Lawson House

BED & BREAKFAST

How long have you been in business?

We started operating the B&B in July 2015. The previous owners ran it as a B&B for about 8 years before that.

How did you get started?

“I had no intention of buying a bed-andbreakfast ever in my life, not on my radar, not something I ever thought I would do,” said Monica Tennie.

In 2011, my husband, Bill, died from cancer. I went to a grief support group and met Helen Skiba, whose husband, Tom, also died from cancer. “Our husbands passed away six weeks apart.” We became good friends.

During one of their conversations, Skiba told Tennie that her friends stayed at The Lawson House Bed and Breakfast while they were in town for her husband’s funeral.

In 2015, Skiba told Tennie that the bedand-breakfast she had mentioned was for sale. We both went online to look at pictures, and saw there was going to be an open house. We wanted to see what it looked like, just for fun, so we went.

“When we walked out, I turned to Helen and said, ‘This is crazy, but I think I’m supposed to buy this,’” Tennie said. “I’m a financial planner, so I’m not prone to making large, impulse decisions like this.”

When they looked at it a second time, Tennie said the previous owner came out with tears in his eyes and told them about guests who seemed down when they arrived and left rejuvenated.

“I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m really supposed to do this,’” she said. “So, I did.”

What changes have you seen over the years ?

We have developed some great relationships with our guests and many of them feel like family to us. We have also noticed that many people are trying bed & breakfasts for the first time in the past few years. They prefer the smaller lodging and homey feel.

What do you most love about your B & B business?

We love our guests! We get to connect with so many awesome people from all over the world and all different walks of life. We love to hear their stories about their families, their lives and their interests. They are what make owning a B&B so much fun!!

What are some of the common myths you come across in your business?

Many people think that opening and running a bed & breakfast would be so much work and beyond their capacity. We were blessed to have basically walked into a running bed & breakfast and just keep it going.

Some people also “fear” that they will be uncomfortable sharing breakfast with the other guests. Once they stay here, they leave realizing that it was a low key fun way to spend breakfast.

What message would you most like to share with people?

Our bed & breakfast feels like home. You will feel comfortable when you walk in the door and feel appreciated and welcomed during your stay. It truly is a place to relax, retreat and renew. One of my favorite quotes is “We are all just walking each other home.” By Ram Dass. If I can help someone on their walk through life, that brings me great joy!

What are some area destinations that are close to your location that guests love to go to?

We have so many great things within a short distance. The Boerner Botanical Gardens are right behind us. American Family Field is less than 15 minutes away. The Harley Museum is another guest favorite. Nobody ever needs to go hungry around here either. We have Ann’s Italian Restaurant, Hale House and Sandra’s on the Park within a mile. We also had a guest from California tell us the Tanpopo on Hwy-100 has some of the best sushi and ramen they’ve ever had.

What is the typical guest reservations you see? couples? families? business travelers?

We have a lot of regulars who come into town to visit family. Sometimes it’s because their parents moved into a senior community, andthey’ve come to visit them. Other times it’s their children or siblings. Many of them grew Continued on page 38 www.waukeshadba.com

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Continued from page 34 up here and are back visiting the old stomping grounds. We also have couples who are here to attend a wedding at the Botanical Gardens, sometimes as a guest and sometimes as the bride and groom. During the week, we often have business travelers who prefer a more home like atmosphere.

What would you like people to know about your business?

Our house is a 1914 craftsman bungalow with a very warm feeling. We love to have people near and far stay with us and enjoy the history of the house. If you live in the area, give us a call and we would be happy to give you a tour.

We have met people from almost every family that has owned the house. They have told us so many great stories that we love to share with guests.

How was this beautiful location found and chosen?

It was just divine intervention!!!

Do you still have availability in 2023 at this time?

Yes, although summer fills up fast What is the biggest compliment customers give you?

It feels like home. I can’t wait to come back.

What are you most proud of?

I’m not sure if I would call it proud but I am most grateful that I followed my heart and decided to take on this adventure.

How many employees/Family work with you?

Helen and I operate the bed and breakfast on a day to day basis. We couldn’t do it without the help of our families. My daughter Lexi helps with cleaning. Helen’s daughter Amanda and son in law Andrew help with everything from interior decorating, gardening knowledge and maintenance. We have a big family crew that helps with setting up the Christmas decorations including Helen’s grandsons Gabe and Eli who help with the Christmas lights.

What are you most grateful for?

We are grateful for the support of all those who made this fun journey possible and for the divine intervention that led us here.

Who/what can you credit your success?

The bed & breakfast has such a good energy that it really does most of the work. The success comes in being a steward of such an amazing property. And the previous owners, Julie and Jerry Ziemer, gave us great tracks to run on. We kept the website and phone number and they shared so much knowledge from their years of being innkeepers. They also did a great job of furnishing the house which allowed us to walk in and start running it with minimal work. ~

The Lawson House Bed & Breakfast

10265 W. Forest Home Ave.

Hales Corners, WI 53130

414-427-8483 www.thelawsonhouse.com lawsonhouse1914@gmail.com