Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Meloche.
Hi Joe, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My brother and I and our families travelled to Missouri to stay at Bull Shoals and enjoy the Ozarks. We have been staying at vacation rentals since we were children, so we rented a beautiful place on a quiet bend in the lake. Though the views were incredible and house was in excellent shape, we noticed certain things were missing. No coffee filters? No area for the kids to play while the adults played cards? That day we chose to create an experience rather than a business. Anticipate everything people want and deliver it in different packages and locations, but with reliable consistency.
We all had full-time jobs and weren’t rich by any stretch of the imagination, so we bought distressed properties and used vacation time, imagination, and lots of sweat to polish two forgotten gems and re-introduce them to the Schuss Mountain area. They were well-received and have become annual destinations for dozens of families, so we used the profits to buy and overhaul more homes.
These days we’re building from scratch to ensure that every square inch of our vacation homes makes a memorable impression on every party we host.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
With distressed homes, appraisals are a challenge. We can look at a pile of rubble and see the Taj Mahal because we know what we can do, but that’s now how banks train appraisers. A pile of rubble is a pile of rubble. Many times, we’ve found ourselves providing lending institutions with wide, sweeping details on how this is the next Versailles, and typically met with a frown, but sometimes the loan we need to overhaul the next place. No offence to the lending institutions – we think you’re awesome and we love what you’ve done with your hair.
We’ve been impressed with Wheatley Properties LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The name “Wheatley” came from a cottage our family used to rent for vacations in Wheatley, Ontario when we were kids. My brother and I had a challenging childhood, so this cedar scented oasis where everyone got along and adventure ruled the day was a greatly anticipated reprieve each year. It meant everything to two Michigan kids not used to having good experiences.
This is our brand. Everyone can escape and have a great time or just chill and relax. There’s something for everyone and we’re always adding more. Magical memories come easy when you understand the rarity and importance of the experience.
We take the time to learn the coolest places in the area and we recommend those to our guests. From Bellaire to Harbor Springs, business owners hear “we’re here because the brothers sent us”.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
First of all, we know what renters need because we only rent homes on vacation – never hotels. When we like an amenity, we copy it but improve on it. When we’re in need of something, we make note and make sure our homes have that thing. More than anything, though, we’re always available 24/7 and know everything about the places we personally built, so can solve problems quickly and know the best place to get a pizza or a Manhattan.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.northernmichigancabin.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthernMichiganCabin
