When life changes and you become empty nesters, dramatic things can happen. Just ask Dave and Angie Seger who have channeled their new-found freedom into a substantial project that was recently completed on a spectacular new bed & breakfast enterprise on Hinchman Road in Baroda.
The Segers lay the credit (or the blame, as the case may be) at the feet of that freedom when their youngest child ventured off to Michigan State University in the fall of 2018. Despite the fact that both are gainfully employed at Whirlpool…Dave on the North American Finance team and Angie in Corporate Communications…Angie says that she had always wanted to run her own business using her marketing, events, and communications background to provide a great experience for guests of their new bed & breakfast inn.
To set the stage for this life-changing project, Angie tells us that she and Dave grew up in the same small town in rural Illinois, went to college at St. Ambrose in Iowa and married shortly after graduation just over 30 years ago. She says, “We have lived in St. Joe / Stevensville for the past 22 years and have raised a daughter, Hannah, and son, Corey.” Becoming empty nesters ultimately let to the decision to take on a bold, new challenge.
Late in 2018 the couple bought the former Baroda Church of God located at Hinchman and Ruggles Roads. After two years of demolition and reconstruction, they are now officially open as Ambrose Bed & Breakfast.
Angie says, “We have suites named after the towns in which we’ve lived: Erie, Davenport, St. Joseph, Stevensville, and Baroda, and each room is unique and includes a private bath.” Additionally, some rooms include soaker tubs, private patios, and similar amenities, and there is a massive great room with a stone fireplace where the guest breakfasts are served.
Both Dave and Angie lover that their location is just minutes away from the many wineries, beaches, and other attractions of Michigan’ Great Southwest.
The Ambrose Bed & Breakfast comprises some 5,800 square feet at 1117 Hinchman Road in Baroda.
Recognizing safety concerns are high on everyone’s priority list these days, Angie says, “We are obviously taking every health precaution to keep our guests safe during the COVID pandemic. We do require masks in any common area and encourage a 6 foot social distance. Meals are plated (rather than buffet style) to ensure safety. Also, we do sanitization throughout the day on any high touch areas.”
Dave and Angie live on premise with their two dogs Gracie & Henry.
Angie notes, “We saw a need for this type of lodging in our area as not everyone wants that chain hotel experience. Especially in light of COVID, we are finding travelers are most comfortable in smaller, boutique type settings. We are also a great destination for the locals who just want a change of scenery having been stuck at home for many months.”
Medical workers, teachers and both past and present military personnel are offered discounts at Ambrose Bed & Breakfast in appreciation for their service to our country.
The Segers admit, “It was a very long process but we were extremely fortunate to have such an amazing local crew working on the project,” and add, “We tried to keep our dollars local whenever possible, from building materials to labor to mattresses to the flowers in each room. Several partnerships have been formed to help cross promote local businesses. So many of our friends and family members also pitched in to help. It’s been a labor of love for sure!”
Thanks to Angie’s background in events and communications, she adds, “Going the extra mile to make their stay special and memorable is something I really enjoy doing. We want people to feel comfortable (but a little spoiled too!), like their home away from home.”
You can learn more about the new venture online at http://ambrosebedbreakfast.com and you can find them on Facebook as well.
