Business Central Editor Emily Bertram with John Malikowski & Jim Beck
The Business of Business
Throughout my (brief) time as editor of Business Central Magazine and director of marketing and communications at the Chamber, I have learned that there are so many factors that go into being a successful entrepreneur. While I can’t claim to know exactly what it takes, I can share what I’ve seen and heard.
It takes ego. I had a local business owner say to me once that it takes a special kind of arrogance to think that you can run a business. Successful entrepreneurs feel strongly about their vision and their dreams. They offer the best product, the best experience, or the best customer service. So, is it arrogance, or simply confidence? Either way, it helps.
Support systems are vital. Most successful entrepreneurs admit that they could not have done it alone. Sure, you have the idea, the vision and the knowledge of the business, but can you also do your own taxes? What do you know about business insurance? Real estate? Paid benefits? Entrepreneurs who aren’t afraid to ask for help and build a village see greater success in the long run.
Grit and adaptability are a must. If there’s one thing that is unavoidable in business ownership, it’s challenges. Nobody ever said it would be an easy, smooth ride — you need to be prepared for all the road bumps. Pivot when hurdles arise, change with the times, and think outside of the box — it will help you weather the storms when they inevitably hit. Leave the rose-colored glasses at home.
It’s about the bigger picture. For small businesses especially, working together and supporting each other is a win-win. Encourage the success of your fellow business owners, engage with the city government where you are located to advocate for improvements, and get involved in local nonprofits or causes that
Future-Focused
are important to you. Not only will these activities benefit your business in the long run, but your customers will notice.
Business ownership is your life. You’d be hard-pressed to find an entrepreneur who works regular 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours, Monday through Friday. To achieve success, your business becomes your life. It can also become your family’s life, with children joining you at the office or spouses jumping in to help when needed. However, as an entrepreneur, you also typically get to set your own schedule, allowing for a flexibility that other jobs don’t always have. Plus, when your business is truly your dream, the hours don’t matter so much.
In May of 2025, Modern Barnyard owners Jim Beck and John Malikowski were honored with the 2025 St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurial Success award. Together, they have grown and sold one successful business, and now operate the regional shopping destination, Modern Barnyard, with great success. You can read more about how they embody these entrepreneurial traits on page 30.
I have a deep admiration for business owners — they are some of the smartest, most creative people I know. While I often wish the entrepreneurial bug had bit me, I will not be starting a business anytime soon. Unless someone wants to pay me to play with puppies, ride horses and taste-test Italian food all day? No? Well then, back to work.
Until next time,
Emily Bertram, Editor
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Business Central Magazine, we’re sharing a fun fact from the year 2000 in each issue.
In 2000, Gary Marsden was recognized with the Chamber’s Entrepreneurial Success award for his work at Marco Technologies. Marsden and his business partner Dave Marquardt purchased The Typewriter Shop in 1973, employing 14 people and earning about $500,000 in revenue the first year. By 2000, Marquardt had retired, and Marsden was working to transition Marco into the future with a focus on “e-business.” After receiving the Chamber’s award, he also went on to receive the Minnesota Entrepreneurial Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Fast-forward to 2025, Marco is now owned by a private equity firm and employs over 1,200 people.
Vicki Johnson, St. Cloud Area Planning Organization
A.J. Kaufman, freelance writer
Julie Lunning, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce
Lynn MacDonald, St. Cloud State University
Jeanine Nistler, freelance writer
Dani Protivinsky, CentraCare
Karen Pundsack, Great River Regional Library
Kelly Tauber, CentraCare
ADVERTISING
Associate Publisher/Sales
Melinda Vonderahe, Marketing Consultant
Ad Traffic & Circulation
Yola Hartmann, Hazel Tree Media
ART
Design & Production
Yola Hartmann, Hazel Tree Media
Cover Story Photography
Guytano Magno, Switchboard
WEBSITE
Vicki Lenneman, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce
1411 West St. Germain Street, Suite 101, St. Cloud, MN 56301
Phone: (320) 251-2940
Fax: (320) 251-0081
BusinessCentralMagazine.com
For advertising information contact Melinda Vonderahe (320) 656-3808
Editorial suggestions can be made in writing to: Editor, Business Central, 1411 West St. Germain Street, Suite 101, St. Cloud, MN 56301 or emailed to ebertram@stcloudareachamber.com. Submission of materials does not guarantee publication.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Digging History / People to Know / Your Voice in Government / The Trouble with Business
Say What?
Practicing productive communication can enhance partnerships — both personally and professionally.
By Karen Pundsack
Have you ever walked away from a conversation asking yourself, “What was that all about?” Sometimes two people can have completely different understandings of what was said. Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection delves into the ways to decipher the hidden nuances of productive communication. Pulitzer Prize, winning author Charles Duhigg’s latest book explores the mechanics of conversations. Through his research and practical applications, readers can gain an understanding on how to listen better and enhance connection with others. Each chapter highlights a different aspect of productive communication methods, along with a real-life illustrations. The examples range from recruiting spies for the Central Intelligence Agency to delivering messages about medical diagnoses to script writing for The Big Bang Theory. It is a well-structured book with amusing anecdotes interwoven with cutting-edge research.
The book is organized into four “conversations” and seven chapters. Each part concludes with a guide for using the ideas from that section.
Part I: Three Kinds of Conversation
Chapter One –
The Matching Principle: How to Fail at Recruiting Spies Guide: The Four Rules for a Meaningful Conversation
Part II: The What's This Really About? Conversation
Chapter Two – Every Conversation is a Negotiation: The Trial of Leroy Reed Guide: Asking Questions and Noticing Clues
Part III: The How Do We Feel? Conversation
Chapter Three –The Listening Cure: Touchy-Feely Hedge Funders
Chapter Four – How Do You Hear Emotions No One Says Aloud? The Big Bang Theory
Chapter Five – Connecting Amid Conflict: Talking to the Enemy about Guns Guide: Emotional Conversations, in Life and Online
Supercommunicators:
ISBN: 9780593243916
Part IV: The Who Are We? Conversation Chapter Six – Our Social Identities Shape Our Worlds: Vaccinating the Anti-Vaxxers Chapter Seven – How Do We Make the Hardest Conversations Safer? The Problem Netflix Lives With Guide: Making Hard Conversations Easier Duhigg’s other works include The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better. His writing style weaves investigative research into stories from day-to-day life. His books help to explain how brain science can be used to improve relationships and lifestyles.
Karen Pundsack is the executive director at Great River Regional Library.
CHECK IT OUT!
Libbesmeier joins United Way United Way of Central Minnesota hired Ashley Libbesmeier as marketing and communications coordinator. In her role, Libbesmeier focuses on promoting the United Way's mission through strategic storytelling and impactful messaging on social media and other content platforms.
The book and e-audiobook are available for checkout at the public library. Reserve your copy at griver.org.
Meyer named Leader to Watch St. Cloud Financial Credit Union (SCFCU) President and CEO Jed Meyer was named to The Enterprise World’s Most Successful Business Leaders to Watch list. Meyer was named to the list for his commitment in leading SCFCU through a vision centered on financial stability, innovation, trust and meaningful community impact.
Montenegro joins Apex Engineering Apex hired Danika Montenegro as a BIM CADD technician in the electrical group. Montenegro is experienced in drafting, building information modeling, architectural planning and design, and 3D visualization, previously holding internship roles at Penhead Architectural Services and Conservation & Heritage Research Institute of Society and Its History. She earned a bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of San Carlos (Philippines).
Business Central asked: What is one business you would love to see open in the St. Cloud area?
Jenna Kingsley, St. Cloud Area Family YMCA
It would be awesome to have a small amusement park like Paul Bunyan Land or even a Whirly Ball arena.
It would be awesome to have exotic car rentals locally.
Something adrenaline based, like a highend go-kart racetrack would be cool.
I would love to have some kind of animal attraction like a zoo.
I would love to see an activity place like a Top Golf or something like that.
Maddie Berg, White Wolf Custom Apparel & Design
Brian Gossett, Nichols WD
Andrew Bauer, St. Cloud Rox Baseball
Derrick Brasel, Traut Companies
NETWORK UP FRONT
2025 Top Workplaces
In a survey by Energage published by the Minnesota Star Tribune, Minnesota employees ranked the top 200 employers in the state for the Top Workplaces for 2025.
Several St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce members made the list, including:
Frandsen Bank & Trust
RE/MAX Results
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Edina Realty
Bolton & Menk
Compeer Financial
Arvig
Kwik Trip
Goodwill-Easter Seals
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
Lunds & Byerlys
Preferred Credit
Scipi Companies
Froehling Anderson
Bursch Travel
Mernaugh earns CPA
Olivia Mernaugh, Schlenner Wenner & Co., has earned her CPA. Mernaugh joined the audit team in 2022 as an intern, graduating from St. Cloud State University in December 2023. She works out of the St. Cloud office with the for-profit audit team and is responsible for working on financial statement audits and reviews, as well as other non-attest services.
St. Cloud Industrial Products rebranded
A longtime St. Cloud business changed its name from St. Cloud Industrial Products to Scipi Companies. Employee-owned for 50 years, Scipi Companies is the holding company of Sunburst Memorials, North Central Bus and North Central Upfitting, Parts Midwest, and Vehicle Personalization of Canada.
DIGGING HISTORY
Rosie’s Riveting Roots
Women led the manufacturing charge in the U.S. during WWII — including in St. Cloud.
By Eric Cheever
The Curtiss C-46 Commando was the largest twin-engine cargo plane in the U.S. inventory during WWII. Second Lieutenant Herb Marra flew C-46 Commandos out of North Africa during the war. As a kid, I enjoyed nothing better than listening to his wartime flying stories and pouring over his photos and flight logs. Herb Marra was my grandfather, and I am sure that I was something of a pest in constantly asking, “Tell the story of the engine fire!” or “Tell the story about the rough landing!” I was fascinated by the C-46. It wasn’t until years later, while conducting research on an unrelated topic, that I discovered that many of
the aircraft, or at least the fuselage and wings, were built in St. Cloud, Minn. How did this come to pass?
In 1941, prior to the Pearl Harbor attack, the American military was frantically attempting to make up for lost time. The Navy began to build ships, the Air Corps built planes, and the Army built equipment. To operate them, young men were being drafted into the service or volunteering in large numbers.
Char Gale Manufacturing, based in Minneapolis, won a large contract to build C-46 components. However, the company did not have the floor space to do the job. That problem was solved by the purchase of the old
the
Pan Motor Company facility on 33rd Ave. in St. Cloud. Not only did the factory have adequate square footage, but it had machine shops and metal working facilities ready to go. Char Gale began hiring the men it needed to operate, and production began in March of 1942.
The company exceeded expectations and was awarded a contract to expand production. It was difficult to find enough workers as most able-bodied men were off to war. To fill the vacant positions, Char Gale became the first major manufacturer
Photos courtesy of Stearns History Museum
Employees at
Char Gale Manufacturing facility in St. Cloud
in St. Cloud to hire women. Soon, women were being eagerly recruited. It turned out that Rosie could rivet just as well, if not better than Stan. By early 1943, four in ten Minnesota war workers were women.
The employees at Char Gale worked round the clock, assembling the major
A C-46 aircraft used during WWII
components of the C-46, which were then loaded on railcars and shipped to a final assembly location. At its peak there were 1,400 workers at Char Gale, whose outstanding work earned the facility an “E” for excellence from the U.S. government. As WWII began to wind down, so did the need for military transport planes. Operations at Char Gale
ceased on June 30, 1945. The building was sold to Franklin Transformer Co., and the role of St. Cloud’s Rosie the Riveter came to an end.
I’ve often wondered if my grandfather’s C-46 came through St. Cloud, built by Rosie’s hands right here at home. Maybe one day I’ll find out. Either way, it’s a powerful reminder: history isn’t always far away. Sometimes, it’s just down the tracks.
DOING GOOD
$20K Grant Supports Central Minn. Development
Eric Cheever is the curator of exhibits at the Stearns History Museum.
Falcon National Bank, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, has awarded a $20,000 Member Impact Fund grant to the Initiative Foundation to support affordable housing and community development in Central Minnesota. The funding will help underserved entrepreneurs and rural small business owners access free training and coaching programs.
NETWORK UP FRONT
Promotions, new staff at Coborn’s Chad Nellis was promoted to vice president of operations — franchise, fuel and pharmacy at Coborn’s. In this expanded role he will continue to lead pharmacy, fuel, and franchise operations, while also taking on new responsibilities to support strategic growth initiatives across the organization. Nellis joined Coborn’s in 2021 as director of pharmacy operations.
Sarah Putnam was promoted to vice president of fresh merchandising at Coborn’s. Putnam has been with the organization for 27 years, working previously as director of operations and senior director of fresh merchandising.
Catherine Potter joined Coborn’s as director of culinary and food service. Potter previously worked with Target, Kowalski’s, and Pillsbury, and holds a degree in food science. Potter will lead the development of fresh prepared meals and deli programs and help shape the vision for the Next Generation Grocery & Liquor, opening in early 2026.
SCSU professor appointed to MNSILC Dr. Brian Valentini, associate professor of special education at St. Cloud State University, has been appointed to a threeyear term on the Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council (MNSILC). The Council provides statewide planning and policies necessary to provide independent living services to people with disabilities.
Navigating Together
Incoming Chamber Board Chair Paul Radeke will prioritize communication and collaboration.
Born and raised in St. Cloud, Paul Radeke was the first in his family to not enter the education field after college. Radeke received his degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he also met his wife. After college, they moved back to St. Cloud, where he began working for a local CPA firm. “Business owners always fascinated me. They always had this deep passion for what they were doing and they worked so hard,” Radeke said. “I wanted to understand business owners, to work with them and help them.” The side of accounting
that is almost like solving a puzzle — making things fit and match — has always been satisfying for him. He currently serves as a business advisor, spending most of his time on exit and succession planning for business owners at the wealth advisory firm Creative Planning.
At his employer’s urging many years ago, Radeke began attending Chamber programs to help promote his company. He soon discovered all of the professional development opportunities that the Chamber offers, such a Lunchtime Learning and the St. Cloud Area
Leadership Program.
Radeke has been a guest speaker for the Leadership Program as well as several NEXT — Chamber’s Young Professionals meetings. He has been on the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since 2021 and steps into the role of board chair in September 2025.
As he begins his year as chair, his priorities are underscored by the current economy. “Every Chamber board chair is presented with the opportunities and challenges of what that current economic or workforce environment is at the time,” Radeke said. “That will probably dictate some of what rises to the top for us.” He would like to focus on the different ways that people work now — post COVID — and find ways to support remote workers and keep them engaged.
Radeke wants to reinforce that, while the economy seems uncertain, the Chamber is here to provide the resources needed to navigate the uncertainty. “We need to make sure we are communicating member engagement opportunities and explaining how we can help people navigate what the economy is actually doing right now,” he said.
He understands how businesses can react — focusing solely on the bottom line — and would like to help them stay balanced.
Radeke also serves on the board of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation (GSDC), recently wrapping up his term as chair of Exploring Potential Interests in Careers (EPIC). “The GSDC is an important partner to the Chamber,” Radeke said. He sees value in the two organizations working in tandem, because so much important work is being
done by both. Radeke also just completed 11 years on the board of Independent Lifestyles and six years on the Youth Chorale board.
Radeke is strategic about where he gives his time.
“I concentrate on giving back to those things that I think are important for people to rely on when they want to move here,” he said. This includes public safety, education, healthcare and the arts. His passion
History Museum presents Zapp Historian Award
Roger and Jean Paschke received the 2024 Zapp Historian Award from the Stearns History Museum (SHM)
URGENT INJURY CARE BY
For urgent injury care immediately following an injury, call 320-257-STAT or walk in to see one of our orthopedic specialists. With no appointment or referral needed, we get straight to work assessing and treating your musculoskeletal injury. So, skip the ER — get same-day Urgent Injury Care, right here at St. Cloud Orthopedics.
Stearns
NEWS REEL
Metro Bus receives innovation award, adds location
Metro Bus received the TripSpark Ignite 2025 Transit Awards Transit Innovation Award. This award recognizes an agency that has or plans to leverage technology to improve rider satisfaction, attract new and/or recover ridership, and make a difference in the communities it serves. In the last decade, Metro Bus invested almost $8 million in technology to provide better customer and employee information, tracking and reporting.
Metro Bus has announced plans to construct a new Western Transit Center in Waite Park at 2nd Ave. S. and Sundial Dr. Scheduled to open in late 2026, the facility will support growing transit needs and serve as a key transfer point under the upcoming Metro Bus Forward service changes.
BBBS receives national honors
At the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) National Conference, BBBS of Central Minnesota was one of 17 agencies nationally to receive the Platinum Award for Impact & Growth. It also received the Bronze Biggie award for its annual report.
Got News?
Send news releases, announcements, or anything you think is newsworthy to Emily, ebertram@ stcloudareachamber.com, and we will try to include it.
YOUR VOICE IN GOVERNMENT
Capitol Recap
What passed, what changed, and what it means for Central Minnesota businesses.
The 2025 Minnesota legislative session brought both wins and challenges for businesses across the state and here in Central Minnesota. While lawmakers succeeded in balancing the state’s twoyear budget without raising broad-based taxes, they also approved several policy changes that will impact employers’ bottom lines and regulatory responsibilities.
Budget and Taxes
Lawmakers cut about $283 million in projected spending — mainly in human services, education, and transportation. They maintained current corporate and income tax rates and protected local government aid. Some new fees and industry-specific
tax increases will affect employers.
The cannabis gross receipts tax increased from 10 percent to 15 percent and is expected to raise $76.5 million over the biennium. The electricity tax exemption for data centers was repealed, and electric vehicle fees rose. The state’s research and development tax credit was made partially refundable, providing new value for innovationfocused companies. Local governments also gained expanded authority to abate property taxes for new affordable housing projects.
Workforce and Labor Policy
The state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program remains on track for a
January 1, 2026 launch, with a revised employer premium cap of 1.1 percent of wages. The Earned Sick and Safe Time law now allows employers to ask for an absence reason after two days instead of three. Starting in 2026, workers must receive a paid 15-minute rest break for every four hours worked and a 30-minute unpaid meal break for every six hours. Violations will be subject to double-wage penalties.
Economic Development and Infrastructure
The Legislature committed $460 million to the Department of Employment and Economic Development and labor initiatives for 20262027. Highlights include $95 million for community and business development grants, $92 million for workforce training, and expanded CanStartup loans to help small businesses access capital. The Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure (BDPI) grant program now includes support for food processing and plant-based product facilities, while the new “Made in Minnesota” program offers enhanced grants to manufacturers.
The $700 million bonding bill prioritized core public needs, with major investments in water and
sewer projects, local roads and bridges, and economic development infrastructure.
The state’s transportation budget totals $9.88 billion, with a strong emphasis on highways. However, rural transit funding was cut, and a proposed St. Cloud transit service study was dropped.
Central Minnesota Highlights
Several positive outcomes emerged for the region.
St. Cloud received new Tax Increment Financing authority for downtown redevelopment, providing incentives for investment in underutilized properties. The higher education budget allocated $1.5 million for medical residency expansion at the U of MN/CentraCare partnership in St. Cloud.
St. Cloud State University also received $12.8 million to replace the chiller at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center, part of a $14 million allocation to local Minnesota State campuses.
The region will benefit from continued funding for roads, water, and sewer systems, and expanded eligibility under the Greater Minnesota BDPI Grant program.
We thank Central Minnesota legislators for supporting key investments in infrastructure, education, and business development that help advance the region’s economic vitality.
Compiled by Julie Lunning
For questions or support, contact the Chamber at (320) 251-2940 or JLunning@ StCloudAreaChamber.com
NEWS BRIEFS
Horstmann named Franchisee of the Year
Jackie Horstmann, owner of Pizza Ranch in Waite Park, was named the 2024 Pizza Ranch Franchisee of the Year at the company’s annual conference. This award recognizes her dedication and commitment to the Pizza Ranch brand and the community. She started her Pizza Ranch journey as a dishwasher in high school and eventually became a general manager before becoming a franchisee in 2009.
Duke promoted at AIS
Chris Duke was promoted to advisor in the wealth management division at AIS planning. Formerly an associate advisor, Duke graduated from Virginia Tech's financial planning program and has been with AIS since 2019.
Wesolowski joins WhiteBox
Rachel Wesolowski joined WhiteBox Marketing as a design and web specialist. Previously a graphic designer at BadCat Digital, her creative background spans web to all forms of graphic design.
Power Potential
Scipi Companies is a 100% employee-owned holding company based in St. Cloud, MN, with a growing network of companies across Minnesota, the Upper Midwest, and into Canada. We support and manage a family of businesses serving the transportation, memorial, and parts distribution industries. Since 1959, we’ve grown through a people-first approach that puts mission and culture at the heart of everything we do.
Discover the people and companies behind Scipi at
Powered by Employee Owners
THE TROUBLE WITH BUSINESS
Cha-Ching!
Point of sale systems have gone from simple transactional tools to multifaceted technological must-haves.
By A.J. Kaufman
For brick-and-mortar businesses, the point-of-sale (POS) system acts like the company’s nerve center. POS systems improve operational efficiency, offer data for better informed decisionmaking and can improve customer satisfaction. They are primary business tools to manage sales, streamline operations and enhance the overall customer experience. Whether you are running a small retail shop from your basement or a bustling restaurant, a POS system acts as the central hub for accepting payments, tracking sales and managing inventory.
Improve Operations
Michelle Meier, owner of Arbor Hair Studio, uses Phorest for her sales. The
system is popular in the salon and spa management industry. She chose Phorest for its ease of creating appointments, its “phenomenal” reporting, online booking ease for clients, “outstanding” customer service, progress reports and reporting for payroll.
Phorest also has a weekly input suggestion from people using the system to request ways to make the system better, according to Meier. “I think it is beyond important to hear from the actual users and how to make something better, and they do just that,” she said.
Lance Barthel, commercial sales manager for Batteries Plus, uses a POS system called ProSource. He explained that it was designed and built in-house from the company’s corporate office. “The system
works really well and is constantly being added to and changed to adapt to our needs and customer base,” he said. “It allows us to keep track of customers’ information, along with warranties on batteries.” The system helps Barthel prepare effective quotes that include customized pictures, descriptions of items, contracts, and pricing levels for both residential and commercial customers.
ProSource also integrates with the Salesforce CRM system, Barthel said, enabling Batteries Plus to update contacts and addresses, while working together “to keep our system clean.”
Enhance Marketing
Bravo Burrito used a 1990s era cash register before Mike Lardy and his wife, Sam,
CHECKLIST
Choose Wisely
The right POS for a business depends on several factors. Some things to consider when choosing a system include:
Understand basic needs . Have a baseline understanding of what you need to operate, including what technology you currently have, how you accept payments, how many employees will interact with the system and what the customer experience is like.
Pinpoint pain points. Recognize where your business struggles, such as with reporting, inventory, shift scheduling, e-commerce or marketing, and choose a POS that can address those hurdles.
Know your budget. The cost of a POS varies widely based on the software and hardware required to operate it, as well as sales volume and features.
Ask questions. Evaluate your POS options thoroughly, including asking about its ease of use, offline capabilities, features, customer support, integration with your other technology, and if it can grow with your company.
"Having our marketing and loyalty system communicate with our POS is a dream of mine about to become reality. I can’t wait.”
—MIKE LARDY, OWNER, BRAVO BURRITO
bought the restaurant. “We just plain needed better, more concise order and customer data,” Lardy said.
Currently the restaurant uses Clover POS, but that’s about to change. “It’s been a good system, but we are about to upgrade to a company called Arrow POS,” he said. “Arrow is a less well-known company that specializes in pizza restaurants, but I think that it will translate well to what we do at Bravo
with burritos in a quick-serve environment.”
Most important to Lardy is that Arrow integrates seamlessly with the loyalty program he wants to use. “Having our marketing and loyalty system communicate with our POS is a dream of mine about to become reality,” he said. “I can’t wait.”
Increase Reliability
Shopify is the POS of choice for Sarah Fitzgerald, owner of the
retail shop Fuzzy Loon Designs. She uses it because it integrates with her website. “We are primarily an e-commerce business, so it’s very important that we track inventory accurately. If something sells online that isn’t something we make from scratch, it will know and accurately report stock levels so we don’t oversell,” she explained. “It’s also important because we need something reliable that is user-friendly for
us and our staff and has the features we need.”
Above all, the right POS system should make everything easier. “It affects our business decisions based on what it provides for our clients, our staff, and the salon as a whole,” Arbor Hair Studio’s Meier said. “If it makes the behind the scenes of the business easier, the POS system is serving its purpose and beyond.”
A former school teacher and historian, A.J. Kaufman is currently managing editor for the Business Journal of Tri-Cities and also a correspondent for the St. Cloud Times.
NETWORK CENTRAL
GROW | NETWORK | PROFIT EVENTS AROUND THE ST. CLOUD AREA
MORE ON EVENTS: For information on these or other business events, call 320-251-2940 or visit StCloudAreaChamber.com and click on “Calendar.”
Grow!
The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of professional development opportunities for the workforce in Central Minnesota.
Lunchtime Learning
Held September through June on the first Wednesday of the month, Lunchtime Learning is an affordable workforce training opportunity that features a wide variety of topics over the lunch hour.
St. Cloud Area Leadership Program
This nine-month program brings together current and emerging leaders to explore community issues, build connections, and develop the knowledge and skills needed to positively impact the future of the St.
and Board Chair Joe Hellie welcome the leadership class on their first day.
Jake Neu, Line-X and Sarah Wischnefski, Brenny Transportation
The annual Leadership Program retreat is a highly anticipated event.
2024-2025 Leadership Program Chair Lance Barthel, Batteries Plus with Vice Chair Brittney Goebel, North Creative Co.
St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce President Julie Lunning
Tina Norlund (L) and Robyn Engel, St. Cloud Area Family YMCA
Nicole Clements with the Initiative Foundation presents on business-nonprofit relationships.
Cloud area.
NEXT — Chamber’s Young Professionals
NEXT is a monthly lunch-hour meeting designed to foster career growth and community engagement for young professionals through networking, professional development, and connections with local business and civic leaders.
Welle, WACOSA (L); Abby Laudenbach, Homeowners Financial Group; Brandon Higgins, United Social Service; Olivia Way, Visit Greater St. Cloud; Emily Davis, EPIC; Taylor Doeden, St. Cloud Community Foundation; Bri Disrud, Residence Inn St. Cloud; Alicia Gunderson, Gate City Bank; Kristen Jurek, Creative Planning; Ben Barhorst, American National Bank; Maddie Berg, White Wolf Custom Apparel
Network!
St. Cloud Orthopedics celebrated 70 years of service to the St. Cloud community by hosting Business After Hours in June.
Dr. Andrew Mulder (L) and Ed Kelly, St. Cloud Orthopedics
Just, BankVista (L); Jim Gruenke, Stop Go Studio; and Paul Radeke, Creative Planning
Lisa Stoffel, Nuts and Bolts Marketing (L); Jodi Pundsack and Jessica Johnson, Evermore Co.; and Kris Nelson, Motor Works Auto Repair
Jason Miller, Trust Real Estate Co. (L); Kristin Hannon, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota; Mike Brower, American Family Insurance – Michael Brower Agency; Clint Lentner, Northland Capital
Kim
St. Cloud
and
Kenley
Dr.
Schaap,
Orthopedics (L)
Deborah Krump, Krump Benefits Consulting
Lynn
Emily Davis, EPIC (L), takes part in a demonstration conducted by Jessica Houle, United Way of Central MN, during a NEXT monthly meeting at WACOSA.
Abby Laudenbach, Homeowners Financial Group (L) and Maddie Berg, White Wolf Custom Apparel attend a NEXT meeting at the ROX baseball stadium.
BUSINESS TOOLS
WORKING WELL
Healthy Employees, Stronger Communities
Employers can support employee and community well-being through occupational health.
By Dani Protivinsky and Kelly Tauber
Employers are increasingly recognizing that when their workforce is healthy — physically, mentally, and emotionally — everyone benefits. From increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs to stronger workplace morale and healthier communities, investing in employee well-being is more than a smart business decision, it’s a community commitment.
What is occupational health?
One powerful way employers can contribute to both workforce and community health is by partnering with occupational health services. For example, at CentraCare the occupational health program is designed to bridge the gap between workplace needs and healthcare services. Through the program, employers can access customized
Contributors
Dani Protivinsky is the senior director of health equity & community health improvement and Kelly Tauber is the director of occupational health and wellness at CentraCare.
solutions that help them build and maintain a healthy, thriving workforce while supporting the broader health of the communities they serve.
Why does it matter?
Occupational health is more than injury care or compliance physicals. It’s a strategic approach that connects employees with the preventive, behavioral, and chronic care they need — services that often extend beyond the workplace. Especially in rural or underserved areas, occupational health can serve as a key access point to critical care.
Generally an occupational health team works closely with employers to design programs that meet regulatory requirements and address the unique health needs of employees and their families. This includes everything from vaccinations and screenings to mental health support and chronic disease management — services that directly impact local health outcomes.
What about mental health?
Mental health continues to be a leading challenge across all industries and communities. Stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout affect not only individual employees, but the overall well-being of families and neighborhoods.
Occupational health programs often make it a priority to help employers address mental health through education, access to counseling, and workplace culture initiatives. Whether it’s helping identify early signs of distress, reducing stigma, or offering mental health training, they offer support to employers to create compassionate workplaces that ripple positively into the community.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Working Well / Management Toolkit / Economy Central by Falcon Bank
How can employers get started?
Supporting health doesn’t always require large investments. Here are a few community-conscious strategies employers can start with:
1 Promote preventive care: Encourage regular health screenings and partner with occupational health for mobile or community-based clinics.
3 Support work-life integration: Provide policies that allow employees to care for their families and themselves, benefiting the broader community.
4 Collaborate with local health resources: Stay informed about community health trends and connect employees to local care through occupational health partnerships.
2.Normalize mental health conversations: Offer training, create safe spaces, and lead by example to reduce stigma.
When employers partner with an occupational health program, they gain more than a service — they gain a community ally. Together, they can create healthier workplaces and stronger, more resilient communities. By supporting employee well-being, you’re investing in the future — at work, at home, and across the region.
TOOLS
When Life Happens
Paid Leave is coming to Minnesota in 2026. What does that mean for you?
By Emily Bertram MANAGEMENT TOOLKIT
During stressful times of illness or happy times of welcoming a new child into a household, peace of mind regarding employment is vital. The new Minnesota Paid Leave program aims to provide that peace of mind. According to PaidLeave.MN.gov, “Paid Leave provides payments and job protections to people who need time away from work for their own health or to care for a family member.” But what does this mean for employers?
Any employee — full time, part time or temporary — is eligible to file for leave if they work at least 50 percent of their time in the state of Minnesota, even if they work from home. They must have also earned at least 5.3 percent of the state’s average annual wage (about $3,700) in the past year.
Who’s Covered, Who Pays
For employers with over 30 employees, the premium rate is 0.88 percent of wages paid. Employers have the option to pay the entire premium or to deduct up to 50 percent of that premium from employee pay. “There is a reduced rate for businesses with 30 or fewer employees,” Sip said. That rate is half that of large employers, or up to 0.44 percent.
The Basics
Starting January 1, 2026, Minnesota will become the 13th state to launch a statewide paid leave program. Amy Sip is a human resources professional and owner of ASip Consulting. “There’s two components to the law,” Sip said. “It’s wage-replacement and it’s securing their position.” Under the new legislation, employees can use up to 12 weeks for personal medical leave, and/or up to 12 weeks of family leave to care for someone else, not to exceed 20 weeks total.
“The maximum weekly benefit that someone could collect is $1,372 according to MN DEED,” Sip said. “That’s based on a percentage of their income.” Employers will need to decide how to handle employees whose income exceeds that maximum benefit level, and they may still need to offer short-term policies to fill that gap.
Employers must submit quarterly paid leave premium payments online through their unemployment insurance/paid leave account. Freelancers, independent contractors or those who are self-employed
are not required to participate in the program, but they can opt in if desired. If you don’t currently have that account set up with the state, now would be the time to do so if you’re hoping to take part in this program.
There is also the option to choose an alternative plan instead of the state’s plan. “That has to be submitted to the state for approval and there’s a fee that goes with that,” Sip said.
Planning Ahead
“It’s important that businesses start having a conversation about it,” Sip said, especially as businesses are working on open enrollment plans or employees are planning elective surgeries or maternity leave. It’s also something to consider as the end of the year draws nearer. “Somebody having a baby in December of 2025 could take leave again in 2026,” Sip said. Her top three recommendations are:
1 Calculate how many employees will qualify for the $1,372 weekly benefit. Do you have employees who would technically qualify for more? How are you going to manage that gap?
2 Think about your benefit offerings. Are you going to continue to offer short-term disability? How will that work with this program?
3 Consider how you are going to recoup costs. How much, if any, will you require employees to pay?
While it’s easy to get overwhelmed, many resources exist to make paid leave easier to understand. PaidLeave.MN.gov has resources for both employers and employees, including a benefits calculator. “Having somebody audit your paid leave program would be a good step to make sure you have all the components covered,” Sip said.
A fractional HR professional can help walk through the calculations, functionality and company budget to see what the best option is for covering costs.
At Magnifi Financial, we know that every project is unique. That’s why we combine innovative financial solutions with cutting-edge digital tools to support your vision.
Read it and (don’t) weep.
Not all digital reading devices are created equal — especially when it comes to simply reading a book. While iPads and phones have the capability to be digital readers, products like Kindle and reMarkable are much better suited due to a technology called e-ink. Unlike most digital displays that use light to operate, e-ink's two-particle system uses electric fields to move charged black and white particles within microcapsules, making the surface appear
OSource: The Drum
Emily Bertram is the director of marketing and communications at the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and editor of Business Central Magazine.
black or white. This means that e-ink digital readers can cause less eye strain and fatigue than their light-powered counterparts. Plus, e-ink readers have a longer battery life and work better in the daylight. Compared to an actual book, though? That’s a different story.
Source: Popular Science
Whether you’re securing financing, managing cash flow, or streamlining operations, our business banking technology helps you stay ahead.
terms, competitive rates, and a commitment to exceptional service. Your success is our priority.
ut-of-home (OOH) advertising, such as billboards, posters and digital displays, involves taking one message and showing it to as many people as possible. That may be changing, though, thanks to generative AI technology. By creating thousands of different designs that are contextual to time, third-party data, location and even weather, digital display ads can update in real-time to offer personalized, interactive messaging to passersby. As effective advertising becomes more specific and unique, it’s a natural next step for the OOH medium.
MANAGEMENT TOOLKIT
The Minor Leagues
Make the right call when hiring teen workers.
By Christina Hopke
Both state and federal law are important to an employer’s playbook when it comes to hiring workers under the age of 18. The regulations that apply depend on the age of the worker and the type of work they are being hired to perform. This article provides general guidance, but employers should look at the specific applicable laws before hiring teen workers.
Generally speaking, 14 is the minimum age of employment. There are certain narrow categories of work that children under the age of 14 can perform, such as delivering newspapers, casual babysitting or house chores, certain agricultural work if the child has parental
Contributor
consent, and modeling or acting. A business owned by one or both parents also permits some exceptions.
For workers 14 or 15 years old, specific restrictions apply to both the type of work and when it can be performed. When school is in session, they may not work more than three hours per day or more than 18 hours per week. They may not work more than eight hours per day or 40 hours per week when school is not in session. They may only work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year, and during the summer they may work between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Work must be performed outside of school hours unless specific limited
Christina Hopke is an employment law and litigation attorney at Rinke Noonan.
exceptions apply or unless it is through approved work-study type programs.
For workers 16 and 17 years old, the work hours are
health or well-being. If a task is hazardous under the rules, minors cannot ever perform it — even as just an occasional pinch hitter. Specific rules also apply to positions involving driving or the sale, service, or handling of alcohol. Agricultural work also has some different rules, with fewer restrictions in terms of the time and amount of work.
Employers must obtain proof of age of any minor employee by either an age certificate, a copy of a birth certificate, or driver’s license. Minimum wage requirements apply under Minnesota law and minors are also covered by the state’s other employment laws, including the Earned Sick and Safe Time statute.
Violations of the applicable regulations could cost a significant amount in fines. There can also be criminal liability if the violation is
If a task is hazardous under the rules, minors cannot ever perform it — even as just an occasional pinch hitter.
broadened. They may work starting at 5 a.m. on school days and until 11 p.m. on evenings before school days. Written permission from a guardian can expand those windows by one half hour (to 4:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.).
In general, minors may not be employed in manufacturing, mining, positions involving heavy equipment or machines, or occupations deemed to be hazardous or detrimental to
considered willful. Other prospective compliance measures may also be required by applicable agencies.
Ultimately, employers need to account for the industry and position for which they are looking to hire as well as the minor’s age. Accurate consideration of these factors is necessary to make the right call when hiring teen workers.
Now hiring: your identity
These days, it’s hard not to question the validity of nearly every email, phone call or text message, thanks to the proliferation of scammers. The Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost $470 million to text message scams in 2024. The latest one is job opportunity text scams, which typically look like a perfect job opening. The scammer asks applicants if they’re okay with being interviewed via text and paid in cryptocurrency, encouraging applicants to hand out sensitive information in the process. While this seems like an obvious tell, Gen Z job seekers are used to doing everything on mobile, making them especially susceptible to the scam. Plus, as the job market cools, the temptation and even desperation increase. As the adage goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Source: Yahoo! News
Granite Partners is a private investment and long-term holding company founded in 2002 in St. Cloud, Minnesota, with a mission to grow companies and create value for all stakeholders.
We advance a culture of trust, innovation, and excellence as essential to 100-year sustainability, and we aspire to world-class wellbeing for everyone in the Granite community.
growing companies, enhancing communities
The perfect fit.
Online shopping has transformed over the years, and Google’s new AI-powered Try On feature takes it further. Users can upload a full-body photo to virtually try on outfits in the Shopping tab, seeing how clothes drape on different body types. Does this mean we can’t blame the bad lighting in fitting rooms anymore? Source: Cnet
GROW BUSINESS TOOLS
It’s Not Them, It’s You
How understanding behavioral economics can help you design smarter choices that move customers and employees to action.
By King Banaian and Lynn MacDonald
Interacting with others offers an endless supply of seemingly puzzling behavior. For example, have you ever offered a discount that no one used? Or, perhaps you offered a great new feature to engage customers and it was ignored instead? While these reactions may seem puzzling, they are often predictable. Having a better understanding of behavioral economics can help your business sidestep these frustrations.
Rooted in psychology, behavioral economics helps us understand how cognitive biases, emotions, and social influences play a role in decision-making. Behavioral
economics help explain why people procrastinate, misjudge risk, stick with the status quo, or follow the crowd. For business owners, behavioral economics can offer a rich tool set that moves your customer or employee in subtle ways.
In the book Nudge, Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein highlight some key concepts that help explain things we observe: 1 Loss aversion: People feel the pain of a loss more intensely than they feel the pleasure of a comparable gain. The words “don’t miss out” are more persuasive to your customer than “here’s a great deal” because the former emphasizes avoiding a loss.
Contributors
2 Automatic defaults: People don’t always overcome the inertia to act — you probably have something automatically renewing that you aren’t using any longer. You can turn this into an advantage, for example, by automatically enrolling your employees in a retirement plan and offering them the choice to opt out. Since many employees won’t opt out, this tends to increase uptake that helps their financial security.
3 Social proof: In uncertain situations, people will look to see what others are doing and follow. That’s why online reviews matter. If your customer sees that others trust your business, they are more likely to as well. Highlighting your satisfied customers or local partnerships can be powerful.
4 Anchoring: The first thing we learn or hear often influences later decisions. This may mean we latch on to a piece of information, even if it is irrelevant. For example, Kentucky Fried Chicken in Australia offered four bags of fries for $2 instead of marketing fries at $0.50 each. People latched onto the idea of buying four bags and they bought more fries. The problem might not be your product or service, but how the choice is presented. A public opinion survey asked respondents
King Banaian, Ph.D., is the director of the Center for Policy Research and Community Engagement and a professor of economics at St. Cloud State University. Lynn MacDonald, Ph.D., is the director of the Center for Economic Education and an associate professor of economics at St. Cloud State University.
one version of the following two questions.
Are you able to save 20 percent of your income?
Could you live on 80 percent of your income?
These are two different framings of the same question, but they get different answers. For the people who were asked if they could save 20 percent of their income, 50 percent of the respondents said yes. For those who were asked if they could live on 80 percent of their income, 80 percent of the respondents said yes.
How choices are presented matters. A service business can label its most popular options and move them to the top of its listing to help others see what everyone is buying. A nonprofit can influence donations by showing there’s local support.
Using behavioral economic principles in business are lowcost tools that are especially useful when budgets are tight. You may be able to improve engagement, customer loyalty and employee participation (without spending more) by designing business processes that work with human psychology.
Businesses that understand how people make decisions will be better positioned to grow. Look for opportunities where
people aren’t doing what you expect them to do. There may be opportunities to make it easier for them to succeed.
Residential Building Permits
INDICATORS & TRENDS
Compiled by Shelly Imdieke, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce
Totals represent data reported as of 8/4/2025
Residential Building Permits
6
Commercial Building Permits
Commercial Building Permits
6
St. Cloud Area Association of Realtors, http://stcloudrealtors.com/pages/statistics.
$1,738,973
Source: Tax Collections — City of St. Cloud
INSPIRATION
Selling
JOHN MALIKOWSKI AND JIM BECK HAVE CRAFTED A SHOPPING EXPERIENCE THAT ENSURES NO TWO VISITS TO MODERN BARNYARD ARE THE SAME.
An earthy and sweet candle scent lingers in the air. Upbeat music plays throughout the space. A cheerful exclamation of “Welcome to the Barnyard!” sounds from the register. A friendly feline quietly strolls by, looking for strokes, while you begin to take in all 12,000 square feet of furniture, home décor and giftware.
At Modern Barnyard, the mission is to inspire. Owners Jim Beck and John Malikowski have crafted a shopping experience that does just that, immersing customers in the sights, sounds and smells of their dream home, and offering expertise and experience to help them achieve it. What started as a love for vintage furniture and home décor
has grown into an impressive storefront with thousands of loyal customers — a destination for shoppers of all kinds.
A FRESH TAKE ON VINTAGE
No stranger to the retail business, Beck and Malikowski have already grown and sold one successful business together. The pair owned
Blooming Creations, a Waite Park floral and gift shop, for 11 years. Malikowski, who attended Hennepin Technical College for culinary arts and floral design, primarily ran the business while Beck worked for the Minnesota School of Business and helped at the shop on the weekends and with marketing.
When their lease expired and word got out that they were looking for a new location, they were approached by Rhoda Parus, owner of St. Cloud Floral, about a possible purchase. “It was the right time,” Malikowski said. They sold Blooming Creations in 2015, with plans of taking a break from entrepreneurship. “At first I thought it was time to check out, and I’d rather work for somebody at a nine to five,” Malikowski said. “Until I did, and it wasn’t really the right fit for me.”
Less than a year later, Beck and Malikowski were talking about their next venture. “We knew after we sold that there would be something else in the future,” Beck said. “We just weren’t sure how or what.” That is, until the pair was on a trip to Hawaii, and a rainy day found them watching a show on HGTV called Flea Market Flip, where the cast would search for
Ownership:
Home is where the cats are
FROM RESCUED STRAYS TO BELOVED GREETERS, THESE FELINES ARE PART OF THE MODERN BARNYARD STORY.
and refurbish antique furniture. They thought, “We could do this.”
At Blooming Creations, they had gradually grown the giftware options and enjoyed offering things that customers couldn’t find anywhere else. “We saw that there was a need for niche giftware in St. Cloud,” Beck said. They enjoyed shopping for home décor and furniture, but a lot of the stores they visited just had antiques. It gave them an idea. “We could do 80 percent new, mix in some of the vintage, and have a new concept,” Beck said.
About one year after selling Blooming Creations, they contacted Brian Musech with Granite City Real Estate and began looking for buildings. Their current location was one of the first they toured, because of its prime location on a busy road. “The location was nice, the building wasn’t,” Malikowski
When John Malikowski and Jim Beck bought the building that would become Modern Barnyard, they weren’t the only ones settling in. A stray tabby living beneath the structure caught Malikowski’s attention. He began leaving out food. When winter hit and they left for a market trip, they opened up their workshop so she could stay warm. She never left. Bessie, as she’s now known, quickly became a fixture of the store, content to be petted by customers and loved by all. “She’s so good with everybody,” Malikowski said. “People pet her and she doesn’t move.”
A few years later, a black-andwhite cat made his appearance from across the road. Startled by
said. They continued looking at other spots but kept coming back to that first location for some reason.
They reached out to Gohman Construction for a walkthrough with them to discuss the possibilities. They wanted to know, “Was the foundation enough that if we gutted it and redid the whole thing, would it be usable?” Beck said. The team at Gohman saw the potential, so their next call was to their bank to talk about financing. After running the numbers, they figured they could purchase the building at a good price and put the rest toward renovations. They purchased the property in 2016, and Modern Barnyard opened its doors on April 1, 2017.
CURATING CHARM
What sets Modern Barnyard apart is the way they showcase
exactly how shoppers can arrange décor in their own homes. “It’s kind of a trend to put a little bit of something old with some new décor as you’re decorating,” Malikowski said. “So we’re not a full-fledged antique store, more so home décor with a little bit of antique appeal to it.” Part of that antique element comes from merchandise picking trips.
The term “picking” is defined as the practice of buying used or antique items with the intention of reselling them for a profit. It’s often done at flea markets, online or at auctions. Picking is an activity done over time — not a one-and-done outing — and there is a community of “pickers” who frequent these events.
Beck and Malikowski started picking when they owned Blooming Creations. They kept it up as they looked for furniture to refurbish for Modern Barnyard.
nearby construction, he darted into Modern Barnyard’s expansion zone and never looked back. After a visit to the vet and confirmation from the Tri-County Humane Society that he wasn’t claimed, the sprightly feline — soon named Prancer — became a permanent resident. True to his name, he struts through the store like he owns the place.
Over the years, five cats have found their way to Modern Barnyard: Bessie, Prancer, Mittens, Shadow, and Zoe. Bessie and Prancer still charm customers in-store, while the others live at home with Malikowski and Beck. It’s just one more element that makes a trip to The Barnyard feel like home.
Other pickers soon took notice. “People were like, ‘What are you guys doing with all this stuff?’ ” Beck said. “We started telling people at the auctions that we were opening a store, and where, and they approached us to be vendors.”
The booth rental model became a natural fit for them from the start. “We didn’t have as much inventory at the time,” Malikowski said. “We actually had way more vendors at the time we opened.” They work with a variety of antique and décor sellers who bring in their items to fill a booth space in the store. The seller is responsible for pricing all of their things; Modern Barnyard sells it and keeps a small commission. Sellers also work a shift at the store at least once a month, which saves on labor costs. And they are active in marketing and on social media to help promote the store.
Another way that Beck and Malikowski involved other pickers in their adventure was through an event they started called Junk Junktion. The show featured over 50 vendors from all over the state selling their wares under one roof. Beck and Malikowski ran the event from 2017-2020, then partnered with the Central Minnesota Builders Association in 2022, before deciding it was time to refocus on the store. “Everything we do outside of here just takes us away from being here,” Beck said.
As inventory shifted and grew, vendor numbers decreased, while their own inventory increased. Today, Modern Barnyard has 90 percent of the inventory, with 12 vendor booths in the store. “Our vendors bring in a unique look to the barnyard,” Beck said. “We have boutique vendors that bring in clothing, antique vendors that bring in vintage items, repurposing vendors that repurpose furniture, and a bunch of vendors who are pickers.” The variety helps them stay true to their saying of, “It’s never the same store twice.” They switch out inventory seasonally, working about six to twelve months ahead with ordering.
The ordering process begins with trips to market — often in Dallas, Tex. — where Beck and Malikowski meet with hundreds of vendors to purchase their inventory for the coming season. They’ve built relationships with many vendors and other merchants, which allow them to share feedback and stay on top of trends. “We were more rustic and farmhouse to begin with,” Malikowski said. “We still have some of that, but with a lot more modern touches.” Other trends — like brightly-colored furniture and silver and bronze accents — have come and gone, and they have adapted to customer demand, even if it’s not exactly their vibe. “Our vision
isn’t always everybody else’s,” Malikowski said. But if it sells, they’ll carry it.
When it comes to running the business, it’s a balancing act of skills. Malikowski tends to take care of back-of-the-house operations, such as the furniture refinishing and inventory control. Beck is more comfortable at the front of the store, interacting with customers and doing marketing. They have a team of one full-time staff member and three part-time employees, along with the vendor help. Beck and Malikowski love the freedom that being a business owner allows — the flexibility to make their own choices and act on their own ideas. “We have the creative freedom to find something new and unique,” Beck said.
WEAR AND TEAR
Like millions of other small businesses, the pandemicrelated events of 2020 took their toll on Beck and Malikowski, but not too severely, thanks to their entrepreneurial spirit. They worked creatively to schedule private shopping experiences, updated their website with products that could be purchased online, and developed custom gift boxes for online purchase so that customers could still support them.
Personal Profile
JOHN MALIKOWSKI, 45
Hometown: Foley, Minn.
Education: Hennepin
Technical College for Culinary Arts and Retail Floral
Employment: Daisy a Day, Blooming Creations, St. Cloud Floral
“Everyone was stuck at home and wanting to redo stuff,” Malikowski said. “So, we just took advantage of it and would redo old dressers on video for our followers, to show them how to do it.” Modern Barnyard sold the paint needed to complete these projects. They also took advantage of people selling old furniture by stockpiling items and refinishing the furniture they had in storage so that, when they could open, the pieces were
Hobbies: Travel, baking, gardening
BEST ADVICE
YOU'VE RECEIVED:
You really have to put in a lot of hard work to get to where you’re established and have a steady income. Consider all of the expenses — like insurance and licensing and utilities.
Personal Profile
JIM BECK, 55
Hometown: Bessemer, Mich.
Education: Brown University and Globe University
Employment: Minnesota School of Business, Blooming Creations
Hobbies: Travel, going to movies in the theater
BEST ADVICE YOU'VE RECEIVED:
Plan ahead, don’t rush into it. Make sure you have savings and a support system, because it takes a while to build a base.
ready. “Everything was selling because people needed things,” Malikowski said. “People couldn’t find furniture.”
The timing, as it turns out, was great. “In 2019, we were looking at buildings for a second location in Buffalo,” Beck said. “We were this close to signing a lease when COVID hit.” Through the process, they realized that they would be spreading themselves too thin by adding another location. They opted instead for an expansion, which opened in 2023. An additional 6,000 square feet was constructed to add additional retail, storage and workshop space, bringing their total
Timeline
1997
Jim Beck begins working for the Minnesota School of Business (MSB)
2001
Jim Beck and John Malikowski meet
2002
footprint to 12,000 square feet. “The first time we didn’t really know much, but this time we saw the line items,” Beck said. On their own they would buy some of the smaller items needed for the expansion so that they could use those funds elsewhere — which was a good thing, with what was to come later that year.
In November of 2023, work began on the County Road 75 bridge crossing the Sauk River, right in front of Modern Barnyard. It shut down westbound traffic on the road for six months, forcing customers to travel a complicated alternate three-mile route to access the
John begins working for Daisy a Day Floral after graduating from Hennepin Tech
2003
John and Jim open Blooming Creations
store. “We knew it was going to be a long haul, so we did what we could do,” Beck said. They worked hard to share maps, give directions and encourage visits. Still, they saw about a 60 percent drop in sales during the time the bridge was closed, especially during the fourth quarter — their busiest time of year. Like COVID, though, they were able to survive largely based on mindset — acknowledging that these obstacles were temporary and that there is an end point.
POLISHING THE DETAILS
Beck and Malikowski have loyal
2015
The pair sell Blooming Creations to St. Cloud Floral
2015-2017
John works for St. Cloud Floral
2016
Jim and John purchase the building that will become Modern Barnyard
customers who have been shopping with them since their Blooming Creations days, which helps during challenging times. They have a lot of customers who come in for things regularly, like gifts for friends or purchasing their specialty laundry detergent. “We try to make it an experience,” Beck said. “It’s always a fun atmosphere, good music playing, and we greet everybody.” They often hear that when people have guests in town and they’re looking for something to do, they take them to Modern Barnyard. “The biggest thing we hear is, ‘Wow I didn’t plan enough time!’ ” Beck said.
JANUARY, 2017
Jim leaves MSB to work full time at Modern Barnyard
APRIL 1, 2017
Modern Barnyard opens
2017-2020, 2022
Jim and John develop and run the special event Junk Junktion 2023
The business adds 6,000 square feet
“We love when people tag us on social media, send us a thank you letter, or share photos of their finished product,” Beck said. They really enjoy helping their customers, whether it’s filming a video that teaches people how to use the company’s paint line or sharing photos of products staged in different ways to inspire.
Inspiration is such an integral part of their business that it’s even turned into some lasting relationships. Malikowski tells of a customer who was so inspired by what Beck and Malikowski did that
she bought supplies from them so she could paint her own items. She eventually became a vendor at Modern Barnyard. “It gave her motivation and inspiration to do it herself,” Beck said.
As part of the St. Cloud area for many years, Beck and Malikowski enjoy sharing their success by supporting causes that are close to their hearts. “We always try to be a part of the community,” Beck said. They have partnered with the American Cancer Society, INDY Foundation, Anna Marie’s Alliance, the TriCounty Humane Society, and many other local organizations to give back, whether through donations or sponsorships.
Beck and Malikowski are proud of what they’ve built,
Award Winning
Entrepreneurial Spirit
FROM BOUQUETS TO BARNWOOD, JIM BECK AND JOHN MALIKOWSKI HAVE MADE INNOVATION A HABIT.
Adeservedly so. They feel honored to continue to serve Central Minnesota as a great place to shop. “People are still coming and they’re buying and they’re spending and they’re shopping,” Malikowski said. “That’s a good sign.”
While there isn’t a plan for more locations or square footage on the horizon, Beck and Malikowski are enjoying what they’ve built. “Keeping this full and always changing, looking for the next best thing, that’s enough,” Beck said.
Emily Bertram is director of marketing and communications at the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and editor of Business Central Magazine.
fter 11 years running Blooming Creations in Waite Park, Jim Beck and John Malikowski sold the floral shop in 2015 with plans to take a break — until they discovered a love of reimagined furniture. Sensing a need in Central Minnesota for unique décor, they bought and gutted two dilapidated buildings, opening Modern Barnyard in 2017. Their model is as inventive as their merchandise. About ten percent of the 12,000-square-foot showroom is reserved for vendors, who price their own pieces, work shifts, and amplify the store online, turning customers into partners and keeping the inventory forever fresh. When COVID hit, Beck and Malikowski pivoted to private shopping, curbside pickup, and curated gift boxes. When a six-month bridge closure slowed traffic in 2023, they leaned on deep community ties and a newly added 6,000-square-foot expansion to stay in business.
An active part of the St. Cloud community, Beck and Malikowski routinely support several local nonprofit organizations. This blend of creativity, grit, and civic spirit earned them the 2025 St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurial Success Award — proof that vision, hard work, and heart never go out of style.
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
SURPRISE! YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ARE ACHIEVING SUCCESS USING THE SAME BASIC PRINCIPLES AS THEIR PREDECESSORS.
By Vicki Johnson
It’s hard to imagine that we are now closer to 2050 than we are to the year 2000. And nothing makes people feel their age more than when you see the neighborhood kids who were “so young” now applying for the open positions at your place of business. Ladies and gentlemen, Gen Z has arrived.
Born between roughly 1997 and 2012, this tech-savvy generation has come of age over the past decade. However, unlike generations before them (Boomers, Gen X, and even some older Millennials), Gen Z is less interested in rising through the corporate ranks. Rather, these “new kids on the block” are much more interested in taking control of their lives (and their livelihood) by pursuing entrepreneurship.
According to the small business funding company Guidant Financial, most small businesses in the U.S. are owned by Gen Xers (47 percent) and Boomers (40 percent). Millennials make up the
remaining 13 percent — but Gen Z has a hunger that will soon turn those tables.
According to a 2020 survey conducted by the website hosting platform WP Engine, approximately 62 percent of Gen Zers have plans to start or potentially start their own businesses. More recent research conducted by the payment processing firm Square estimates that number to be even higher, at 84 percent.
So, what makes Gen Z and younger Millennial entrepreneurs so different than their predecessors? Nothing. No matter the age, those individuals who have the drive and the hunger to shape their own path through business ownership are no different today than they were decades ago.
EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY
The world we are living in today is completely different than even just a few years ago, thanks
to the rise of generative AI and the social media influencer economy. However, there is a similarity in how 20-somethings and 30-somethings approach entrepreneurship compared to their predecessors.
Michael Heen, Central Minnesota regional director with the Minnesota Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC) Central Office, has been assisting local businesses for the past two decades, both in his previous job as a loan officer and now in his current role with the SBDC.
“Young entrepreneurs are just as ambitious and determined as previous generations,” Heen said. “They have a lot of opportunities in front of them.” Heen and the consulting teams at the SBDC have helped several young business owners bring their ventures to life in a variety of sectors, including freight hauling/transportation, counseling, and daycare.
The steps to launching a business remain the same: drafting a business plan, conducting market research, securing start-up capital, and marketing. Heen said younger generations are much more likely to embrace and use the technology they have grown accustomed to. “Young entrepreneurs are very tech-savvy,” Heen said. “And we’ve seen young people use programs like ChatGPT to draft up business plans. We also see them using all sorts of social media. While they know how to create content, they may lack the skills needed to use those platforms effectively to market their business.”
Heen said the SBDC can help take an idea for a business to the next level for many entrepreneurs. “Our goal at the SBDC is to offer resources and guidance to business owners who may not be as familiar with things like financing or
marketing,” he said. “Ultimately, we want to be able to train people in these areas so they will be able to do these things for themselves.”
TAKE THE LEAP OF FAITH
While the SBDC can provide the foundation and knowledge, it takes a special type of person to embrace the uncertainty and risk that comes with creating a company. Entrepreneuers face challenges like: Moving back home, selling all your possessions, and investing $30,000 in a coffee roaster.
Leaving a stable job in a construction company to enter commercial real estate — and then branching into the meat processing industry.
Transitioning from being a full-time mom with two young children to opening the doors to the area’s first play café.
The stories of Josh Kaeter, Sam Johnson, and Jordan Reinke sound completely different, but they share a very common theme among entrepreneurs — taking that leap of faith.
FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS
“Starting a business is not for the faint of heart,” Kaeter said. “But you won’t know until you try.” Kaeter’s approach to business embodies the true spirit of giving it your all. After five years in the Marines and spending time in South Carolina, Kaeter moved back to Central Minnesota in 2021 with a dream of owning his own coffee roasting business. With only a small number of coffee roasters located within the area, Kaeter went big and invested everything he had into purchasing a coffee roaster.
“For me personally, I didn’t want to leave this world with any regrets,” he said. “And while I may not have had the means to do so,
“We weren’t going into this blindly. We did a lot of market research, were willing to ask for help. And ultimately, we realized that we could and can do this.”
—JORDAN REINKE, OWNER, NURTURE TO PLAY
I firmly believed that, in order to make and create the life that I wanted, I needed to make steps in that direction.”
Kaeter, 34, has been operating Eminent Coffee Roasters since 2022, roasting coffee out of a facility in Sartell, and just recently opened a brick-and-mortar coffee shop inside The House Food & Tap in St. Joseph.
GET UNCOMFORTABLE
Like Kaeter, Johnson understands full well the risks of starting out on your own. And it’s understanding those risks, analyzing the
situation, and seeing where those opportunities will take him that fuels Johnson’s entrepreneurial spirit. “The alternative was not doing it,” Johnson said. “And I can’t help myself. I have always been comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
After graduation and armed with a degree in civil engineering, Johnson found himself working for a construction firm in the Twin Cities. Watching his bosses — six brothers who had built their business from the ground up — Johnson realized controlling his own destiny was his true
calling. “I saw these brothers build something with their business and thought that doing something like going into business was not so impossible to achieve,” he said.
Johnson, 32, soon left the construction firm to start his journey into commercial real estate, eventually opening Parcel Real Estate and serving as the firm’s CEO and principal broker. But, like many entrepreneurs, sitting still was not in Johnson’s DNA.
In addition to running a successful real estate business, Johnson and his young family have
a small farm In Milaca, near where Johnson grew up. When it came time to process meat, there was no local option. Johnson saw an opportunity and took it. Despite having no previous experience in the meat processing industry, Johnson and his family are the proud owners of Milaca Meats — a custom processing, wholesale distributor and retail outlet specializing in fresh cut meats and homemade sausage.
MAKE CONNECTIONS
Seizing the opportunity is something that brought together
business partners and friends
Jordan Reinke and Alexis Demuth.
Reinke, a stay-at-home mom, spent the early part of her motherhood journey traveling around the country with her husband’s job, living out of hotel rooms with two young children. To keep herself and her kids occupied while her husband was at work, Reinke would often look for kidfriendly activities. It was on one of these trips in Duluth that Reinke stumbled on the play café concept. These “hidden gems” became go-to destinations for Reinke and her kids.
Returning home to Central Minnesota, Reinke, 28, began attending a local moms’ group run by Alexis Demuth. While talking about the lack of local baby- and
toddler-friendly indoor spaces in the region, a spark was ignited. “It was an idea that was needed in this area,” Demuth, 31, said. “It didn’t feel like an option to not do it.” Starting in March 2024, the two young moms created the framework of what would become Nurture to Play in Sartell — a space in which parents can enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation while watching (and joining) their young kids at play.
Both women attribute their success to the trusting bonds they forged while building their business, as well as the balancing and blending of their personalities. Demuth is a big-picture thinker; Reinke is more cautious. “For me, it was a combination of Alexis’s
confidence, and working with our play café consultant that gave me faith,” Reinke said. “We weren’t going into this blindly. We did a lot of market research, were willing to ask for help. And ultimately, we realized that we could and can do this.”
LEARN FROM OTHERS
While these local young up-andcomers have demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit, they have all admitted they still have a lot to learn. Instead of “faking it until they make it,” they embrace their inexperience, seeking out guidance from older Millennials, Gen Xers, and Boomers.
“It’s like listening to your parents,” Reinke said. “They do have the life experience, and they
want to see you succeed.” Whether its walking into a local coffee roaster or meat processing facility and asking to learn everything about the business or tapping into consultants and the resources provided by the SBDC, these “new kids” are doing what they can to build on their successes.
“If you are willing to step out of your comfort zone, take a risk, and humble yourself to be willing to learn from others, you can achieve the American Dream of owning your own business,” Milaca Meats’ Johnson said. “The principles are as old as time. Generation to generation. It doesn’t change.”
Vicki Johnson is the senior transportation planner with the St. Cloud Area Planning Organization.
LOGISTICS AT A CROSSROADS
In Central Minnesota, the logistics sector hits speed bumps as worker shortages and uneven job recovery challenge the road ahead.
By Luke Greiner
The pandemic laid bare just how dependent our lives are on logistics. Whether it's the movement of goods across the country or the last-mile delivery to your doorstep, the transportation & warehousing sector — long operating behind the scenes — has become one of the most visible and critical components of the modern economy.
HELP WANTED AHEAD
In Central Minnesota, this sector plays an indispensable role in supporting supply chains across manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and e-commerce. Yet, despite skyrocketing demand for goods movement, the region’s logistics backbone became strained in 2020 after shedding more than 350 workers in the region.
Fortunately, the drop was quick to reverse and by the end of last year the transportation and warehousing sector hit its all-time employment high in the region, with just over 10,200 jobs.
Companies are ready to ship, but the industry is struggling to find the people to do the moving. A pre-existing shortage of qualified logistics workers — especially those with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) — was exacerbated by the pandemic.
Since the early 2020s, the logistical challenges of transporting goods have eased and the amount of job openings have returned to the levels of 2018 and 2019. While still elevated, they appear manageable compared to 2021, when job
openings for transportation and material moving occupations more than doubled.
MERGE WITH CAUTION
Warehousing is down 17 percent with 90 fewer jobs in the subsector.
Support activities for transportation grew a staggering 59 percent, signaling a shift in the logistics of goods across the region.
A decline in employment doesn’t always mean there is low demand by employers —it could be a symptom of hiring challenges. According to data from the Minn. Department of Employment and Economic Development, the sixth most in-demand occupation overall is CDL truck drivers, yet the ground transportation industry is off by more than 300 jobs. This mismatch could be the result of openings going unfilled as drivers exit the labor force, or the industry, for something else.
Like most things over the past few years, looking only at the big picture hides importance nuances. Different segments of the supply chain saw different trajectories. For example: Courier & messenger services, which handle last-mile delivery for e-commerce, added 351 jobs, a 36 percent gain, as demand for home delivery surged.
In contrast, truck transportation, the largest component, still has 315 fewer job openings at the beginning of 2025 compared to the beginning of 2019, a decline of 7.5 percent.
Among those unfilled roles, CDL truck drivers are especially critical. With nearly 5,400 jobs in the region and a median wage just under $61,000, truck driving offers a stable, well-paying career path, often requiring less than a year of training. Importantly, these wage figures don’t reflect income for self-employed drivers, who often command higher rates.
Other high-demand logistics roles include stockers & order fillers, material moving laborers, and light truck drivers — all essential to warehousing and distribution operations.
Logistics has never been more central to how our economy works — or how
it recovers. To meet rising consumer and business demand, Central Minnesota’s supply chain needs more than trucks and warehouses. It needs people. And getting them into the pipeline, whether through training, upskilling, or better
DIRECTORY
pay, is the next essential move in transporting the recovery forward.
They keep Central Minnesota moving—literally.
Luke Greiner is a regional analyst for Central and Southwest Minnesota at the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
From the roads to the warehouses, these transportation, logistics, and warehousing companies are the backbone of our region’s economy. They power every other industry with precision and reliability. Explore the businesses that keep things running behind the scenes — and discover what they can do for you.
A BRIGHT FUTURE
Two area solar
projects are fueling energy growth with future-focused methods.
By Jeanine Nistler
Two major projects soon will generate solar energy and cost savings for Central Minnesota consumers — and revenue for some local governments and landowners.
Xcel Energy is developing a solar project, the Upper Midwest’s largest, near its existing Sherco coal plant site in Becker. NextEra Energy Resources, the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the sun and wind, is developing a new solar operation in Benton County’s Minden Township.
The first phase of the Sherco project started generating electricity in fall 2024. The second phase is scheduled to come online this fall, with the third phase to follow in 2026. NextEra officials expect the Benton Solar project to be fully operational by the end of 2027.
THE NUMBERS
St. Cloud State University’s Center for Policy Research and Community Engagement conducted an economic impact analysis for NextEra Energy, concluding that Benton Solar would support 579 jobs across construction, supply chains, and household spending. It would result in $139.7 million in labor income and $188.6 million added to St. Cloud area output.
Once operational, the project will support eight new jobs with a $6.4 million contribution to output, including $710,000 in labor income.
A solar production tax is expected to provide revenues of nearly $900,000 to federal, state, and county governments, the school district and township. “These results show that the Benton Solar project is more than a reliable energy investment — it’s a catalyst for jobs and wages that will significantly strengthen Central Minnesota’s economy,” said King Banaian, Ph.D., lead investigator on the study and director of the policy research center.
Xcel expects to provide $350 million in local benefits, including landowner payments, state and local property taxes, and production taxes over Sherco Solar’s 35-year life. “Sherco Solar is creating 400 union construction jobs, plus up to 18 ongoing operations and maintenance jobs,” said Michelle Schmitz, Xcel Energy community relations manager. “Solar facilities require fewer employees to operate than coal plants, but Sherco Solar is far from the only opportunity for our team members.” Some Sherco employees already have transferred to the company’s Monticello nuclear plant. Other opportunities will include work in transmission,
distribution, and various other responsibilities at Xcel’s other power plants.
Schmitz said that, in addition to the company’s investments in solar energy generation, battery storage, and new transmission infrastructure at the Sherco energy hub, “we’ve also committed to working with the city of Becker and Sherburne County to bring new outside investments to the area. We’re working with businesses looking to expand their footprint as well as state, regional, and local organizations to bring economic growth and job creation.”
Both the Sherco and Benton projects are environmentally friendly: Solar energy does not emit greenhouse gases because, unlike coal-fired plants, the energy is produced without traditional fuel. Scientists say the world will have a limitless supply of sunlight for another five billion years, which is especially noteworthy given that our atmosphere receives enough sunlight daily to meet the energy needs of everyone on Earth for a full year.
THE SCIENCE
How do these companies turn light from the sun into electricity?
Story continues on page 44
“WE’RE WORKING WITH BUSINESSES LOOKING TO EXPAND THEIR FOOTPRINT AS WELL AS STATE, REGIONAL, AND LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TO BRING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND JOB CREATION."
—
MICHELLE SCHMITZ, XCEL ENERGY COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER
They install thousands of solar panels on acres and acres of land for which they have obtained long-term leases. In a process called the photovoltaic effect, photons (particles of sunlight) hit the panels, generating an electric current. Plates on the cells capture and transfer the current through wires to inverters that convert it into usable electricity, according to energysage.com.
Electricity from the Sherco project will be routed to Xcel Energy customers or stored in
batteries for later use; electricity from Benton Solar will go to Great River Energy customers or stored in batteries.
Before we go any deeper, it’s important to know that one megawatt hour (MWh) is equal to 1,000 kilowatts of electricity used continuously for one hour. That is approximately equivalent to the amount of electricity used by about 330 homes for one hour, according to cleanenergyauthority.com.
Benton Solar expects to produce 200,000 MWh per year
over the 25- to 30-year life of the operation, according to Adam Gracia, Benton Solar project director. The four-hour battery can store up to 100 megawatts (MW), which means the battery will be able to inject 100 MW of energy into the grid for four straight hours, or 50 MW for eight hours, or 25 MW for 16 hours, he said.
“Peak efficiency doesn’t always correlate with high energy demand,” Gracia explained. “The battery storage facility allows
PASSION MEETS PURPOSE
us to not waste any energy we generate. When the sun goes down, we can discharge the battery to meet that peak in demand when people get home from work, start turning on appliances, turning on lights and things like that. The battery storage facility extends the hours that the renewable energy project can plug power into the grid.”
The Benton project will cover about 600 acres on leased
A SPECTRUM OF GROWTH:
St. Cloud’s Next Chapter is Now
The City of St. Cloud is experiencing a remarkable surge in development — across industries, neighborhoods, and communities. From education and healthcare to arts, retail, and commerce, the growth is not only widespread but deeply transformative. This dynamic wave of investment is reinforcing St. Cloud’s position as a thriving economic and cultural hub in Central Minnesota. “Our approach is solution-oriented — we explore a range of options to find outcomes that serve our residents, property owners, ratepayers, and developers alike. We focus on what’s possible, emphasizing strategic planning and long-term sustainability to ensure our city grows responsibly and remains vibrant for generations to come,” said Tracy Hodel, City Administrator.
Health Care
At the heart of the region’s growth is healthcare, with significant projects reshaping the city’s landscape and reputation. The CentraCare campus is undergoing major plaza enhancements, while new multi-family housing is being built to accommodate the influx of medical students and professionals. Most notably, the completion of the new University of MN Medical School — further establishes St. Cloud as a regional medical destination and solidifying its reputation as Central Minnesota’s healthcare hub.
Arts and Entertainment
soon host Central Minnesota’s first brick-and-mortar Skechers store, demonstrating that in-person retail remains vibrant and relevant. Also, 7-Brew is making its 2nd debut in the state and set to open soon.
“Innovation and efficiency are central to our administration’s vision. We’re actively developing forward-thinking initiatives, researching and implementing new technologies, and fostering a culture in exceptional customer service.” —Mayor Jake Anderson
Children’s Museum is poised to become a centerpiece of family-friendly enrichment and exploration. Meanwhile, the Municipal Athletic Complex (MAC) is undergoing a $7 million expansion, including the addition of a mezzanine, updated locker rooms, and modernized facilities — elevating the experience for athletes and spectators alike.
Retail and Commercial Development
St. Cloud’s cultural heartbeat is also gaining strength. The highly anticipated Great River
Retail and commercial ventures are flourishing, bringing renewed energy to local business corridors. Crossroads Center will
Specialty shops are also carving out a niche in St. Cloud’s marketplace. TES Finds is launching as a destination for repurposed vintage goods, offering everything from rustic treasures to creatively upcycled décor. In Downtown St. Cloud, Danique Beauty & the Beans is setting up shop in the former Baby’s on Broadway location, combining a locally sourced coffee roastery with a handcrafted soap boutique — a uniquely Minnesotan mix of selfcare and community connection. Located in a charming 1880’s building, O’Brien’s Dry Goods is filled with antiques, vintage treasures and unique finds. The former Dutch Maid bakery is being reinvented as a neighborhood sandwich bistro by the owners of Copper Kitchen, blending nostalgia with culinary innovation.
Entrepreneurs and small businesses now have a new home at StageWorks in the Davidson Opera House. This innovative space offers flexible coworking areas, pop-up retail opportunities, and dedicated resources for start-ups and creators.
“Several buildings are being actively acquired and renovated for new businesses that enhance the charm, retail and service offerings that downtown St. Cloud has to offer,” said Cathy Mehelich, Economic Development Director •
The CentraCare campus
Photo by Yuppy
Photo
Great River Children’s Museum
land. All landowners are voluntarily participating. The same is true of landowners in the 5,000-acre Sherco project. The goal with both these projects is ultimately to benefit the communities they serve. “We’ve been part of the Becker and Sherburne County communities for 50 years and we want to see them prosper long after the Sherco coal plant retires,” Schmitz said.
MOVING DIRT
AREA CITIES ARE SEEING LARGE PUBLIC PROJECTS TAKE SHAPE.
Thanks in large part to funding at both the local and state levels, several Central Minnesota cities are seeing improvements to city hall buildings, athletic complexes, parks, and more.
ST. CLOUD
Municipal Athletic Complex (MAC)
Jeanine Nistler (jeaninenistler@ outlook.com) is a St. Cloud-based freelance writer whose career has included daily newspaper reporting and editing, as well as communications work in health care, higher education, and state government settings.
Addition and Updates: Work has begun on a $16 million expansion at the MAC, including three new dedicated locker rooms for the St. Cloud Crush (boys and girls teams) and Cathedral varsity hockey teams, a dryland training area and more space for operations. The 12,866-squarefoot expansion is on the east side of the
building behind Putz Field. Also, the refrigeration system is being upgraded from an R-22 to ammonia, after the EPA banned the production of R-22 in 2020 because of its environmental harm. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2026.
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City of St. Cloud Park Improvements: In 2022 a parks property tax referendum totaling $20 million passed in St. Cloud. Since then, work has steadily taken place, including splash pad construction at Haws Park, Centennial Park and 10-10 Park, as well as playground equipment upgrades at many area parks.
An improvement project also began at Whitney Regional Park, adding eight pickleball courts, trail improvements, baseball field lighting, road and parking lot repaving, and a new playground. Funding for these improvements is generated by local option sales tax dollars, totaling $5.7 million.
St. Cloud Fire Station 6 Construction: A new fire station will be up and running by fall of 2027 at 33rd Street South and County Road 74 near the new Tech High School, thanks to a property tax increase that voters approved in November 2024. The $43.5 million, 39,000-square-foot facility will be staffed 24/7 and is designed to improve response times, support growing city-wide emergency needs, and meet modern health, safety, and operational standards.
Apollo High School Updates: A two-part referendum for St. Cloud School District 742 passed in April
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2025, approving improvements to Apollo High School. Question one approved the construction of a safe and secure controlled entrance and storm shelter, additional fire and life safety updates, expansion of the kitchen and serving area, and renovations to improve career and technical education, music, art, and science classrooms. Question two approved the construction of an indoor multipurpose athletic facility for district educational and community use.
SAUK RAPIDS
Early Childhood Center and Outdoor Activities Complex Construction: Sauk Rapids-Rice School District 47 will begin construction in May 2026 on a new early childhood center at Mayhew Creek Park and an outdoor activity complex at the high school. The center will offer safer
access, expanded space, and age-appropriate features. The complex will include a multipurpose turf field, track with turf infield, support building with restrooms and concessions, ample seating and parking, improved accessibility, and enhanced video streaming capabilities. It will support football, soccer, lacrosse, marching band, and more. Both projects are expected to be completed and open by fall 2027.
WAITE PARK
City Hall Updates: Renovations began in June 2025 on the Waite Park City Hall building. The updates will provide more room for fire department vehicles, an operational yard for the police department, and a new 100-person capacity training room. The $28 million renovation project will take about 16 months. —EB
CENTRAL MINNESOTA GROWTH GUIDE
Ever-expanding could easily be the motto of Central Minnesota. Explore these snapshots of some of the area businesses and see what new projects are coming to the region
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Blattner
Building a Better Tomorrow
For more than a century, Blattner has been proudly building the infrastructure of America. Our history started with constructing the nation’s railroads, highways, bridges, dams and mines, and today we’re leading America to a clean energy future. The 450+ wind, solar and storage projects we’ve built are generating enough clean power capacity to supply energy to more than 15 million homes annually. With nearly 10,000 employees as we grow from our headquarters in Avon, Minnesota to project sites across the country, we’re honored to say our heart and heritage are still in Central Minnesota.
blattnercompany.com
Waite Park Public Safety Facility
Waite Park, MN
The 41,000 square foot expansion of the City Hall and Police Station brings exciting improvements to the facility. The project features an expanded underground parking area for police, upgraded support spaces for both police and city staff, and larger, more functional council chambers and multi-purpose rooms. These upgrades are designed to enhance operations and better serve the community.
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your first stop for business
Rice Companies is an integrated construction services firm that delivers in-house architectural design, engineering, construction, development, repair, and remodeling services. Founded in 1953, Rice is a third-generation, family-forward company headquartered in Sauk Rapids with seven locations across the Midwest. Committed to lasting partnerships and positive impacts.
Give ‘Em a Hand
Business Central Magazine is celebrating 25 years of delivering high-quality business news and stories to the Central Minnesota community. Join us in taking a look back at the companies that graced the cover those first few years.
In November of 2004, Doug Severson was featured on the cover of Business Central Magazine as the owner of Handyman’s Hardware. At the time, Handyman’s would soon be marking 40 years in business. Doug and Carol Severson were on the cover of the May 2019 issue as well, after they received
the Small Business of the Year award from the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. This year, they are celebrating 60 years in business on St. Cloud’s east side. While the products they sell may have changed and been updated, the exceptional and helpful service they deliver remains the same.
What has been the most significant change in your business/industry in the past 25 years? What has your growth looked like?
Handyman's has expanded our commercial sales customer base. We now service an area from the south metro to the Canadian border. We take a personal approach to customer service and believe that meeting directly with our customers is very important.
You’ve been in St. Cloud this whole time. What do you like best about the business community here? We are proud to be on the East End of town. Many of our business partners are multigenerational businesses and it is important to build on those relationships. It is also fun to see parents bring in their children and now their grandchildren to shop at Handyman’s. It has become a tradition to go to the local hardware store.
What is something innovative you are doing in business today?
We are finding new ways to train our staff so they can provide the best service to our customers. We have been able to use artificial intelligence
technology to help identify parts and provide solutions to our customers.
What does the future look like for Handyman’s?
At Handyman's, we are welcoming our third generation into the business. It is exciting to get their ideas and refresh how we operate. The future here is bright.
Some now and then stats
We have expanded on the number of vendors we work with so we can get exactly what the customer needs. Our staffing has remained consistent, and we are currently looking to add to our outside sales staff to better serve our customers. — EB
"We are proud to be on the East End of town. Many of our business partners are multigenerational businesses and it is important to build on those relationships."
Top Hat Ambassador Kristin Hannon, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota (L) with Handyman Hardware representatives
Natalie Ross, Carol Severson, Doug Severson, Ashley Severson and Mark Held as they celebrate 60 years in business.
