Bear Lake Arctic Circle - Montpelier

Third-generation owners of Jensen Lumber in Ovid, brothers Kelly, Brad and John Jensen have each contributed their individual talents to their family-owned business in Bear Lake County. In the mid 90s, their father Bob Jensen was co-nominated by the Pocatello office of the  Idaho SBDC and the Eastern Idaho Development Corporation as the Idaho Small Business Person of the year, a title he won handily. The three brothers have continued their father's formula for business excellence, attested to by the niche market filled by products manufactured by Jensen Lumber.

However, the brothers also knew it was important to diversify. Employing the basics of sound market research, they asked themselves what type of business could survive, even thrive, in a small community where winters are long and tourists are scarce. The brothers agreed that a fast-food business would serve both the tourist trade and the local population and help them weather the slow winter months, so they decided to purchase an Arctic Circle franchise.

When researching fast-food chains, other franchisees expressed their satisfaction with the parent company's support and the brothers bought into Arctic Circle's philosophy of catering first to the local clientele, then to the tourist trade. Indeed, having weathered two winter seasons now, Kelly happily reports that the business is performing as projected, despite winter slow-downs.

During the research period, the Pocatello SBDC analyzed the financial information and projections, helping to validate the Jensens' Arctic Circle project. The Idaho SBDC also helped the brothers obtain a Small Business Administration 504 loan. This loan helped the Jensens construct the Arctic Circle building, equip the operation, pay professional fees and cover costs of interim financing.

Montpelier's Arctic Circle has created between 30 and 40 entry-level jobs (allowing for seasonal demands) in this rural community, 10 of which are full time. Building on two years of success in Montpelier, the brothers purchased an Arctic Circle in Kemmerer, Wyoming, that had fallen into bankruptcy and had shut its doors. Under the Jensens' ownership, it too is thriving.