Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Irving. Them and their team share their story with us below:
It was time to settle down and start a life. “Aim High,” they said in the United States Air Force, precisely what Theresa and Chris Irving did. As members of the Air Force, they experienced life worldwide, living in places like England, Japan, and Korea; experiences shaped their lives and brought them to a place of purpose, helping and serving others. After a combined 37 years of military service, it was time to settle down and build a life with family and friends in Oceana County, Theresa’s hometown. Their first venture was to open their own business and do things their way, with their mission and values in mind. The business was Sands Restaurant in Silver Lake, Michigan, which opened just two days after COVID-19 hit the world, something no one could have predicted. But the Irving’s knew what to do. They pivoted to a seasonal business model, open only during peak times of the year. This pivot drove sales to $1 million in 24 months, an incredible accomplishment during a struggling economy. It also allowed them to pay off the restaurant and put them in a profitable position to sell. It took what they learned in business to their next venture: Duneberry Farms, a veteran-owned business that started from the ground up. It’s a 67-acre, u-pick berry farm, 18-basket disc golf course that includes a pro shop, agricultural technology for berry production, and working a technology piece to offer a chance for everyone to improve their disc golf game at the farm. Coming in 2023, pickleball courts serve the over 1.6 million guests visiting this area every year. Duneberry Farms’ mission is simply inspiring one person, one family, and one community at a time. Duneberry Farms–Growing memories.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
I was building something that no one else could see. The property was purchased in 2020 with thousands of downed trees, tops, and over 3000 stumps that had to be removed to place the disc golf course/pro shop/and parking lot. The work took a lot of special equipment and labor to turn a tree graveyard into a space for public use.
As you know, we’re big fans of Duneberry Farms. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
We provide a u-pick strawberry and blueberry experience and 18 disc golf basket course. We built a pro shop for disc golf and refreshment needs. We have provided a picnic area and a children’s play area to reconnect with yourself and others in nature. We are set apart from the other experience offered in Silver Lake by being the low-cost family-friendly option. Pickle Ball is coming in 2023! Also looking to add cross-country skiing in the winter of 2023. 9400 W Buchanan Rd, Shelby, MI 49455
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Duneberry Farms is a 67-acre multi-use destination place in the Lake Michigan area that focuses on three areas: Conservation/Nature: The farm includes four acres of blueberries and strawberries grown annually for guests to pick. We choose these two crops for the following reasons: strawberries for the low glucose index. Strawberries improve eye health and help with weight loss. Blueberries because they are the king of antioxidant foods; they are low in calories but high in nutrients. Blueberries reduce DNA damage which may help protect against aging and cancer. The farm will also include impressive nature paths, highlighting Michigan’s wildlife, trees, and plants that guests can explore. These nature paths will consist of strategically placed signage that tells the West Michigan conservation story and the importance of maintenance and care along the lakeshore.
The Sports Enthusiast: The farm includes a 22-acre 18-basket Disc Golf course, a booming industry that continues to grow yearly. Pickleball and cross country are coming in 2023.
Convenience/Comfort: The farm will include a 200-space parking area to help solve the parking issue in Silver Lake and reduce the traffic in town. Also, to ensure our guests are comfortable, the farm will provide food/drink deliveries and public restrooms to our over 1.6 million tourists visiting the area.
MISSION:
To inspire and nurture the human spirit: one experience, one family, and one community at a time.
VISION:
To become the most popular vacation destination in and around Lake Michigan and foster a love of the outdoors and fun.
Pricing:
- Disc Golf $5 to play a round
- Pickleball
- Berries
Contact Info:
- Website: http://duneberryfarms.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuneberryFarms
default
