Northport Trading post

We are a gift/rock shop in rural Northern Mi. We aspire to inspire the public on our area with local resources. There is so much more!

 Our goal isnt just "buy a building." It would be to create a long-term family business campus that generates multiple income streams and builds equity for decades. The property is nearly 8 acres with an existing commercial building and established destination history. �

Phase 1 – Acquire the Property
Goal
Secure ownership while preserving enough working capital to grow.
Purchase Bells of Christmas property
Form the holding LLC structure
Establish ownership percentages
Keep Northport Trading Post financially healthy during transition
Create written partnership agreements before closing
Success looks like:
Property owned
Cash reserves intact
No confusion about ownership

Phase 2 – Move Northport Trading Post
Goal
Turn the location into a destination, not just a store.
Expand retail footprint
Increase stone and fossil inventory
Create dedicated classroom space
Build jewelry and ring-making area
Add puzzle production area
Improve parking and visitor flow
Success looks like:
More visitors staying longer
Higher average sale per customer
More class bookings

Phase 3 – Create the Education Center
Goal
Become Northern Michigan's premier hands-on rock and lapidary learning destination.
Daily rock polishing classes
Family workshops
Homeschool programs
Summer youth programs
School field trips
Retirement community outreach
Traveling class program
Success looks like:
Classes generating revenue every week
NTP recognized as the place to learn about Michigan stones

Phase 4 – Manufacturing & Production
Goal
Make products instead of only reselling products.
Lake Effect Puzzle Company
Full puzzle production
Custom puzzles
Wholesale accounts
Northport Inlays
Leland Blue rings
Petoskey rings
Corporate gifts
Custom orders
Lapidary Services
Stone cutting
Drilling
Polishing
Tumbling services
Success looks like:
25–40% of revenue comes from products we make ourselves.

Phase 5 – Outdoor Experience Area
Goal
Use the acreage to create attractions.
Ideas:
Rock hunting trail
Geological walk
Petoskey identification stations
Demonstration area
Outdoor classes
Picnic area
Treasure hunt headquarters
Success looks like:
Families spend hours on-site instead of minutes

Phase 6 – Event Destination
Goal
Become a regional attraction.
Host:
Rock shows
Lapidary demonstrations
Artist weekends
Fossil events
Kids' discovery days
Seasonal festivals
Success looks like:
People planning trips around our events

Phase 7 – Revenue Diversification
Goal
Never depend on one income source.
Target:
Revenue Source
Target
Retail Store
25%
Classes
20%
Jewelry & Rings
15%
Puzzle Company
15%
Lapidary Services
10%
Events
10%
Wholesale/Online
5%

Phase 8 – Legacy & Wealth Building
Goal
Create a property that supports our family long after we are done working.
Property appreciates
Building paid off
Businesses pay rent to holding company
Family members can participate
Potential future expansion buildings
Retirement income through property ownership
Success looks like:
The property becomes worth substantially more than today's purchase price.
The real estate generates wealth even when we are  not actively working.

One-Sentence Vision
"Transform the Bells of Christmas property into Northern Michigan's premier rock, fossil, lapidary, education, and family discovery destination while building a valuable real estate asset for future generations."
Of all these goals, we would focus the first 24 months on just three:
Buy the property.
Move and expand Northport Trading Post.
Build the education/class business.
Those three alone could create the cash flow needed to fund everything else.