ERIC PEHLING - AT YOUR SERVICE

Hello! I am Eric Pehling, native to northern Minnesota but I've lived in Lake Nebagamon for the past two years.  I have three daughters of my own and three step-kids, we have a lively house full of love! 

My father taught me the value of home maintenance and self-reliance.  I acquired my home repair skills from a young age by watching him fix anything and everything, there wasn’t an issue he wouldn’t tackle.  I learned to love the challenge of problem solving and finding creative solutions.  With 6 kids and 17 animals in my household, I get lots of opportunities to hone this skill.      

 I joined the U.S. Army in 1998 and found out that nothing fixes itself!  More opportunities to learn!  After the military, I spent a decade as an apprentice in the granite countertop industry while also exploring side ventures in residential and commercial electrical, plumbing and flooring. 

 Several years ago, I discovered a passion for metal work and had the opportunity to apprentice under an experienced blacksmith. I now operate my own small shop and continue to teach blacksmithing to those who are interested. Blacksmithing has become my primary hobby and I love to take it on the road… I do historical reenactments and will even teach classes on location. 

 I do love fishing! My dad was an avid fisherman and helped spread that love to me. I truly enjoy traveling to new lakes, rivers, or familiar haunts to explore the bounty of our natural resources. Whether it’s panfish on a small secluded lake or steelhead on a spring river, fishing is definitely high on my list of activities.

 I also love foraging wild edibles. Getting outdoors at the right times looking for and identifying rare mushrooms, gathering seasonal fruits for jellies or wines, and harvesting hazelnuts, asparagus, ramps, etc.   There is so much abundance in the land around us, and especially in our northern forests. 

 Last year, I became licensed to pick and sell tasty edible mushrooms that I find in the woods.  To go along with that, I have decided to try mushroom farming.  I will be setting up a small-scale mushroom farm and provide delicious mushrooms to those who love them as I do.

 That’s a bit about me, and my obsessions.  I’d love to hear about yours!