PALM COAST, Fla. — For Pete Lehnertz, stepping into a third term as exalted ruler of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 2709 isn’t about prestige — it’s about purpose.
“I’m very blessed,” Lehnertz said. “Everybody at the lodge supports me, my officers, they see the same vision that I’m trying to see. And I just got massive amounts of support.”
That backing has helped fuel a leadership style centered on connection, visibility and service. While he admits the role can be demanding, Lehnertz says this term feels different.
“I’ve seen people struggle with this job. But right now, I feel like I’m actually helping the lodge out, and I’m enjoying making people happy coming in the lodge,” he said. “Our slogan is we’re the friendliest lodge in Florida.”
Building Visibility, Strengthening Community
Under Lehnertz’s leadership, the lodge has worked to expand its presence beyond its walls on Old Kings Road. From setting up Elks tents at community events to partnering with local organizations, the goal is simple: let people know what the Elks stand for.
“We’ve managed to get some of the Elks tents up at some of the events, which is helping us get more visibility,” he said. “People don’t know what the Elks are about, it’s just all about trying to get back into the community.”
That outreach is already paying off. The lodge recently supported a fundraising effort that raised significant funds for a local cause.
“We just did the thing with SMART last week. We just gave her the facility and they raised like $25,000,” Lehnertz said. “It’s a crazy amount of money.”
Investing in Youth: “Kids Are the Future”
At the heart of Lehnertz’s mission is a deep commitment to youth programs — something he believes defines the Elks’ long-term impact.
“Kids are the future,” he said. “If we can get them in at an early age, they can do the soccer shoots, the basketball shoots and go to the kids’ camp.”
He speaks with particular pride about the organization’s camp program.
“We got the best kids camp in the whole nation,” he said. “And no kid gets turned away. We take everybody.”
The program is designed to be accessible, even for families facing financial challenges.
“You don’t have to be an Elk to do that,” Lehnertz explained. “If you don’t have the money, one of the Elks lodges will pay for it and they get to go.”
This year marks a milestone for Lodge 2709.
“For the first time this year we’re going to have 30 kids,” he said. “It’s just really crazy. It seems like the word is getting out.”
The lodge also organizes an annual camp tour, helping families see firsthand what the program offers — with transportation costs often covered through national support once enough participants sign up.
“It’s amazing,” Lehnertz said.
A Leader Shaped by Service
Lehnertz’s journey to leadership wasn’t planned. A member for about 15 years, he spent much of that time building relationships and volunteering — even running the lodge bar multiple times — before ever considering the top role.
“Everybody kept saying, you need to run for exalted ruler and I’m like, no, I don’t want to do that,” he said. “That was not in my scope.”
Now semi-retired, with his home inspection business largely run by his children, Lehnertz has the time to fully invest in the lodge — attending conferences, learning new strategies and bringing ideas back to Palm Coast.
That dedication is expanding beyond the local level. This year, he will serve as district chair for Harry-Anna, overseeing youth-focused programs across multiple lodges.
“There’s seven lodges in our district, and they’ll report to me,” he said. “That’s my thing this year.”
His past efforts have also focused on causes like autism awareness, with fundraising efforts directed toward a single charity each year.
Looking Ahead
While future leadership roles at the district level are possible, Lehnertz remains grounded in the work happening at home.
“I’m looking at it, but I don’t know if I really want to commit to that,” he said of advancing further. “It’s a lot of traveling.”
Still, his impact is already being noticed beyond Flagler County. During a recent training session, other lodges sought his insight on membership growth and engagement.
“They’re asking me, what works with you guys? How do you get new members?” he said. “They asked, is that you guys on the radio station? I was like, yeah, it probably is.”
For Lehnertz, the recognition is secondary to the mission — building a welcoming space, strengthening community ties and creating opportunities for the next generation.
“It does inspire me,” he said of the lodge’s impact on children. “It really does.”
