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ATLANTIC MINE - Many businesses and workplaces will become a sort of family after a length of time, as staff get closer and spend more time together. For Dan's Polaris in Atlantic Mine, it is truly a family.

Since opening the doors in 1986, the recreational motor sports retailer has been owned by Cheri and Jack Poynter. In that time, the couple has raised both their store and their children, oftentimes raising the kids inside of the store. The atmosphere has obviously been a good one for the kids, who are still involved with the shop.

Currently their daughter is the manager of all rentals, while their two sons-in-law are both heavily involved, one managing the service aspect of the shop and the other managing parts and warranties. Family is such an important part of the business that they even have a "grandma day" once a week where one of the owner's grandchildren spends nearly the entire day in the shop.

This family atmosphere hasn't done anything to slow the company down, though since opening in 1986, it has changed quite a bit. At the beginning, all it sold was snowmobiles. It later expanded to ATVs, side-by-sides, and in 1998, Victory Motorcycles.

Their reputation for good service and quality products has made them an annual stop for many die-hard snowmobilers.

"We have a lot of repeat customers," Cheri Poynter said. "Especially in the winter months with tourists."

Besides selling to regular customers, they are also a hub for those that are into snowmobiling, four-wheeling and motorcycling.

"We're involved with a couple different clubs, we definitely try to support organizations that are related to our businesses," Poynter said. "A lot of people will also call and ask what is going on."

Usually, they have all the answers to that. They help support activities with the Range Snowmobile Club, Michigan Tech Sledheads and organize the "Blessing of the Bikes" that takes place every June.

Though motorcycle sales aren't a huge portion of their business, it's still a steady contributer both in bikes sold and accessories. During the summer, they organize rides to Copper Harbor and Marquette.

To learn more about Dan's Polaris, stop by their store in Atlantic Mine, call them at 482-3920 or visit them on the Web at danspolaris.com.

Michael H. Babcock can be reached at mbabcock@mininggazette.com.