The U.S. Small Business Administration has named Micah Eveland of Scamp Trailers, headquartered in Backus, as Minnesota’s Small Business Person of the Year for 2024. 

Eveland will compete for National Small Business Person of the Year during National Small Business Week, which will take place the first week of May in Washington D.C.

“Minnesota is home to over 500,000 small business owners who anchor our communities. This year, we get to recognize Scamp Trailers, an iconic American brand that embodies the spirit of the North Star state,” said SBA’s Minnesota District Director, Brian McDonald. “With support from SBA, Micah continues to build upon Scamp Trailer’s long-standing legacy of quality products, and dedication to their rural community in Cass County.”

Eveland, CEO and President of Scamp Trailers took over leadership of the company from his father, Kent Eveland in 2022. The Eveland Family founded Scamp Trailers in 1971, producing 130 trailers per year. Today, they produce 700 units annually of what has become a recognizable brand to camping enthusiasts.

Eveland mitigated the impacts of the pandemic by ensuring a friendly, family-oriented culture. These efforts to keep a stable business culminated in an expansion of facilities and staff to meet demand and capitalize on new markets. In 2022, the company underwent a 12,000 square-foot expansion, resulting in a 20 percent production increase. The North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC) served as a trusted advisor and business analyst, providing nearly 80 hours of SBA-backed consulting services to guide this development.

The Eveland family is dedicated to their rural Minnesota community and donates their time and resources to local programs and charities, and by ensuring the availability of quality, year-round jobs in the area.