2015 Progress Edition - Part 4

BRAINERD LAKES AREA

re ss Edition g o r P B R A I N E R D

www.brainerddispatch.com

D I S P A T C H

L A B O R

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D A Y

SERVING THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA SINCE 1881

S P E C I A L

September 3, 2015 • September 7, 2015

What about YOUR

WORKPLACE CULTURE WE ASKED, AND YOU ANSWERED

By DELYNN HOWARD Staff Writer

When the Brainerd Dispatch was purchased by Forum Communications Company nearly two years ago, I had never considered what culture in the workplace really meant, at least not in the intendway FCC CEO and President Bill Marcil Jr. intend ed it.

Echo Journal to be part of this culcul ture-driven company. I am one of the co-chairs for our culture committee and the work environment has improved by leaps and bounds. We were given funding and it’s up to the culture com-mittee how it’s spent. We start-ed out with a few free employ--

Culture, an engaging, fun and respectful envi-

ee lunches, encouraged participation in potlucks,

ronment a company hopes to create for its em-

began monthly birthday recognition with cake or

ployees, is “the most important factor for a suc-

fresh and fun paint colors, a couch and l o v e -

cupcakes and implemented a “Thank you, Thank

seat, custom cabinets and a stove. Before summer

cessful business today,” according to Marcil Jr.

you” program where employees can recognize

is over, we’ll also have added an outdoor patio

“The world we live in is fast paced and dynamic.

each other for going above and beyond their job

seating area with picnic tables.

But none of it could be accomplished without a

duties and then receive a $10 gift card to a local

dynamic culture. Our culture is top priority to our

gas station, grocery store or retail store.

success. Every office has a culture team, run by

It’s amazing what these things have done for our employees. I’m so lucky to be part of it. And

Last Christmas, we were able to go out into

the culture team,” said Marcil Jr. He wants FCC

in doing this article for the Progress Edition, I’m

the community and pay it forward and purchase

happy to hear how many other area businesses

to become one of the best places to work in the

random people’s groceries. Our employees were

are focusing on culture as well. Thanks to all who

country.

treated to grocery store gift cards at Thanksgiving.

took time to submit their examples of what their

We remodeled our employee breakroom with

company is doing to improve culture.

How lucky we are here at the Dispatch and

Reader submitted workplace culture comments ■ RASINSKI CREATES FEEL OF FAMILY AT FOOD SHELF

This is one of those vocations or avocations that draw forth real and true “culture” potential for doing good. It is in managing a food shelf. Such a person is called to treat all folks with an abundance of levity, dignity, respect and empathy, while at the same time making sure that each client follows the guidelines for qualifying for this outreach. This food shelf endeavor is without a doubt her mission. The manager deserving of this recognition is Carey Rasinski, who runs the Pequot Lakes Food Shelf.

Carey has managed the growth of this facility and program extremely well over the past 16 years. As members of her volunteer tribe, Carey keeps us informed of all upcoming changes. She also welcomes and incorporates our suggestions.

She creates for us volunteers the same presentation as with her clients. She makes it fun and rewarding. You feel like a “team.”

Any given Tuesday or Thursday morning, you’d often hear one of Carey’s goofy quips like, “Holy moly!” Maybe she had just witnessed extraordinary efforts of work or playful discussion of her volunteers. And then again, shared her joy in receiving a gracious check to support the operation. Recently, Carey and her food shelf board hosted a picnic lunch for all of us volunteers as a “thank you.” Carey has created “family” among all who have and continue to volunteer in making this a valued experience.

Peter Mann and Mary Tyler Volunteers, Pequot Lakes Food Shelf

■ WE CALL OURSELVES FAMALY

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Like any family, the Atomic Learning famALy shares a unique set of values, one of which is being em employee-centered, with a special focus on respect, teamwork and fun. Wearing orange on Unity Day in recognition of Bullying Prevention, picking over 250 lbs. of garbage on Earth Day, and team-building activities are just a few examples.

Atomic Learning, based in Little Falls, has an exceptional work culture. It’s a large part of the reason why we have been named a Top Workplace by the Star Tribune the past five years.

Our company values shape our company culture. We live by our values and hold each other accountable to living up to them. We strive to be customer-focused, provide quality to our customers, encourage innovation through collaboration and learning; we act with integrity, are employee-centered — treating others with respect, encouraging teamwork and fun.

Our casual dress code and flexible work environment help employees feel comfortable and encourage a work-life balance that many employees appreciate

in the busy world we live in. Alterations to the dress code in summer have been encouraged (i.e. wearing tank tops, shorts, or flip flops are allowed if a donation is made to charity). We also provide donations to charitable organizations made on each employee’s behalf each year.

At Atomic Learning, we work hard, but we also like to play hard. We have an appointed group of rotating team members called the Fun Rangers (appropriately named as “committee” sounds way too boring!) The Fun Rangers offer different activities to keep our work environment light and fun. Some activities this team has coordinated include wellness challenges with prizes, potlucks, chili cook-offs complete with trophies for the winners, 4-square tournaments, bean bag tournaments, the employee garden, Mardi Gras chair parades, pumpkin carving contests, Halloween costume contests, Poker walks (draw cards for each walk taken, best hand wins), fitness challenges, happy hours, minute-to-win-it games, dress-up days, water balloon fights, and more.

Atomic Learning employees truly have passion for the company’s purpose — to guide learners from awkward to awesome.

Our employees regularly tell us they love our family atmosphere. We spend more of our lives with our co-workers than our own families. Therefore, we take care of each other. So much so, in fact, we call ourselves “famALy.” Jenny Castle, Senior Director of Human Resources Atomic Learning

■ ‘NOT JUST A NUMBER’

I am currently employed by Anderson Brothers Construction Co. and am currently on my 32nd season with the company. What once was to be a temporary job has turned into a long and wonderful career.

I don’t know how to put into words what Anderson Brothers culture means to me and each and every employee that works here. Anderson Brothers just recently celebrated its 75th anniversary for being in business and had a celebration party for all the employees and their families and also held a celebration with all of the contractors we have worked with over the years. At the party, five employees were called up on stage and between them, there was over 200 years of service and, proudly, they are all still working.

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WORKPLACE CULTURE

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CULTURE, From Page S41 Now that says something for culture and for what Jim Anderson has instilled in his company and employees over the years.

As a safety director, I get out to all the crews and you can see the admiration amongst the workers and see the pride they take in their work. At our Christmas parties, we acknowledge years of service for every five year increments and write up a profile on the employee and read it to all employees and families. If you could read our profiles the one question that is asked is, “What has kept you at Anderson Brothers for all of these years?” The typical response: “It’s because of the people and that we just aren’t a number, we are family.”

At the Christmas party Anderson Brothers also recognizes our employees, past and present, who have served in the military and gives each of them a bronze military wing plaque.

I just can’t say enough about the generosity of Jim Anderson and Anderson Brothers in helping the Brainerd lakes and surrounding communities with all of the donations for those in need. As you drive around the Brainerd lakes area, the surrounding communities or throughout the state, you probably have seen quite a few of our trucks and crews working. Take a look at the crews and I bet you will always see someone smiling. It has been a true pleasure for me working for Anderson Brothers for all of these years and I can’t say enough positive things about this company! Thank you, Jim and Linnea Anderson.

Kim Kirk, Safety Director Anderson Brothers

■ WELLNESS EFFORTS AFFECT CULTURE AT CWC

Below are some of the things that happen at Crow Wing County when it comes to wellness efforts for employees: 1. CWC has been looking at healthy vending options for the past two-plus years working with the vending companies to provide healthy food in all vending machines such as granola bars, fiber bars and crackers/meat/ cheese packs.

2. CWC has a wellness committee in place that works to offer special challenges throughout the year for employees. One such challenge that was offered three different times over the spring and summer was a cardio challenge. Teams of four employees each would log and record their cardio minutes for each week and turn those results in. Teams would win prizes for finishing in first, second or third place.

Around 120 employees took part in this over three months in time logging more

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Anderson Brothers celebrated its 75th anniversary in business. The photo, taken at the Northern Pacific Event Center, includes board members, man managers and employees with 25 years of service or more. There were 15 employees not pictured that couldn’t make it to the photo shoot.

than 4,000 cardio hours. A lot of employees would take their lunch break to walk with a co-worker logging in time for the cardio challenge and building good team relationships.

3. In the late winter and early spring of 2015, around 25 CWC employees took part in one hour yoga classes once a week for eight weeks. This was created to help employees understand how to build physical and mental endurance along with relaxation techniques to help with stress. These yoga sessions will also be brought back in the fall.

4. Discussions are taking place with the wellness committee to see what else can be done to help our employees maintain a happy and healthy workplace environment. There are possibilities of creating a couple small exercise rooms in a couple of the buildings to help employees who wish to work out on campus. Different ideas besides yoga are also being looked at for additional wellness plans for the winter months.

Bryan Pederson, Human Resource Generalist Human Resource Department, Crow Wing County

Advertorial

Deerwood Bank, locally owned for 105 years, grows to 14 offices For 105 years, Deerwood Bank has been the locally owned and operated bank that people trust. The majority of customers are referred to the bank by family and friends, and many bank employees have worked there for so long that customers have become friends.

On June 15, Deerwood Bank announced its acquisition of American Bank of St. Paul, adding six new offices to the bank, which now has 14 offices and more than 150 employees. Deerwood Bank has grown to more than $560 million in assets, with full service locations in Baxter, Bemidji, Brainerd, Blackduck, Deerwood, Garrison, Grand Rapids, Northome, Mendota Heights, St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Apple Valley, Albert Lea and Alden.

The integration of American Bank of St. Paul now allows Twin Cities residents who may have a cabin or seasonal home in the Brainerd lakes area to continue to have access and the support of Deerwood Bank.

Greg Breen recently joined Deerwood Bank as Chief Credit Officer. Breen said through its lengthy history and its employees’ dedication to customer service, Deerwood Bank has fostered strong relationships with its customers.

“The people here are a great group who take their jobs seriously, and they really take care of their customers,” Breen explained. “There are some very deep connections here that you don’t find in other banks. You don’t see a lot of turnover here.

People seem to come and they stay.”

Not only are their customers loyal, but so is Deerwood Bank. Whenever they need to hire outside vendors, for even something as simple as a staff lunch, they first look to the businesses that do business with them, said Rachel Carpenter, Retail Banking Manager.

“We specialize in catering to small business customers,” explained Carpenter.

“We have no checking account or analysis fees, which is very different from many banks. We not only cater to small business customers, we also provide unique and engaging consumer savings and checking accounts.”

Deerwood Bank offers free checking and savings accounts, which allow customers to choose from customized options that really allow the accounts to be unique to them. It’s a way to streamline the banking process, making it simple and transparent, with no hidden fees.

Deerwood Bank also offers a Yes Club with benefits for customers over the age of 50, providing them with additional customized options, as well as participation in activities, seminars and discounted group trips held throughout the year. The Buckaroo’s Savings Clubhouse is an account for children up to age 16, providing them with their own perks and financial incentives to save, including their own Buckaroo Club tackle box bank.

Deerwood Bank implements many creative approaches for marketing and donations that they participate in. Several times last year, Deerwood Bank hosted a Samples From the Vault money hunt, hiding almost $4,000 within the local communities they serve where clues were given out on their Facebook page to help participants find the hidden money, Carpenter said.

Breen said it’s an exciting time at Deerwood Bank with the integration of six new offices in the metro area, which doubled the bank’s assets and employees.

Deerwood Bank was incorporated in 1910 in Deerwood, and has remained a private, locally owned bank for over 105 years.

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By JODIE TWEED

■ FOCUSED ON WORKPLACE WELLNESS

As our office at KLJ is a bit more dynamic than some in the Brainerd lakes area I am on the KLJ Thrive Wellness Committee for the company and have had a wellness program in place for three years. We exercise healthy eating by supplying staff with healthy snacks weekly, fresh vegetables and fruits, no dips or extras but apples, oranges, bananas and fruits in season, along with fresh, filtered hot/cold water.

We also, through Blue Cross Blue Shield North Dakota, provide HealthyBlueND, which is a wellness online app that allows staff to remain active with trackers such as food, exercise and weight along with mini online seminars, water intake schedules and so much more. KLJ for the Brainerd office is utilizing our grant money for a bike rack for staff to securely ride their bikes to work and have a safe, secure spot to store them while working. Our staff also takes daily walks and encourages movement every 20 minutes to reduce eye strain at computers during the work day. We’re very focused as a company on workplace wellness and strive monthly for staff to practice healthy habits.

Kelly Kruize KL J

■ WORK HARD, LAUGH OFTEN My place of employment (Atomic Learning in Little Falls) has a genuine family atmosphere. We work hard, but also laugh often.

We have various chat rooms that enable both, so those not in the same vicinity are always in the loop. There is a genuine caring about your well-being and health that I haven’t seen before.

Leadership is encouraging and employees are empowered. Motivators, abilities and interests of the employees are leveraged.

In my area, we have personal development time allotted to pursue interests or gain a deeper understanding.

If you take a look at the careers section of the website you will get a glimpse inside the culture.

The benefits are great, the dress code is great and there is some personalization available.

We have achieved Star Tribune Top workplace awards from 2011-2015.

We have also achieved the American Heart Association Fit Friendly Worksite Gold Achievement from 2012-2014.

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WORKPLACE CULTURE

September 3, 2015 • September 7, 2015

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The Snack Shack is run by Productive Alternatives Inc. employees and sells over 40 healthy snack choices including juices, nuts and dried fruit. Employees love to stop by the Snack Shack on their way to a work site where they may not have food options.

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Cuyuna Regional Medical Center employees and their families recently gathered for a picnic.

CULTURE, From Page S42 There is exercise equipment available and there are healthy choice contests organized by the Fun Rangers team.

We listen to our customers, respond and enjoy their success. We have weekly celebrations of accomplishment.

I always say “never underestimate a happy, motivated employee.”

Advertorial

CTC: A local company that cares – and connects – the community

By JODIE TWEED

Paul Wempen, Quality Assurance Specialist Atomic Learning

■ FAMILY FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT AT PRODUCTIVE ALTERNATIVES

Productive Alternatives is a nonprofit agency that assists individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment. I have been happily employed at Productive Alternatives for almost 20 years and cannot imagine working anywhere else. Where else could you dig in the sand for a toy crab during a scavenger hunt around the city of Brainerd while increasing your team building skills?

Productive Alternatives ensures a great working environment by encouraging its employees to have fun every day they are at work. If you come to visit you may hear laughter over lunchtime where meals are shared and games like Apples to Apples are played. Practical jokes are abounding.

Who doesn’t love finding a fake spider on their keyboard or a rubber mouse on their chair?

This is what Productive Alternatives employees stated about their working environment: “Productive Alternatives has a very family friendly working environment. There have been numerous occasions where I have had the joy of bringing my dog to work to reduce travel time for me. Children are also always welcome to visit their parents or may come to work with them if daycare is not open.” Amy, Case Manager.

“Birthday lunch from the restaurant of my choice, paid for by the company.” Nancy, Production worker.

“Encourages creativity: reminded to think outside the box and try new ideas.” Peggy, Production worker.

“Recognized as an individual and accepted.” Jaime, Job coach.

“Productive Alternatives encourages me to be the best I can be. That attitude and mindset is passed on to the individuals we serve. Flexible hours enable me to volunteer in my children’s classrooms and attend field trips.” Colleen, Senior Case Manager.

“Free to give ideas and opinions knowing that they will be considered and respected. Freedom to try new approaches with the individuals we serve. Good communication from the president on down. Uses financial resources responsibly.”

Shawn, Case Manager.

“Working at PA has allowed me both professional and personal growth. We’re valued as individuals who can work independently but can also count on each other for support when needed. Most recently I’ve enjoyed the flexibility PA has allowed me to be able to spend more time with my baby.”

Arianna, Case Manager.

“Food and laughter at staff meetings. Open door policy from our branch manager. You can hear laughter and feel friendships. Exercise and healthy ways encouraged and fostered. Doing lunges down the hall is not frowned upon. Personal inside jokes! Punking people. Our business is to maximize people’s working potential in life. Our culture here maximizes employees talents and skills. We are recognized for our birthdays, length of service and doing something right in sometimes a contradicting world. I look forward to going to work and seeing the faces of the people that create who I am.”

Jan, Community Site Coordinator.

In spring of 1950, seven farmers held their first official meeting of the Crow Wing Cooperative Rural Telephone Company, later Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC). For more than fifty years, CTC has been committed to bringing technology and connectivity to the Brainerd Lakes area.

Today, CTC has evolved into a full service technology company offering Digital TV, High Speed Internet, Phone, and SmartHome Service over our fiber-to-the-home network. CTC also offers business class TV, Internet, and Phone Service, including Hosted PBX Phone Systems and IT support services. Just recently, CTC rolled out its 1 Gigabit Internet service – the fastest Internet available.

In addition, each year they continue to expand their service areas, bringing fiber optics to new rural customers with the help of Rural Utilities Service (RUS) loans. Their first RUS loan fiber project was expected to take several

years to complete, but the dedicated staff at CTC worked tirelessly to complete the project in less than 5 years.

This $49 million project was not only a huge endeavor for CTC to take on, but it was also one that they felt was very necessary for their members.

Internet usage and the need for advanced technology are rising at an unprecedented pace; their members are now future-proofed for in-home bandwidth needs. In 2015, they began construction in the Freedhem, Leader, and Rural Randall exchanges – a project which should be complete in 2016.

“With fiber internet, we’re the fastest in the area, faster than many Metropolitan areas,” said Kelly Burns, who works in marketing at CTC. “I don’t think

we’d be able to make any of this possible for our community without our employees.”

CTC has fewer than 60 employees and also hires many area contractors for installations. During construction seasons, they can bring up to 140 employees to the Brainerd lakes area, where they shop and stay with local customers.

Many of their employees volunteer their time within the community, and CTC has invested more than $22 million in infrastructure in Brainerd, Baxter and Nisswa, with more than $49 million in infrastructure in Crosby, Mission, Leader, Pillager, Motley, Lincoln, Randall, Little Falls, Freedhem, Sullivan Lake, Nokay Lake, and Outing city limits. They’ve also contributed $90,000 in donations to the local community during the past five years.

“CTC is a great place to work within the Brainerd lakes area, which is a great place to live,” Burns said. “We want to thank all of our employees.

We’re just a little company, doing big things for the community that we love.”

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Colleen Schommer, Senior Case Manager Productive Alternatives Inc.

■ PROMOTES A CULTURE OF WELLNESS AND HEALTHY LIVING

Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s Leadership Team works diligently to provide a variety of options for employees to engage, learn and grow in throughout the year. Through their efforts and employee support, CRMC has grown substantially to offer the full spectrum of health care from birth to death.

In addition to competitive wages and generous benefits, CRMC offers tuition reimbursement, scholarships, training programs, free wellness screenings and flu shots, a summer picnic with families, holiday party, Healthcare Week activities and various other celebrations to recognize the contributions of its employees. There are numerous long-term employees (35 to 40 years), and all of those with five-year increment years of service are honored annually with awards and a gift.

Colleagues and patients recognize staff through Fishing for Excellence and Notable Moments programs in which staff performing exemplary customer service are highlighted in meetings, on bulletin boards and in a newsletter. CRMC also provides employees with eye clinic and cellphone discounts, a massage therapist on-site and discounts at its gift shop and to area health and golf clubs, movie tickets and other regional entertainment. CRMC’s mission and values were developed by a group of employees to emulate the organization’s conviction about how people should be treated.

In recent years, through its Project Can-do community health initiative, CRMC has embarked on a journey to promote a culture of wellness and healthy living for employees and in the community. In 2013, the campus became 100 percent tobacco free for all employees, patients, visitors and vendors. In addition, CRMC provides healthy food at all official campus-sponsored activities. This was implemented in February 2014 and includes employee recognition events,

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CTC employees work, live and give back to our community!

As a Cooperative, our Board of Directors and employees all take responsibility to follow our mission and be a part of our community. We thank our employees for their dedication and support to the charitable organizations that give back to those in need.

Our Mission CTC is committed to providing advanced communication solutions, with the highest quality of service, for our customers. CTC’s employees inspire one another to support and strengthen the communities we serve.

Connect with CTC | 800-753-9104 | www.ConnectCTC.com

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www.brainerddispatch.com

Steamboat passenger/freight business on the Gull Lake Chain in MN – 1905

STEWART C. MILLS SR.

Stewart C. Mills Sr. working at Carlson Clothing Store – 1908

Founder of Mills Fleet Farm® & The Mills Companies In 1922 Stewart C. Mills Sr. established the Mills Companies. In 1955 he went on to found Fleet Wholesale Supply stores, known today as Mills Fleet Farm® stores. The strength of these businesses were built on Stewart C. Mills Sr.’s lifelong dedication to hard work, loyalty and family values.

The Lively Auto Company Building

As a teenager in 1905, Stewart C. Mills Sr., in partnership with his father, operated a steamboat passenger/freight business on the Gull Lake Chain in MN. During the winter, Stewart Sr. worked at Carlson Clothing Store while attending school.

Stewart C. Mills Sr. was raised in Brainerd, MN and graduated from Washington High School in 1911. Following his graduation, he attended the University of Minnesota where he studied Law and Business Administration. During World War I, Stewart Sr. served in the U.S. Army completing his service as a captain.

The Hupmobile, the first car sold at the Lively Auto Company in 1922

In 1922 Stewart C. Mills Sr. sat at a table at the 1st National Bank in Brainerd, MN, and with a handshake, purchased the Lively Auto Company, marking the beginning of the Mills Companies.

Stewart Sr. later purchased this symbolic table, and today all major Mills Companies decisions are made there. The Lively building is still used as corporate headquarters.

The Lively Auto Company dealt successfully in auto sales, auto repair and auto storage.

As Stewart Sr. put it, the business was started “on the strength of little money and a lot of faith and hard work.” The Mills Companies went on to establish additional automotive dealerships as well as the Crow Wing Oil Company in 1923 and the Standard Parts Service Company in 1946.

The table where the Mills Companies began

The first Fleet Wholesale Supply in Marshfield, WI – 1955 A traditional Mills Fleet Farm® “ribbon cutting” ceremony

In 1955 Stewart C. Mills Sr. opened the first Fleet Wholesale Supply in Marshfield, WI. Fleet Wholesale Supply sold merchandise directly to farmers and offered a “Fleet Owners Discount Card” with a discount of 25% or more. In 1965 the stores adopted the Mills Fleet Farm® name and logo, and the stores as they are known today began. With continued success, additional stores were opened throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and North Dakota.

Today Mills Fleet Farm® has grown to 35 stores and counting, as well as online shopping at fleetfarm.com. For the past 60 years of family business, Mills Fleet Farm® has carried on the values instilled by Stewart C. Mills Sr. and continuously strives to give customers the best overall prices, products and service.

An original Mills Fleet Farm® store in Fond du Lac, WI – 1965

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60 TH

1955-2015

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60 TH

1955-2015

THANK YOU for 60 years!

35 Stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota & Iowa and Growing!

GREEN BAY WEST 213 N. Taylor St.

(920) 494-8975

WAUPACA 2016 Farm Dr.

(715) 258-3851

CAMBRIDGE 2324 3rd Ave. NE

(763) 691-1409

ST. CLOUD/WAITE PARK 2630 Division St.

(320) 253-8889

(715) 623-2063

(715) 386-3281

CARVER 1935 Levi Griffin Rd.

(952) 361-0986

WINONA 920 E. Highway 61

(507) 454-5124

(920) 734-8231

WAUSAU 1811 Badger Ave.

(715) 675-2312

APPLETON/GRAND CHUTE 3035 W. Wisconsin Ave.

HUDSON 1001 Industrial St.

WEST BEND 1637 W. Washington St.

(262) 334-7722

FERGUS FALLS 2002 W. Lincoln Ave.

(218) 736-0171

(920) 885-9787

MANITOWOC 1235 S. Rapids Rd.

(920) 682-4403

BEAVER DAM 1815 N. Spring St.

(715) 387-3768

(715) 823-6571

LAKEVILLE 17070 Kenrick Ave.

(952) 435-3832

CLINTONVILLE 500 S. Main St.

MARSHFIELD 1101 W. Upham Rd.

FARGO 3730 36th St. SW

IOWA STORES

FOND DU LAC 629 Rogersville Rd.

(920) 922-7540

ANTIGO 2511 Neva Rd.

GERMANTOWN (262) 255-1420 N96 W18200 County Line Rd. GREEN BAY EAST 2460 Main St.

(920) 468-4913

MINNESOTA STORES

NORTH DAKOTA STORE (701) 298-7700

MENOMONIE 2003 US Highway 12W

(715) 235-6854

ALEXANDRIA 310 50th Ave. W.

(320) 763-4277

MANKATO 1850 Premier Dr.

(507) 345-6401

OSHKOSH 177 N. Washburn St.

(920) 231-5738

BLAINE 10250 Lexington Ave. NE

(763) 785-4647

OAKDALE 5635 Hadley Ave. N.

(651) 779-7725

ANKENY 3875 SE Delaware Ave.

(515) 964-3150

OWATONNA 2121 W. Bridge St. ROCHESTER 4891 Maine Ave. SE

(507) 455-1088

MASON CITY 3200 4th St. SW

(641) 423-4474

PLYMOUTH 3110 Eastern Ave.

(920) 893-5115

BRAINERD/BAXTER 14114 Dellwood Dr.

(218) 829-1565

STEVENS POINT 5590 Highway 10 E

(715) 341-5100

BROOKLYN PARK 8400 Lakeland Ave. N.

(763) 424-9668

(507) 281-1130

STORE HOURS: MON-FRI 8am-9pm • SAT 8am-8pm SUN 8am-6pm • Fargo: SUN Noon-6pm AUTO CENTER HOURS: MON-FRI 8am-7pm • SAT-SUN 8am-6pm Fargo: SUN Noon-6pm OPEN Labor Day: 8am-5pm

fleetfarm.com

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WISCONSIN STORES

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Marco employees Brady Knettel and Nick Vitale recently joined Steve Brown, Brent Mattson and Mark Ludovissie in the Tri-County Health Care Foundation Golf Tournament at Whitetail Run Golf Course in Wadena.

Funding from this tournament helps to support ongoing programs such as Men’s Night, Women’s Day Out, February Festival of Health, Community Grants and Health Care Scholarships. Pictured are Steve Brown (left), Nick Vitale, Brady Knettel, Brent Mattson and Mark Ludovissie.

CULTURE, From Page S43 community celebrations and events held throughout the year. Lunch and Learns with a healthy meal are held monthly on various topics, gardens are available on-site, discounts available at the local community center, complimentary entry fees into the local community 5K/10K fun run, on-site free fitness classes and educational programs for women, youth and seniors.

Jennifer Holmvig, Wellness & Foundation Coordinator Cuyuna Regional Medical Center

■ FAMILY FIRST AT MARCO

Marco has created a strong corporate culture. We are 100 percent employee-owned and invested in the success of our business.

Our culture also reflects our core values of family first and giving back to the community.

Marco encourages employees to attend important events in their personal lives, promoting a strong work-life balance. We have the flexibility to adjust our schedules, work from home or take paid time off when needed. We also care very much about the communities we serve, as a company and on an individual level. Marco donates up to 5 percent of our annual profits and encourages employees to volunteer on or off company time. We feel good about our company because we know we are “doing good” in our communities. We receive an employee survey each year and changes are made based on results and employee feedback. Marco values its people and their performance and has created a great place to work.

Angela Anderson, Renewals lead Marco

■ CULTURE AT CLIFTONLARSONALLEN At CLA, we continually invest in an inten-

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Employees of MicroNet, Inc., often play a game of air hockey to blow off some steam.

tional culture and believe an organization is defined by the actions of its people. Our firm has laid out a dynamic foundation, The CLA Promise, which exists for one simple reason: to help people (whether it be an employee, community member or client) reach their dreams and build the better world that they envision. Our promise impacts our culture which is defined by: • Leadership: We understand that true leadership is marked by influence rather than power, influence to inspire others and to be willing to stretch our own comfort zone in order to increase our effectiveness.

• Ownership: Each of us behaves as though our own name was “on the door.” We own the outcome together and so we’re free to utilize the strengths of others and contribute our strengths to others. We assume positive intent in all of our interactions.

• Entrepreneurship: We ask questions, we’re curious, resourceful and have passion for what we do and what we’re trying to deliver for a client. We have permission to take calculated risks and dare to ask why not and what if. When an employee prepares for and participates in a client meeting, works on a project or evaluates their performance, they ask themselves, how can I make an impact and did I make an impact.

When we combine all three of these words (Leadership, Ownership and Entrepreneurship) and all of the positive attitudes and behaviors they represent, into one expression, and then use that expression as the driving force to deliver on a promise – a promise to help a person achieve success as defined by their goals and dreams, we can achieve amazing things. Working for CLA offers each employee the ability to dream and work to achieve those dreams with the help of others.

What a spectacular work environment.

Some of our staff have shared: • Our culture motivates employees to be leaders, to stretch their comfort zones and to

inspire this in others. We are encouraged to think like owners of the business, sharing in the responsibility of its success and to show passion for serving our clients and our communities … to make a difference.

• Our CLA culture gives me the freedom to do what is right for our clients and our communities. I have grown both professionally and personally from the leadership opportunities our culture creates.

• Our culture: creates impactful interactions for success.

• Our culture gives us the ability to stretch our own comfort zone in order to increase our effectiveness.

As you can see, working for CLA offers each employee the ability to dream and work to achieve those dreams with the help of those we work with which in turn forms a unique, strong bond and pride in creating something better for others, today, tomorrow and beyond. All rolled up, it’s impactful interactions for success.

Submitted by employees of CliftonLarsonAllen

■ NO WALLS, NO BOUNDARIES Our workplace has no walls and knows no boundaries.

I, and my nearly 1,300 co-workers, have the best work environment ever.

There are no cubicles, walls or file cabinets. There are no lights, other than that radiant glow of a caring heart, and no heat, other than the warmth generated by a helping hand and a warm smile.

Our workplace stretches to the utmost corners of Crow Wing County and most likely impacts, in some way or another, the lives of nearly everyone in between. We have been charged by our employer (Crow Wing County Commissioners and its citizens) with one mission — and one mission only — to each

day get up and impact and improve the life of another through the power of volunteerism.

Not a single day goes by that we don’t smile, laugh and at times even cry tears of joy and sadness together. We are RSVP volunteers who have made the conscious decision to wake up each day and carve out a portion of our time in service to others without pay and seeking only to make this county, this world, a better place. And when all is said and done, each year, we will have provided over $2.4 million dollars worth of service to individuals in Crow Wing County.

My co-workers are amazing and our workplace is rewarding, impactful and cost effective. It has no walls and knows no boundaries.

Simply stated: our workplace environment is the best.

Mike Koecheler RSVP Volunteer Services

■ MICRONET RECOGNIZES THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX MicroNet, Inc., located in Nisswa, is the market leader of member management software for chambers and associations. The company focuses on providing a positive workplace.

With a diverse team all under one roof — from quiet left-brain software developers to outgoing right-brain sales consultants — the organization recognizes the importance of thinking a bit outside of the box when it comes to work environment, perks and team building.

The annual company picnic is a family-friendly event. This year, a catered pig roast included games for the kids as well as homebrewed craft beer provided by employees.

As a major player in the chamber of commerce industry, it only makes sense that employees are scheduled to serve as judges at Nisswa

See CULTURE Page S47

Advertorial

Edgewood Dental gives back to the Lakes community

HAPPY LABOR DAY from EDGEWOOD DENTAL

Edgewood Dental has provided exceptional care for the Brainerd Lakes Area since December, 2004 and is actively involved in community programs and services.

By JODIE TWEED

they are growing in correctly with no problems.

Foss said her staff prides itself on having the most advanced technology that is reasonable and helpful for their patients. Children and adults can watch movies while they are in the dental chair, which allows them to relax. All x-rays and photographs are digital, and patients are given a digital tour of their mouth, before and after procedures, so they can see their completed dental work.

In 2014 they started their own in-house dental laboratory, which gives them the ability to create custom-made crowns for patients.

Not only is the quality of the crown better, but they’re able to get a better match in tooth color for patients. They also make custom-made mouth guards and will do denture repairs and implants.

Foss said this past year she invested in a Dental Cone Beam CT scan that provides dentists with a 3D view of a patient’s jaw. This allows dental implants to be more exact during surgery, and they can diagnose conditions that they may not have known before.

“It helps us to differentiate between sinus pain and tooth pain,” Foss explained of the new scan. “We can sometimes avoid dental work if we can see that it is not tooth pain causing their pain. We would have had to send them to St. Cloud before.”

Dr. Jeanni Foss and her dedicated staff are always welcoming new patients and would love to meet you. They have enjoyed being a part of the lakes community over the past 10 years and are excited about what the future holds. Happy Labor Day from Edgewood Dental!

To learn more about Edgewood Dental, visit their website, www.dentalfoss.com.

We want to give you a beautiful, confident smile that will enhance your everyday life! To make an appointment, call our friendly staff or visit us online today!

Have a safe and happy Labor Day from everyone at Edgewood Dental!

Dr. Jeanni R. Foss, DDS

Photo: Victoria Severson DDS and Samantha Kloss LDA Give Kids a Smile 2015

Dr. Wendy Tanner, DDS

Dr. Victoria Severson, DDS

DENTALFOSS.COM 2188280565 001293996r1

For the past 10 years, Edgewood Dental in Baxter has grown to meet the needs of their patients, by adding staff, additional services and advanced technology, while also making an effort to give back to the community and help children and adults who can’t afford dental services.

Edgewood Dental is owned by Dr. Jeanni Foss, who provides dentistry services to her patients, along with Dr. Wendy Tanner, an associate dentist since 2011, and Dr. Victoria Severson, an associate dentist since 2014.

Severson also works one day a week at the Community Dental Clinic at Central Lakes College.

The dental office also has about 15 employees, providing two assistants per dentist so patients receive their own assistant during a dental visit.

Community volunteerism is important for everyone at Edgewood Dental. All three dentists and their staff participate in several charitable organizations, including the Brighter Days Foundation, which benefits children fighting cancer and other serious illnesses. Each February, Edgewood Dental hosts a Give Kids a Smile event where more than $25,000 in free dental care is performed for low-income children in their office. They donate equipment, supplies and the facilities for the event, as well as volunteer. They also invite other dentists into the office to also see young patients for the day. They’ve also helped with Mission of Mercy and Operation Grace events, which provide free dental care to the community.

At Edgewood Dental they are invested in patient care. Their friendly staff will help you with your questions on insurance, treatment options, appointment comfort, and at home care. They see all ages of patients. Foss said they see infants as young as one year old. The parent holds the child as a dentist checks out new and budding teeth to make sure

15167 EDGEWOOD DRIVE, STE 240 BAXTER, MINNESOTA

WORKPLACE CULTURE

www.brainerddispatch.com

September 3, 2015 • September 7, 2015

CULTURE, From Page S46 Chamber of Commerce Wednesday Turtle Races over the summer months. MicroNet also par participates in the Nisswa Fourth of July parade.

In an effort to promote physical fitness, the company proudly sponsors employee participation in local running events. Additionally, bicycles are made available to employees to take breaks on the Paul Bunyan Trail and make trips to Nisswa for ice cream. MicroNet also subsidizes fitness memberships at neighboring Anytime Fitness.

Company goals are regularly celebrated with a recent major goal being recognized with limo rides around the area. Additionally, in an effort to maintain transparency, the staff gathers for quarterly updates from the CEO and department heads. A casual dress code and scheduling flexibility is available in various departments, including the option to work remotely from home.

The company allows the opportunity for employees to give back to the community by arranging various outside volunteer opportunities during the workweek. Additionally, the company also supports an employee financial wellness program.

Individual employment anniversaries and birthdays are celebrated on a monthly basis.

Other fun internal activities include a chili cook-off, a March Madness competition and time blowing off steam with friendly air-hockey games in the lobby.

Employees of MicroNet, Inc.

■ CULTURE IS A KEY INGREDIENT FOR SUCCESS

Grand View Lodge has an annual staff survey conducted for our year-round staff. We ask the same questions each year in order to benchmark our progress. In addition to the survey and initiatives we have including Chairman’s Awards, Book Club, etc., we also do the following: 1. Provide the same survey to seasonal staff at the conclusion of the summer season.

2. Conduct a “Why I Like Working at GVL” feedback poll, by department, to better understand why our staff chooses to stay with us.

3. I personally host small line staff breakfast gatherings to find out “What’s on Your Mind?”

4. The management team selects a group project each year. In 2014 it was Celebrating Staff. For 2015, it is Community Service — part of their annual bonus is earned by their success in these goals.

5. We have organized a Leadership Task Force to identify potential growth in the staff and help them achieve professional success, including mentoring and outlining career paths, both within the company and outside if need be.

6. We are in the process of testing our management staff and selected line staff with a Personality Profile tool. It identifies characteristics of our team and enables us to look for these

• Submitted

Grand View Lodge General Manager Mark Ronnei prepares food on the grill for the housekeeping staff as Grand View Lodge celebrates its staff.

same traits in key new hires. We’ve completed about 40 staff and are reviewing results. Fascinating to see similarities of successful GVL staff.

I’m fascinated by culture and feel that it is a key ingredient for success. Knowing who you are is essential for becoming what you want to be.

Scott Siler, Chief Executive Officer Cote Family Companies

■ IMAGINATION IS CULTURE IN THE WORK PLACE

Here’s a spin on work culture for the Dispatch’s audience.

Victor Borge understood and identified this by stating, “Humor is something that thrives between man’s aspirations and his limitations.

There is more logic in humor than in anything else. Because, you see, humor is truth.”

Joining humor with an overactive imagination makes me smile and laugh every work day.

A good imagination writes a great story and fills any day with journeys and adventures, yet you never leave the house.

To start the imagination activity, my mind’s eye creates a flow of countless memories bike riding in childhood, as I do start each day riding two miles on an exercise bike in the garage.

The time and distance speed by with a grin and a feeling of accomplishment. My imagination’s now in motion. I’m ready to stroll into creative

dreams of imaginary tales putting pencil to paper, at the “Parley Corner of Words” workspace.

Let the day begin.

Every day I work with five challenging, top-drawer, computer programs that I’ve ever had the privilege to operate. They became my friends and sprouted into family over time as we grew to know each other, so therefore I named them. I always treat them with respect, talking good manners and showing thoughtfulness. If I don’t, the retaliation is unbearable. Let’s start here…

As the only human in the workspace, I’m on the bottom-rung for chain of command. Cosie Moto, the Chief Executive Officer, is a computer. He’s high strung, moody, unpredictable and up and down in his performance. He’s a bully!

If he’s not fully functioning, none of us work.

On his down days, I call Ron, from “Your PC Solutions.” At long last, human contact! Poor Ron, as the star and leading man of computer repairs, he is stuck restoring what Cosie or I have unintentionally interfered with. He looks after the circuits and hard drives, too. When reprograming is finished, Cosie runs like a true writer.

We then may achieve composed nirvana, having, “The writer’s cosmic moment when the author crosses over a threshold, bringing together both strength of mind and moral fiber through the power of courage, creating a new perception for a person who reads.” Ah, success!

S47

Every morning I jump into action with Ruffus Google. He looks like George Carlin in “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” and fills a computer screen. He guides me back through any history. We discover science, music and anything else I want to see and hear. This is where I conjure up new storylines with twist and turns created through humor. We giggle and laugh all the way. He’s so cool!

The one who watches my back-up the most is Jonathan Livingston Seagate. He works the night shift. He goes in after hours pecking and scavenging all the information I had searched out and saved in Cosie that day. He later digests the material in an outside back-up disc. What a responsibility he has.

The one who works the front line assaults is se Lil’ Bill “Ground Pounder.” He is the head of security in my realm. Since he has come on board the Trojans and Viruses have met their match.

“Back doors closed, firewall up, Security Blitz Achieved on data driven attack,” says Lil’ Bill “Ground Pounder.” “The enemy’s intrusion of malicious code has been conquered.” Then he sits back, wearing an English Bowler hat, comman snacking on cookies to celebrate his commando raids and captures.

The one dominating my work time is EdMicro die Banter, editor and chief. Eddie is Microsoft Office and is the meat and bones in my computer writing. He’s named after Edward R. Murrow. Eddie’s great skill as a program is equal only to Murrow’s class quality of distinction in writing the news.

Edward R. Murrow said it best with, “Just because your voice reaches halfway around the world doesn’t mean you are wiser than when it reached only to the end of the bar.” As you can see, I’m trying to hang on to a more humble side in my writing.

Oh yeah, did I mention Sir Izzy Pits, my dictation and stenographer who intimately interacts with Eddie Banter? Sir Izzy’s named after Isaac Pittman who invented shorthand. Sir Izzy is the full activation of Dragon Natural.

He does all the typing as I talk to him. Wow! Way too cool.

Last, but not least, The Scribe, and my first hired. She’s my lead graphite pencil I’ve used for over six years now and the point-woman for the whole operation. All good writers start with a pencil and tablet. She is totally loyal and trustworthy, always steadfast in writing only what I intend.

The positive working relationship between employees and myself helps me continue to grow. It is my true respect for all things, naming them into a humored 3-D personality that allows their characters to grow in me, too. Ask Ron, he will tell you about the deviant rebellious side my computer has. Cosie has the disposition of an overpowering badly behaved god in reign. He truly runs my office.

Andy Hotal, author and storyteller Parley Corner of Words, Brainerd

Advertorial

Excelsior Place caregivers devoted to the people they serve

By JODIE TWEED

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THANK YOU TO ALL OUR STAFF AT EXCELSIOR PLACE FOR YOUR CARE & DEDICATION!

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Excelsior Place has dedicated caregivers who truly care about the elderly residents who live there.

“Everyone, our care providers to kitchen and maintenance staff, are very hard workers here,” said Vicki Burton, director of Excelsior Place.

“The staff truly cares about the residents. They work day in and day out to ensure the residents are happy and comfortable; after all, this is their home.

Burton said staff members frequently ask their elderly residents what changes they’d like to see or new activities they’d like to do, and staff members build these changes into the schedule for them.

Excelsior Place, along with Good Samaritan Homecare/Hospice, hosted a butterfly release Aug. 1, allowing residents, caregivers and the general public to release butterflies in memory of or in honor of a loved one. They try to host a special event each month. For example, they host a Western Day and they’ll grill steaks for dinner, provide cowboy hats for residents and have a country singer come in to perform.

Burton said Excelsior Place recently started a Red Hat Society, a fun social group for seniors, and they have an active support group for people living with Parkinson’s disease. They frequently bring in educational speakers who address specific topics that affect residents, including diabetes and hospice presentations.

They also take residents out on frequent outings, whether it be for an afternoon of fishing on a pontoon, shopping for groceries, a trip to the farmer’s market or the Crow Wing County Fair.

“We want to keep them motivated to keep their strength up,” said Burton. “Some of our residents are very active, even at 99 and 100 years old.”

Excelsior Place has 47 residents and employees 23 staff members.

They offer five different styles of private one- and two-bedroom apartments. The senior living community embraces three key principles for residents; they offer choice, maintain dignity and promote individuality.

The focus at Excelsior Place is on the resident because they believe that seniors have a right to retain a high quality of life. They provide assisted living services for residents who need extra help so they can continue to live on their own.

Burton said anyone who wishes to take a tour at Excelsior Place may call and make an appointment, but they can also stop by anytime. Employees are available to give tours and are enthusiastic about Excelsior Place and the services they provide for residents who can maintain their independence in their own apartments, but still access assisted living services as much or as little as they need.

Excelsior Place, located at 14211 Firewood Drive, was built in Baxter in 2003.

To learn more about Excelsior Place, call 218-828-4770 or visit their website at www.wtohdevelopment.com. Like them on Facebook .

218-828-4770 - 14211 Firewood Drive, Baxter, MN Find us on

Have a Great Labor Day!

14211 Firewood Dr., Baxter • (218) 8

~ Luxury Senior Living At Affordable Prices ~

S48

September 3, 2015 • September 7, 2015

www.brainerddispatch.com Advertorial

Graphic Packaging International, Inc. expands its global reach

By JODIE TWEED

and several locations within the United States,” explained Matt Sundquist. “At the moment, 75 percent of our orders are outside the U.S.” Graphic Packaging has about 13,000 employees worldwide and is the largest folding carton manufacturer in the U.S., and second in Europe. The Crosby facility has 110 employees, a slight increase in staff from last year.

Sundquist said, “I think business is going to continue to be strong on the international front.” As the economies in other countries grow, so does their need for multi-pack beverages and the automated machines that create beverage packaging.

Sundquist said that instead of going to the local store to buy a single beverage, more consumers overseas are instead seeking six-packs or other multi-pack options, which is driving their international market.

Most of their clients travel to the Crosby

plant to try out and review the equipment as it reaches the final testing phase, and then later, a team from Crosby packs up the machinery and ships it to the client.

Crosby employees also travel to the customer’s facility to help unpack, install, and train their client’s employees on the new equipment.

In one week in August, at least 20 visitors were in the Brainerd lakes area, international and U.S. clients, who came to Graphic Packaging to learn more about their machines. Their global business is also a boost to the local economy, as well.

Sundquist said the company is often hiring, especially machinists and assembly technicians, but also other staff. The Crosby plant employs a diverse workforce, including machinists, welders, electrical and mechanical assemblers, customer service representatives, engineers, accountants, and employees working in shipping

and receiving, storeroom, technical publishing, IT, HR and sales.

Graphic Packaging actively recruits out of the robotics and machine technology programs at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, and is working with CLC, Bridges Academies and the STEM program at Brainerd High School to make students aware of what they do and the professions available at the company. Last year the company had four interns from Central Lakes College.

Sundquist said the company is expected to continue to grow and add employees.

They also retain their staff; the average tenure is 15 years of service.

“We’re fortunate. We have good people,” Sundquist said. “Our success is really about the people who work here, their commitment and dedication. We thank them for what they’ve done and for supporting our business.”

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CROSBY-- Graphic Packaging International Inc. is likely one of the largest international companies based in the Brainerd lakes area that most people have never heard of.

But the Crosby facility, located just behind Crosby-Ironton High School, produces all of the beverage packaging machinery used to support the company’s customers both in the United States and abroad.

Their clients include the largest beverage suppliers in the world, as well as customers within the smaller specialty markets, including tea, juice and craft beer.

While you’ll likely find the company’s name on the cardboard box used to package your favorite soft drink or beer, the Crosby facility has been busy producing machines for use around the world.

“We have machines in production right now that are going to China, United Kingdom, Italy, Saudia Arabia, France, Canada

A Legacy of Innovation by talented and dedicated employees

975 3rd St. SW, Crosby, MN 218-546-2100 l www.graphicpkg.com

A HUGE THANKS

to all our employees for making this possible! Your hard work in design, innovation and manufacturing is greatly appreciated

Have A Great Labor Day! 001288097r1

BRAINERD LAKES AREA

re ss Edition g o r P B R A I N E R D

www.brainerddispatch.com

D I S P A T C H

L A B O R

D A Y

SERVING THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA SINCE 1881

S P E C I A L

September 3, 2015 • September 7, 2015

RIPCORD

By MICHAEL JOHNSON Night Editor

Holsters

Photos by Kelly Humphrey • kelly.humphrey@brainerddispatch.com

CUSTOM FIT FOR HANDGUNS

Above: Daniel Tepper (left), Phil Seibel and Aaron Peterson are the driving forces behind Ripcord Holsters. Far left: Phil Siebel talks about Ripcord’s custom made holsters.

While it is a right to bear arms, for a handgun owner, it is a pleasure and need to be able to find a holster that actually fits your weapon, holds it securely and allows for safe access.

For those who are on the frontlines fighting for the country, the need for a functional holster that can be at the ready 24 hours a day is of utmost importance. It can be a matter of life and death.

Three local entrepreneurs are providing just such holsters for those in need.

Tagged as an American-tailored holster, made of 100 percent American materials, Ripcord Holsters is a Pequot Lakes company fueled by the desire to provide gun users with a durable, attractive product.

The company designs and builds custom holsters of leather and Kydex. Kydex, to those unfamiliar with the name, is a thermoplastic product of varying thickness and rigidity. When heated, thermoplastic will mold to the shape of the item that needs to be holstered.

So, if a gun owner has a pistol from the 1800s that just doesn’t fit into an off-the-shelf holster, these guys can make one. Got a long slide G24 Glock — they can holster that.

If there is a need to holster it, they can holster it.

THE BEGINNINGS

Ripcord Holsters got its beginning out of frustration.

“I was looking for a custom holster and I was having trouble finding one,” said Pequot Lakes resident Aaron Peterson.

Peterson, who works for the Mills Auto Group full time, began researching and found many people were making their own. Through various how-tos and trouble-shooting, Peterson soon found a product was attainable and would likely be popular with handgun users using the Kydex material. He made some for himself, then began making some for his friends.

“Everyone was like, ‘You need to start selling these,’” Peterson said.

And so it grew.

Peterson now does much of the tailoring of the holsters out of his shop at his residence in Pequot Lakes. But when a major order comes in, it’s all hands on deck to build these extremely customized holsters.

Phil Seibel, Baxter, is another member of the partnership. He, too, struggled to find a holster that fit his handgun and wasn’t satisfied until he had a Ripcord-designed holster.

Seibel focuses on marketing the product. He built and maintains the website. He also works as the advertising director for the Brainerd Dispatch full time.

Daniel Tepper, Nisswa, is the third partner and does much of the business development work for Ripcord Hol-

sters, as well as daily operations. He is always thinking about the next big thing. He recently moved from Minneapolis where he worked in printing. He now works as a stay-at-home dad.

While they are very proud of their product, they are all looking for that next big idea.

Tepper’s past time serving in the military overseas helped him have connections with some of Ripcord’s bigger clients, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“We got in contact, they asked for prototypes, we got into the bidding process,” and before long, Ripcord was sending out custom holsters that would be at the side of Americans fighting wars on foreign soil, Tepper explained.

His military experience also helped create the Ripcord name.

“We were talking about how reliable this gear needed to be, and compared it to the ripcord of a parachute — it needs to work. Plain and simple,” Seibel said.

Having their product at the side of a Green Beret member is an honor, the partners said. It speaks to the quality they put into each holster.

“People’s lives are depending on these,” Peterson said.

“We are on the frontline of the military.”

Who would have thought a military product would be coming from Pequot Lakes, Tepper said.

While those holsters were made for special forces agents, for sidearms that are not in the civilian market, people can own a holster of the same quality whether they plan to just use it at the range or wear it all day long.

“They are all based on military specs. We know that because the military is using them,” Seibel said.

F Y OR

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Peterson said about 75 percent of their work goes to the armed forces, while other custom holsters are sold locally, largely by word of mouth.

PRODUCT SPECS

Each holster is made only after an interview of the user in order to know how to build it around their needs, Peterson said. Waist size, prefered belt size, conditions it will be used for, color preference and accessories on the gun are all important to figuring out how they will shape the holster to be comfortable, concealed and user friendly.

The .08 Kydex is a thicker grade of plastic that can withstand a beating. Once the forms are made for the gun, the front and back are riveted together for strength, yet the holster is still adjustable. An adjustable screw allows the user to tighten or loosen the front and back depending on how tight of a hold is required of the holster.

The belt clips are chosen based on how and where the wearer wishes to holster the weapon.

Peterson said while many people have an idea of what they want, they don’t always think about what will work best for them. He works with them to get outside the box of the one-size-fits-all holster people can buy off a shelf.

One example Peterson gave, of how customized each holster is, was a pistol that had a laser sight attached to the side. The holster had magnet inserts that activated the sight upon removal from the holster. It was formed to fit the user and did exactly what he wanted it to do.

“When he left, he threw his old holster in the garbage,” Tepper said with a laugh.

Peterson said they didn’t reinvent the wheel when they started this product line, but they agree that it’s gaining attention as one of the best in the market.

FUTURE PLANS

NFO

Ripcord brand • Where did the name come from?

“We were talking about how reliable this gear needed to be, and compared it to the ripcord of a parachute — it needs to work. Plain and simple,” Phil Seibel of RipCord Holsters said.

For more information about the product and how to get one for yourself, go to www.ripcordholsters.com.

Ripcord Holsters has designed hundreds of custom holsters — no one just like the other.

While they continue to seek out the next big thing, the trio hopes to eventually make the hardware to sell to those who want to assemble their own holsters. Those builders could become part of a nation wide guild, Peterson said.

While the group is as busy as they care to be with the work, they sink most of the money back into developing the company.

“Our mission is to just push each other,” Peterson said.

“My goal is to sell the best holster I can.”

MICHAEL JOHNSON may be reached at 855-5863 or michael.johnson@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www. twitter.com/mj_upnorth.

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September 3, 2015 • September 7, 2015

AUTO REPAIR

www.brainerddispatch.com

‘Just LITTLE guys making a living’ AUTO

BUSINESS AIMS FOR HONESTY, AFFORDABILITY

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By CHELSEY PERKINS Staff Writer

NFO

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MERRIFIELD — Auto repair businesses seem to often be the subject of television news in investigations revealing scams or other indiscre indiscre-

Affordable Auto Repair • Location: Merrifield.

• Number of employees: 2.

• Fun fact: The office features a variety of automotive-related antiques and trinkets, many of which were given to the business by customers.

tions.

When Karl Eckardt opened Affordable Auto Repair in Merrifield two years ago, he sought to change consum consumer perception and offer what the name of his business promised.

“People are satisfied with our work. We don’t lie to them,” Eckardt said. “We actually show people their own parts when we’re done with the job. … Not too many places do that anymore. That’s what people are looking for nowadays.”

Although a relatively new addition to the Merrifield business community, the repair shop has existed in Eck-

ardt’s and fiancee Amy Sullivan’s minds for much longer, a seemingly distant dream discussed around campfires for years. After working for others most of his life, Eckardt, 50, said owning his own business is a lifelong desire realized.

“I’ve been working for ‘the man’ for 30-some years now. I’ve had enough,” Eckardt said. “I’ve always wanted to do this, have my own shop and make money and help people.”

Although owning his own business is new to Eckardt, the automotive industry is not. For 20 years, he worked at Holden Electric Company, where he was in charge of all automotive and mechanical maintenance. Before that, Eckardt spent a decade at Auto Import Inc. in Brainerd working on Volkswagen vehicles and has previous small engine repair experience.

The backyard fire talk moved closer to reality when Eckardt, fed up with what he perceived as diminishing returns in his career, began taking night business classes.

See AFFORDABLE REPAIR Page S51

thank you

Advertorial

Hanneken Insurance serves clients throughout Central Minnesota

By JODIE TWEED When you need insurance, whether it be for your home, cabin, farm, car, boat or your health, it’s important to have an insurance agent who not only understands your needs, but also the rural area in which you live.

Our employees make us who we are and we are grateful for their service!

Hanneken Insurance not only specializes in insuring rural properties, from cabins to farms, but they know the families who trust them with their insurance business.

“We’ll meet you at your kitchen table, and that’s my favorite part of the business,” explained Chris Hanneken. “Being an insurance agent in a rural market, you have to be a jack of all trades. We insure older mobile homes, high end lake homes and everything in between.”

Chris Hanneken and his brother, Matt Hanneken, co-own the insurance agency, which was started by their father, Reiny Hanneken, in Little Falls in 1983. Reiny is still active with the agency, which includes offices in Little Falls, Brainerd and Pine River. Their brother, Eric Hanneken, also works part-time for the insurance agency.

The Hannekens opened the Pine River office in 1995 and the Brainerd office in 2006.

Most of their nine employees have been with the agency for over 10 years, with three employees with the agency more than 20 years.

“The experience of our staff is quite extensive,” said Chris Hanneken. “They know what they are doing. They understand when a client calls in and says, ‘I want to add my red pickup back on.’ They’ve dealt with the client for so long that they know what the red pickup means. It helps to avoid any errors in what we do.”

Hanneken said in the insurance business, having knowledgeable staff is key.

“Employees are truly the base of your business. Insurance is all about trust,” Hanneken explained. “If people don’t trust the people they’re dealing with, they’re not going to deal with our agency for their insurance.”

Hanneken said he’s noticing a trend in more new construction in the Brainerd lakes area, as more people are coming to Hanneken Insurance to insure their new homes.

“There’s been a quiet resurgence in the housing market,” Hanneken said.

The Hannekens and their staff have also been busy helping their clients navigate MNsure and the health insurance exchanges, providing a service to help them find affordable healthcare options.

Hanneken Insurance is an independent insurance agency that represents many insurance companies, which provides their customers with the best results during the insurance buying process. They understand the insurance industry, after 32 years in business, and know how to tailor coverages, combining programs and companies to make sure their customers are paying the lowest rate and getting every discount they are eligible for.

A Successful Business Is Truly A Reflection Of Its Employees With 198 years of combined experience, Hanneken Insurance and our dedicated employees have provided the best quality service for our clients for over 30 years.

Thank you to our employees and thank you to our clients for their patronage.

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To learn more about Hanneken Insurance, or discover how they may help you with all your insurance needs, visit their website at www.hannekeninsurance.com

245 Barclay Avenue Pine River, MN 56474 218-587-2722

804 Laurel St # 101 Brainerd, MN 56401 218-829-3251

501 E Broadway Little Falls, MN 56345 320-632-6592

AU T O • H O M E • FA R M • C O M M E R C I A L

AU T O • H O M E • FA R M • C O M M E R C I A L 245 Barclay Avenue Pine River, MN 56474 218-587-2722

804 Laurel St # 101 Brainerd, MN 56401 218-829-3251

501 E Broadway Little Falls, MN 56345 320-632-6592

AUTO REPAIR

www.brainerddispatch.com

September 3, 2015 • September 7, 2015

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Photos by Kelly Humphrey • kelly.humphrey@brainerddispatch.com

Karl Eckardt (left) and Amy Sullivan discuss their business Affordable Auto Repair in Merrifield in front of a Volkswagen van in for repair. Eckardt is a certified Volkswagen technician and he said he is willing to work on any foreign or domestic vehicle.

AFFORDABLE REPAIR, From Page S50 It was there he was told to expect an initial two-year struggle as a first-time business owner, a risk he was willing to take.

“My goal when we started this was just to be able to make enough to survive,” Eckardt said. “We’re struggling right now, but we’re surviving. We’re getting better every year. This year got a little better, and next year is going to be a little better.”

Meanwhile, Sullivan maintained her career as a psychiatric nurse for the first eight months of the business, but quit to help Eckardt full time once it became clear the business was taking off.

“He couldn’t even handle what he was having at that time,” Sullivan said. “You can’t fix cars and answer the phone and deal with people.”

Both lifelong residents and graduates of area high schools, Eckardt and Sullivan said they’ve felt welcomed by the community members who’ve shown their appreciation through baked goods, dog treats for pet Sydney and antique toy cars for the decorated office.

“They’ll stop here, Amy (Sullivan) will give them a ride home, and then they’ll send cupcakes back,” Eckardt said.

“There’s a lot of camaraderie here,” Sullivan said. “We’ll have a customer here that we’re taking care of, and then we’ll have two more customers show up and say, ‘Hey Bob, how are you doing?’”

Their penchant for treating customers like family has led to an expanded reach, Eckardt said, as children and grandchildren visiting the area have begun to bring their own cars in for repair in lieu of paying metro-area prices.

“We’re not like some of the other competitors,” Eckardt said. “We’re honest and we take our time with them. They’re not a number here. They’re part of the family, pretty much.”

Eckardt attributes his success at satisfying customers to his willingness to do whatever it takes to make the repair painless, including offering free diagnostics and a flexible schedule.

“The biggest thing for us is to try to help somebody out,” Eckardt said. “We come

in on weekends, we come in whenever somebody needs something done. We’ll stay open until 10 o’clock. … People really appreciate it. We appreciate them, too.

It works both ways.”

Eckardt and Sullivan said they’re already plotting expansion of the business, but don’t intend to grow to the point of hiring additional employees.

“We’ve already outgrown the place,” Sullivan said.

They also said they have no plans of moving the business away from its current County Highway 3 location, where they’ve become a part of the community.

They eat in Merrifield, drink in Merrifield and donate to area organizations and local celebrations.

“We feel we’re making a big impact.

We help out of the community around here,” Eckardt said. “If I survive another 15 years, we’ve got it made.”

People are satisfied with our work. We don’t lie to them,” Eckardt said. “We actually show people their own parts when we’re done with the job. … Not too many places do that anymore. That’s what people are looking for nowadays.

CHELSEY PERKINS may be reached at 218-855-5874 or chelsey.perkins@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www. twitter.com/DispatchChelsey.

KARL ECKARDT

Advertorial

Baxter Company Achieves National Success, CEO Credits Employees

Goldleaf thanks our clients, partners, and employees who have made our progress possible!

By JODIE TWEED

Across all of their locations nationwide, Goldleaf employees are encouraged to volunteer. In their two Minnesota offices in Baxter (pictured above) and Minneapolis, employees volunteer for dozens of organizations, including Junior Achievement, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Meals on Wheels, Rotary Club, MS Society, and many more. Goldleaf’s employee focus has led to high levels of employee satisfaction and retention, which not only benefits their employees, but also translates into better service for their customers.

King explained, “We want every client and partner who works with us to ‘Experience the Gold Standard’ – that means we strive to be the best. To execute on that, we hire the best team, people who are not only experts in their field, but who will also create an exceptional experience for our clients.”

Because of that “Gold Standard” service, Goldleaf Partners is the firm of choice for many businesses who want an integrated approach to their employer services. Their unique approach to administrative service capabilities allows them to streamline the process and become a single service provider for the companies they serve. Clients receive a dedicated relationship manager who is an ongoing resource, providing high-touch service and proactive communication with each client.

To learn more about Goldleaf Partners, visit goldleafpartners.com.

www.goldleafpartners.com 14221 Golf Course Dr, Suite 200 | Baxter, MN 56425

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Happy Labor Day!

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Goldleaf Partners, a company that started 12 years ago in Brainerd with just 3 employees, has grown into one of the nation’s leading independent employee benefits consulting firms. With over 90 employees in 11 states and plans to continue expansion nationwide, Goldleaf now administers and integrates thousands of retirement, Fiduciary Assistant® 3(16), employee benefits, payroll, HR services, and time and attendance plans across the country.

While there are many factors that lead to success in the business world, Goldleaf President and CEO, Michael King, CPA, MBT, defers a large portion of the credit to the employees. “We have an environment that celebrates contributions and rewards those who go ‘above and beyond’ what is expected. We do an awful lot of rewarding because we have a great team of people who consistently go the extra mile for our customers as well as for their coworkers,” King said.

Goldleaf Partners believes their employees are the best in the business and they also realize that employees have commitments outside of the workplace.

As a result, they have intentionally built an environment that not only values, but encourages work/life balance. In addition to supporting employees’ career development by assisting with career path planning, Goldleaf empowers employees to get involved in company and community projects that interest them.

S52

September 3, 2015 • September 7, 2015

FLORAL DESIGN

www.brainerddispatch.com

PETAL to the metal

By ZACH KAYSER Staff Writer

BLOOM DESIGNS TURNS UNIQUE NICHE INTO BUDDING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY BAXTER — Kate Kuepers was do doing interior design work, before going back to school to get a mas master’s in education.

She began a wedding floral business to make money on the side — never realizing how far her flowers would take her.

“That was four years ago, and by the time I finished my master’s, the business had grown so much that there was no way I could think about going into teaching,” she said. “That was really kind of a tough thing for me.”

She now works full time in running Bloom Designs from her home in Baxter. The secret to her business’s success is the trend of couples planning destination weddings at lakes area resorts.

“Ninety-five percent of my brides are from the Cities,” she said. “They’re looking for someone who can kind of take over and take care of it, get it done.”

Alliances with local resorts mean Kuepers is on their preferred list of vendors to handle weddings at their venues. The July 12 supercell storm that temporarily shut down many area resorts moved a few weddings for Kuepers, but nobody canceled, she said.

The storm did disrupt the Bloom Designs itself, however. Kuepers’ house lost power, and having received a shipment of flowers the morning after the storm, her husband had to leap into action and get a generator in order to run the flower coolers to keep Kuepers’ blooms from wilting.

See PETALS Page S53

Wedding florist Kate Kuepers takes flowers to be used for her business Bloom Designs out of the cooler she has in her basement.

Photos by Kelly Humphrey • kelly.humphrey@brainerddispatch.com

Advertorial

Hirshfield’s in Baxter sees growth in new construction, remodels

By JODIE TWEED

If a local contractor needs paint or stain, they often turn to Hirshfield’s in Baxter, and that’s why store manager Jeff Lewis is optimistic about the economy.

“The last couple of years we’ve definitely seen an increase in new home construction, as well as remodels,” Lewis explained. “It seems that people have more faith in the economy and are willing to spend money again, which is good.

It looks like it will continue into the next year, we’re optimistic about that.”

Hirshfield’s had been in its Baxter location since 2000. The Minnesota-based company is a fourth generation, family-owned business that has been in the decorating business for more than 100 years.

Frank Hirshfield opened his first store in 1894.

Hirshfield’s is a wholesale and retail store. While paint is what they are best known for, Hirshfield’s also carries custom window treatments and furnishings, wallcovering, and more.

The Baxter store has two full-time employees dedicated to providing in-home consultations and installations of custom window treatments for homes and businesses. Lewis said they also get customers in the store every day who come in for custom stain matching.

Lewis said they’ve seen a growth in consumer interest in environmentally friendly paint products that are waterbased and contain no VOCs. More paint suppliers are choosing to go away from solvent-based products and switch to green products because customers are requesting the changes.

“That’s been huge in the last few years.

Everybody is going green,” said Lewis.

“We offer a product in every category that would fill that need.”

The Baxter store has four full-time and four part-time employees. They are open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Lewis said the Baxter store is always looking to add more talent to its staff.

“We’re always actively looking, and as a company, we’re going to get more aggressive in seeking out new talent, whether they stay in this store or move on to different positions at other Hirshfield’s locations,” Lewis explained.

Customers who are interested in selecting paint to freshen up the look of their home can drop in at the Baxter store, located at 7447 Clearwater Road, and speak to an employee.

Or they may visit the company’s website, www.hirshfields. com . The website offers a downloadable mobile app that allows mobile users to experiment with Hirshfield’s paint colors, using photographs of their own home or office.

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We offer a product in every category that would fill that need.

FLORAL DESIGN

www.brainerddispatch.com

September 3, 2015 • September 7, 2015

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I have tons of ideas that flow around in my head. . . .

Photos by Kelly Humphrey • kelly.humphrey@brainerddispatch.com

I want it to be some-

PETALS, From Page S52 “We didn’t worry about our food in our fridge or anything like that, we were worried about keeping the flowers cold,” Kuepers said.

Kuepers gets her flowers from a warehouse in Minneapolis featuring both Minnesota growers and exotic blooms from places like Holland and South America.

She also incorporates unconventional “flowers” in her designs — she opened her cooler to reveal a hops plant she plans on using for a wedding of two people who love craft beer.

Kuepers said her personal artistic style for weddings involves the use of textiles, and uncommon items like vintage and fabrics.

“I have tons of ideas that flow around in my head,” she said.

However, Kuepers is careful not to let her artistic vision cloud what the couple wants in their wedding style.

“I want it to be something that’s reflective of the couple, not reflective of me,” she said. “I think that’s a hard thing to do when you’re in this business.”

Encouraged by the flourishing of Bloom Designs, Kuepers plans to branch out into wedding styling — a ser service common in the Twin Cities but not around Brainerd.

A wedding stylist is similar to the conventional wedding planner, except they focus the overall aesthetic of the wedding rather than practical organization and scheduling that a wedding planner would handle. Clients already ask her advice on things like what kind of napkins to use and how to get custom-made signs — so why not make it part of her business officially?

She also wants to expand by hiring workers, so she’s not Bloom Designs’ sole permanent employee anymore.

“All my help goes back to college the first weekend in August,” she said.

There aren’t many set parameters for the ideal candidate besides being reliable with a good attitude, Kuepers said.

She doesn’t mind the hours she works right now, but it can be tricky balancing business with caring for her kids.

thing that’s reflective of the couple, not reflective of me. I think that’s a hard thing to do when you’re in this business.

KATE KUEPERS

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Bloom Designs “I’m getting up at 4 a.m. to answer emails, and when they get up at 7 I’m doing the mom thing,” she said.

“Then we get them to bed, and I’m back to work.”

Still, Kuepers’ move away from the daily grind has paid off.

ZACH KAYSER may be reached at 218-855-5860 or Zach.Kayser@ brainerddispatch.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ ZWKayser.

• Location: Baxter.

• Number of employees: 1.

• Fun fact: Owner Kate Kuepers worked in a floral shop in high school and college.

She got the idea to start her business after helping her sister’s wedding on Chesapeake Bay.

Advertorial

Jack Pine Brewery discovers high demand for locally brewed beer in Brainerd lakes area Patrick Sundberg has always enjoyed a good, home-brewed beer, and he had big hopes that others would too. But when he opened Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter 2-1/2 years ago, he greatly underestimated the demand for his cold brews.

“I was home brewing for 12 years before I started Jack Pine Brewery, but I didn’t know there were this many people interested in really good, locally produced beer,” Sundberg explained.

Since Jack Pine Brewery opened three summers ago, Sundberg has doubled his production capacity – twice. Each batch of beer requires three to four weeks inside a fermentation tank as part of the brewing process. When the brewery first opened, they had four fermentation tanks, allowing them to brew once or twice a week. Halfway through the first summer, four more tanks were added. The second summer they maxed out their production capacity for their eight fermenters and began planning the next expansion. That expansion was completed in July.

There are 31 gallons of beer per barrel.

Their first year in business, they produced 234 barrels of beer. The second year, they produced 377 barrels. This summer they are on target to produce about 500 barrels.

“Since Day One, it’s been a matter of trying to make more beer and add more equipment to keep up with demand,” said Sundberg. “It’s all thanks to the support of the community.”

Starting last Memorial Day, they began to offer their beer in retail liquor stores in Brainerd, Baxter and Nisswa. Eight liquor stores carry their label, and more stores are being added all the time. They also have 28 tap accounts at bars and restaurants throughout the Brainerd lakes area, where their locally brewed beer is served by the

glass.

Jack Pine Brewery was only open for limited hours on Fridays and Saturdays its first year, but is now open from 4-9 p.m.

Wednesday and Thursday, 2-10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

They started out with a couple volunteer servers at the taproom, but were able to expand and hire employees.

Sundberg said they now have 11 people on the payroll, including two fulltime employees.

Their tap selection has grown from four varieties to 1011 beers on tap all the time, along with three sodas they make in-house, including root beer, a taproom favorite. Their year round beers include Fenceline Pale Ale, Duck Pond Nut Brown Ale, and Dead Branch Cream Ale. “Sometimes we brew up something special just for the taproom, and that’s been really fun to play with different things,” said Sundberg. “We’ve got a good variety, I feel, with what we have on tap.”

Sundberg said just as farmer’s markets are popular, so is locally brewed beer. People like to support local businesses, and they’re interested in meeting their brewer and knowing where their beverages come from.

“And it doesn’t hurt that it tastes good, too,” Sundberg added.

Sundberg thanked his employees for the hard work that they do, and the community for helping him grow his dream business.

“I’ve met a lot of wonderful people who are willing to get excited about the brewery and make it their own. It’s been a real blessing to have really awesome people working behind this, too,” said Sundberg.

Jack Pine Brewery is located at 7942 College Road, Suite No. 115, Baxter. To learn more about Jack Pine Brewery, visit their website at www.jackpinebrewery.com.

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By JODIE TWEED

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September 3, 2015 • September 7, 2015

RETAIL GIFTS & FASHION

www.brainerddispatch.com

From CORPORATE to PERSONAL LAKES AREA NATIVE HAS BOUTIQUES IN NISSWA AND MINNEAPOLIS JENNIFER

CARNAHAN

By JENNIFER STOCKINGER Staff Writer

Jennifer Carnahan — a Brainerd lakes area girl at heart — spent her childhood weekends at her family’s cabin on Round Lake north of Brainerd.

Carnahan attended the traditional turtle races and other popular Niss Nisswa events, ate at Rafferty’s Pizza and, as she got older, she shopped at the specialty gift shops to buy presents for her family and friends.

Today, Carnahan is a proud owner of a gift shop in Nisswa. She opened Primrose Park on June 12. It is her second boutique — her first shop opened in October of 2014 in Minneapolis. Primrose Park is a contemporary, specialty women’s clothing boutique, which also offers accessories and gifts. She carries a variety of clothing lines such as Color Block and See U Soon from France; Lavand from Spain; and Lumiere, Everly and Skies are Blue from Los Angeles.

“I sell great styles for an affordable price,” Carnahan said. “Most everything in the store is $50 and under for quality merchandise.”

Carnahan added, “I aspire to bring stylish, sophisticated and on-trend clothing to the Brainerd lakes area and Twin Cities markets, giving women more options for great clothing, without having to shop online or jump on a plane and travel to have access to great fashion.

“I envision my store as a place where women can shop in a welcoming and unpretentious environment by making women feel positive and confident about the way they look every day. My vision is a combination of contemporary comfort that’s infinitely feminine and

See BOUTIQUES Page S55

Advertorial

JN Tree Service assists homeowners with storm cleanup, tree removal

By JODIE TWEED

When high winds from a powerful they can spread tree diseases and create storm caused devastating property dama fire hazard if not properly taken care of. age and downed trees throughout the When the storm hit in July, many tree Brainerd lakes area on July 12, many area companies from around the state and homeowners turned to locally owned outside Minnesota quickly arrived in the and operated JN Tree Service for help in Brainerd lakes area, seeking financial opthe cleanup efforts. portunities from vulnerable homeowners While the storm may have been a who suddenly found themselves without couple months ago, many homeowners power and facing massive property damcontinue to deal with downed trees and age. brush clean-up. Joe “It’s important to Nelson, owner of hire an ISA-certified JN TREE SERVICE JN Tree Service in arborist, and we are OFFERS Fort Ripley, said that professional arborists,” he and his crew of Nelson explained.

LOT CLEARING three employees “We’re not just a — are still helping pickup truck and a customers removing ladder.”

WOODS CLEARING downed trees after JN Tree Service of— the storm. They fers: TREE REMOVAL AND TREE remain available Lot clearing — and flexible to help Woods clearing other homeowners Tree removal and TRIMMING grappling with the tree trimming — storm’s aftermath.

Storm cleanup STORM CLEANUP If you have trees Brush clearing and — that pose a safety chipping hazard, even if they Stump grinding BRUSH CLEARING AND are located in the Why not better CHIPPING woods adjacent to utilize the storm dam— your home, now aged areas of your is the time to have wooded property? JN STUMP GRINDING them removed. A Tree Service will create tree that is hanging trail systems through across other trees your property using fast could not only become a safety issue, but and efficient machinery that will mulch it could turn into a significant liability for up most trees, branches and other debris. the property owner.

The mulch will eventually become rich Angie and Joe Nelson, owners of topsoil for your forest, allowing new trees JN Tree Service, are certified arborists and vegetation to grow. through the International Society of ArTo learn more about JN Tree Service, boriculture. An arborist is a tree specialist visit their website at www.jntreeservicewho is trained and equipped to properly landscaping.com or call them at (800) care for and remove trees. Tree work 630-2960. should only be done by those who are trained and equipped to work safely in trees, especially large trees. The company has a 60-foot bucket truck that they can use to carefully remove large branches.

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RETAIL GIFTS & FASHION

www.brainerddispatch.com

September 3, 2015 • September 7, 2015

S55

Photos by Kelly Humphrey • kelly.humphrey@brainerddispatch.com

I want everyone who walks in this door to feel comfortable and welcomed. I want to provide a unique style that will make everyone feel special and good about herself.

Primrose Park sells several Minnesota artists’ products such as handmade soaps.

JENNIFER CARNAHAN

BOUTIQUES, From Page S54 through the product in my shop, you will see that the collection resonates across boundaries and cultures.”

Carnahan also promotes several Minnesota artists and sells their products. Primrose Park carries Sota clothing, which creates and designs Minnesota T-shirts, mugs and more. It also has Kiyi Kiyi, a business in Willmar that makes handmade soaps; and Baubles and Bobbies, a business in Mankato that makes jewelry.

“I have gone through hundreds of Minnesota T-shirts,” Carnahan said. “I’ve sold out of the Minnesota necklaces and the homemade soaps go fast. I had 64 of the Sota mugs and I need to get more as they are almost gone.”

‘DREAM BIG AND GO FOR IT’

Carnahan said opening a business was not something she planned to do right after college. Her education includes being a graduate of the Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in the broadcast journalism program and she earned her master’s of business degree from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

Carnahan was a strategic general manager and brand marketer for 15 years before opening a business. She said she had a track record of driving marketplace success for some of the top Fortune 500 companies, including McDonald’s Corporation, General Mills and Ecolab.

Carnahan said her job started to not be fulfilling to her anymore and it began to be more about managing people and navigating politics. She was ready for a change.

“I decided to take the leap in 2012 from the safety net of corporate America and into the realm of entrepreneurship,” Carnahan said. “Owning a store was something I always wanted to do.”

Carnahan said the idea for the name of her store, Primrose Park, came from Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill in London. Carnahan said she first visited the sites in London in 2002 and has been there four times since. She said she loves the quaint neighborhood of Primrose Hill and it has great boutiques.

“London is one of my favorite cities and I wanted to bring that piece of me to life in my shop,” Carnahan said. “The decor is soft and sophisticated, charming and quaint. I want everyone who walks in this door to feel comfortable and welcomed. I want to

provide a unique style that will make everyone feel special and good about herself.”

Carnahan opened her first boutique in Minneapolis in October of 2014, then Nisswa in June of this year and her strategic

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Primrose Park •Address: 25354 South Main Street, Nisswa; 20 University Avenue NE, Minneapolis.

•Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in Nisswa.

Minneapolis store hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and by appointment Monday through Wednesday.

•Something personal about Carnahan: “My favorite travel experiences include hang gliding off Pedra Bonita Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, indulging in street food throughout Indochina and exploring the art and architecture of Northern Italy. My personal goal is to visit all 193 United Nations-recognized countries before my time passes. I also am an avid triathlete, half-marathon runner and yogi. To date, I’ve completed five triathlons, six half-marathons and am a certified Yoga Sculpt teacher at Corepower Yoga and Spa in Minnesota.”

plan for the future is to grow Primrose Park into a multi-unit chain extending beyond Minnesota’s borders.

Carnahan said her Minneapolis boutique has a staff of three and herself. The store hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and by appointment Monday through Wednesday. The Nisswa boutique is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. where she, her mother and another staff member work. Carnahan travels every Thursday night to work at her Nisswa boutique.

Carnahan’s parents, John and Cindra Carnahan, live full time in Maple Grove and have their cabin on Round Lake, where they plan to move permanently. Carnahan’s parents met when they were in college. They were both camp counselors at Camp Lincoln/Camp Hubert at the time. John proposed to Cindra on Pine Beach Road, north of Brainerd, over a hill and marsh, Carnahan said.

Carnahan, who has traveled to five continents, 37 countries and 43 states, is proud to have her boutique open in her hometown of Nisswa.

“It’s nice to be a part of the community,” Carnahan said.

Carnahan, who still stays at the Nisswa cabin on the weekends, enjoys paddle boarding and biking on the Paul Bunyan State Trail.

In business, Carnahan has a motto, “Dream big and go for it.”

“I’ve never been scared to push myself outside my comfort zone to grow both personally and professionally,” said Carnahan. “I hope that my life experiences have inspired and will continue to inspire others along the way. My 6-year-old niece, Melaina Sophaphanh has already told me that she wants to go to Syracuse and be just like her ‘Aunt Jenn’ when she grows up.”

Carnahan stays busy with her two boutiques. She also currently serves as the president of the Syracuse University Alumni Club of Minnesota, a board member of the National Association of Asian MBAs and a member of the Northeast Business Association, Nisswa Chamber of Commerce and the Junior League of Minneapolis.

JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@ brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5851. Follow me at www.twitter. com/jennewsgirl on Twitter.

Advertorial

Budget Blinds in Brainerd celebrates a successful first year

By JODIE TWEED

later come and install everything and dress the drapes. When we leave, you have a beautiful piece of art.”

While some customers may want new window treatments for decorative purposes only, others may need them to help control natural lighting or to provide insulation for both the cold and winter months.

Since Budget Blinds is a large company with over 1,000 franchises, they can offer the best prices in the businesses, along with a five-year, no questions asked warranty. If your window treatments become ruined for whatever reason, whether it is by a pet, child or even yourself, the company will replace them for free, one time for each window. This, combined with the manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty, means you are covered.

It usually takes about two weeks from the time you order your window treatments until they are installed. Budget Blinds also can do custom draperies with their clients’ own fabrics. If you have upholstery you love and want a matching cornice or pillows, Budget Blinds can do that for you, said Larsen. They will remove and discard your own window treatments, leaving no mess behind.

They’ve been in business since June 2014, and it has been going better than they even anticipated. They serve a large region including the communities of Brainerd, St. Cloud, Little Falls, Aitkin, Crosby, Walker, Nisswa, Pine River, Pequot Lakes, and Crosslake.

Budget Blinds can be found on Facebook and Pinterest and on its own website, budgetblinds.com/Brainerd. Larsen has pinned on the Budget Blinds Pinterest page many beautiful window treatments for her clients to use as inspiration and as a starting point as they begin to work together.

If you’re in the market for new window treatments, call the Larsens at Budget Blinds at 844-7-BLINDS.

25% OFF

FREE CORDLESS ON SELECT PRODUCTS

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Expires September 30, 2015

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Last year Michael and Jane Larsen took a leap of faith, selling their home and business in Park Rapids to open, along with their son, Jordan Larsen, their own business franchise, Budget Blinds, which serves the Brainerd lakes area.

The Larsens discovered the Brainerd lakes area was the perfect market for Budget Blinds, one of the largest window treatment specialty companies in the country. So far, more than a year later, the business is busy providing window covering services for homes and businesses.

Jane Larsen recently returned from Budget Blinds’ design school in California, where she became certified as a style consultant. She received training on picking out draperies, cornices, bedding – and all kinds of drapery treatments.

She can help clients design their custom drapery, selecting trendy or traditional window dressings to give their homes a one-of-a-kind look.

Larsen said she enjoys helping clients choose a look that suits their style and home. They’ve done many jobs for residential homes, including seasonal and permanent homes, and they’ve seen a lot of growth in their commercial work for both small and large businesses.

“It’s been a great year, we’re very excited,” Larsen said.

Budget Blinds offers a unique business model. The Larsens will come to your home, bring window treatment samples, measure your windows and help you select window treatments that suit both your style and needs.

“When you put your new blinds up, that’s like putting on your outfit. Add drapery and cornice, and it’s like putting on your jewelry,” Larsen said. “It’s fun, but you also need everything to fit well, too. We help from start-to-finish. We go to the consultation, show fabrics, look around your home to look at your style and try to incorporate that into a style for you that will be integrated nicely. We

Toll Free 844 7 Blinds // www.budgtblinds.com/brainerd

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September 3, 2015 • September 7, 2015

www.brainerddispatch.com Advertorial

Tyke’s Carpet celebrates 50 years of business

By JODIE TWEED

Take a step inside Tyke’s Carpet Castle on Highway 371 North and you’ll quickly be greeted by one of the company’s favorite carpet salesmen – Brandy, a cocker spaniel who has long become the store mascot.

Brandy is owned by Shirley and Tyke Bassett, owners of Tyke’s Carpet. While Brandy hasn’t been selling carpet and other flooring as long as his owner, he has a nose for the carpet business.

“He’s our little door greeter,” Tyke explains of Brandy. “He greets everybody.

Sometimes customers come in and they don’t want to look at carpet until they’re all done being greeted by Brandy.”

But when it’s time to look at carpet, they turn to Tyke himself. Tyke has been selling carpet in the Brainerd lakes area since 1965. His father was in the carpet business for 50 years himself, as was his grandfather, who both sold carpet for about 20 years in Minneapolis/St. Paul. When Tyke moved

his carpet business to the Brainerd lakes area 50 years ago, he employed about 52 people at his store.

Tyke’s son, J.B. Bassett, is the fourth generation to work in carpet sales. He and Travis Luedtke are both employed at Tyke’s. The company also works with many independent contractors.

While his competitors have come and gone, Tyke’s Carpet continues to bring in loyal customers. Many of them aren’t just customers, but have become friends.

“I enjoy all my friends who keep coming back and buying from me,” Tyke explained.

Tyke said he’s never had a bad year in his 50 years of business in carpet sales in the Brainerd lakes area. He attributes his success to his customers, who often refer family and friends to his company.

Tyke’s Carpet sells all types of flooring, and has more than 400 rolls of carpet in stock, including more than 500 rem-

nants to choose from in the castle-shaped building on the highway. The castle is 300 feet long, long enough to house an entire football field.

Pick out a carpet remnant for your home or office, and Tyke and his staff will put the binding around the carpet remnant to make it look nice and wear longer at no charge. They also provide the same carpet edging service for remnants and rugs purchased elsewhere at a minimal fee.

This is a service no one else local provides, he said.

Tyke said Tyke’s Carpet doesn’t have a complaint department for a reason.

“We don’t sell stuff you’d want to complain about,” he said with a smile. “So we don’t need a complaint department.”

At 78, Tyke still remains actively involved in the business, but he and his wife spend their winters in Florida. So if you want to stop in and see Brandy, it’s best to come before the snow falls.

He said while other companies may be slow in the winter months, they have managed to stay busy.

“We can be busy 12 months out of the year here,” he said. “Our sales are never slow here. My devoted customers are why I’ve had a great year every year since 1965.”

Tyke said store competitors aren’t going to ever put him out of business, but federal, state and local taxes would probably be the culprit if he was forced to close down his shop.

If you’re in the market for new flooring, or simply would like to buy a new carpet remnant as a decorative yet functional covering for your wood floors, stop in at Tyke’s Carpet Sales, Highway 371 North, Brainerd.

TYKES CARPET CASTLE HWY 371 NORTH, BRAINERD MONDAY-SATURDAY 9 TO 5 OR CALL WE CAN BE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT

Official OVER 400 ROLLS TO CHOOSE FROM Greeter, Buy it Today, Brandy, Get it Today!

Welcomes All 1 Quality Merchandise.

You to Plush, Berbers, Hardwoods & Laminates Tykes! st

TYKES CARPET CASTLE HWY 371 NORTH, BRAINERD

218-829-3878

MONDAY-SATURDAY 9 TO 5 OR CALL WE CAN BE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT

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Buy your remnant from Tyke’s and we’ll will bind it at no charge.

If you have your own carpet, Tykes will bind it at a minimum charge.

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218-829-3878