With Trina & son Seth, we craft cozy retreats for families & friends. Enjoy rustic charm, epic views & adventure in Southern IL. GI’m a family man who loves creating and connecting. My wife of 40+ years, Trina, and I cruise the Shawnee National Forest on my Harley, the engine’s hum blending with the scent of pine, or scuba dive in vibrant waters, from freshwater lakes and caves to the Caribbean’s
seas. We’ve traveled to many countries, yet Southern Illinois and the Shawnee remain unmatched. Whether fishing, hunting, hiking, or crafting furniture for our rentals, I find joy in moments that inspire. Trina and I raised five children, including our son Seth, who shares these passions and helps craft furniture for our rentals. At Lone Oak Vacation Rentals, Setg and I let our imagination run wild, designing spaces and furniture, creating getaways we love, blending home and adventure. My parents, Wanda and Fred, married 65+ years, are my rock and inspiration. Their love and grit shaped me, my sister, and my brother. Seth worked alongside us in our family’s timber business, and as fifth-generation timber folks, our legacy runs deep. At age 7, I carried my first tool and fuel tote in the woods, learning the trade with Dad and my grandfather, who were partners in the early days. Dad and I, with Seth’s help before his injury in 2018, ran Twin Mills Timber & Tie Co., Inc. for 20 years, supplying crane mats and industrial lumber to the construction industry since 2005. That chapter laid the foundation, but today my passion is hospitality, creating welcoming spaces with Seth and Trina to share the magic of Shawnee. In 2014, Trina and I founded Lone Oak Leasing, specializing in long-term rental properties. In 2018, inspired by Seth’s resilience after his injury, we launched our first short-term rental. By 2019, we had opened The Ranch, establishing Lone Oak Vacation Rentals to share the magic of Southern Illinois and the Shawnee National Forest. Our rentals, both short- mid and long-term, aren’t just places to stay; they’re gateways to adventure, where you can hike, fish, explore, or soak in the forest’s soul. Every piece of furniture Seth and I craft carries that spirit—a story waiting to unfold. Self-employed my entire life, I’ve built four businesses from the ground up, sold one, and closed two, each teaching me resilience and vision. Now, I’m focused on growing Lone Oak with Trina and Seth to live without worry, fueling more global adventures together. To my parents, Wanda and Fred, you’re the heartbeat of this journey—a legacy of love and strength I’m honored to carry forward. Let’s connect to share Shawnee stories, plan your getaway, or talk timber and travel!
