UpNorth Social
Meet Our Team!
Saundra Krienke
Owner
Saundra is the passionate and visionary founder behind UpNorth Social. With over 10 years of marketing experience, more recently in product marketing with a SaaS startup, Saundra brings a wealth of knowledge to her latest venture. Her background includes working for Compass Group, the largest food service company in the world, where she gained valuable insights while contributing to Canteen One. This blend of experience in hospitality and marketing has helped shape the innovative and welcoming concept behind UpNorth Social.
Saundra has been married to her husband, Brian, since 2021, and they reside in the Crosslake area with their two Springer dogs. She also has a wonderful son, Dietrick, who lives in Duluth, and visits often to see family and support the business.
With a deep-rooted love for family and the Crosslake community, Saundra is driven by her desire to create a space where people can gather, enjoy exceptional food and drink, and savor life’s simple pleasures. Her commitment to community runs deep as she currently serves as President of the Board for Camp Knutson, is a Captain for Best Christmas Ever, and volunteers for the Light Up The Dam in Crosslake.
More recently she accepted a position with WAPOA (Whitefish Area Property Owners Association) and serves as Director of Business Relations, a role that aligns closely with her values around community engagement, environmental preservation, and fostering strong local partnerships. This position allows her to continue championing initiatives that support the vitality and sustainability of the region she calls home.
In her free time, Saundra enjoys the great outdoors, engaging in activities such as golfing, hiking, ice fishing, camping, boating, and road trips. Her love for nature and community are reflected in both her personal life and professional ventures.
At UpNorth Social, Saundra’s vision goes beyond providing a unique culinary experience, she is committed to building a place where people feel at home. Her dedication to quality, creativity, and connection is at the heart of everything she does, making UpNorth Social a true reflection of her values and passions.
Brian Krienke
Operations Manager
Brian Krienke is the driving force behind the smooth operations at UpNorth Social. With a deep love for the Northwoods and a passion for outdoor adventures, Brian's roots are firmly planted in a small-town upbringing where he developed a strong work ethic and a commitment to community. Growing up in the country, he spent his youth working on neighboring farms and helping his parents with various projects, instilling in him a dedication to hard work and integrity.
Brian transitioned from a decade-long corporate career to an exciting role at Tremolo in the winter of 2023, where he currently thrives in providing exceptional customer service. At UpNorth Social, Brian's expertise extends to managing the self-pour tap wall, overseeing daily operations, and handling accounting tasks—leveraging his academic background in finance.
He’s particularly enthusiastic about the collaborations with local breweries and the unique concept of bringing charcuterie to Crosslake. One of his favorites on the menu is the beef sausage brisket burnt ends—a must-try for any meat lover!
Beyond his professional commitments, Brian is involved in the community. He volunteers with Tremolo, Camp Knutson, and Light Up the Dam. When he's not at UpNorth Social, you'll find him enjoying the great outdoors, whether it’s hunting, fishing, camping, or taking road trips with his family and their beloved dogs.
Mahren DeBoer
Charcuterie Specialist
Mahren brings creativity and energy to everything she does—whether she’s crafting charcuterie boards or crafting the perfect latte. She’s been a beloved barista at Crosslake Coffee for nearly three years and continues to fuel her passion for connection, community, and creativity.
When she’s not at the coffee bar or creating stunning boards (a talent she picked up from her mom and honed at MN Traders), Mahren is studying Forensic Psychology online at Grand Canyon University. She loves reading, art, cooking, and expressing her style through her ever-evolving hair colors and jewelry. A fan of travel and live music, her favorite destination so far is London.
Trudi Amundson
Sr. Customer Experience Ambassador/Charcuterie Specialist
Trudi Amundson brings a wealth of experience and passion to the UpNorth Social team. With a diverse background that spans a career in high tech, working for the State of Minnesota, and leading the St. Francis Music and Wellness Centers, Trudi has always thrived in roles that blend service and leadership. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Trudi always felt drawn to the outdoors. Fifteen years ago, she and her late husband made the move to Breezy Point, where she embraced the northern lifestyle.
A licensed pilot for over 34 years, Trudi has flown more than 100 rescue dogs, 75 Young Eagles flights (introducing kids ages 8-17 to aviation), and provided valuable support to the Red Cross and Bemidji Aviation. When she’s not in the sky, she enjoys walking her dog, Bo, volunteering at Wild and Free, and staying involved with local aviation groups.
Trudi was introduced to UpNorth Social by her close friend, Tery McNaughton, and is excited to bring her wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the team.
Suzie Redding
Sr. Charcuterie Specialist
We’re excited to welcome Suzie Redding to UpNorth Social! A proud dog mom to three, Suzie grew up in Emily, MN, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Bemidji State University. For the past four years, she’s worked just across the street as a manager at Crosslake Coffee, where she’s developed her customer service skills and gained valuable experience in the hospitality industry.
In her free time, Suzie enjoys reading, crocheting, and thrifting—activities that reflect her thoughtful and introspective nature. Her laid-back style is evident in her love for attending concerts, with recent favorites including Megan Thee Stallion, Hozier, and Metallica.
Suzie is excited to join UpNorth Social and explore her creativity by learning the art of crafting charcuterie boards. She’s eager to bring her unique talents to the team and contribute to the exciting atmosphere we’re building.
Julie Larsen
Charcuterie Creator/Artisan Food Specialist
Julie Larsen joined the Crosslake community in 2020, embracing the lake life and all the outdoor beauty it offers. Whether she's boating, hiking, or fishing, Julie loves everything about the great outdoors. Originally from Prior Lake, Julie is deeply rooted in family and faith, which hold the highest importance in her life. Married in 2018, she and her husband share a blended family of four children and three grandchildren, with one more grandbaby on the way. Her family, along with her two beloved fur babies, bring her endless joy.
Julie spent 18 years as an Administrative Assistant in Special Education for New Prague schools, where she found fulfillment in helping students and making a positive impact in their lives. Her passion for creative food presentation began in childhood, with a love for pairing crackers, cheese, and meats for family and friends. She loves hosting and entertaining and believes that beautiful food not only looks good but tastes amazing, and she brings this natural creative flair to every charcuterie board she crafts.
Julie is thrilled to be a part of UpNorth Social, excited to connect with the community, make new friends, and share her passion for charcuterie. With she and her husband both self-employed, this opportunity has been a wonderful way for her to bring her talents and love for artful food arrangements to the UpNorth Social family.
Ruby Palmer
Charcuterie Creator/Artisan Food Specialist
Ruby is a senior at Pequot Lakes High School and a proud Crosslake local who’s been part of the community her whole life. She brings her friendly energy, creative eye, and love for hospitality to the UpNorth Social team—making every guest feel welcomed and at home.
In addition to working at UpNorth Social, Ruby also works at Crosslake Coffee, where she’s gained valuable experience in customer service and teamwork. Whether she’s behind the counter or curating a charcuterie board, she brings thoughtful attention to detail and a love for making connections with others.
When she’s not working or in school, Ruby enjoys playing pickleball and tennis, spending time outdoors, and diving into creative projects—especially when it involves food. Her passion for community and creativity makes her a perfect fit for the UpNorth Social crew.
Kylee Miller
Customer Experience Ambassador/ Charcuterie Creator
Kylee brings a natural eye for design and a love for all things creative to the UpNorth Social team. A Crosslake native who recently moved back home to be closer to family, she’s thrilled to combine her passion for art and community in a place she truly loves.
When she’s not designing or lending her creative touch to our brand, you’ll find her reading, snowboarding, or planning her next travel adventure — she’s lived in five different states!
At UpNorth Social, Kylee’s creativity shines through everything she does. She has a knack for blending beauty and connection, and she’s just as comfortable styling a board or engaging with guests as she is behind the screen designing something new.