Summer USA Is Sold After 40 Years; Lake Of The Ozarks Locals Take The Helm

LAKE OZARK, Mo. - Summer USA on the Bagnell Dam Strip has sold! And the new Lake of the Ozarks owners aim to honor the iconic retail store's legacy as they take over.

Local entrepreneurs Brian and Erin Gagnon, alongside brother and sister-in-law Adam and Ashley Gagnon, are the proud new owners of Summer USA as of Jan. 2, 2025. And no worries, the 40-year-old community staple is keeping its name!

“A new year is always a new beginning, and for our family, it also brings a new adventure,” Brian announced on Jan. 4. He expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We look to continue the legacy that Joe and Janelle Page founded when opening Ozark Sun in 1982 and on to Summer USA in 1996, and want to thank them for their support and trust in us to continue that legacy for years to come.”

Both Brian and Adam have personal ties to the store, having worked there during their high school and college years.

“We learned invaluable business skills that we still utilize in our careers today,” Brian noted. "Like one thing that was always mentioned was, 'You're on time if you're 5 minutes early. If you're on time, you're late.'"

The Pages mentioned last summer they were considering selling, Brian recalled. After discussing the idea with his brother, Brian decided to reach out in September 2024, and the purchase process began soon after.

To assist with the new venture, Brandie Amos has been appointed as the General Manager, bringing 20 years of retail experience to the team.

"This will be the first business that we've owned," Brian said, "and we're looking forward to having Brandie as our general manager. She's gonna be a big big help."

As part of their plans for the store, the Gagnons are attending the Surf Expo this week, where they will select new trends and brands to introduce.

"We'll start picking out the new trends or new brands to bring to the store for 2025," Brian said. "Our goal is that by March 1, we'll be open seven days a week with a good portion of the store full. And as we get closer to the summer, fill it up for the season."

Brian also expressed excitement about becoming part of the local small business community. “I've always been on the loan side of that, and now it's gonna be really neat to be on the other side of the desk,” said Brian, who will remain on with Central Bank.

With plans to regularly update the community on new products and offerings, Summer USA is poised for a successful 2025, promising to maintain the store's history while introducing fresh trends that appeal to both locals and visitors.