Steady As She Goes: The Irreplaceable Anne Burke

If you’ve spent time at Michael Lynne’s, you likely recognize the familiar face featured in this month’s Employee Spotlight. For 27 years, Anne Burke has been a core member of Michael Lynne’s team and as manager, she uses her expertise and passion for racquet sports to help customers find the right gear and feel at home. We recently caught up with her to reflect on how it all started — and what’s kept her here nearly three decades later.

How did you first start working at Michael Lynne’s? 

I think I was like seven or eight when I first started playing tennis, I did St. Paul Urban Tennis program and then I played in high school. Then one day my dad ran into Mike and Mimzy, I was a senior in high school, and he asked “do you need help, because my daughter needs a job.” They said yes, I came in and the rest is history. I also have a twin sister who played tennis and also worked here.

What has kept you at the shop all these years?

Mike and Mimzy are pretty much my second parents, and there’s such a fun family atmosphere here. Then just working with customers — getting to know them and the relationships I’ve built over the years mean a lot. 

Are you still playing tennis? 

I don’t play as much tennis as I used to, but I have really gotten into pickleball recently. I have two little boys, eight and five, that keep me busy and my oldest son has played a little tennis and took some lessons from one of the stringers here. 

What drew you to pickleball? 

I picked up pickleball a couple of years ago. I was one of the more resistant ones, but once I started playing, I found I really enjoyed it. It’s really fun and it's easy to play and you don't even  need to find somebody to go play with — you can just go anywhere and pretty much pick up a game or hit with people. So that's what I think is the easy part of pickleball and why a lot of people like it.

For those getting into it, I definitely recommend taking a lesson first just to kind of get your bearings and learn about the scoring. And then just go out there and play with people. The pickleball and tennis community of people are extremely friendly and nice, and most people are willing to help you or some even coach you and teach you so you know what you need to do.

Where’s your dream place to play tennis or pickleball?

I’ve always wanted to go to Bora Bora and I’m sure they have tennis and pickleball there!

Michael Lynne’s is celebrating its 36 years in business. What does that milestone mean to you as a longtime employee? 

I mean it just shows how well Mike, Mimzy and the whole team does with customer service — it’s what we're good at. It’s quite an accomplishment to be open for more than three decades and I’m just really excited to see what’s next.