In the quiet charm of Ortonville, Minnesota, nestled near the shimmering waters of Big Stone Lake and surrounded by rolling prairies and a close-knit community, the Melton family has found the perfect place to plant deep roots.
Kathryn and Will Melton didn’t always picture themselves back in small-town life—especially after years living and working in some of the country’s biggest cities. They met in Seattle, while both working at Amazon. Life was fast-paced, exciting, and full of opportunity. But when the world shifted in 2020 and their careers moved to remote roles, the Meltons saw a chance to return to something more meaningful: home.
For Kathryn, “home” meant Ortonville—the same town where she was born and raised. Will, born in a small town in Alabama, was no stranger to the rhythm of rural life. Together, they made the decision come back to Ortonville to raise their family.
“It has always been important to us to raise our children in a smaller community and particularly be close to their grandparents and cousins as they grow up,” Kathryn explains. “Here, a wave and a smile is not just out of politeness, it’s because you know the person you’re waiving and smiling to.”
With three young children and a baby girl on the way, plus an exchange student currently rounding out their household, the Meltons are full-time family people. And Ortovnille, they say, is the kind of place where everyone can find their place—no matter their age or background.
“One thing we love is that our kids can literally be involved in anything they want—they can choose to explore every sport or extracurricular that interests them,” Kathryn shares. “This really helps them take advantage of opportunities to develop and explore their interests and learn and grow as young people.”
Make no mistake, the Meltons haven’t slowed down. While their address may be more peaceful, their professional lives are as full as ever. Kathryn works remotely, leading a team of investigators in Amazon’s Employee Relations division. Will now manages High Risk Operations for Chewy, traveling when needed, but working mostly from home.
Outside of work, they’re deeply embedded in community life. Kathryn volunteers with the Trojan Takeout program to combat student food insecurity and helps address the rural childcare crisis. Will recently stepped into local government, serving on the city council and hospital board. Both are active members at their church and regularly lend a hand wherever it’s needed.
And when the work is done, the Meltons know how to enjoy all the local gems that Ortonville has to offer. Kathryn is a devoted fan of Lingonberry’s coffee shop—"Nothing made at home compares!”—and Will is often spotted at Headwaters for lunch or gearing up for men's league golf. On weekends, they’ll take peaceful drives through the wildlife refuge to reset, and they rarely miss a local fundraiser or event.