Gil Knight Position: REALTOR® Gil Knight has been associated with Border Lakes Realty (formerly Kangas Realty) since 1999. He first came to Ely in 1965 as a 14 year old Boy Scout on a canoe trip and knew almost immediately this was to become his home! He worked as a guide at the Charles L. Sommers High Adventure Canoe Base on Moose Lake for 2 summers back in the late 60’s. In the 70’s and 80’s Gil worked for the Superior National Forest as a wilderness ranger in the BWCAW. Gil has also been a familiar voice on WELY radio off and on over the years as DJ, news director during Charles Kuralt’s ownership and morning show host. When called upon, Gil also serves as a Public Information Officer on National Emergency Management Teams. He has worked on forest fires, hurricanes, floods and other disasters across the nation. Gil currently serves on the Ely Planning and Zoning Commission, the Vermilion Community College Foundation board and the Ely Chamber of Commerce Merchant’s Committee. More about me

Joe Bowen Position: REALTOR® Joe Bowen has been happily married to Gloria for 35 years and has two grown children, Jory and Kai. They enjoy spending time at their cabin on Fall Lake where Joe has his garden and an endless list of "projects". Joe has worked as a substitute teacher and coach, business owner, carpenter, resort manager, insurance agent and employment counselor. Having recently retired from AEOA, Joe is putting all his energy into real estate. His two summers as a timber cruiser for the U.S. Forest Service and one as surveyor's assistant gives Joe a great background in evaluating land and determining property lines for sales. Joe's continued love of Northern Minnesota and his work background provide a highly educated and knowledgeable sales associate for those looking to buy or sell real estate! More about me

Mark Larson Position: Broker-Owner / Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser Mark joined Border Lakes Realty (formerly Kangas Realty) in 1992 and purchased the business in October of 1996. Mark is a MN Licensed Realty Estate Appraiser. He has a degree in Natural Resource Wildlife Management and has experience working in the outdoors formerly with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the MN DNR. He has lived in the Ely area since 1985, and resides on Wolf Lake with his wife and three children. All of Mark's experience paddling the B.W.C.A., love for the outdoors, and enjoyment in working with people makes him a perfect fit for all your real estate needs. More about me

Peggy Hartshorn Position: REALTOR® Peggy is new to the Border Lakes Realty team but not to Ely. Peggy has been one of the “lucky ones” to have been born and had the chance to stay in Ely. She is truly a “local girl”. Her and husband Dale, have raised their three (now grown) children – Heidi, Hollee and Dale here and love the fact they all live in Ely again. Peggy and Dale enjoy spending their free time with their 5 (soon to be 6) grandchildren and love the summer days they spend at the family cabin on Burntside Lake. Peggy spent many years waitressing in the area so has had the chance to meet many people. She looks forward to helping you with your real estate needs. So if you are looking to buy or want to sell, stop in or call Peggy at Border Lakes Realty. More about me

Wendy Johnson Position: REALTOR® Wendy Johnson made this area home shortly after her first trek in the Boundary Waters as a teenager. Initially she taught in the Boundary Waters Special Education Cooperative (then, Tower-Ely-Babbitt/Embarrass schools). In 1982, she co-founded and co-operated Kasson Mfg., Inc /Babbitt until its sale in the Spring 2005. In overseeing national/international sales, marketing and customer service departments, Wendy embedded the philosophy of “keep it simple for the customer to do business, while delivering the best product” a philosophy she has continued to carry through into her real estate transactions. Wendy brings personal experience in home and business real estate transactions along with 23 years of knowledge in the wood industry. Currently she is developing on one of the area’s wilderness lakes. With a creative imagination and a keen eye for detail and decorating, Wendy can envision most properties to their fullest potential. More about me