A native of Rochester, MN, Steve Lampman came to Ely in 1974 to work for the EPA on a research project in water quality. When that ended, he worked for the DNR on the Copper/Nickel Environmental Impact Statement, also in water quality. That was followed by odd jobs - picking pinecones, planting trees, trapping beaver, building log homes and doing carpentry up until the time Log Cabin Hideaways was started in 1989.

Liz Schendel came to Ely in 1977, from Minneapolis, to work for the Pollution Control Agency monitoring basic noise levels in the Copper/Nickel Study Area. When that project ended she worked for the local veterinarian, managed the whole foods co-op, worked at the Chocolate Moose and Piragis Northwoods Co. In other words, they both did whatever they could to get by. By 1979, they had gotten married and were living very cheaply in a one room log cabin

Their daughter, Zoe, came along in 1990 and she grew along with the business. When not working on cabin stuff, Steve enjoys marathon running, ski racing and taking canoe trips. Liz enjoys being a mom (her favorite job), gardening, watercolor painting and being involved with the Ely Friends of the Library and Ely Garden Club.

Zoe now attends the University of Minnesota at Duluth, with a major of History and minor of anthropology or natural history.  Her big brother, Joe,  lives in Marquette with his wife, Dawn and their daughters, Sophia and Amelia. 

Stella the dog enjoys helping out at the cabins.