Ashley Mattson and Joel Folger are both Duluth natives. They both grew up in Lakeside and graduated Duluth East High School in the year 2000. Joel Folger bought a few rental properties in the Northland. He has since sold most of them off except for one remaining duplex in the Lincoln Park area. He has worked for Waste Management and the Duluth Transit Authority, but he has always wanted to work for himself. Ashley Mattson has worked as a Visual Merchandiser at HOM Furniture before becoming a stay at home mother raising her three boys. She is also an avid hiker and has hiked many trails all over the Twin Ports area. Resulting in her love of hiking and the outdoors, she took up photography. She never claims to be a professional, but has an eye for what mother nature gives her to see. She hopes those who see her pictures can see what she was looking at, without a filter and just her cell phone camera. In 2021, after life decisions and COVID, Ashley and Joel reconnected their friendship and became partners in life. Now, life partners in business as well. They purchased the old ‘Gardenwood Resort and Motel’ in January of 2026. They are renaming it ‘Harbor View Sanctuary’ and Ashley’s dad, James Mattson, designed the logo. Ashley took her three boys to the old ‘Gardenwood Resort and Motel’ when they were younger. They stayed in cabin 8 and had a great time! So, when the ‘Gardenwood Resort and Motel’ went up for sale, Joel and Ashley had a very clear idea. Joel, knowledgeable in logistics and finance would be the Yin to the Yang of Ashley’s creative ideas in design and knowledge of the Northwoods wilderness. With the purchase of this beautiful property that has been a long lasting staple along the North Shore carrying many names, they were on a new adventure with their ‘Harbor View Sanctuary’. A life and business partnership. They are excited to bring new ideas and unique experiences to the property. They are also looking forward to spotlighting local North Shore businesses. From shops, to eateries, coffeeshops, other resorts, trails and hidden gems, they know it takes a hopeful and positive community to make somewhere thrive. Joel and Ashley are ready to maintain the old nostalgia of the location as well as bring in some new and modern experiences. They are gregariously social and looking forward to meeting new and hopefully some repeat visitors. Presiding still in Lakeside, Joel, Ashley and her boys are thrilled to be a family sharing a new experience with the long loved, North Shore family.
