Matt Boeke didn’t plan to stick around Detroit Lakes. In 2002, he moved to the area to work for Young Life’s Castaway Club after graduating college. He figured he’d stay for a few years, maybe take over the family’s Goodyear dealership in Owatonna. But then he met his future wife-a local-and started putting down roots.

More than two decades later, he’s still here.

From Banking to T-Shirts

Boeke’s career path hasn’t followed a straight line. He started in banking, spent nearly eight years in the industry, then took a job at Lakeshirts.

The biggest part of the transition was a shift in culture. “I remember HR saying, ‘Throw your suits away, we are a t-shirt company,’” he said. Around the office, if someone wears formal clothes, people assume they’re heading to a funeral—or a job interview.

Today, Lakeshirts is a major employer in the area. When Boeke started, the company had around 400 employees. It now employs about 1,000 across multiple locations.

So what’s behind that kind of growth?

Boeke credits strong leadership, a team that’s always looking to improve, and a willingness to take smart risks. “When someone offers you a seat on the rocket ship, get on,” he said.

Lakeshirts operates several brands under its umbrella. Blue 84 handles college apparel. Zephyr focuses on headwear. Other brands include Lakegirl, Axels, and Yesterday’s. They’ve continued expanding, including efforts to grow their “hot market” licensing with major athletic conferences.

On Community, Business, And Why He’s All In On Detroit Lakes

Public Service and City Growth

Boeke also serves on the Detroit Lakes City Council. He’s been an alderman for about 14 years and sits on or chairs several subcommittees, including public works, finance, and community development

According to him, his focus is to help the city grow responsibly and stay livable for residents.

One of the biggest upcoming projects is the overhaul of Mile Long Beach and West Lake Drive. Construction starts in spring 2026 and includes expanded seating, more parking, a beach boardwalk, and a redesigned pavilion. The work will be phased to avoid disrupting summer tourism.

Boeke says it’s a once-in-a-generation chance to reimagine the heart of the city. “Not many cities get the opportunity to redo their main public lakefront. We want to get it right.”

Hockey, Family, and What Keeps Him Here

Boeke stays busy. He’s a longtime youth hockey coach, although he’s stepping back from the bench this year. His son plays goalie and trains in Fargo once a week over the summer. His daughter recently qualified for state in golf.

The family is deeply involved in local life—summer events, the Water Carnival, junior golf, the farmers market. Boeke says the town gets busy during tourist season, but it never loses its small-town feel.

Why He Ran for Office— and Why You Might Too

Boeke didn’t win his first election. He ran around 2008 and lost. But he tried again and has been serving ever since.

His philosophy is simply leave things better than you found them.

He thinks more people should consider getting involved—whether that’s running for office or volunteering. “We’ve lost some of that since COVID,” he said. “Even an hour a week matters.”

His advice to others thinking about stepping up?