Progress 2020

2020

Progress A magazine by the Perham Focus

100

YEARS Esser Plumbing & Heating

40

YEARS

65

YEARS

Schmitz Body Paint & Repair

20

YEARS

Schmitz Motor Company

50

YEARS

40

YEARS

JH Signs & Designs

Richter’s Men’s Wear

Nadine’s Ladies Fashions

10

YEARS

JBS Builders

THE MILESTONE EDITION Anniversary Businesses

2 | PROGRESS 2020

PROGRESS 2020 | 3

Contents 6

14 22 24 32

Schmitz Motor Company & Schmitz Body Paint & Repair 100/40 Years Esser Plumbing & Heating 65 Years FYI: By the numbers Richter’s Men’s Wear 50 Years Nadine’s Ladies Fashions 40 Years

40

JH Signs & Designs 20 Years

48

JBS Builders 10 Years

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE PERHAM FOCUS, FEBRUARY 27, 2020

PERHAM FOCUS

300 West Main Street, Suite C • Perham, MN 56573 p: 218.346.5900 • f: 218.346.5901 www.perhamfocus.com PUBLISHER: Melissa Swenson, mswenson@dlnewspapers.com MAGAZINE EDITOR: Marie Johnson, mtjohnson@dlnewspapers.com CONTRIBUTORS: Rebecca Mitchell, rmitchell@wadenapj.com

RosaLin Alcoser, ralcoser@perhamfocus.com COVER DESIGN: Chris Johnson, cjohnson@bemidjipioneer.com PAGE DESIGN: Tasha Kenyon, tkenyon@dlnewspapers.com

For advertising inquiries, please contact: Melissa Swenson, mswenson@dlnewspapers.com

4 | PROGRESS 2020

P

ut your party hats on, people, it’s Happy Birthday time!

Ten years of business. Fifty years. One hundred. These are major milestones for any business to reach, and are worthy of celebration.

There are a lot of things that have to go right for a

by MARIE JOHNSON business to reach a milestone.

Lasting businesses are wellmanaged, well-marketed, have a solid cash flow, and offer quality products or services that people need or want. Location matters. Customer service matters. Reputation matters. Everything about the business matters.

That’s why this year, we at the Perham Focus, who publish this annual Progress magazine, wanted to recognize businesses in town that have proven they’re built to last. We’ve chosen seven Perham businesses to feature in this “Milestone Edition” of Progress, each of which have recently reached a milestone, or are about to.

From the 10-year-old JBS Builders to the 100-year-old Schmitz Motor Company, all of the businesses featured here have a bunch of bright candles on top of their birthday cakes. And that’s worth putting on a party hat for.

Why? Because most businesses don’t last that long.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 30% of all businesses fail in their second year, half don’t live to see five years, and 70% don’t make it past a decade.

There are a lot of reasons why businesses fail: They’re outcompeted, badly marketed, run out of cash, or are generally mismanaged. Maybe the products or services they’re offering are of poor quality, or there’s just not enough demand for what they’re selling.

It only takes one thing to go wrong for a business to fail. And what a strong testament that is to those that succeed.

Our congratulations to these and all Perham businesses that have beaten the odds and earned their bragging rights. Whether they’ve been around for 10, 50 or 100 years, they’ve reached a milestone worthy of celebration.

2

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PROGRESS 2020 | 5

100 Years / 40 Years

1 big family, 2 big milestones Schmitz Motor Company and Schmitz Body, Paint & Repair STORY & PHOTOS BY REBECCA MITCHELL For Progress

T

he beginnings of a century-old business might seem hard to trace, but for the Schmitz family, it’s a well-known story — even if news of the 100-year milestone prompts a surprised, “Really?!” from Ray Schmitz, one of the business’s second-generation owners.

The Schmitz family has been selling vehicles in Perham since 1920, at what is now named the Schmitz Motor Company. Forty years ago they also began fixing vehicles, at a second family business, Schmitz Body, Paint & Repair.

SCHMITZ MOTOR COMPANY

It all started in downtown Perham with brothers Matt and A.P. “Tony” Schmitz.

Matt first owned a repair shop in town 6 | PROGRESS 2020

before encouraging A.P. to leave his job at Stuntebeck Ford in Wadena to join him in his new venture.

Together, they ran Schmitz Bros.

Garage, where they sold Ford cars and trucks, Chrysler cars and Fordson tractors, according to Ray and Tim Schmitz. Just a year or so later, in 1921 or 1922, A.P. bought Matt out and changed the business’s name to the singular A.P. Schmitz Garage.

It was a business that could not be stopped, even when World War II ended

and it was hard to get cars and tires.

After awhile, they began exclusively selling Ford. The tradition of sales continued when cousins Tom and Ray Schmitz came in to learn the trade in 1950, and by 1955 A.P. had retired.

Sales at that time included vehicles as well as farm and hauling machinery, all of which were sold by going door-todoor to meet with possible customers.

Ray still laughs about the sales “training” he got to prepare for this: “I had been working in the shop, and my Dad says, ‘We’re going to make a salesman out of you this summer.’

And I said, ‘OK.’ So he says, ‘You take your school briefcase.’ I had graduated from high school in 1951.

He said, ‘There’s a car,’ and he said, ‘Take your briefcase, and there’s some literature over there, and here’s an

100 Years / 40 Years Matt Schmitz, far right, stands near the gas pumps outside Schmitz Bros. Garage in a picture that hangs in the lobby of Schmitz Body, Paint & Repair. Ray Schmitz remembers when he was about 10 years old and these gas pumps were along the side of the road, with the tanks underneath the dirt street.

(Submitted Photo)

Those relationships have survived, and even been strengthened by, some big transitions in the Perham area over the years, including a reduction in farming.

“It was always fun selling, and there was good days and there was bad days,” said Ray. “And then of course in the summertime we ran from sun up to sun down, seven days a week, servicing machinery. That was a big part of our business, especially when the baler became popular, because there was only a few of us that knew how to make a baler tie.”

Today, with 45 years of selling behind them, Tim said, “Greg and I have been in the car business longer than any of our relatives have been.”

From the 1950s through the ‘80s, machinery was sold more than cars and trucks, with “hardly” any vehicle sales, and most sales taking place in the summer, Ray and Greg recalled.

“I’ll never forget one time when the order book. Hit the road.’ That was boys came in with us, they said, ‘Maybe the training I got.” we should get rid of the car dealership It was minimal, but it must have and just sell machinery,’” said Ray. worked. There are generations of families “Well, thank God we didn’t, because this who still buy from farming thing went the Schmitz company to hell for awhile … today because of the and where there was trust built during those 10 or 15 dairy farms, early sales, according to now there’s one potato Ray. He remembers the farmer. That happened family he sold his first over a period of about, hay baler to: They lived oh, 20 years, 25 years, in New York Mills, and I suppose.” the first time he met Farming isn’t the them they were out only thing that has picking rocks. He made changed. When Greg a deal with them, but and Tim officially it came with a twist formed a corporation — he had to throw with their fathers in in two bales of twine.

1978, they didn’t have That was a groaning the internet. Their moment for A.P., but previous location, Tim, Ray and Greg Schmitz, left to right, represent two generations of the Schmitz auto which they built Ray ended up selling dealership legacy. The business began in 1920 with brothers Matt and A.P. Schmitz and many cars, trucks and on 8 acres west of machinery to them for has continued through to cousins Tim and Greg. town, where an Arvig years to come. building sits now, On one of his visits to that family, Because of that skill, he added, “We went through quite a few technological Ray arrived at their home at 9 a.m., in were in big demand.” changes. time for coffee and cookies, and ended Two people who helped with that For awhile, floppy disks were used to up staying until 9:30 p.m., dealing and bailing process were cousins Greg and order parts and do warranty work. Greg, visiting right through lunch and supper, Tim Schmitz. They threw square bales, Tim and Ray had to go to school in eating a total of five times out there. loaded them behind the baler, and put Fargo to learn how to use them. Phones “You would visit probably ninethem up in barns, according to Greg. and computers were required to fix and tenths of the time you were there,” Ray Greg and Tim also sold their first update vehicles, too. recalled of those in-person sales calls. baler together in high school — a ‘66 “One day, I remember … (long-time “You probably only talked business baler that cost $400. employee Whitey Jeff Schuett) was maybe 15, 20 minutes here, maybe 5 or 10 minutes there, and then … you’d “In the summertime we ran from sun up to sun talk hunting or fishing or whatever. We ended up with a lot of people like that.” down, seven days a week, servicing machinery.

The relationships built back then That was a big part of our business.” are still a large part of what makes the — Ray Schmitz, on working at Schmitz Motor Company around the 1950s Schmitz business successful today.

PROGRESS 2020 | 7

FAMILY RELATIONS ► A.P. “Tony” Schmitz, original owner ► Tom and Ray Schmitz, Tony’s sons ► Tim Schmitz, Tom’s son ► Greg and Tom Schmitz, Ray’s sons

The original Schmitz Garage lives on from the 1920s to today. The garage sat next to the Merchants Hotel.

(Submitted Photo)

trying to go on the computer and I said, ‘Well, what the hell are you doing here?’” recalled Greg. “He says, ‘I’m fixing a car.’ I said, ‘What do you mean you’re fixing a car?’ ‘Well, this is how I got to do it. I have to put this disk in there … and it’ll update the piece that they had to put in the car and stuff.’ So that was kind of a big deal.”

SCHMITZ BODY, PAINT & REPAIR

Tech continued to evolve as Greg’s brother, Tom Schmitz, began his body paint and repair shop in 1980. He started out renting a space inside the Schmitz Ford building. He, too, had been around vehicles his whole life, and

worked at the Ford dealership in high school. He knew he wanted a hands-on job after graduation.

“I guess when I was in high school I knew I didn’t want to go through a fouryear college, I was more of a hands-on type person and my uncle actually did this … in Park Rapids,” Tom said.

The business was always a separate entity, though his family helped him get started.

“Runs in the blood, I guess,” he said.

“When I first started … our family did new haul and machinery, too, and so before I really got my name out there I did a lot of refab, just re-do stuff on used machinery that came in. We would clean it all up and paint it, so I did a lot of that the first couple years.”

The painting was not a simple task.

“I’ll never forget one time he (Tom) painted a car and a fly landed on the

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YEARS OF SERVICE

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DOT & MINNIE’S Classic & Unique Clothing & Accessories 148 1st Avenue South Perham 218-346-4180 www.dotandminnies.com

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YEARS OF SERVICE

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YEARS OF SERVICE

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YEARS OF SERVICE

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PROGRESS 2020 | 9

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Tony Nelson prepares to sand a car in the shop at Schmitz Body, Paint & Repair.

After 18 years of renting from his family, co-owner and Tom’s wife Nancy Schmitz said moving into their own building was a little scary. He opened the shop with Gary Paavola.

“We both were doing body work in the shop back there, and … I was answering the phone and doing estimates and doing body work and running all over the place,” Tom said.

The business kept growing, getting busier and busier, and more staff members joined the team, including some that worked on insurance claims projects.

“As I got my name out there with insurance companies and stuff, we just kind of grew,” Tom said.

After Nancy joined in, she learned the ins and outs of insurance processing and that became her specialty. The process begins with customers who have had an accident, something Tim and Nancy realize can be overwhelming, and their goal is to help ease the situation in any way they can. One way is by working with their customers on starting and completing their insurance claims.

“It’s enjoyable being with the public,” Nancy said. “They’re here probably at one of the hardest times for them, and some people have never had accidents before and it’s a big deal for them. So to be able to help them out, it makes you

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001829495r1

fresh paint, which would never happen nowadays because everything is enclosed, and I went over there and I was going to pick the fly off, and just as I was going to pick the fly out, he went scooting along the paint,” Ray said. “Of course, he had to redo the whole trunk.”

To paint the large trucks, Tom tired himself out going up and down ladders, and had to work a lot of late nights just to keep things going.

“I used to do a lot of big vans, straight vans for Barrel O’ Fun … and semitractors for the old feed mill,” Tom recalled. “And at that time I was by myself, so … a lot of times it was 1, 2 o’clock in the morning painting these big rigs so that I could get them out the next day.”

Business was good, and by March of 1998, Tom purchased and built his own space — one that did not have high doors.

“I made sure I didn’t build the doors too high, so I could make sure I wouldn’t get any more semi-tractors in here,” he laughed. “Kind of wanted to stay away from those. I had had enough of them.”

Present: Schmitz Body, Paint & Repair owned by Tom and Nancy Schmitz

2020

2010

2008-present: Schmitz Motor Co, Inc. owned by Tim and Greg Schmitz

2005-2008: Phelps Family Ford owned by Kevin Phelps

2000 1998: Schmitz Body, Paint & Repair moves to own building

1990

1980: Repair shop owned

by Tom Schmitz begins renting from Schmitz Ford, Inc.

1978-2005: Schmitz Ford, Inc. owned by Tom, Ray, Tim and Greg Schmitz

1980

1970 1955-1978: Schmitz Garage owned by Tom and Ray Schmitz

1960

1950

1922-1955: A.P. Schmitz Garage owned by A.P. Schmitz

Ray (left) and Tom Schmitz, the second generation owners of the Motor Company, stand in front of a car in the 1960s. (Submitted Photo)

1940

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PROGRESS 2020 | 11

YEARS OF SERVICE

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12 | PROGRESS 2020

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001828176r1

13

feel good … like you’ve just been there for somebody when they needed it.”

As Nancy and Tom work with people on their vehicles, Tom has found a change in people’s particularities as the cost of vehicles has increased.

“With new cars and more expensive vehicles, people are probably even more fussy than what they used to be,” he said. “You got to do your pre-checks and post-checks of vehicles when they go out to make sure everything is the way it’s supposed to be before they get them, and make sure that they’re cleaned up.”

When the auto shop opened on West Main Street, it came with all the newest equipment for efficient jobs, including a downdraft spray booth, frame rack and a paint mixing system with 50 different tints, according to a Perham Enterprise-Bulletin article

In the lobby of Schmitz Body, Paint & Repair, a display includes some Schmitz family memorabilia — a sign from A.P. Schmitz’s ownership of the auto dealership and repair store, which began in 1920.

published when the shop first opened.

After some trial and error, Tom learned to have one body technician work on a project from start to finish; he finds they take ownership that way, and it leads to higher quality work.

In 2007, Tom added an auto detail shop to his facility. Before that, the shop would get crowded and detailers needed to be hired out, according to Tom.

“ By being both small and locally-owned, you know a lot of the people that come in. I think that makes us try to do the very best job we can for them.”

— Nancy Schmitz, with Schmitz Body, Paint and Repair

He said the shop is “very busy pretty much all the time.”

But new additions, technology and even skill sets aside, after all these years, for both Schmitz family businesses, it’s the people and relationships that keep customers coming back again and again.

“By being both small and locallyowned, you know a lot of the people that come in,” said Nancy. “I think that makes us try to do the very best job we can for them. Our goal is to treat them good, to make the process easy and … when people walk in, I hope we make them feel comfortable.” 

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PROGRESS 2020 | 13

65 Years

Three owners, two names,

one business Esser’s Plumbing and Heating STORY & PHOTOS BY ROSALIN ALCOSER For Progress

P

eople around Perham know Esser’s Plumbing and Heating well: It’s the place folks rely on when their heat goes out or their pipes spring a leak. And that’s happened to just about every household in town over the long lifespan of this family business.

Esser’s celebrated its 65th anniversary The code of values is constantly read estimate the cost of repairs. Pricing is in 2019. aloud by the people at Esser’s to remind always up-front, Joe Sr. says, with no Originally known as Perham them about respect, integrity, and hidden costs, and customers always Plumbing and Heating, it was renamed customer focus — ideas he says they have a choice about whether and how to after being bought by Bob Esser in embrace and practice. fix a problem.

1962. Bob ran the business until about Esser’s service technicians often walk While the three owners — Joe 1978, when one of his five sons, Joe, into high stress situations when they’re Sr., Joe Jr. and Ken Altstadt, who took over the reins upon primarily works with new Bob’s retirement. home constructions — are Joe successfully ran the not overly involved with THERE WERE FIVE PEOPLE business for decades after day-to-day service calls, ON THE ESSER’S TEAM IN 1985. that. Then, at the start of this they do still “lead a life of year, Jan. 1, he retired, too, service by working with our TODAY, THERE ARE 54. handing off operations to his contractors,” Joe Jr. said. son, Joe Jr. “These guys really nosedive in “When I started here full-time, it was responding to service calls. It might be with the individuals.” just him (Bob),” Joe Sr. said. “And I a holiday, or weekend, with sub-zero Because while “we may know then added another.” temperatures and the customer has no the process,” Joe Sr. said, it is the Esser’s has been a Neighborly company heat, Esser Jr. explains. The first thing contracted service technicians who live under the AirServ brand for 15 years, and the technicians do is find out from the it. The technicians are the ones going operates under AirServ’s code of values customer what the situation is, and out into the field and putting Esser’s and customer service methodology. then proceed to find the problem and code of values into practice every day.

14 | PROGRESS 2020

65 Years

Top: The Esser’s team, front row, left to right: Robin Hopper, Craig Branby, Eldon Bresel, Lynda Grotheer, Terry Boedegheimar and Pam Thompson. Back row: Jerry Moris, Joe Guck, Tobb Ayo and Joe Esser Jr. LEFT: The Esser’s crew got new jackets in 1998.

Pictured are, front row, left to right: Ken Altstadt, Joe Guck and Tom Esser. Center row: Marlin Hovde, Loren Guck, Alana Herrmann, and Judy Schmelz. Back row: Phil Esser, Joe Esser, Sr. and Jim Tallakson.

(Submitted Photo)

PROGRESS 2020 | 15

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OVER TIME, THINGS CHANGE

Around 1983, Joe Sr. had back surgery, and that ended his ability to go out into the field to service heating and air units.

“That meant that I had to be an office guy,” he said.

So, in the mid-1980s, the business started bringing on new employees.

Joe Guck, who now runs HVAC sales for Esser’s, joined the team in 1985, starting in plumbing and then moving on to heating units.

There were about five people on the team back then, Guck says. Today, there are 54 people working at Esser’s.

Guck, who was trained on the job in place of formal technical school training, said both Esser’s and the overall industry have changed a lot in the last 34 years. When he started

Joe Esser Jr., holding up Esser Plumbing & Heating’s code of values.

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001829358r1

PROGRESS 2020 | 17

“ It’s a job that you’ll never get bored with because things are always changing.”

A plasma metal cutter helps get the job done at Esser’s.

— Joe Guck, Esser’s HVAC sales

has also meant expanding the territory it serves. Originally, Esser’s covered the city of Perham and a 5-mile radius around it. Now, technicians travel 40 or 50 miles outside of town, and sometimes even to West Fargo.

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“I think we’re going to continue growing,” said Joe Sr., explaining that Esser’s is expanding more and more into Fargo and is growing its partnership with nearby Home Depot stores, which Esser’s does contract work for.

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at Esser’s, everything was done by pen and paper; now, with advances in technology, everything is computerized — even the furnaces.

Modern times have brought highefficiency equipment, Wi-Fi controlled thermostats, and even furnaces that can tell you what’s wrong with them, Guck says. The heating and air business is constantly progressing, always presenting new opportunities and challenges for technicians.

“It’s a job that you’ll never get bored with, because things are always changing,” Guck said.

Not only have technology and ownership changed over the years for Esser’s, but expanding the business

Part of a custom duct gets made at Esser’s.

RIGHT: Black iron threaded ball valves are sometimes used by the Esser’s service team.

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OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY DOWNTOWN PERHAM 46 YEARS OF BUSINESS 2ND GENERATION

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PROGRESS 2020 | 19

23

YEARS OF SERVICE

PERHAM AUTO REPAIR Fort Thunder Road Perham 218-346-4875

25

YEARS OF SERVICE

FOSTER’S MARINE SERVICE LLC Foster & Lora Strand, Owners BRP Johnson Evinrude Mercury MerCruiser

43767 Fort Thunder Road Perham, MN 56573 Phone: 218-346-3773 www.fostersmarineservice.com

26

YEARS OF SERVICE

ALL SEASONS HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING LLC 38 years in the heating business

216 West Main Street Ottertail, MN 56571 218-367-3300 www.allseasonsottertail.com

27

YEARS OF SERVICE

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28

YEARS OF SERVICE

AQUA LAWN, INC. • Sales and Service • Commercial and Residential Lic. #TS01383 Free Estimates 218-346-3890 www.aqualawn.net

20 | PROGRESS 2020

29

YEARS OF SERVICE

CULTURAL CENTER IN NEW YORK MILLS 24 North Main Avenue New York Mills

218-385-3339 www.kulcher.orgEmail Web

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Years of Service

NEW HORIZONS REALTY OF PERHAM, INC.

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29

YEARS OF SERVICE

BHH PARTNERS PLANNERS/ ARCHITECTS Anthony J. Stoll, AIA, Principal Architect Minnesota 218-346-4505 www.bhhpartners.com

“ I think we’re going to continue growing.”

— Joe Esser Sr.

Joe Esser Sr., installing a unit for a past commercial project.

Esser’s has also expanded into New York Mills, buying Mike’s Plumbing and Heating and bringing that company’s former owner, Mike Niemela, onto the Esser’s team.

Because of the higher overhead costs that come with expansion, Esser’s has

(Submitted Photo)

started doing something unique to save money — as well as time.

“We make a good portion of our own ductwork,” Joe Jr. said, adding that doing so is more cost-effective (it saves on shipping) and also shortens wait times for parts.

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It also allows Esser’s to create custom parts, so technicians can install “the part that should be there, not what we can make fit there,” he said.

This all helps keep Esser’s competitive. When an estimator like Joe Jr. goes into a potential job, he’s able to make a cost-competitive bid. He tallies up the amount of labor and parts needed to get the job done right, then goes about figuring up the total cost of the project.

“Once the cost is figured up, I put together the most competitive package I can for the bid,” Joe Jr. said.

And that never means bidding so low that it might compromise the integrity of a project. Esser’s cares about the quality of its work and service, and strives to live up to its code of values. 

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PROGRESS 2020 | 21

FYI: BY THE NUMBERS RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS, 2015-2019

2015 73

2016 73

2017 115

2018 69

2019 74

TOTAL: 404

COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS, 2015-2019

2015 37

2016 40

2017 20

590

Shearer’s Foods

525

TOTAL EMPLOYEES:

2,772

378

Arvig (858 company-wide)

232

Perham-Dent School District

22 | PROGRESS 2020

2019 32

TOTAL: 173

TOP 10 PERHAM EMPLOYERS

528

Perham Health (618 including Sanford Staff)

KLN Family Brands

2018 44

1. Shearer’s Foods — 590 2. Perham Health — 528 (618 including Sanford Staff) 3. KLN Family Brands — 525 4. Arvig — 378 (858 company-wide) 5. Perham-Dent School District — 232 6. Kitmasters — 165 7. Bongards — 138 8. Industrial Finishing Services — 115 9. Central Market — 71 10. Steve’s Sanitation — 30

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211 Market Dr, Perham, MN 56573 (218) 346-6750 PROGRESS 2020 | 23

50 Years

Steve Richter is the second-generation owner of Richter’s Men’s Wear. He took over the downtown Perham store after his father, Gerard, retired in 1983.

The little shop just for pops Richter’s Men’s Wear

STORY & PHOTOS BY ROSALIN ALCOSER For Progress

W

alk into Richter’s Men’s Wear and you’ll almost certainly find the owner himself, Steve Richter, sitting behind the counter. If the store is open, he’s there—seven days a week in the summers, six in the winters.

“By and large, I run it Mom-and-Pop, 95% of the time,” Richter said.

The men’s clothing store is mostly a one-man show, but Richter’s wife, Connie, sometimes helps him out, and “in big push times, like Christmas or 24 | PROGRESS 2020

Crazy Days, I have some grandkids that will help, too.”

The store celebrated its 50 year anniversary this past June, a noteworthy achievement for a small, independent clothing retailer. Many mom-and-pop

shops have closed their doors in recent decades due to competition from Big Box stores and internet giants like Amazon, among other challenges, but Richter’s has survived.

Its ideal location on Perham’s Main Street, its niche offering of big-andtall menswear, and a strong focus on service (to both customer and community) have kept the store going, Richter said.

More than that, it’s thriving: “Business is strong as ever,” Richter said. “This year

50 Years will be our best year of business ever. We’re on top of our game, thank God!” Owning a small business is a lot of hard work, Richter admits, but he likes being his own boss, and is proud of what he’s achieved.

“There’s a good feeling that you did it and accomplished it on your own,” he said.

That’s not to say the community hasn’t played a big role in the store’s success.

The Perham area has wholeheartedly supported Richter’s Men’s Wear since the day Steve’s father, Gerard Richter, first opened the store on June 9, 1969.

Steve repays that support by giving back to the community in whatever ways he can, be it through donations, volunteer work, or special deals and prize giveaways at the store.

“He serves the Perham community,” long-time customer Betty Staebler said of Richter. “He is a server.”

“You have people in business that are greedy, and you have people that are service-oriented,” added her husband, Jon Staebler, who has shopped at Richter’s for nearly 50 years. “I think that the Richters have been very service-oriented.”

Gerard and Hilde Richter, in the earlier days of Richter’s Men’s Wear. They opened the shop in 1969.

(Perham Focus File Photo)

Richter’s Men’s Wear is stocked full of shirts, pants, suits, bibs, boots and more, including a selection of big-and-tall items.

PROGRESS 2020 | 25

30

YEARS OF SERVICE

JEFFERSON HEARING AID CENTER

Washington Square Mall 808 Washington St. Suite 15A 223 North Jefferson Wadena

30

YEARS OF SERVICE

SUPER 8 MOTEL 106 Jake Street SE Perham 218-346-7888

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32

YEARS OF SERVICE

AUTO VALUE and WESTSIDE hoeneberger (7.25” SERVICES W X 4.75” H)

Locally owned and operated 659 W. Main St. Perham, MN 218-346-3448

26 | PROGRESS 2020

33

YEARS OF SERVICE

AT THE WINDOW Commercial & Residential

Window Coverings Specialist Hunter Douglas Display located at 138 W. Main, St., Perham 218-298-4377 atthewindowmn.com

atthewindowmn@gmail.com

32

YEARS OF SERVICE

HILLTOP LUMBER Beautiful New Showroom Marvin Windows “Idea House” Display Cabinets • Countertops Flooring • Hardware

208 West Main Street Ottertail • 218-367-2265 www.hilltoplbr.com

33

YEARS OF SERVICE

STEVE’S SANITATION, INC. Commercial & Residential Garbage & Roll-Off Service 140 6th Avenue NE Perham 218-346-4834

32

YEARS OF SERVICE

OTTER TAIL COUNTY RECYCLING

Solid Waste: (218) 998-4898 Recycling Center: (218) 736-4400 Household Hazardous Waste Facility: (218) 736-2161

36

YEARS OF SERVICE

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FROM THERE TO HERE

Richter’s Men’s Wear was the brainchild of Steve’s father, Gerard. The existing men’s store in Perham was closing its doors, and Gerard saw the need for a new one. With prior experience as a business owner, he was equipped for the job.

“Gardy (Gerard) was in the restaurant business before I came to town,” recalled Jon Staebler. “He was in the clothing business when I came to town in August of ‘69.”

Gerard, who had been running a cafe, closed his restaurant and opened Richter’s Men’s Wear in its place, in the location where the store still stands today. He ran the store for 14 years, and business grew. In 1971, a building expansion doubled the store’s floorspace, making it the size it is now.

In a previous interview with the Perham Focus newspaper, Steve said he remembers watching and admiring all the hard work his dad put into the business.

Steve, right, with his parents, Hilde and Gardy Richter, for their store’s 25th anniversary in 1994.

(Perham Focus File Photo)

“He was the one that put in the time,” Steve said. “He would be here six days a week, because he had to. There was no other choice. He had to work. He had to pay the bills, so he did.”

Gerard ran the business successfully, but in April of 1983, disaster struck. The Coast to Coast Hardware store, which stood right next to Richter’s, caught fire, causing extensive smoke damage to

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PROGRESS 2020 | 27

“ I like to think that, as far as my store goes, I’m the most complete men’s store anywhere.”

— Steve Richter

Steve and Connie Richter pose for a photograph with Steve’s parents, Gerard and Hilde, in 1983, when the younger Richters took over ownership of Richter’s Men’s Wear.

(Perham Focus File Photo)

Richter’s entire inventory and building.

Insurance covered the damages, but Gerard, who was 63 at the time, decided the circumstances and timing were right to liquidate his store and retire.

He passed the store down to Steve and Connie, who wanted to see the business continue. Steve was working as a lineman at the East Otter Tail Telephone Company at the time, and he

waded into the waters of business ownership slowly, rather than jumping in headfirst. There was a lot of work that needed to be done to whip the store back into shape.

“After the fire,” Steve said, “I started from scratch.”

At first, Connie ran the store while Steve kept his lineman job. They had the building restored, inside and out, and ordered just a small amount of inventory to get started. In May of 1983, they reopened Richter’s under their new ownership. Two years later, Steve was running the business full-time.

From there, he slowly built the business back up again, bringing in more

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and more inventory as the years wore on, until the store evolved into what it is today: A specialty store just for men — no boys’ or women’s clothes here, folks — that carries everything from suits and ties to Red Wing boots and bib overalls.

“I like to think that, as far as my store goes, I’m the most complete men’s store anywhere,” Richter said.

The clothing he’s stocked has changed over the years, of course, as styles and trends have changed. Back when the store first opened, “it was basically white shirts, black ties and suits,” Richter said. That was it.

But then the 1970s rolled around, and everything changed.

“The ‘70s were wild,” said Richter.

“With your bell-bottoms ... and the colors went wild.”

In general, trends change about every two to three years, he said, and it’s important for clothing retailers to keep up — “if you can get on board at the beginning of a style, you can do very well, and if you fail to get on board, you can do poorly.”

A selection of men’s colognes wait to be tested at Richter’s Men’s Wear.

Staying on top of things can be a challenge, and when coupled with the increased competition for people’s dollars that small businesses face these days, the pressure can prove to be too much for some independent store owners.

“It’s been a business of survival,” said Staebler. “Many of the men’s stores around the region have gone out of business.”

Richter credits his ongoing success to community support, a focus on

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personalized customer service, and the high-quality big-and-tall menswear his store carries, all of which help draw in customers.

“They have a better than normal clothing line that’s suited for oversized people like myself,” said Staebler.

“Richter knows exactly where everything is in his store, and if you ask for something, he will find it for you,” Staebler’s wife Betty added, noting that Richter does a good job of paying attention to his customers, he remembers them, and he always treats them fairly.

Looking ahead to the future of Richter’s Men’s Wear, Richter said his plan is to keep on doing exactly what he’s been doing for so many years already. He enjoys it, and it’s working: business is great.

“I have no plans for retirement,” he said. “I feel good!” 

Steve and his wife, Connie, had special T-shirts made in celebration of their store’s 50th anniversary this past June.

(Perham Focus File Photo)

Richter’s Men’s Wear has been operating at this location, at 137 West Main Street in Perham, since it opened 50 years ago.

30 | PROGRESS 2020

41

YEARS OF SERVICE

NADINE’S LADIES FASHIONS 145 West Main Perham

218-346-2615

45

YEARS OF SERVICE

VICTORY HOME SALES INC. New & Reconditioned Manufactured Homes 42807 Co. Hwy. 9 Pelican Rapids, MN 56572 800-232-5270 www.victoryhomes.net

41

YEARS OF SERVICE

43

YEARS OF SERVICE

SOMEPLACE SAFE

JC ELECTRIC INC.

155 5th St NE, Perham MN

Call JC Electric for all your wiring needs

11 Bryant Ave SW Wadena, MN Parenting Time Center 218-298-1501 Someplace Safe 24hr Crisis Line 800-974-3359 www.someplacesafe.info

46

YEARS OF SERVICE

HAMANN DENTISTRY Conveniently located downtown 200 1st Ave. South Perham 218-346-4775 www.hamannfamilydentistry.com

Serving the community since 1977.

615 Pinewood Lane Perham, MN 56573 218-346-5560

46

YEARS OF SERVICE

HUBER ELECTRIC Electrical repairs, electrical upgrades, electrical services

Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

218-346-3916 huberelectricco.com

44

YEARS OF SERVICE

RAE’S SHOES 132 West Main Street Perham 218-346-2605

46

YEARS OF SERVICE

KEN TERVOLA CONSTRUCTION Building Your Dreams #BC005441 New York Mills 218-385-2862

PROGRESS 2020 | 31

40 Years

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40 Years

Wardrobe wonderland Nadine’s Ladies Fashions STORY & PHOTOS BY REBECCA MITCHELL For Progress

O

ffering a niche shopping experience, building relationships, and giving back in every way possible are foundational values at Nadine’s Ladies Fashions.

The store’s owner, Denise Schornack, has been fostering those values for four decades.

“It feels like a great accomplishment, it really does,” Schornack said of her downtown business hitting the 40-year mark. “When you’re in business school, they tell you how many don’t make it the first year. And to think, ‘OK, we’re at 40 years!’ That makes you feel really great.”

The shop’s beginnings date back to Schornack’s time in high school, when she worked at her aunt and uncle’s dress store in Wadena. She sold clothing

As the owner of Nadine’s Ladies Fashions, Denise Schornack enjoys finding styles for customers and giving back to the community.

As her business has grown over the past 40 years, she said, “I loved what I did and I loved helping people, so it was fun.”

and went to market to learn the process of buying.

That experience influenced her decision to study business in college, but as graduation neared, very few business jobs were available in the area.

So she, “decided to just take the plunge and start my own business,” she said.

Schornack worked slowly and steadily to get her store ready. Nadine’s was originally located where The Willow Bookstore is today, though in about half

the space that’s available there now.

On opening weekend, her mom Bonnie Thompson and sister-in-law Joann Schornack were there to help.

“It was the day after Thanksgiving, and I remember being so excited and at the same time so nervous,” Schornack recalled. “And it was a very good day.”

Continued support from her family and the Perham area community have kept Schornack’s store going, and growing, ever since. The success of each passing year has been “amazing,” she said.

“This whole area has been so good, and in the 40 years of business we’ve had, almost every year has gotten just a little better than the year before,” Schornack said. “We’ve grown with the community, and it’s just really been a joy.”

“In the 40 years of business we’ve had, almost every year has gotten just a little better than the year before..”

— Denise Schornack, owner of Nadine’s

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PROVIDING A ‘PERSONAL SHOPPER’ EXPERIENCE

001825619r1

Karen Johnson, a sales team member at Nadine’s, wraps a customer’s gift item. “Our main objective is customer service, which you know everyone appreciates, and we appreciate doing it,” Johnson said.

Karen Johnson, who has been on the Nadine’s sales team for four years, said there’s a feeling of family among the store’s staff.

“I just enjoy everything. It’s just a fun place,” she said. “We’re like family, everybody that works here … And it’s almost like Christmas every day, because we get boxes in every day that we open, with all these goodies in them.”

The staff’s reliance on one another, as well as the high value they all place on every customer, is seen in the little things they do: They double-check to make sure the right items are inside a box before it’s wrapped; they welcome questions and conversation from customers; they happily approach shoppers with offers to help; and there’s an obvious camaraderie between them and the store’s many returning customers.

34 | PROGRESS 2020

“We’re always a team here at Nadine’s, and you have to have that philosophy to really give people the best service you can,” Schornack said. “We are only as good as the people we serve.”

She added that the customers who get the best benefit at Nadine’s are the ones who let staff members serve as their personal shoppers. Those customers come with ideas for an outfit for a specific occasion, along with a general budget, and then simply “let us help them.”

“They don’t have to do the work, we’ll do the work for them,” she said.

“And then they can pick from that. It just kind of narrows it down, if they’re overwhelmed.”

Once a relationship with a customer is built, Schornack knows their particular style choices well, and takes those preferences into account when she’s buying clothes at market.

“We get to know the customer, what they like, what size they wear,” she said.

“When we’re at market, we’ll buy with someone in mind. We’ll say, ‘Oh, that

“We’re like family, everybody that works here.”

— Store employee Karen Johnson

Denise Schornack opened her store on a Thanksgiving weekend, before returning to school to finish her business degree. This photo originally appeared in the Perham Enterprise-Bulletin on November 22, 1979.

PROGRESS 2020 | 35

47

YEARS OF SERVICE

SHEARER’S SNACKS Perham 400 Lakeside Dr Perham, MN 56573 218-346-7000 www.shearers.com

55

YEARS OF SERVICE

KLN FAMILY BRANDS Tuffy’s • Kenny’s Perham

www.klnfamilybrands.com

36 | PROGRESS 2020

51

YEARS OF SERVICE

51

YEARS OF SERVICE

53

YEARS OF SERVICE

GARY HONER SAW & TOOL

RICHTER’S MENS WEAR

HEMMELGARN BUILDERS INC.

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60

YEARS OF SERVICE

CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

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137 W. Main Perham 218-346-5575

64

YEARS OF SERVICE

HAMMERS CONSTRUCTION

Design/Build Commercial Building Contractor 44434 Harvest Avenue Perham 218-346-2195 www.hci-mn.com

1016 First Ave. N. Perham 218-346-2377

68

YEARS OF SERVICE

PINE SHELTER VETERINARY HOSPITAL Kelvin Rudolph, D.V.M. 670 3rd Avenue S.E. Perham 218-346-2120

looks like Cheryl,’ or, ‘That looks like LaDonna.’ We’ll just buy specifically for that person, because we know what kind of things they like.”

Schornack keeps individual customers in mind even as there are hundreds of decisions to make at market. Each booth shows approximately 100 items, most of which then come in various colors and sizes, and it’s Schornack’s job to determine how many of each to buy, and in which month the items should be delivered.

“Every single choice involves about five decisions, so by the end of the day you are absolutely whipped,” she said.

“You’re hoping you’ve covered all your bases, so that when the customers come in you have a wide variety in all the different areas.”

The store features a vast array of missy, petite, plus size, junior and children’s clothing options as well as shoes and accessories.

“We try to be fashion-forward yet practical, with things that people can actually wear and look good in,”

Advertisement from the February 5, 1980 Perham Enterprise-Bulletin.

Schornack said of her store’s inventory.

“I think the other thing that we try to do here is, everybody’s bodies are different shapes; we try to make people look the best they can in the bodies that God gave them.”

Schornack’s passion for fashion comes from loving the way that people respond to how they look.

“I think what interests me most is, if people look good, they feel good,” she said. “So much of our self-esteem is

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PROGRESS 2020 | 37

wrapped up in how we look and how we feel about ourselves, that if I can help people look good, I think it’s going to automatically make their self-esteem go up, too.”

Schornack wants her customers to go out feeling confident, and to receive compliments on their outfits.

Whether it’s shoppers who’ve traveled to Perham from Bismarck for a day of shopping, tourists who call to have clothes shipped to them, or customers who have purchased items off Facebook, Schornack said it’s a great compliment to have people say they got their clothing at Nadine’s.

“Many ladies will come in here and go, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve been wearing that for years, I still get compliments on it.’

It really makes you feel good, you know, and that’s what I shoot for — good quality at a good price,” Schornack said.

A CONTINUED FOCUS ON PEOPLE IN THE TIME OF TECH

Nadine’s has been selling women’s and children’s clothing in downtown Perham for 40 years. The vast array of ladies and children’s apparel aims to make customers stand out from the crowd.

Fashion comes and goes — including the hash jeans that were “the hottest fad” when Schornack was in high school — but while styles often come back around Technology has also brought the again, technology only moves forward. possibility of online ordering. Some As her children entered the business of the popular Nadine’s items sold world, Schornack took note of the online include Scala brand tank tops changing impact of technology, and Sensation pants. Overall, however, including in her sons’ business Schornack encourages people to shop networking practices. with the people who support them, “When we were in college, there in-person. That is how communities wasn’t the technology that there is grow and stay strong, she said. now, and seeing how they (the younger generation) have used technology to help them, is different than when we were coming out of college,” Schornack said.

— Denise Schornack “Computers were taking up a whole room at that “Sometimes in today’s world it’s easy time, and now of course you have your to hop on your computer and order little cellphone in your hand. So it’s a things from wherever, and you know very dramatic difference.”

Amazon’s not living in your community,

they’re not supporting your local cause, they’re not supporting the Girl Scouts, they’re not supporting all the teams that come around looking for donations,” Schornack said. “I think it’s important for the consumer to remember to support the people who support them, too.”

At Nadine’s, Schornack gives back by trying to give good deals to her customers, offering a loyalty program to her regulars, and donating money to a wide array of community causes and charitable efforts.

“I think in any business it all goes back to relationships with people, it really does,” she said. “Treating people like you want to be treated, and just general kindness.” 

“I think in any business it all goes back to relationships with people. Treating people like you want to be treated, and just general kindness.”

38 | PROGRESS 2020

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PROGRESS 2020 | 39

20 Years

Signs of the times JH Signs and Designs STORY & PHOTOS BY ROSALIN ALCOSER For Progress

40 | PROGRESS 2020

20 Years

A

ny time you see a sign in Perham, odds are it’s from JH Signs & Designs. From massive, lighted store signs to small, simple ad banners, the company has left its mark all over town.

“We’ve made just about all of them,” said Justin Helmke, President of JH Signs.

Helmke, a 1992 Perham High School graduate, has been running his business for 20 years, and in that time, it’s grown from a small, one-man show into a multi-staff operation. It’s also evolved along with technology, as customer demand has shifted away from hand-painted signs in favor of electronic signs.

“It’s changed so much in the last 20 years,” Helmke said of the sign industry. “I can’t even say where it might be going.”

Helmke went to M State in Detroit Lakes to study sign lettering and design, and then painted signs in the Minneapolis area for five years before moving back to his hometown. He

opened up shop on Perham’s Main Street in 1999.

“I knew a guy in Minneapolis that used to paint a lot of street rods and pinstriping, stuff like that, when I was a kid,” Helmke said. “And that kind of evolved into me doing that stuff. I did some stuff like that in high school. I was a really artsy person, back when it used to be artsy.”

He got to use his artistic skills quite a bit in the early days of his business, when more of the creative work was done by hand.

“ It’s changed so much in the last 20 years.”

— Justin Helmke, on the sign industry

JH SIGNS AROUND TOWN

Justin Helmke started JH Signs & Designs 20 years ago, and has seen the industry evolve from handpainted signs to digital.

PROGRESS 2020 | 41

“It started out with just me and a little 26-by-24-foot shop, hand-painting signs and doing a little vinyl lettering,” Helmke said.

As time moved on, JH Signs grew, and Helmke put an addition onto his Main Street shop. After awhile, though, even that expanded space wasn’t enough for the growing company. In 2011, JH Signs relocated to its current location just off Highway 10, a few minutes west of Perham.

‘TAKE CARE OF THEM AND THEY’LL COME BACK’

JH Signs & Designs makes signs of all shapes, sizes and materials. Awnings, banners, vehicle wraps, and lighted LED signs are just a few examples of what the company can do.

Since there are so many options, the first thing Helmke does when a customer contacts his shop is figure out what that person needs. After that, he talks about budgets and logos.

69

YEARS OF SERVICE

ARVIG

Internet, Television, Phone, Security, Computer Repair

888-992-7844 arvig.com

75

YEARS OF SERVICE

BREMER 801 Market St. Perham

218-346-1300

24-Hour Banking 1-800-908-BANK bremer.com

42 | PROGRESS 2020

JH SIGNS AROUND TOWN ABOVE: Full-color printing on vinyl, done in-house at JH Signs.

70

YEARS OF SERVICE

WINKELS CARPET CENTER Richard Winkels, Owner 145 2nd Avenue S.E. Perham 218-346-2924

81

YEARS OF SERVICE

CENTRAL MINNESOTA CREDIT UNION

87

YEARS OF SERVICE

HANSON’S PLUMBING & HEATING

Centered on you.

Service…The Way It Should Be

108 Judd Street Perham, MN

Perham: 346-2422 Vergas: 342-2422

888.330.8482 mycmcu.org

800-553-WARM hansonsheating.com

94

YEARS OF SERVICE

KARVONEN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES

Family owned and operated for three generations Greg & Suzi Karvonen New York Mills 218-385-2345 • 218-346-8536 www.karvonenandsonfuneralhome.com

students for the rest of their educational futu and other teacher supports, including Connect4Learning, an engaging curriculum that and problem solve with one another. This curric preparing our students for the rest of their educatio

ISD 549: A PROGRESSIVE DISTRICT

Heart of the Lakes Elementary - Our new Action an active environment that makes learning fun f healthy and active movement. Students are enjoyi with fun and unique movements while prepari Teachers are enjoying students that are more focu

ISD 549: 549: A A PROGRESSIVE PROGRESSIVE DISTRICT PERHAM-DENT ISD DISTRICT Kids Adventure Preschool

We continue to make strides in PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT Prairie Wind Middle School - The completion o preparing students for the rest of their educational throughPreschool our Kids futures Adventure - We continue strides connection in preparing PMWSto andmake subsequent to the new PHS Kids Adventure Preschool We continue to make strides in preparing curriculum and other teacher students for the rest of their educational futures tothrough curriculum be exposed a wider our variety of educational spac supports, including ourrestnew students for the of supports, their educational futuresour through our curriculum and other teacher including new not available to them up tocurriculum, this point. In addition Perham High School: curriculum, Connect4Learning, and other teacher supports, including our new curriculum, Perhamstudents, Highthat School provides engaging curriculum allows students to an Connect4Learning, engaging curriculumanthat the newer facilities explore also boast a mor flexible education opportunities for all Connect4Learning, an engaging curriculum that allows students to explore allows students to explore and and problem solve with one another.

This curriculum and other supports are learning environment. students.

Our state of the art high school problem solve with onesolve another. and problem with onerest another.

This curriculum and other provides flexibility for instructional styles, supports are preparing our students for the of their educational careers.

This curriculum and other supports are inside outside of the classroom, that strive preparing our students for the rest ofand their educational careers. preparing our students for the rest of to meet the ever-changing opportunities their educational careers. our students PHS, -students Perhamhave.

HighAt School The variety of large and sm receive a comprehensive education in in aprovides Heart of the Lakes Elementary new Action Based Learning Lab Kids Adventure Preschool --Our We continue to make strides preparing new high school facility have provided our team an careerAction path of their choice.

They also have Heart of the Lakes Elementary Our new Based Learning Lab provides an active environment thatofmakes fun for students, while promoting students for the rest their learning educational futures through our curriculum Kids Adventure Preschool We continue to multiple opportunities to mobile be involved witheducation delivery opportunity to be in our an active environment that makes learning fun foractivities students, while promoting extracurricular where they can healthy active movement.

Students are enjoying getting their "wiggles" out and and other teacher supports, including our new curriculum, students forhave the helped rest ofwith their newexcellence spaces the educational expansion offutu ou strive and learn valuable life healthy and active movement.

Students arefor enjoying getting their "wiggles" out withConnect4Learning, fun and unique movements while preparing their brains for learning. an engaging curriculum that allows students to explore and other teacher supports, including programs, such as Jacket lv'lanufacturing and Pro S lessons like responsibility, and being part with fun problem andenjoying unique movements while preparing their brains for supports learning. are of a team.

Infocused partnership with our to other Teachers are students thatanother. are more and ready learn. and solve with one This curriculum and other Connect4Learning, an engaging curriculum that schools andmore the community at large, our goal is Teachers are enjoying students that are focused and ready to learn.

Heart of the Lakes preparing our students for the rest of their educational careers. and problem with one another. This curric to develop confident studentssolve who believe Elementary: in themselves and theirour abilities as they preparing students for the rest of their educatio Our continued work with PBIS (Positive Learning enter thePerham workforceArea or extend their Center - Our new ALC fa Behavior Support System) has Prairie Wind Middle School - Theeducation completion of tech theand remodeling projectin at through schools, new options advancements technology t been enhanced with additional Heart ofsubsequent the Lakes Elementary - completion Our new Action Based Learning Lab provides Prairie Wind Middle School - Theto of the remodeling project at universities, or colleges.

PMWS and connection the new PHS, has allowed our students to years. Being connected to PHS gives our stud supports in our students’ social/ an and active that makes learning fun forLakes students, while promoting PMWS subsequent connection to the newspaces PHS, has allowed our students to new Action Heart of the Elementary - were Our be exposed toenvironment a wider variety experiences that emotional learning using the of educational flexibility inand terms of available classes.

The new sp healthy movement.

Students are enjoying getting their out fun fo be exposed toprogram. widerup variety of point. educational spaces experiences that were active environment that "wiggles" makes learning Second Stepand Students not available toaactive them to this Inan addition toand providing more space to learning, and the spacious roomsfor provide great and staff are working to promote fun and unique while preparing their brains for learning. not with available them up tomovements thisalso point.

In addition tocomfortable, providing more space for are enjoyin healthy and active movement.

Students Prairie Wind Middle School: theto newer facilities boast a more multi-faceted astudents, learning community that isstudents Our school is committed to providing Teachers are enjoying that are more focused and ready to learn. students, the newer facilities also boast a more comfortable, multi-faceted with fun and unique movements while preparin learning environment. empathetic, flexible, persistent, students the best education with environment.

Teachers are enjoying students that are more focus resilient, learning and optimistic.

These Jacket highly-qualified and dedicated staff who Best traits engage and make for model for our students a true commitment joyful independent learners. to what it takes to be successful and out Prairie Wind Middle completion of thein remodeling Perham High School - TheSchool variety-ofThe large and small collaboration spacesproject in the at of school.

In addition to academic learning and Perham High School The variety of large and small collaboration spaces in the to and subsequent connection to the new PHS, has allowed our students newPMWS high school facility have provided our team and our students with the WindweMiddle o physicalPrairie development, want our School students - The completion new high school facility have provided team and our students with the toour appreciate the benefits of treating other be exposed to a wider of educational spaces and experiences that opportunity to be mobile invariety our education delivery throughout the day.

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In toa providing more for newnot spaces have helped the expansion ofaddition our Career Tech Education be exposed to wider variety of space educational spac We askof ourour students to make a Education choice every new spaces have helped with the expansion Career Tech students, the newer facilities alsodayboast a more comfortable, multi-faceted programs, such as Jacket lv'lanufacturing and Pro Start Courses. not them this point. In addition to Beavailable Kind, Help to Others, andup Be to a Good Perham Area programs, such as Jacket lv'lanufacturing and Courses. learning environment.

Learning Center: Person andPro try Start to the weave these three core also boast a more students, newer facilities Our ALC facility offers staff and ideals into the fabric of our school community. learning environment. students considerable options and We are all different on the outside, but inside we advancements technology the same dreams, offers and aspirations.

Perham in Area Learning Centerhave - Our new hopes, ALC facility staff and students Perham High School - The variety of large and small collaboration spaces in the to which many schools do not Perham Area Learning Center Our new ALC facility offers staff Everyone deserves respect.

Everyone new options and advancements in technology that we haven't and had students in many havenew access.

Being connected deserves to be heard.

Everyone deserves new high school facility have provided our team and our students with options and advancements technology that we haven't had in the many ingives Perham High School - The variety of large and sma years.

Being connected to PHS our students new opportunities and to Perham High School gives our a education good education..and everyone needs the day. The opportunity to be mobile in our delivery throughout years.

Being connected to PHS gives our students new opportunities and new high school facility have provided students abundant opportunities flexibility in terms of available classes. The new space is much more conduciveour team an to feel like they matter! new spaces have helped with the expansion of our Career Tech Education and flexibility flexibility in terms of core in terms ofspacious availablerooms classes.

The new space much more conducive opportunity toisbe mobile in our education delivery to learning, and the provide greater learning opportunities. classes, elective courses, and programs, such Jacket rooms lv'lanufacturing Prolearning Start to learning, and theas spacious provide greater opportunities. newand spaces haveCourses. helped with the expansion of our extracurricular activities. The programs, such as Jacket lv'lanufacturing and Pro S environment at the Perham Area Learning Center is conducive to LEARN MORE ON OUR WEBSITE learning and the pursuit of Perham Area Learning Center - Our new ALC facility offers staff and students graduation for all students.

ISD 549: A PROGRESSIVE DISTRICT ISD 549: A PROGRESSIVE

PERHAM-DENT PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

LEARN MORE

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www.perhamschools.org

new options and advancements in technology that we haven't had in many Perham Area Learning Center - Our new ALC fa years. Being connected to PHS gives our students new opportunities and new options and advancements in technology t flexibility in terms of available classes.years.

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PERHAM-DENT PERHAM-DENT PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

LEARN MORE ON OUR WEBSITE LEARN MORE ON OUR WEBSITE

PROGRESS 2020 43 � |provide �o�to®[M�lfin)§@Ju@@�§o@ learning, and the spacious rooms greate

The JH Signs & Designs team recently installed the new Mark’s Home & More sign. They used the company’s 65-foot lift truck to get the job done.

CUSTOM

screenprinting & embroidery IN YOUR STYLE

USING BRANDS YOU TRUST!

218-346-3865 www.longweekendsportswear.com

640 2nd Street NE • Perham, MN (East Industrial Park)

Serving the lakes area for over 28 years.

PLANNERS / ARCHITECTS

44 | PROGRESS 2020

JH SIGNS AROUND TOWN

Special machinery allows sign pieces to be cut in-house at JH Signs.

Sometimes clients have a specific vision already in mind; other times, they’re looking for input and ideas from the professionals at JH Signs. Whatever stage clients are at in their visioning process, JH Signs will meet them there.

“We can walk you through the process of setting up your company,” Helmke said, “or you can go, ‘Here’s my logo, I just need it on the wall.’”

Once an order is created, JH Signs continues to handle the job all the way to the finish, doing both production and installation.

Installation is a big part of the business these days, and JH Signs sets itself apart from other area installers by offering a few unique services. The company’s lift truck is an asset, as it has the capability to reach up to 65 feet for sign installation. JH Signs also offers retrofitting services to update lighted signs with modern LED bulbs, and offers

neon repair work in-house. Before, neon sign owners would have to travel to Fargo or St. Cloud for those repairs.

JH Signs normally works within a 100mile radius of Perham, but will travel to other parts of the state, to North Dakota and even the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, for existing customers.

“Say like, Arvig,” Helmke said. “If they want something done and ask us to go down to southern Minnesota or way up into northern Minnesota, we travel for our current clients if they need us to — if they want us to.”

Over the years, Helmke has had to learn some new skills and adapt his talents to keep up with the changing technologies and demands of the sign-making industry. Hand-painting and vinyl lettering are rare today, with customers opting instead for modern materials, digital signage, and electronic printing.

Proud To Serve The Area For 65 Years!

DISTRICT 8A STATE REPRESENTATIVE

BUD NORNES

of Lakes Country

218.346.2138

OUR ADVOCATE E-MAIL: REP.BUD.NORNES@HOUSE.MN WWW.HOUSE.LEG.STATE.MN.US

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• Air Quality Solutions • Geothermal Heating & Cooling Systems • Lennox Authorized Dealer • Pumps

• Service & Repair on All Brands of Heating & Air Conditioning • Smart Home Thermostats • Water Heaters • Water Softeners PROGRESS 2020 | 45

“ You just try to be as creative as you can, make your stuff stick out, be effective, and be there for the customer.”

— Justin Helmke, on his philosophy for JH Signs

“There are so many different variables than there used to be,” Helmke said.

“There used to be boards and paint, and now it’s aluminum and plastics; you have lighted signs and frames. It’s kind of a little bit of everything.”

While the old way of doing things had more “personal touch,” Helmke said, the materials and software available today allow designers to use textures, pictures and colors that just aren’t possible with paint.

“For us, I think it just kind of opens the doors,” said Andrea Craig, a designer at JH Signs. “Things used to be simple — one or two colors … I think that it’s good they’ve been making a lot of advancements. Software is getting better.”

PICK

Technology hasn’t just changed how signs are made, but also how business is made at JH Signs.

While the company still gets some business from walkins and phone calls, Craig said about 75% of the customer base Examples of neon signs are on display in the workshop at JH Signs. now comes from online or email.

“You just try to be as creative as But no matter where they’re coming you can, make your stuff stick out, from, the clients are all treated with the be effective, and be there for the same, customer-first philosophy that customer,” said Helmke of what has JH Signs has made its motto: “Your made JH Signs a success. “Take care of Image Is Our Business.” them and they’ll come back.” 

YourCOLORS, FLOORING AND CABINETS.

o l l e h Say

Your Minnesota Lakes Area solid waste collection, transfer, disposal, and recycling experts.

PROUD TO SERVE PERHAM AND SURROUNDING AREA

TO YOUR NEW HOME. COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING • ROLL-OFF

Victory Homes is an authorized dealer of manufactured and modular homes.

(218) 346-4834 140 6th Avenue NE • Perham, MN 56573 support@stevessanitation.com www.stevessanitation.com

PROVIDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING SINCE 1975

42807 CO. HWY. 9, PELICAN RAPIDS, MN 56572

800-232-5270 • www.victoryhomes.net 46 | PROGRESS 2020

001693209r1

97

YEARS OF SERVICE

VAUGHN AUTO AND MARINE CO. Used Cars & Trucks Lund Boats Mercury Motors New York Mills

99

100

YEARS OF SERVICE

SACRED HEART CHURCH

SCHMITZ MOTOR COMPANY, INC.

Sacred Heart Bazaar is on August 9, 2020

104

YEARS OF SERVICE

Serving the area since 1920

FARMERS & MERCHANTS STATE BANK

218-346-3900 www.schmitzmotor.com

218-385-2300 www.FMBankNYM.com

900 West Main Street Perham

36963 State Highway 108 Dent 218-758-2700 sacredheart@arvig.net

11 North Walker New York Mills

Member FDIC

Relay For Life 201 9 Kim

J Photography

218-385-2855

YEARS OF SERVICE

Proud to be part of

PERHAM FOR 69+ YEARS RS We owe our 69 years in business to the community and to you, our customers.

With your support, we have had the privilege of serving Perham beyond internet, TV and phone services. Over the years, we’ve partnered with exceptional people and organizations throughout the area and we are proud to support our neighbors and the community we call home.

108

YEARS OF SERVICE

UNITED COMMUNITY BANK

COMMUNITY MINDED JUST LIKE YOU 301 West Main St., Perham 218-346-5700 www.ucbankmn.com

110

YEARS OF SERVICE

110

YEARS OF SERVICE

HOLY CROSS CHURCH

ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN SCHOOL

– Since 1910 –

Founded in 1910 Turning today’s learners into tomorrow’s leaders

Butler 218-385-2201

500 6th Avenue SW Perham

111

YEARS OF SERVICE

OTTER TAIL POWER COMPANY 1-800-257-4044 www.otpco.com

218-346-2300

PROGRESS 2020 | 47

10 Years

JBS Builders owner, Jason Storo’s team works on a new storage facility. (Photo from jbsbuildersllc.com)

Building success JBS Builders

BY REBECCA MITCHELL For Progress

W

hen the recession hit in 2008, JBS Builders owner Jayson Storo was faced with two options: be unemployed or start his own business.

After 10 years, it’s clear that Storo’s choice was the right one. His commercial and home construction, remodeling and renovation business has steadily grown, and he said it’s the community’s support that has kept him going.

48 | PROGRESS 2020

“We just did it job by job,” he said of getting JBS Builders up and running in its early days. “It wasn’t near as busy as it is today, but we were at the bottom or just coming out of the recession.

So even at that point in time, the

community still kept me busy enough to support me and my family.”

“It’s just really grown since then,” he added. “So obviously the community likes me; they like my work.”

“ We just did it, job by job.”

— Jayson Storo, on how he built his business up

10 Years

A new home in Perham, built by JBS Builders. (Photo from jbsbuildersllc.com)

Now based in Richville, Storo attended Wahpeton High School, where he got his start in construction. For two years, he and his classmates in the school’s Build a House class built homes in the school parking lot. “(The class) really boosted me into getting into construction,” Storo said. “I worked for a contractor for a couple summers during high school, and when I was done with that I decided to go to college for construction.”

For 12 years following college, Storo worked on small- and largescale projects for a construction company in Brainerd, Minn.

Today, as the head of JBS Builders, Storo finds that interacting with clients and forming relationships is as important as the projects themselves. A single project,

he said, can burgeon into many more projects around people’s homes and neighborhoods, when the job is done right.

‘THE LITTLE ONES BUILD THE BIG ONES’

On his truck window, Storo advertises for his business. (Rebecca Mitchell / Progress)

When he was first getting JBS Builders off the ground, Storo found that smaller projects, like repairing storm doors, shingles or siding, opened doors to bigger and future projects. He worked alone in his company’s early days, and he discovered a lot of long-term value in taking on small projects.

“The little ones build the big ones,” he explained.

Even today, he rarely turns down a small job. When a call comes in to install a screen

PROGRESS 2020 | 49

door, for example, maybe for an elderly woman who has been searching for a contractor, the job is gladly accepted.

“Remodeling and small projects are what got me to where I’m at today,” Storo said. “So I don’t forget those people when they call me for a small project. Everybody loves new construction, but the remodels and the smaller projects keep us plenty busy.”

“A lot of people in this industry have forgotten about the little projects,” he added. “They feel if they can’t make a dollar on it, it’s not worth doing.”

JBS Builders sets itself apart by taking on projects that others in the industry won’t. Storo wants people to know they are remembered, that he takes pride in the work he does, and that he wants their project to get done, and done well.

A new home on Pickerel Lake, built by JBS Builders. (Submitted Photo)

Now in our 17th year of business Licensed and Bonded with the State of Minnesota U Care, Medica, Blue Cross/Blue Plus, Private Pay, Medical Assistance, Long Term Care Insurance, South Country Health Alliance

We are located at...

407 Carlund Parkway in New York Mills Employing over 250 throughout the year

TENDER HEARTS HOME CARE Kerrie Steinbach, Owner

PCA Homecare Respite Homemaking

877-362-9784 • 385-3466

50 | PROGRESS 2020

41 years of service

ADVOCACY PR OGRAMS Someplace Safe Advocacy offers a myriad of services to victims and survivors of crime, their families and friends. Advocates work to assist those effected by domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and other crimes (including; stalking, elder abuse, identity theft, robbery, theft, etc.), as they navigate the social, emotional and economic impacts they face as victims on the path to becoming survivors. All Advocacy services are free & confidential.

Someplace Safe 24hr Crisis Line

800.974.3359

www.someplacesafe.info Accessible services are available, including: interpreters, live chat, and text options.

PARENTING TIME CENTER The Parenting Time Center (PTC) is designed to assure that children can have safe and conflict-free access to parents through a variety of services. PTC provides a safe, neutral location through a variety of services delivered by trained providers. The PTC staff encourage respectful communication within families, help to establish a parenting time routine, and offer parents referrals to other community resources.

Parenting Time Center

218.298.1501

11 Bryant Ave SW, Wadena, MN 155 5th St NE, Perham, MN www.someplacesafe.info

118

YEARS OF SERVICE

118

YEARS OF SERVICE

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH-BLUFFTON

PERHAM HEALTH

MASS TIMES Sun: 10:30 am Wed: 8:00 am OFFICE HOURS Monday & Wednesday 8:30 am - 2 pm 310 Main Street, Bluffton 218-385-2608 SJC428@arvig.net

1000 Coney Street W. Perham 218-347-4500 www.perhamhealth.org

135

YEARS OF SERVICE

PERHAM HIGH SCHOOL progressive curriculum + proven results = student success

138

YEARS OF SERVICE

PERHAM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Worship: 10:00 a.m.

223 4th Avenue S.E. Perham

Perham 218-346-4501 www.perham.k12.mn.us

218-346-7420

A Healthy Pet is a Happy Pet

139

ALL CREATURES VETERINARY HOSPITAL

ALL CREATURES BOARDING AND GROOMING

905 Jenny Ave. Perham, MN 56573 218-346-PETS (7387) allcreaturesperham.com

44033 Hawes Beach Road Ottertail, MN 56571 218-367-PETS (7387) allcreaturesboarding.com

YEARS OF SERVICE

SCHOENEBERGER FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICE Steve Sheets, Local Owner and Director Hans Larson, Funeral Director 100 Jake Street, Perham (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com

143

YEARS OF SERVICE

APOSTOLIC LUTHERAN CHURCH Since 1877 Nicholas Kandoll, Pastor New York Mills 218-385-2166

145

YEARS OF SERVICE

ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

The church has served the area since 1875.

500 6th Avenue SW Perham 218-346-7725

001829326r1

154

YEARS OF SERVICE

ST. LAWRENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH RUSH LAKE 2.5 miles on Hwy 14, East of Hwy. 78 218-346-7729 The Oldest Catholic Church in Ottertail County.

Polka Festival is on Sunday, August 2nd

PROGRESS 2020 | 51

The area’s home to

effortless fashion

Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

148 1st Ave. South Perham, MN 218.346.4180 Shop online at dotandminnies.com

TOP: Workers with JBS Builders repair the steeple of an area church.

(Photo from jbsbuildersllc.com)

CALL CURTIS ABOUT YOUR 2020 PROJECT!

52 | PROGRESS 2020

RIGHT: Jayson Storo, owner of JBS Builders, poses for a picture at his home office in Richville. The construction business has kept him busy for the past 10 years.

(Rebecca Mitchell / Progress)

‘THEY COME OUT AND THEY HUG YOU’

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Summer is the prime time for outdoor construction work, but even after the weather turns snowy, icy and cold, the work continues, Storo said: “It’s part of the business.”

Weather dictates the schedule, and inevitably more indoor construction is done during the winter months. Many area “snow birds” are gone over the winter, and they like to return in the spring to find their homes beautifully remodeled inside, or former issues with the property resolved.

Storo said he has “never had somebody mad or unhappy with their projects,” and has even gotten hugs upon arriving at a project site.

“I’ve had customers, you show up and they come out and they hug you. It’s amazing,” he said.

“They’re so excited that their project’s getting done and you actually showed up when you said you were going to show up, and it’s just ... this community’s amazing. I mean I can’t say it enough.”

The projects, of course, aren’t always glamorous.

There are plenty of remodels that get a lot of dust and dirt flying, and projects on small lake lots sometimes take multiple redesigns.

When it comes to your to-do list, put your future first.

232 Market Drive Suite A Perham, MN 56573 218-346-6727

edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Your Hometown Builder Hemmelgarn Builders Inc. Lic. #BC003628 hbi@arvig.net

Jim Hemmelgarn Cell: 218.371.1228

346.2377

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1016 1st Ave N., Perham, MN 56573 218-346-2377 www.hemmelgarnbuildersinc.com Troy Hemmelgarn Cell: 218.371.6272

PROGRESS 2020 | 53

BILL INGEBRIGTSEN MN STATE SENATOR

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JBS Builders laborer Mike Mickelson said the projects cover a wide variety, and are filled with intricacies. It can take awhile for workers to learn all the ropes.

“Oh jeez. Where do you begin?,” Mickelson chuckled. “I mean you can’t learn everything in a day, but you just kind of pick up things here and there, layouts of walls and stuff like that. There’s a lot to this stuff.”

The JBS team is constantly plugging away at projects. And with jobs sometimes scheduled as far as eight months out, Storo knows the importance of staying in touch with his clients. He also prides his company on following the rules and regulations set by the state, while also meeting client needs.

“I know that the rules and the laws say that you have to warranty and follow certain things. I get customers that call me back after the warranty period and we still go out and fix it,” Storo said.

“Every project I do, I just feel like I’m part of that family now, and nothing makes somebody smile more than when you come out and fix something when you didn’t have to go fix it anymore.”

The way Storo treats clients is also how he treats his workers, a staff of four. As a laborer with JBS Builders for one year, Mickelson said, “I’m treated well.” 

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Formerly Perham Physical Therapy A kitchen that the JBS crew constructed in a local home.

(Photo from jbsbuildersllc.com)

54 | PROGRESS 2020

218-346-2464 505 East Main, Perham

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With the rise and need of cremation in our area, Greg and Suzi have added a crematory on-site at their funeral home.

Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service is the only funeral home on State Hwy #10 from St. Cloud to Fargo complete with an on-site crematory.

When a family chooses cremation for their loved one at Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service, we have a special room and we encourage families to have a final viewing before the cremation begins.

Greg and Suzi also offer all the amenities for a traditional funeral with a wide range of casket selections, burial vaults, video tributes and facilities for visitation and services.

As one of the few family owned and operated funeral homes in the area, Greg and Suzi invite you to stop by to discuss the options and let us do a cost comparison & record your wishes.

WITH THREE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: 110 S Broadway Ave New York Mills, MN 218-385-2345

505 Holden Ave Henning, MN 218-583-25 l l

419 2nd Street NE Wadena, MN 218-632-4007