From staff reports
Late this past winter, David Gersenson acquired the Sylvan Inn. The founder and former owner of Door to Door Organics, which provides home delivery of organic and natural foods, moved three years ago with wife Theresa and their two children from Nederland, Colo., to nearby Cedar. Gersenson just completed his second Glen Arbor hotel acquisition within five months.
We talked with him in mid-July about taking over the Glen Arbor Lakeshore Inn.
Glen Arbor Sun: Do you plan to make any changes or updates to the Lakeshore Inn?
David Gersenson: For sure! The coffee has already been changed to a local organic coffee, from Leelanau Coffee Roasters, and we will be offering tea from Great Lakes Tea and Spice. We are working on getting more environmentally friendly supplies and cleaners. The website has been static for several years and, along with the Sylvan Inn, will have a new website by the end of the year. Currently, reservations are being taken by hand, recorded in a log. We’d like to get that automated ASAP. If it’s permitted and feasible, maybe a continental breakfast. The first thing that we’re going to do this off-season is give the rooms a little more character, different colored linens and blankets as well as painting the walls a different color. Right now everything is white.
Sun: Will the Lakeshore Inn complement the Sylvan Inn in any way, or is this a totally different market?
Gersenson: The two entities will most certainly work hand in hand. We are already seeing the benefits. For example, tonight we were full at the Sylvan and were able to send walk-in guests down to the Lakeshore. We ran out of coffee and cream yesterday and the Sylvan was able to make an early-morning delivery to ensure guests could get their morning Joe. A lot of guests that visit Glen Arbor have never stayed in a B&B. Today some guests came in because that couldn’t get a spot at DH Day campground. They were a little uncomfortable with the only room we had, which was a room with a shared bath. So we took a walk down to the Lakeshore. After looking at both options they decided to try something new and go with the Sylvan.
Sun: What can you tell me about the transaction? How much? Were other partners involved?
Gersenson: The transaction went about as smooth as a real estate transaction can go. Working with Dan and Ann Wiesen was a pleasure as was the case with our realtors, Steve Scheppe and Peter Fisher. We both had the same end goal in mind. The one snag that came up was the appraisal came in low and the bank was not going to be able to provide the financing that we were going to need. The Wiesens stepped up and offered owner financing. The Lakeshore was purchased on a land contract for the same exact price as the Sylvan was back in February. We don’t have any partners; it’s just my wife Theresa and me.
Sun: Who will manage the Lakeshore Inn?
Gersenson: I don’t have the answer to this question at this point in time. I will be a hands-on owner and part of any change that takes place. My innkeepers at the Sylvan Inn, Allison Nesbitt and Benji Popa, will be instrumental in helping in the transition as well.
