Lynn Minturn has been the President of the Hartland Chamber of Commerce since 2004. She develops and guides an active program aimed at providing business services for their membership. Lynn is also improving business-civic conditions and coordinating large-scale community events such as The Wall That Heals, which was just in Hartland. She came to the Hartland Chamber with a background in financial services and marketing, having worked for US Bank and Morgan Stanley earlier in her career.
About Lynn Minturn
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Sam (affectionately known as the Chamber Cabana Boy for his many volunteer hours spent helping out at Chamber events) and I have been married for 37 years. I met him while selling him an engagement ring for someone else. Let’s just say I came with the return policy!
Our son, Erikray, married two years ago and we now also have a wonderful daughter-in-law, Kenzie. I’ve heard before that parents don’t like it when kids become capable of running their own lives because it means we just become spectators in the next journey of their lives. While that might be true, what a privilege it is to watch this next great adventure unfold for them! They currently reside in Florida and it is such a treat to visit them in this beautiful state. On the home front, we continue to host a frog named Milo who was brought home as a school project over 20 years ago as a barely-able-to-see tadpole, and two cats – Mia and Leinie.
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?
Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce – I worked for US Bank close to 15 years on the non-affiliate data processing side. In 1999, the bank chose to get out of that arena, so I set my sights on obtaining my license with Morgan Stanley. I spent two weeks training on the 61st floor of the World Trade Center, just six short months before the bombing. That unfortunate chapter in our history meant my career with Morgan Stanley was cut short.
I feel like the Hartland Chamber of Commerce ultimately chose me when the timing was right. I had decided to look for part-time work to accommodate my son’s schedule. He was performing with The Fireside Theater at the time, and I needed to get him to rehearsals and performances. What started as a temporary, part-time job turned into my next career as I realized it suited my skill set, my initiative and my work ethic. The chance to build strong, professional relationships along with invaluable opportunities to engage with the community triggered a subconscious desire for volunteering and fostering connections.
Looking back, I realize that need to connect started when I was very young. Sitting in an audience watching a magician perform, I deftly grabbed by brother’s reluctant hand to pull him up on stage when the magician asked for volunteers – I mean, doesn’t everyone want to volunteer? Not surprisingly, my brother wasn’t very happy with me but I was subconsciously on the path to my calling. For many years, I volunteered for Ducks Unlimited, helping raise funds to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North American waterfowl. Even if I didn’t realize it at the time, these periods in my life were already pointing me towards advocating in something I believe in and am passionate about. These past 20 years have been about the Hartland community.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Spearheading events like The Wall That Heals and the inaugural stops from the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, satiates my passion of cultivating community events and programs that can be appreciated by all ages. Also, the possibility of connecting B2B and B2C is exhilarating. The ability to proactively identify a partnership and see it materialize is a satisfying end to any day.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
I was the first in my family to go to college. Not having anyone to emulate ultimately allowed me to determine how I was going to respond to challenges along the way. It wasn’t so much difficult as it was empowering. Accepting the challenge, responding to the failure or reveling in the success was an excellent self-study. Those lessons continue to benefit me as I navigate challenges but also prepare for the very real possibility of exceeding expectations.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Bringing creative solutions into my work. I am constantly finessing ideas and twisting them on their head to find a new way to do something old. The discovery of what might be possible is intriguing to me.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
The big achievement for the Hartland Chamber this year was applying for and being one of only 33 communities from across the country chosen to host The Wall That Heals. Seeing the response to this event, with an estimated 10,000 people attending, invigorates me and excites me about possibilities for future programs.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
A door closes, a window opens. Everything happens for a reason. Think outside the box. We’ve all heard these cliche statements and perhaps uttered them a time or two ourselves. However, there is a fair amount of validity to them. If you want a career that exposes you to hundreds of businesses and thousands of people, you don’t need to always take a straight route. Use your head but don’t forget to also listen to your heart. Every job, every interaction, every opportunity will lead you on a path. It might not be the one you envisioned but it can be the one you embrace. And, always, always know your worth. If you are questioning a job because you are feeling disillusioned, ask yourself, “What can I change to make this work for me?” If there is no answer, it’s time to move on.
Lynn Minturn & 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!)
Gosh, there are so many things that are uniquely Hartland that many people just aren’t aware of or simply take for granted. The Village of Hartland was the very first official Ice Age Trail Community. They also had the very first splash pad in Waukesha County. For a while, the Village of Hartland was the only community in Waukesha County to host the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. The Village of Hartland has one of the first regional live theaters in Lake Country. They were the only host site in the entire state of Wisconsin to host The Wall That Heals in 2024.
The Village of Hartland has four thriving industrial and business parks. Manufacturing companies in these parks have quickly become some of the largest employers in the area and continue to grow, seeking qualified talent for their operations. The Hartland Chamber of Commerce offers travel opportunities around the world that are open to the public. It’s obvious that the Village, local business and the Hartland Chamber dedicate an immense amount of time to make great things happen in Hartland.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
I love Lake Country Nixon Park Beer Garden. I don’t even drink beer but seeing the community come out in droves for music, refreshments, splash pad, fishing, pickleball and ball games is astounding. In fact, you can’t go wrong with any business in Hartland. The Village boasts small town charm with a sundry of urban conveniences available. But quaint doesn’t equate to old-fashioned. The successful mix of industrial, manufacturing, commercial, retail and service businesses located within the Village limits, affords Hartland a strong and thriving business climate. Many historic buildings still exist downtown.
In recent years the facades have been stripped of decades-old paint and questionable exterior coverings, and redone to highlight the historic character of each building while still retaining the charm of the community. A three-story building with indoor parking co-exists beautifully with an early 20th century structure flanking it, through an amalgamation of monochromatic paint schemes. The Village is, dare I say, pretty. It’s delightful to spend time at our coffee shops, restaurants, playhouse, shops, library, parks or whatever draws you here. Such is the essence of Hartland – the best in hometown amenities with metropolitan conveniences.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Vibrant, Scenic, Supportive.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve been in a movie – Mr. 3000. I am an official Antarctica Ambassador. I was a part of a synchronized swimming team and a competition curling team LONG before either became Olympic sports though there is no question I wouldn’t have qualified for either! Also, I constantly dabble in DIY projects. When I look at something, I like to take it apart visually and try to figure out how I can first make it, and then make it my own. I also enjoy the art and science behind making an interesting cocktail.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
What A Wonderful World sung by the great Louis Armstrong. I can’t help but feel nostalgic.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
The next generation and all those that follow. Demonstrating enthusiasm and dedication in everything we do. Fostering a love for learning and education. Modeling acceptable behavior while remaining true to one’s self. Providing mentorship that might help someone achieve their goals. I think it’s human nature to want even better for the next generation.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
A lemon drop martini. A little sweet with a zesty kick.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Travel has always been a part of my bucket list and I’ve been enormously fortunate to have traveled around the world. Hitting all seven continents is a bucket list dream. Having been able to travel to Antarctica in 2022, leaves just Australia remaining on the list, so who knows? I might need to start a new bucket list.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
My family, of course, but also having a purpose. Whether it’s my job, being a good person, volunteering, crossing things off my bucket list or just finding joy in the day, I feel validated at the end of the week for a job well-done if I had a goal and purpose.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Find the happy in life and never say never.
Where to Find Lynn Minturn
Email: chamberdirector@hartland-wi.org
Phone: (262) 367-7059
www.hartland-wi.org
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
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