishing. We have 2 dogs, Tank a German Shepard and Kira, a hound mix and two cats Bert & Honey. You’ll most often find us lounging in the garage shooting pucks & dancing IF we’re not at a hockey rink.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We LOVE Lake Cafe for breakfast, El Loro for dinner & Third Rail go everything in between!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past or future career plan. What do you/did you love most about it?
I have spent the last 10 years in the construction industry from residential storm repair and building/remodeling. Most recently I have moved into electric utility construction with Xcel Energy. I think I’ll finish out my career here because I love working with laborers in the trades – they’re down to earth, respectable individuals who pride themselves on hard work & ethics. I live by these same values and I love that my strong independent personality doesn’t offend them either. LOL
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We’ve lived in Big Lake for just shy of 7 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I’ve met so many community members, each of them interesting in their own way. But I’d have to choose Lolli @ Third Rail – as a female bar owner/operator she’s tough as nails and I adore her.
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?
2 dogs, Tank German Shepard Kira Hound mix and two cats Bert & Honey
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV Shows?
Virgin River, Dead to Me, LetterKenny & Queen of the South
Q: What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season?
Christmas is my favorite holiday because I get to see all of my extended family and winter = hockey . But my favorite season is summer because I love being outside and near a body of water!
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Soak up all of the amazing things this community has to offer – walk around the lake, visit the numerous small businesses. Pull up a chair to music in the park or participate in all the family friendly activities. This small community is so giving, helpful and inclusive and we’re so happy to call Big Lake home!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To take the 2+ week train tour through Europe with my husband.
Q: What is your favorite current or former business in our community?
Evelyn Eve Design Co – Maddie Thomas is a creative badass and one of the most amazing mommas I know!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
How close knit everyone is – willing to lend a hand, piece of advice and/or piece of equipment. It’s just refreshing in the times we live in.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully owning more land in this beautiful town!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
The inspiration behind the reason I volunteer – I volunteer to stay involved with my boys and their friends but the inspiration comes from my time in community education/sports and community programs such as the Ambassador Program Jr Queen Columbia Heights 1998-99 & Aquatennial Jr Princess 1999-2000 is why I want to be involved. To give back just as those who gave back when I was a child. So many incredible memories came from spending time with all of them.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My sons, and my husband! They’ve supported me through some very challenging times in my life and if I can lift someone up the way they’ve done for me – well the world is just a better place because I have them.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of Big Lake?
inclusive, tranquil & friendly
