How it Came to Be

In the heart of Minneapolis’ Linden Hills neighborhood, Wild Rumpus has enchanted readers of all ages since 1992. With its cozy atmosphere, quirky animals, and expertly curated shelves, it’s more than a bookstore—it’s a magical portal into story and imagination. 

So when longtime owner Colette Morgan announced her retirement, four passionate staff members stepped up to write the next chapter. One of them, Timothy Otte, had grown up coming to the store. “We love the animals, we love the books, and we love the people who walk through our doors,” he said. “We wanted to make sure Wild Rumpus would still be here for generations to come.”

But buying a beloved local business (especially as first-time owners) was no small feat. That’s when Timothy reached out to a longtime family friend, Julie Novak, a banker with BankCherokee. “I called her for advice, just as a friend,” he recalled. “And she said, ‘Actually, helping people like you buy businesses is what I do.’” 

From there, the BankCherokee team jumped in with guidance, clarity, and support. “They answered every question, helped us understand every step, and made the whole process feel not just possible—but exciting.” Today, the new ownership team is off and running, building on the magic of Wild Rumpus while preparing it for future generations of readers.