New business focuses on advanced marine electronics

By Greta Hentges

West Central Initiative

When Matt Edmondson officially opened DL Boatworks on October 6, he introduced a level of marine expertise that has already caught the attention of boaters across the Detroit Lakes area. With a strong background in marine service and electronics—and support from West Central Initiative’s loan program—Edmondson is building a business centered on precision, customer service, and the real needs of lake-area residents. 

Growing up in northwest Iowa and later living in Colorado, Arizona, California, and eventually Fargo, Edmondson didn’t originally picture himself opening his own shop. But after 18 years in the Fargo-area marine industry, including roles in parts, service, and dealership management, the idea began to take root. 

“I really love what I do and the customers I get to work with in this area,” said Edmondson. “A lot of people come in worried about something wrong with their boat. You want to make it a good experience and make sure they feel looked after.” 

DL Boatworks offers full-service marine support—maintenance, motor and trailer repair, winterization, shrink wrapping, and storage. But one of the biggest drivers behind Edmondson’s business is the growing demand for advanced marine electronics. 

“Trolling motors, depth finders, networking, live sonar—this region is full of people who take their fishing seriously,” said Edmondson. “There aren’t many shops that specialize in this kind of rigging, and that’s where I felt I could really fill a gap.”

Located on a highly visible stretch of Highway 10, DL Boatworks has already drawn a steady flow of visitors.

“People stop in just to see what we’re up to,” said Edmondson. “I’ve also had previous customers track me down, which has been great.” 

Future plans include adding indoor storage buildings, expanding winter services, and offering dock and lift work and seasonal pickup and delivery—growth that reflects the needs of the lakes region rather than a desire to scale too quickly. 

Securing the property and resources needed to open DL Boatworks required financing that matched the realities of starting a new venture. As Edmondson worked with his bank, he was encouraged to explore West Central Initiative’s loan program as an additional option. 

“It was one of the smoothest financing processes I could have asked for,” said Edmondson. “A few phone calls with the lending team, a little paperwork, and we had everything in place. It made a huge difference.” 

Edmondson described West Central Initiative’s loan process as straightforward and supportive, giving him the stability he needed to navigate the startup phase with confidence and focus on building his customer base. 

Though Edmondson and his family still live in Fargo, life increasingly centers around Detroit Lakes. 

“There’s a very good chance we’ll end up living here full-time if things continue on the right track,” said Edmondson. “We spend a lot of time down here in the summers, and we’ve built a lot of relationships in the area.” 

DL Boatworks plans to host a grand opening this spring—just as boaters begin thinking ahead to the season. Edmondson expects to add employees this spring and continue expanding services as the business grows. 

West Central Initiative is proud to support business owners like Edmondson who are strengthening the regional economy through hands-on expertise, community commitment, and a clear vision for the future. 

For more information about West Central Initiative’s loan program, visit www.wcif.org.

About West 

Central Initiative 

West Central Initiative is a place-based nonprofit, community foundation, and regional development organization dedicated to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable future for White Earth Nation and Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin Counties. Since its founding in 1986, West Central Initiative has provided funding, technical assistance, planning resources, and philanthropic services to strengthen the economic and social fabric of the region. The organization has provided more than $62 million in loans and approximately $93 million in grants to businesses and organizations. 

To learn more visit www.wcif.org.