Meet your Cook County Neighbor: Mitch Reaume
Mar 10, 2025 07:39AM ● By Editor
Images provided
A Boreal Community Media Exclusive - March 8, 2025
Mitch is the owner of Northern Goods and Twin Cities Print.
Can you share a bit about the "Gritty Giveback" and how that came to be?
Every business I've started has always been anchored around the idea that every business should fight for something beyond just profit. For me, having the opportunity to use our upstairs rental units to invest in people whose life exemplifies grit meant a lot and was something I could get excited about. So a few times a year, we gift a 3-night stay to some folks who check those boxes:
Where is your favorite go-to spot in the County where you go to relax and unwind?
This is a hard one. Artist's Point with our 2 year old. Java Moose. Any of the hiking trails in the area. Recently decided I'm pretty sure the Grand Portage National Monument is one of the coolest places ever. And just driving along Highway 61 on a nice day is one of my favorite things in the world.
What is the best advice you were ever given and how did that impact your life?
People are all that matter. I don't know who said it... but when things start getting really complicated, or heavy, or I just generally need a lift... I come back to this and feel really grounded. I'm really fortunate to have the best friends and family, and I love the people I work with and get to work for in my everyday 9 to 5 and love going to work because of it. When I pause for a second, I don't know that there's a lot more that actually matters at the end of the day... so whatever other stresses or things may be going on end up feeling pretty small.
Do you have any hobbies that you would like to share with the community?
I think winter camping in the BWCA is seriously underrated, and would love to see more folks get into that.
A Boreal Community Media Exclusive - March 8, 2025
Mitch is the owner of Northern Goods and Twin Cities Print.
How did you land in Cook County? What journey brought you here?
My wife and I have liked the North Shore as long as we've been married. Then one year I biked from Minneapolis to Grand Marais and that really cemented my love for it. So at one point I started focusing more of our printing business along the North Shore, printing drinkware and apparel for small businesses, half-jokingly so I could spend more time up here. But then it started becoming a real thing, and I ended up feeling as connected to the small business community up here, if not more so, than where our shop is actually located in the cities.
Who or what inspired you to start up your businesses? Any future plans for expansion?
10 years ago or so I got really sick of hearing story after story of all of the negative impacts that companies have on the world and began to obsess a little bit over what it looks like to see business used for good. One thing led to another, and I ended up falling in love with the world of small business and what they bring to communities. If I try to start anything new anytime soon, I need someone to come and take my keys away immediately.
Can you share a bit about the "Gritty Giveback" and how that came to be?
Every business I've started has always been anchored around the idea that every business should fight for something beyond just profit. For me, having the opportunity to use our upstairs rental units to invest in people whose life exemplifies grit meant a lot and was something I could get excited about. So a few times a year, we gift a 3-night stay to some folks who check those boxes:
- Gritty Families: A family that has been through it, but keeps on keeping on.
- Gritty Small Businesses Owners: Someone that meaningfully builds and gives back to their community through their small business.
- Gritty Teacher: Hot take… All teachers are gritty. They’re inherently underpaid and underappreciated.
Where is your favorite go-to spot in the County where you go to relax and unwind?
This is a hard one. Artist's Point with our 2 year old. Java Moose. Any of the hiking trails in the area. Recently decided I'm pretty sure the Grand Portage National Monument is one of the coolest places ever. And just driving along Highway 61 on a nice day is one of my favorite things in the world.
What is the best advice you were ever given and how did that impact your life?
People are all that matter. I don't know who said it... but when things start getting really complicated, or heavy, or I just generally need a lift... I come back to this and feel really grounded. I'm really fortunate to have the best friends and family, and I love the people I work with and get to work for in my everyday 9 to 5 and love going to work because of it. When I pause for a second, I don't know that there's a lot more that actually matters at the end of the day... so whatever other stresses or things may be going on end up feeling pretty small.
I think winter camping in the BWCA is seriously underrated, and would love to see more folks get into that.
Related article:
After 14 years, Stone Harbor in Grand Marais will change hands this December: An interview with new owner Mitch ReaumeDo you know of someone who would be a great addition to our "Meet your Cook County Neighbor" series? If so, please send their email address to [email protected]!
