Jordan Beck | Daily Press Jon Harris holds a disc displaying the logo of his Escanaba sporting goods store, The Beaten Path. According to Harris, The Beaten Path was the first store specializing in disc golf in the Upper Peninsula and disc golf-related products make up a quarter of the store’s sales.

Editor’s note: The Daily Press features a profile of an area business each week. This week’s featured business is The Beaten Pathin in Escanaba.

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By Jordan Beck

jbeck@dailypress.net

ESCANABA — Jon Harris, owner of Escanaba sporting goods store The Beaten Path, said his store has been both a successful business and a force encouraging new recreational opportunities in Delta County.

The Beaten Path opened in March of 2011. Harris said that, at this time, he felt there was room for a new sporting goods store in the Escanaba area.

“I saw a need for the services I provide,” he said.

As an Escanaba native, Harris also wanted to promote the development of recreation locally.

“We were definitely lacking in recreational opportunities,” he said.

Since it opened, Harris said business at The Beaten Path has been healthy on average. However, he noted the number of customers visiting his store can change significantly along with the weather.

“My business is weather-driven, so if the weather’s good, things are good,” he said.

Much of The Beaten Path’s business is related to bicycles.

“I sell new and used bicycles (and) I repair bicycles,” Harris said.

The store also sells skateboards and longboards and sharpens ice and hockey skates. In addition to this, Harris noted The Beaten Path was the first store specializing in disc golf in the Upper Peninsula.

Disc golf-related products make up a significant amount of The Beaten Path’s sales.

“I would say it’s a quarter of it,” Harris said.

Along with offering these products and services, Harris has focused on the development of recreation in the area.

“I use my store as a vessel to make positive changes in the community,” he said, noting his status as the owner of a local business has given him more of a platform to advocate for recreation-related causes in and around Escanaba. Among these causes was the implementation of the Ludington Links disc golf course in Ludington Park, which Harris designed, raised money for, and installed.

In the future, Harris said he plans to expand The Beaten Path’s selection while continuing to do what he has been doing there otherwise.

“I’m (going to) keep promoting recreational opportunities in Delta County and providing … affordable sales and service,” he said.

To learn more about The Beaten Path, find the store on Facebook or call 906-789-6220.