When Tom Jacob started Bay to Bay Boat Club twenty-five years ago, it was the start of a business but nowhere near the beginning of his love of lake life. Tom’s grandfather owned a resort in northern Minnesota for over 30 years. “I grew up being a lake rat,” he says. Attending college in Montana, Tom continued to pursue his outdoor interests with a Fisheries and Biology degree and then started a business with a friend renting out boats and jet skis. He then worked at a marina manufacturing company before starting Bay to Bay on Lake Minnetonka. Lake life is in his DNA.
“I was always going to do something related to water,” he says.
Bay to Bay has the unique and impressive designation of being the longest independently owned boat club in the country. For a seasonal business that is at the mercy of both a fluctuating economy and fickle Minnesota weather, Tom has not just persevered. He has flourished. “The further along I go, the more committed I am to helping people appreciate Lake Minnetonka. It’s a great natural gift and should not be taken for granted. We all want to enjoy the lake, but we also need to be part of taking care of it.”
Boat club membership at Bay to Bay is full service. Think private country club atmosphere but with boats. Membership is offered at two tiers. Either a twelve-use package or an unlimited package. This includes the use of a variety of boats depending on need. Deck boats for date night. Pontoons for large family gatherings. Bags, coolers, and everything under the sun receive valet service on and off the boat. Members are educated during a 3-hour behind-the-wheel training, ensuring not only their familiarity and comfort driving but, most importantly, their safety when out on the water. Bay to Bay boasts a perfect safety record, and Tom intends to keep it that way.
“Safety is as important to me as customer service. Boats can be replaced. People can’t,” Tom says.
People are central to what Tom loves most about his business. He says the best part of his career is being able to welcome everyone each season. “I have loved being able to provide fun for people in this atmosphere. I love to visit with customers. I’ve met some amazingly interesting people. Have gotten to know their families. Watched their families grow up. Boating is the perfect way to make family memories. You have a captive audience!”
Loyalty between Tom and his customers goes both ways. Dave and Susan Roberts have been members since day one. They began taking their three young daughters out, and now their boating brood has grown to include their adult daughters, spouses, and grandchildren.
Dave says, “Bay to Bay has become the definition of our Minnesota summer with family.” From family outings to cocktail cruises with friends to book club meetings on the water, it has provided hours of lake time for the Roberts. Susan says, “We didn’t grow up as boaters, but it has been a gift to just go out and enjoy the lake all these years with minimal effort.”
While Bay to Bay is a deliberately small business, the contributions to the local community live large. Tom gives back through supporting Fourth of July fireworks, sponsoring local community events, and supporting youth sports and high school teams. He is particularly involved in Minnetonka Public Schools, where many of his summer employees attend. Hiring and training these young people has brought him a lot of joy.
“I’ve always wanted to be a good role model and be able to mentor kids. The students I hire are not just working a job but training for adult life. They show up at fifteen or sixteen years old, and to watch them mature and grow, it really makes my heart so happy.”
“I am also very thankful for my wife Barb. She has been incredibly supportive since we do not get to spend a lot of time together during the summer months.”
Even though Bay to Bay celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the sun is not setting on this story. It’s yet another milestone to build upon because Tom’s investment in the lake and fans of the lake continues to thrive. “I’m still having fun. And I’m not nearly done looking forward to welcoming and catching up with my customers. They aren’t just customers. They are friends.”
I have loved being able to provide fun for people in this atmosphere. I love to visit with customers. I’ve met some amazingly interesting people. Have gotten to know their families. Watched their families grow up. Boating is the perfect way to make family memories.