In 1983, Susan began sewing prototypes for the 1986 Steger International North Pole Expedition with her own designs and patterns. The success of the expedition led others to inquire about her garments, especially the anorak. It soon became her signature item of the apparel line called Wintergreen Northern Wear.  Her Swedish heritage and love for the outdoors is reflected in her Nordic designs.   

Kristen moved to Ely in 2001 after living in Mountain View, Missouri. She loves the Boundary Waters and the local restaurants. She has 3 "furry children" - 2 dogs, Beau and Gimli, and Nymeria Nagini Dracarys, the cat.

The Northwind Coat is Kristen's favorite garment - "I've had mine for 9 years now!"

Kristen has worked at Wintergreen for 2 years and loves her co-workers. She recommends that everyone ask for a tour of our production area when they visit.

Sola is from Tower, MN, and has lived there most of her life. She loves the area because she can take a short walk from her house and be surrounded by forest. Her favorite Wintergreen garment is the Trail Shorts – “I basically live in them.”

Sola has worked at Wintergreen for 1 year, and loves it because everyone is fun to work with. Her recommendation to customers – “Always ask us questions, and we’ll help you find what fits your needs.”

Originally from Babbitt, MN, Dave moved to the Twin Cities right out of high school and worked in the record business for 20 years. Tired of the stress of city life, Dave returned to Babbitt and has been back for 16 years. 

One of Dave's biggest jobs is cutting the rolls of fabric into clothing-sized pieces. He finds the hardest thing to cut is the Baby Booties because "they're made of extremely small, curved cuts."

Dave has 13+ years of experience with Wintergreen, and loves it because every day is a new day with new challenges.

Originally from Richfield, MN, Marlene has lived in Ely for almost 40 years and has worked for Wintergreen for over 17 years. She loves Ely for its pine trees and lakes. She likes sewing anoraks and the process of figuring out how to put garments together. She's the owner of the "best dog on the planet"- Jimmy.

Michele is originally from Hibbing, Minnesota and moved to Ely in 1975. She loves Ely because of its beautiful northern lights, it's peace and quiet, and the wonderful winter sports such as snowmobiling and cross country skiing. Michele has 2 English Springer Spaniels, 3 kids, and 7 grandkids.

Michele has worked for Wintergreen for two years and loves the family atmosphere and the satisfaction of making garments that others can enjoy. 

Originally from the Twin Cities area in Minnesota, Diane is starting her third year here in Ely. She enjoys being in the woods and her lake view. 

Diane has been working at Wintergreen for 2 years, and loves working for a company that produces a great product. Her recommendations for customers - "Buy a Shell Anorak, it's perfect for layering!"

Sarah is from Wisconsin, and has lived in Ely for 8 years. She loves having the wilderness at her back door and living in a small town community with the charm of local stores. She has 1 retired sled dog, a rescue cat, 4 rabbits and 5 chickens.

She enjoys working with a good crew and in a great environment which she says is "truly made in America!"

Bria is the oldest daughter of Paul and Susan Schurke and enjoys helping out with the family business when she can. If she's not out leading mountaineering expeditions in Alaska or scaling big walls in Yosemite, you'll find her behind a desk trying to figure out how to resize images for the website. Some of you may have watched her grow up in the old paper catalogs. 

Michele grew up in Richfield, MN but has lived in Ely for almost 40 years. She likes living in Ely because it's a small town and close access to the outdoors.

Michele has worked at Wintergreen for 20 years because she gets do what she loves and has the satisfaction of making quality products. Her favorite product to make is the Shell Anorak.

Gina was born and raised in Ely. She loves the solitude and beauty of the northwoods. She has 2 sons, a daughter-in-law and a beautiful grand-daughter.

Gina has worked at Wintergreen for a little over a year. She loves that Wintergreen is a small, family run business where everyone's opinion matters. Her favorite garment is the original Expedition Fleece Anorak.

Originally from Arizona, Valarie has lived in Ely for 30 years. She loves life's pace here and enjoys getting out on the lake, paddling, and listening to the loons - "it's almost heaven." 

Valarie has worked on and off for Wintergreen for 25 years, doing a variety of jobs. She enjoys being in a creative and caring work place that focuses on thoughtful, functional, well made clothing that that inspire fun and adventure for all.

Mara grew up in Grand Marais and recently moved to Ely. She enjoys running trails, paddling her favorite lakes and enjoying a good book with coffee by the water. Having thoroughly explored the east side of the BWCA, she's excited to explore the west side. 

Mara is new to the Wintergreen family and loves that Wintergreen is made in MN but shares their passion, community and adventure throughout the world.

Originally from Columbia, Missouri, Sarah has lived in Ely for 2 years. She enjoys the seemingly untouched woods, the beautiful lakes and the small community. She has a chocolate lab named Bella and a sassy cat named Sagwa.

Sarah has worked at Wintergreen for 1 year and she loves that our garments are made here, by people who live here. She loves it when people send photos of their adventures - "I love to see where in the big world our garments have made it to!"

Mary-Jane is originally from Switzerland, and has lived in Ely for 14 years. She loves the nature here - the lakes, the woods and the ability to see all kinds of wildlife.

Mary-Jane is known as "The Inspector" around Wintergreen - she's been inspecting each garment for quality for 8 years. Her favorite part? - "I get to see our garments made from beginning to finish, I know exactly who makes them."

Kellen grew up in Biwabik, MN and recently moved back to the area this year. He enjoys living in Ely because it has easy access the best Wilderness Area in the Country, the BWCA. He has 1 dog named Coyha that looks like a Dingo.

Kellen wore Wintergreen as a child and loves that he now works for the brand. He is excited to see where it will go in the future!