John Heimsch grew up in West Bend, Wisconsin and spent summers on Big Cedar Lake and visiting their cabin on South Turtle Lake near Boulder Junction. His parents introduced he and his younger brother, Brian, to a wide variety of outdoor activities year-around, including boating and youth sailing on the lakes. He married Mindy in 1998 and moved to Lake Country, with their first apartment on Lac La Belle in Oconomowoc. They moved to Pewaukee in 2000, and have loved raising their three kids in the Pewaukee community.
About John Heimsch
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Mindy and I have been married for 24 years. We have 3 kids, Maddie, PJ and Charlie. All the kids work at our boat club as part of our 10 person staff.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I worked for 25 years in sales & marketing in the corporate world. The boat club was a professional passion starting in 2019 when I changed careers. Our boat club business was growing and we received an opportunity to run Smokey’s Musky Shop 3 years ago.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love serving the customers with both the Water’s Edge Boat Club and Smokey’s Muskie Shop, helping them enjoy their experience on the water. We strive to create fun and affordable access to Pewaukee Lake for the broader Lake Country community. I have lived in Lake Country since 1996.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
Owning a small business is a unique challenge. I’m responsible for every aspect of the business- inventory, marketing, employees, payroll, etc. Also, growing a community based business to bring more accessibility to families new to fishing.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Seeing family and friends enjoying time together creating memories, whether they are fishing or boating.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
We are celebrating Smokey’s 40th anniversary this year. There will be new apparel and celebrations starting late April.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Have a plan and never lose focus on the customer. Every experience is special. Be flexible with your plan, ask for feedback from customers, and be adaptable. Serve the community at large.
John Heimsch & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
I like how our community is very active. The active lifestyle, participation of the residents of the community, and service to others is tremendous.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Loie Laimon, she and her husband, John, started Smokey’s 40 years ago. She really created a business that meant something to the community as well as giving back to the community.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Gina’s Sports Dock, Artisan 179, and Curly’s Waterfront
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Service, participation, spirit, togetherness.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve competed in 26 Birkebeiner Ski marathons. I’m also a Milwaukee Bucks addict.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Mom and Dad inspired me with love of the outdoors and lake activities and growing up on Big Cedar Lake and getting me into boating and sailing.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Black coffee.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Ski the original Birkebeiner in Norway.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
My family and our time together.
Where to Find John Heimsch
Email: Heimsch@watersedgeboatclub.com
Phone: (262) 620-3075
Website: smokeysmusky.com
