Samuel Cote serves as Executive Director of the Cote Family Companies two children’s camps – Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert. He is responsible for the general management and oversight of Camp operations which he has served for 40 years. At a young age, Cote was instilled with a love for the camping business. His father, Brownie Cote, purchased the Camps in 1923, and Cote has been actively involved from his years as a young camper to his present leadership position.

Cote is an active member of both the American Camp Association and the Association of Independent Camps, serving both organizations in various leadership roles both locally and nationally. For nearly 30 years, Cote has been a member of the Edina Rotary Club. He graduated from Colgate University majoring in Political Science and Economics.

sam@lincoln-lakehubert.com

Paul Gustafson serves as General Manager of the Tanque Verde Ranch and the Bellota Ranch where he is responsible for the management of Ranch resort operations. Gustafson has been with Tanque Verde Ranch for 17 years and previously held management positions in operations, programs, and recreation.

Gustafson holds a Masters degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, a Bachelors degree in Organizational Management from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, and a Food and Beverage Certification from Northern Arizona University. He is a member of both the Society of Human Resource Professionals and the Tucson Professional Recruiters.

gus@tvr.com

Mark Ronnei serves as General Manager of Grand View Lodge resort where he is responsible for the management of Resort operations and represents the Company in the areas of planning and permitting for new developments and projects. Ronnei has been with Grand View Lodge for 30 years and previously held management positions in sales, development, real estate, and resort operations. In 2006, Mark was named Minnesota Resorter of the Year in recognition for his contributions to the industry.

Ronnei has been actively involved in City and County steering committees, specifically those related to the resort industry and land development. A strong advocate for encouraging children to read, Ronnei founded the Enhanced Reading Foundation to provide funds for books in every classroom at the local Elementary School.

Ronnei serves on the Board of Directors of Northern National Bank, Brainerd Community Foundation, Bridges of Hope, the Minnesota Chamber, and the Nisswa Enhanced Reading Foundation. He is also a member of the Community Budget Committee for Independent School District 181. Ronnei attended both Southwest State University and Cornell University.

mark.ronnei@grandviewlodge.com

Valorie Knudsen serves as Chief Financial Officer of Cote Family Companies where she is responsible for the oversight of financial management and accounting functions, information technology, and human resources. Knudsen has 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, holding top-level finance management positions in companies including Carlson Companies (including Carlson Travel), NRG Energy, Inc. and Opus Corporation. Her industry experience includes hospitality and travel, independent power generation, real estate development, property management, and manufacturing.

Knudsen is a Certified Public Accountant with over seven years of experience in public accounting, including three years with Grant Thornton in Minneapolis. Knudsen is a member of Financial Executives International (FEI) and of the Minnesota State Society of CPA’s. She was recently a board member of HIRED, a non-profit organization in Minneapolis dedicated to helping the disadvantaged find and maintain meaningful jobs.

Knudsen graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Bemidji State University in northern Minnesota.

val.knudsen@grandviewlodge.com

Christy Clay serves as Director of Real Estate and Development of Cote Family Companies where she is responsible for the direction and administration of Grand View Real Estate and Etoc Development, as well as new business, public relations, and real estate marketing. Prior to joining Cote Family Companies, Clay served as the Director of Real Estate for Odyssey Development, a leader in fractional vacation homes.

A licensed Realtor since 1991, Clay is a member of the Greater Lakes Association of Realtors, Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors, the Minnesota Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors.

Clay’s previous experience includes managing all marketing and financial aspects for three small businesses in Northeastern Minnesota. She developed effective marketing strategies on a limited budget that resulted in significant growth for each business. Prior to that, Clay served as a marketing consultant specializing in real estate and finance. She started her real estate career upon graduation from college and has worked at Empire Management, The Shelard Group, and United Properties in Minneapolis. Clay holds a B.A in Human Development from Colorado State University.

christy.clay@grandviewlodge.com