Life in a tepee

Dressed in a navy suit, red tie and shined shoes, 25-year-old Jonathan Paulson looks like any other recent college graduate trying to make his way in the world.

As a commodities broker with his dad’s company, Paulson Commodities, the Lake Oswegan spends most of his work days on the Internet and calling clients on the phone. He’s tall, with straight teeth and is knowledgeable about the stock market.

His secret?

“I keep my suit outside the tepee,” Paulson said. “I don’t want it to smell like smoke.”

For three years, Paulson has lived outdoors – bearskin rug and all. He weaves baskets, makes fire by rubbing sticks together and uses a hippopotamus skin to keep warm at night. continue reading...