Local Business Spotlight: Joynes Ben Franklin

Tyler and Jessica Dean have had quite an interesting journey since entering the small business community in Grand Marais four years ago.  

The couple purchased White Pine North in 2020 and then lost the business in a fire a few months later. 

Despite the unfortunate setback, the aspiring small business owners remained optimistic about rebuilding or finding another business opportunity. 

Less than a year later, they were in discussions with Jim and Shanie Joynes, the now-former owners of Joynes Ben Franklins. And the rest is history. 

On Jan. 1, 2022, Tyler and Jessica Dean officially closed on the long-standing and family-run Joynes Ben Franklin Department Store, just a few doors down from where White Pine North used to stand. 

Now that the young business owners have settled into the new business, Jessica Dean said, “It’s been exciting. It’s been a ride.”

“We could not have dreamed or imagined being in this place right now,“ Tyler Dean said. “We are so grateful for all the people that have helped along the way.”

Since taking over, Tyler and Jessica Dean have added their personalized touch to the business by adding new products, expanding their marketing, updating the website, and “freshening things up.“ Although they have made some minor updates and changes, the couple said they remain committed to maintaining the 80-year legacy and character of the small business. 

One of the more recent and slightly entertaining personalized touches Tyler and Jessica Dean have introduced is a ‘Product of a Day’ feature.  

“It was not planned,“ Tyler Dean said. On May 1, over a cup of coffee, Tyler and Jessica crafted a plan to feature one product in their store every day for May. Each day, they choose a product and take to Facebook and Instagram to highlight one of the many products in the store.  

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Tyler and Jessica Dean, the owners of Joynes Ben Franklin, for the latest edition of the Local Business Spotlight. Tyler and Jessica talk about their experience as relatively new business owners, minor changes and updates, and what the future holds for the young couple. The audio of the feature is below.

The Local Business Spotlight highlights our local business community’s economic strength and innovation. This feature is brought to you in partnership with Visit Cook County and the Cook County Chamber of Commerce.

Kalli Hawkins May 13, 2024