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 is active in the High School cross country running team and Ely Nordic Ski team (Steve helps coach), loves all things British, and spends hours reading, writing and drawing. She is thinking of becoming a journalist, but it is a few years before that decision needs to be made. Keeping their younger Border Collie, Zephyr, out of trouble means giving him lots of exercise and play - something they all enjoy. Keeping Zephyr in his place at home is the work of cats Misty and Dusty.