NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC Recognizes Mike & Angie Lester of Winan Creek Barn as the July 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month

The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Mike and Angie Lester of Winan Creek Barn in Clear Lake, IA as the July 2025 Entrepreneurs of the Month.

Winan Creek Barn is a rustic wedding venue nestled just outside Clear Lake, Iowa. The venue, founded by Mike and Angie Lester, offers a one-of-a-kind setting in a beautifully renovated mid-century barn. “It’s got that rustic, historic nature to it,” Mike says. “We did a ton of research, and what really sets us apart is the originality of the barn and the personal attention Angie gives. She’s essentially a wedding planner, and that comes at no extra charge.”

Mike and Angie didn’t originally plan to open a wedding venue. They first fell in love with the barn after spotting the property during a Jeep ride near the river. The barn wasn’t for sale, but Mike tracked down the owner and wrote him a letter. “It was the week of Easter when I got a call,” Mike says. “We ended up buying it, and began construction on it to turn it into our house for the first year and a half.”

The idea to turn it into a wedding venue came later, sparked by a conversation with a fellow teacher. Mike drew up designs for a new barn layout with an addition and showed Angie during Christmas. “I said, what if I steal your barn house?” Mike jokes. “Then I showed her the drawing, and she said, oh my gosh, this is beautiful.” That conversation launched their next chapter. Winan Creek Barn opened its doors to making unforgettable weddings happen in 2020.

Both Mike and Angie are full-time educators during the week, but weekends are reserved for weddings. They manage the venue themselves, from cleaning to prepping, with help from their daughters. “It’s our weekend job for sure,” Mike says. “Our girls help us out too, and we do hire bartenders, but the grunt work—it’s Angie and me.” Weddings at Winan Creek Barn are designed to be stress-free and beautifully tailored. Angie works directly with each couple in the months leading up to their big day, offering full-service decoration or letting couples add their own personal touches. “Angie goes through consultations with them throughout the whole process,” Mike says. “She meets the needs of the bride and groom whether it’s a full turnkey setup or if they just want to fine-tune things. She does a phenomenal job.”

The Lesters have recently expanded their business, acquiring a second venue: the historic Opera House in Lake Mills. While Winan Creek Barn has a rustic feel, the Opera House will take on a vintage look, complete with kerosene lantern charm. “We haven’t marketed it strongly yet because we’re still renovating,” Mike says. “But we’ve already booked our first 2026 wedding.”

The journey hasn’t been without challenges, but Mike and Angie leaned on research and relationships. “I struggle asking for help,” Mike says. “But when we have resources like the NIACC Pappajohn Center, they’re there to help us grow our communities.” After connecting with the SBDC and other regional organizations, Mike was able to tap into local networks and resources to support the Opera House expansion and future projects.

What motivates Mike is the joy of the wedding day itself. “When Angie and I open the door for the bride and her father to walk out, I get goosebumps,” he says. “Just the emotions you create with people—it’s so rewarding.” And while Mike focuses on construction, planning, and making connections, he credits Angie with creating the atmosphere that couples remember. “She’s the face of the business,” he says. “The way she connects with people and makes it a great experience—it’s incredible to watch.”

Mike’s advice to other entrepreneurs is simple. “Take the risk,” he says. “Do your research. Connect with people. Knowledge is powerful. That’s what really helped us.”

The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is the expert in rural business innovation and success. In partnership with North Iowa’s Small Business Development Center, together we provide tools, support, and resources to Iowa’s entrepreneurs. We counsel both new and existing local businesses, from Main Street to industry leaders. We’re growing Iowa’s entrepreneurial culture through grade school initiatives, college and community programs, and business training and development. Contact the NIACC Pappajohn Center at 641-422-4111 or pappajohn@niacc.edu. Visit the NIACC Pappajohn Center online at www.pappajohncenter.com.

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