Building More Than a Resort

One family’s vision for Shanty Creek

By Sarah Kittle

In Northern Michigan, where rolling golf greens meet ski slopes overlooking Lake Bellaire, a new chapter is beginning for one of the state’s most recognizable four-season destinations. Pattah Development has officially acquired Shanty Creek Resort, marking not only a major business milestone, but also a moment of pride for Michigan’s Chaldean community.

For the Pattah family, the acquisition represents something more than a real estate transaction. It is the continuation of a story that began generations ago with Chaldean immigrants arriving in America from Iraq with little more than faith.

“This acquisition represents a defining milestone for the Chaldean community,” the Pattah family said in a statement announcing the purchase. “It reflects not only how far our community has come, but the strength and unity that continue to shape our story.”

Shanty Creek Resort, long known as a staple of Northern Michigan tourism, features five championship golf courses, including a course designed by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer (aptly named The Legend), along with two ski areas—Alpine and Nordic—plus hiking and biking trails, restaurants, pools, event spaces, and hundreds of hotel rooms and luxury accommodations spread across the property.

But the Pattah family sees even greater potential ahead.

“We were attracted to Shanty Creek because it is an iconic Michigan destination with incredible natural beauty and a rich history,” said Clark Pattah. “We saw a tremendous opportunity to build upon a strong foundation while investing in the future of the property.”

That vision includes significant capital improvements and operational enhancements aimed at elevating the resort into a premier Midwest destination for year-round tourism. Plans currently under development include modernized guest accommodations, upgraded golf and ski facilities, expanded dining and entertainment experiences, infrastructure improvements, and new family-oriented programming.

At the same time, the Pattah family insists preserving the resort’s identity remains central to their mission.

“Our goal is not to change what makes Shanty Creek special but to enhance it,” Pattah explained. “We want to honor the history and traditions that guests have enjoyed for generations while investing in improvements that elevate the overall experience.”

The acquisition builds upon decades of entrepreneurial experience for the Pattah family, whose business journey mirrors the broader story of Chaldean success in Michigan.

“Our family’s journey prepared us for opportunities like this long before Shanty Creek,” Pattah said. “We learned the business from the ground up, working alongside our father and uncles, who came to this country with humble beginnings and built everything through hard work, determination, and faith.”

From grocery stores to commercial real estate, the family steadily expanded its footprint over the years. One pivotal moment came with the acquisition of 14 Farmer Jack stores and their associated shopping centers—a move that helped establish what has since grown into a portfolio exceeding two million square feet of commercial real estate.

Those experiences, Pattah said, reinforced a philosophy rooted in patience, discipline, and long-term investment.

“Our father and uncles taught us that success doesn’t come from chasing short-term gains but from creating lasting value,” he said. “Growth comes from consistency, relationships, and staying committed through both good times and challenging times.”

That philosophy has shaped Pattah Development’s approach to investment. Rather than pursuing rapid expansion for its own sake, the company evaluates opportunities through a long-term lens, focusing on assets with strong fundamentals and the potential to serve communities for generations.

The family’s greatest strength, however, may be its collaborative approach.

“Our biggest strength is that we operate as a family,” Pattah said. “Every major decision benefits from the collective experience and perspective of family members.”

Beyond the Business

The Shanty Creek acquisition also carries significance beyond business. For many in Michigan’s Chaldean community, it symbolizes another milestone in a decades-long immigrant success story shaped by entrepreneurship and perseverance.

“Like many Chaldean families, our parents and relatives came to this country seeking opportunity and worked tirelessly to build a better future,” Pattah said. “Through our businesses, we hope to create jobs, revitalize communities, and demonstrate that with hard work, integrity, and perseverance, anything is possible.”

The family also plans to deepen community engagement at the resort through annual Chaldean golf outings, charitable events, and ski packages tailored for families within the community.

As part of its ownership role, Pattah Development was granted the opportunity to exempt two players into the prestigious Michigan Open Golf Championship, which Shanty Creek will host for the third consecutive year. One of those exemptions has been awarded to Sam Yono Jr., a talented young Chaldean golfer whose involvement carries symbolic meaning for the community.

“His participation represents not only a proud moment for the Chaldean community, but a well-deserved opportunity to showcase his abilities on a larger stage,” the family said.

The Pattahs also see mentorship and giving back as part of their long-term responsibility.

“We have benefited from the guidance and wisdom of those who came before us,” Pattah said. “Whether through sharing experiences, offering advice, or creating opportunities, we want to help the next generation understand the value of hard work, resilience, and relationship-building.”

Heritage and Honor

Underlying that philosophy are values deeply connected to the family’s Chaldean heritage.

“One of the biggest lessons is the importance of trust, relationships, and reputation,” Pattah said. “In our culture, a person’s word and character carry tremendous weight.”

Those values, he believes, are just as important as financial calculations in navigating major business decisions.

“We’ve always believed that treating people fairly, honoring commitments, and maintaining strong relationships are just as important as the numbers in any deal,” he said.

Beyond the Chaldean community, the acquisition could have a major impact on Northern Michigan’s economy. Shanty Creek already serves as one of the region’s largest employers and tourism drivers. Pattah Development hopes continued investment will further strengthen local businesses, create jobs, and increase year-round tourism.

“We believe we can increase tourism, support local businesses, create more jobs, and strengthen the resort’s role as a source of pride for the entire community for generations to come,” Pattah said.

For the Pattah family, the purchase of Shanty Creek represents both an arrival and a beginning—the culmination of an immigrant journey, the power of family collaboration, and a commitment to building something lasting—for their family, for Northern Michigan, and for the generations that will follow.