A legacy of building rooted in Traverse City
Adam, Erica, and Amy—known by many as The Orth Kids—represent the third generation born and raised in Traverse City, with deep family roots on both sides. Their legacy in the area runs deep, shaped by a long line of developers and builders, including their Grandpa and Dad, who played key roles in shaping well-known communities across Northern Michigan.
Though their father is retired, he poured countless hours into this project alongside his kids—adding experience, heart, and a steady hand. To call this a family business is an understatement. From site planning to structure to service, Long Lake Storage Vault reflects years of hard work, thoughtful design, and a shared vision that’s been decades in the making.
This isn’t their first project—but it is one they’re proud to have built together, with intention, integrity, and a deep love for their hometown.
Let’s meet them individually…
Founder | Visionary | Co-Owner
Adam Orth’s entrepreneurial spirit took root early—at just 14 years old, he launched his first business mowing lawns. What began as a simple summer job grew into a full-scale operation that now includes lawn care, landscaping, and heavy dirt work. That same work ethic and drive led Adam to take on land development projects, including the very property where Long Lake Storage Vault now stands.
In his early 20s, Adam had a vision for high-quality, accessible storage facilities. That dream became reality in his 30s with the launch of Hammond Road Storage Vault. Building on that success, he brought in his sisters and their families to help establish Long Lake Storage Vault—creating a true family-run business rooted in hard work and shared values.
With over three decades of experience in property development and site work, Adam brings unmatched dedication and industry knowledge to every project. He is driven by a passion for building reliable, locally rooted services that serve the community for the long term.
When he’s not working long hours overseeing operations or developing new projects, Adam enjoys being out on the water during the summer and snowmobiling in the winter with family and friends.
Co-Owner
Erica Hawkins, alongside her husband Matt, brings a background in engineering and a strong work ethic to Long Lake Storage Vault. Both Erica and Matt are proud graduates of Michigan Tech, where they earned their engineering degrees—an education that played a key role in the development of this project. Matt served as the lead designer and engineer throughout the build, ensuring every detail met their high standards.
Owning and operating a business like Long Lake Storage Vault had always been a dream for Erica and Matt, but they knew it would be a major undertaking. So when Adam invited them to join the vision, the decision was easy. They quickly jumped in to help oversee the project and support the land development process from the ground up. Even their son pitched in, working on site and getting hands-on experience alongside the team.
Erica’s engineering mindset allows her to bridge technical details with practical business solutions. Her attention to detail and organizational skills helped keep the project on track and ensured smooth operations from day one.
Outside of the business, Erica and Matt love camping with their kids, staying active in their church, and enjoying all that Northern Michigan has to offer—from lakes to trails to quiet moments outdoors.
Co-Owner
Amy Hippard, alongside her husband Trent, brings entrepreneurial experience and a passion for service to Long Lake Storage Vault. With a strong background in small business ownership, Amy has developed expertise in customer service, marketing, and operations—skills that are essential to building and maintaining a successful storage facility.
Like Erica, Amy had long envisioned collaborating with Adam to build something outside their usual industries—a project rooted in family, hard work, and a long-term vision. Together, Amy and Trent support the business through customer service, creative marketing strategies, and the essential behind-the-scenes operations that keep things running smoothly.
When they’re not pouring their energy into creative ideas or customer care, you’ll likely find Amy and Trent enjoying the outdoors with their toddler and dog, soaking up all the beauty Northern Michigan has to offer.
Office Manager
Jim is the trio’s uncle and a cherished part of their lives, having shared countless birthdays, holidays, and trips to sporting events together. Though he spent nearly two decades in Idaho working as an environmental engineer, his roots—and heart—have always been with the family.
When the time came to move back, Jim was the perfect fit to run and operate both Hammond Road Storage Vault and Long Lake Storage Vault. His dedication to excellent customer service and his willingness to go above and beyond make him an invaluable part of the team.
We’re very fortunate to have Jim on board—he truly embodies the spirit of going the extra mile, because that’s just who he is.