“From California to Lake Benton: A Journey of Community and Commerce”

"From California to Lake Benton: A Journey of Community & Commerce"

Bill and Kelly Bolt, originally from California, found themselves in Lake Benton, Minnesota, owning a grocery store—a journey sparked by Bill's career path into law enforcement. Recognizing Minnesota's esteemed law enforcement academy in Alexandria, they made the move eastward, albeit briefly returning to California before settling back in. Bill's career led them through Winnebago, Worthington, and eventually to Minneota, where he has worked for the past 14 years.

Kelly, with a background in retail including significant stints at Walmart and Brad’s Market in Minneota, discovered an opportunity in Lake Benton. Walking past the town's historic grocery store, she saw it was up for sale. That evening, she shared her aspiration with Bill, and in 2019, they sealed the deal, finalizing the purchase on March 3, 2020—just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the challenging timing, the pandemic turned out to be a boon for Bolt’s Grocery, as local support surged with residents opting to shop nearby. This backing allowed Kelly to implement her vision for the store, focusing on freshly baked goods and expanding their offerings to include a variety of homemade products.

The couple's commitment extends beyond commerce. They reside in an apartment attached to the store, balancing Bill's duties as Minneota's police chief with their joint management of the grocery. Their store isn't just a business; it's a community hub where customer service reigns supreme. They emphasize a personal touch, getting to know their customers and tailoring their offerings to meet local needs.

Their dedication to the community is mirrored in their support for their employees—27 strong, spanning ages 14 to their 70s, including two skilled meat cutters. The Bolts foster a family-oriented environment, providing mentorship and opportunities for growth, especially to younger team members.

Looking forward, Bill plans to retire from law enforcement, dedicating more time to the store. They are also expanding their business with plans for a coffee house, envisioning a space not just for beverages but for socializing and community engagement.

Through setbacks like equipment failures and operational challenges, their resolve remains unshaken. They express immense gratitude to the community and local development agencies like the Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC) for their support, crucial in keeping their store thriving. The Bolt’s were able to secure a P.A.C.E. (Property Assessed Clean Energy) loan allowing them to replace the HVAC in the building along with refrigeration shades. The store had limited heat throughout most of last winter. The couple says working with the SRDC was actually a very easy process and look forward to a warmer atmosphere in the store this winter.

For Bill and Kelly Bolt, Lake Benton isn't just a location; it's home—a place where their journey from California natives to small-town business owners has truly come full circle.

For more information regarding the PACE Loans head over to the Southwest Regional Development Commission’s website: SRDC Southwest Regional Development Commission | Slayton MN (swrdc.org)