PROGRESS • FEBRUARY, 26, 2017
BUSINESS AND HEALTH What’s inside?
“Each client’s needs are so different. We’re open to their needs and use the experience of our multi-talented staff.” — Dave Wessling VETERINARIAN
Offering more options in
PET CARE Displaying student art Intego Insurance Services partners with Albert Lea schools to showcase art. Page 2
Changing the landscape Larson Contracting of Lake Mills has been in business since 1977. Page 3
A new dawn in care The nursing home at St. John’s on Fountain Lake is slated to open this year. Page 4
Certified veterinary technician Cassie Nelson clips her dog’s nails at South Central Pet Care. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
South Central vet office enjoys expanded building space By Colleen Harrison
colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com
O
Caring for others Woman’s passion leads her to start new in-home health business. Page 7
ne Albert Lea veterinary practice has expanded the possibilities for its clients. South Central Pet Care, formerly in Skyline Plaza, moved to its new location at 1430 S. Highway 69 in Albert Lea around Thanksgiving 2016. One of the practice’s veterinarians, Dave Wessling, said the move was prompted by a need for more space, and to offer more possibilities to clients. With the new location, South Central Pet Care now has double the examination rooms, a larger surgery room and waiting room, has expanded its lab capabilities and added additional equipment. Wessling said the expanded lab opens up more services for clients, such as more in-depth blood work testing and endocrinology studies, which used to be sent out to other labs for testing. It has also made it possible for the practice to offer cold laser therapy, which is used for treating such diagnoses as arthritis and skin infections, among others. Wessling said the new location also uses solar power. Wessling said he has been practicing veterinary medicine in the area for about See CARE, Page 5
PROGRESS • FEBRUARY, 26, 2017
BUSINESS AND HEALTH What’s inside?
“Each client’s needs are so different. We’re open to their needs and use the experience of our multi-talented staff.” — Dave Wessling VETERINARIAN
Offering more options in
PET CARE Displaying student art Intego Insurance Services partners with Albert Lea schools to showcase art. Page 2
Changing the landscape Larson Contracting of Lake Mills has been in business since 1977. Page 3
A new dawn in care The nursing home at St. John’s on Fountain Lake is slated to open this year. Page 4
Certified veterinary technician Cassie Nelson clips her dog’s nails at South Central Pet Care. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
South Central vet office enjoys expanded building space By Colleen Harrison
colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com
O
Caring for others Woman’s passion leads her to start new in-home health business. Page 7
ne Albert Lea veterinary practice has expanded the possibilities for its clients. South Central Pet Care, formerly in Skyline Plaza, moved to its new location at 1430 S. Highway 69 in Albert Lea around Thanksgiving 2016. One of the practice’s veterinarians, Dave Wessling, said the move was prompted by a need for more space, and to offer more possibilities to clients. With the new location, South Central Pet Care now has double the examination rooms, a larger surgery room and waiting room, has expanded its lab capabilities and added additional equipment. Wessling said the expanded lab opens up more services for clients, such as more in-depth blood work testing and endocrinology studies, which used to be sent out to other labs for testing. It has also made it possible for the practice to offer cold laser therapy, which is used for treating such diagnoses as arthritis and skin infections, among others. Wessling said the new location also uses solar power. Wessling said he has been practicing veterinary medicine in the area for about See CARE, Page 5
PAGE 2 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017
Business gives students a place to display art By Jarrod Peterson
jarrod.peterson@albertleatribune.com
Art has always been a way of expressing one’s self, feelings or mood. For children at Halverson Elementary School, it’s not only that, but it also has some perks. In the last few months, Sarah Hensley, who owns Intego Insurance Services, and Jessica Bremer, an art teacher at Halverson, collaborated on something that is rather unique. Intego Insurance Services recently moved into a new office on Front Street in Albert Lea, and Hensley noticed there was a blank wall in the office space that needed to be filled. Hensley’s sister, Rachel, also works at Halverson and connected her and Bremer for a chance to show off student artwork in the office space — something both welcomed with open arms. “I started talking with my sister earlier this fall and knew there was a need to recognize and just give some more love and attention to kids in the Albert Lea school district,” Hensley said. “We were moving our office to Albert Lea and had a blank wall, and I thought it would be awesome if we could fill it with artwork. That’s how I got connected with Jessica.” Hensley said Bremer was supportive of the idea from the very beginning, and it also gives Bremer and her students a lot of joy. “It been a great connection to our community,” Bremer said. “Any way you can foster art and bring these kids into the community for not just their social well-being, but their mental well-being is great. And the kids are crazy about it.” Whether children have a passion for art or not, Bremer said this new addition has been exciting and the students look forward to it. Bremer said she spends time talking with her students about craftsmanship. “We talk about taking our time with projects,” Bremer
Artwork from Halverson Elementary School students is on display at Intego Insurance Services as part of a new partnership at the business to highlight student art. JARROD PETERSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE said. “We always talk about situational things like ‘you wouldn’t want to have a house with poor craftsmanship, nor would you want to display a piece of art with poor craftsmanship.’ We talk about taking your time with works of art.” Bremer teaches art in grades kindergarten through fifth grade and is in her 10th year of teaching — her fifth year at Halverson. Bremer said art is everywhere in a person’s life, and she’s not wrong. From digital media to moviemaking, to the things in someone’s house, people are surrounded by art and things someone or something created. One thing that stuck out to Hensley was the first time she came to hand out the certificates and bags. “I realized how much it meant to the kid,” Hensley said. “Someone of these kids
may not be the spectacular athlete or feel comfortable going out for a part in a play, but art is something they can kind of carve, develop this skill and have for the rest of their life.” Hensley also said having the artwork in the business space has pleased a lot of customers. “A lot of our customers come in, and their eye is immediately drawn to the works of art on the wall,” Hensley said. “It is so unique and different, and people are excited about that.” Hensley said once the winter season is over, she hopes to gather artwork from other elementary schools in the Albert Lea area so those children have a chance to display their work. “It has been a snowball effect,” Bremer said. “Just being recognized by the community and other
Back row, from left, Sarah Hensley and Jessica Bremer pose for a picture with the students who have their artwork hanging on a wall at Intego Insurance Services. people, the kids love it. Every kid is wondering, ‘When are we going to know who the next one is to have their work on display?’ It’s only been good things.”
Hensley reiterated Bremer’s comments, saying she has only had positive feedback from people in the community. “It makes my day, week
or month,” Hensley said. “I wish we had more wall space, but I think it’s something we can continue for a long time. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | PROGRESS 2017 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE 3
Kelly Vanmaldeghem and Kathy Flor have used their experience to help patients have a high-quality life at New Richland Care Center. SAM WILMES/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
Larson Contracting CEO and Owner Justin Peterson and President Shawn Lampman are leading the company, which is celebrating its 40th year in operation. SAM WILMES/
More than 50 years of service
ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
2 WOMEN ENJOY THEIR WORK AT CARE CENTER By Sam Wilmes
sam.wilmes@albertleatribune.com
NEW RICHLAND — Two employees at New Richland Care Center with more than 50 combined years of experience continue to assist in meeting the needs of residents. Activities Director Kathy Flor has at least 36 years of experience at the care center. Certified nursing assistant Kelly Vanmaldeghem has at least 17. “We take pride in our work,” Flor said. “We want this place to be a special place, a home-like environment.” As activities director, Flor plans activities such as large group events, special entertainment, religious services, game activities, supper club, manicures and exercise. “Being a smaller facility, we get more chances to visit with them, take time with them — and most of the time we know them already,” Vanmaldeghem said. “When they come in the door, we already know who they are or who they are related to.” New Richland Care Center provides long-term care, physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Flor said there were no computers in 1980 when she started as a certified nursing assistant. Resident charts were hand-written. Over the years, Flor has seen families of co-workers grow since she started. “It’s interesting to know their families,” she said. “Like how many kids Kelly has. ... People grow up.” Vanmaldeghem said she applied for job after seeing an ad for a position in the newspaper. “I just had my first son and I thought, ‘Wow, this is perfect, it’s six miles from my home,” she said. “Kind of wanted to be in the nursing field. I didn’t know if I wanted to be a nurse or what. So, I came in and applied, and got hired. Did my classes here, tested out and guess I’ve been here ever since.” Flor said the residents are the reason she has worked at the care center for 36 years. “Just all of the knowledge they have and share with us,” she said. “We just learn a lot from them. “A lot of them didn’t have much years ago. We have some residents who are going to be 100 years old coming up. To think of all
By the numbers 1980 Year Flor started working at New Richland Care Center
50
Beds at New Richland Care Center they’ve lived through — we just take it all for granted.” Staff at the facility are close. Co-workers sometimes go out for supper and spend time together outside of work. “They become your friends,” Vanmaldeghem said. Though the care center can be the last place clients live, Vanmaldeghem said the connections staff form with patients can help ease the pain when someone dies. “I think we can look at it in a different view, because we are with them every day,” she said. “We see them come in, and then we see them decline and decline. And we just know they are in a better place, and it’s comforting to know that.”
Changing the landscape of the area By Sam Wilmes
sam.wilmes@albertleatribune.com
LAKE MILLS — From a project at Iowa State University to local jobs, a contracting company does a variety of work to suit the needs of a large clientele. Larson Contracting was founded in 1977 by Al Larson as an agriculture company specializing in grain bins and agriculture needs. The company’s big break was in 1986 when it built the Byerly’s plant in Lake Mills. “It just kind of snowballed from there, I guess,” said President Shawn Lampman. Today, the company specializes in commercial and industrial construction. “I like to say we do everything from trimwork to bulldozers,” Lampman said. Larson Contracting is overseeing a kitchen remodeling at Iowa State’s Friley Hall and the construction of a steel building for Minnesota Energy Resources on the south side of Albert Lea. The company stresses having projects done on time and within budget. “Obviously, it’s all about
Larson Contracting is the contractor for the addition of a special education room at Lake Mills Community School. SAM WILMES/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
making them happy,” said CEO and owner Justin Peterson. “If they’re happy at the end of the project, we’ve done our job.” Peterson and Lampman both said the company’s ties to the area make its quality of work that much more important. “A lot of people we have in our company are our friends,” Lampan said. “Some are family.” “Obviously everyone wants to succeed, but it’s a different level when you see your family or you see your employees at the grocery store, and you see
them every day, and you’re tight with them.” Peterson agreed. “It’s not like we come from out of town, where we are just here for a project, then leave and then nobody ever sees us again,” Peterson said. “We’re here every day. We hear criticism on our jobs or praise on our jobs.” Lampman and Peterson each have at least 20 years of experience with the company. “We go by our projects,” Lampman said. “We can See COMPANY, Page 7
New Richland Care Center Caring and Sharing Since 1975.
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312 1st St. NE, P.O. Box 477 | New Richland, MN 56072
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PAGE 4 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017
The new nursing home at St. John’s on Fountain Lake was readying for siding at the end of January. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
A new
dawn in senior
health care Photos by Sarah Stultz
After about 1 1/2 years of construction, the remaining buildings at St. John’s on Fountain Lake are slated to open later this summer. The nursing home and town center will be the final buildings to open. The assisted living and independent A courtyard is at the center of The Meadows, which serves living buildings opened previously. both assisted living and memory care residents.
The nursing home at St. John’s on Fountain Lake features many large windows that will allow residents to look outside. The facility will be set up with a residential feel. All areas for staff, such as a nursing station, will be out of view from residents. Levels will be divided up into neighborhoods. Each neighborhood will have a dining room, kitchen, a sitting room and a family dining room. Each resident room in the building will have its own bathroom and shower.
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Several rooms in the nursing home at St. John’s on Fountain Lake will have a prime view of an eagle’s nest.
St. John’s Lutheran Community Administrator Scot Spates and Diane Wichmann, director of fund development, check out the view of a room at the new nursing home on the St. John’s on Fountain Lake property. This building is slated to open later this year. St. John’s staff and community members broke ground on the complex in August 2015.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | PROGRESS 2017 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE 5
CARE Continued from Front Page
34 years. He and fellow South Central Pet Care veterinarian Donald Larson were originally members of a veterinary group based out of Alden and Wells, before South Central Pet Care first opened in 2005. Wessling said Larson has been in the field for 40 years, and the practice added veterinarian Ariana Houge-Liebsch in August 2015, who has been a practicing veterinarian since 2008. South Central Pet Care also has three full-time certified veterinary technicians: Cassie Nelson, Kim Redman and Tami Vokoun. Wessling said the practice maintains strong working relationship with specialists for client referrals, as well, such as those with more specialized dermatology or ophthalmology needs. South Central Pet Care is a mixed practice, but mainly sees dogs and cats. It’s open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Mondays
By the numbers 3 Veterinarians and fulltime certified veterinary technicians at South Central Pet Care, respectively
83 Combined years of experience between the practice’s three veterinarians
through Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and is closed on Sundays. Clients with emergency needs can still call the practice’s regular number, 507-373-4440, and an answering service will page Wessling, he said. Wessling said the client reception to the move has all been positive, especially to having a new facility and a larger waiting room. “Each client’s needs are so different,” he said. “We’re open to their needs and use the experience of South Central Pet Care veterinarian Dave Wessling and certified veterinary technician Cassie Nelson run through a our multi-talented staff.” routine exam on Nelson’s 2 1/2-year-old boxer mix, Murphy. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
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PAGE 6 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017
Big city dental care in a small community By Amy Wasson
news@albertleatribune.com
When you enter the office of Advanced Family Dental, not only will the high ceilings, decor and spacious layout impress you, so will the smiles on the faces of every team member. Patients and visitors alike feel the upbeat energy of the dental clinic as soon as they walk in the front doors. Dentist Rachel Nolander-Poppel opened Advanced Family Dental in 2011. However, it was not until dentist Tricia Nelson joined the practice in 2014 that they broke ground for their new facility, opening the doors in March 2015. The new office location provides the two dentists with plenty of elbowroom and several patient treatment areas to support their growing business. On Ekko Drive, a quiet street just north of Northbridge Mall, Advanced Family Dental offers state-of-the-art services in all aspects of dental care, prevention and treatment. Some of these high-tech services include: • 3-D dental X-ray system: Possibly the only system of its kind in southern Minnesota, this X-ray allows for thorough examination of every aspect of a patient’s problem area. This is particularly helpful with root canals and placement of dental implants. • Intraoral cameras: A high-resolution digital camera on a small wand, which is about the size of a finger, is connected to a computer. This allows patients to see what NolanderPoppel and Nelson are looking at in their mouths. • Soft tissue laser: All Advanced Family Dental hygienists are specially trained and certified to provide relief from canker sores, cold sores, dentures, braces and periodontal disease with this noninvasive treatment. No anesthesia is needed and relief is instantaneous.
Advanced Family Dental opened on Ekko Drive in March 2015. It initially started in 2011. PROVIDED
Get a new crown in one visit
Later this year, Advanced Family Dental will provide a new dental procedure for their patients. NolanderPoppel and Nelson are obtaining equipment that will allow them to design and mill crowns in their clinic. With this new technology, the days of temporary crowns, multiple visits and multiple times getting numb are over. A patient who needs a new or a replacement crown needs only one appointment. A digital impression is made, and the crown is created and installed in one visit to the dentist. While the technology has been around for a number of years, Nolander-Poppel and Nelson said they did not want to purchase the equipment until it provided
the quality they sought for their patients. Although they have created crowns before, this service will now be available in their own clinic. Big city dental care — small town cost At first glance, some potential patients assume they cannot afford the topof-the-line services offered in this modern clinic. However, Nolander-Poppel and Nelson did not change their fees when they moved from their original location on Front Street, and they stay competitive with local fees. In fact, they have patients who live in the Twin Cities but come to Albert Lea for the comprehensive care they need at affordable rates. The clinic focuses on educating patients to empower them to make their own
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decisions about their dental care and oral health. Treating patients like family is the philosophy of the two dentists and their entire team.
In Albert Lea to stay
Nolander-Poppel graduated from Albert Lea High School and was thrilled to return to her hometown after practicing dental medicine elsewhere. Nelson grew up in a small town on the upper peninsula of Michigan and couldn’t believe how at home she felt when she first visited Albert Lea. They and their families are committed to this community and are here to stay. For more information about Advanced Family Dental’s comprehensive care clinic and its dentists and staff, check out their
Tricia Nelson and Rachel Nolander-Poppel are the two dentists at Advanced Family Dental. website, www.AdvancedFamilyDentalAL.com. You may also visit them on Facebook where you can view a
video of the office layout, read patient reviews and stay up to date with what is going on.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | PROGRESS 2017 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE 7
Idea, collaboration spurs the start of entrepreneur program for students By Kelly Wassenberg
kelly.wassenberg@albertleatribune.com
Victoria McGill is an Allied Health Care provider who runs an in-home care business. JARROD PETERSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
Passion of caring for others spurs woman to start her own business By Jarrod Peterson
jarrod.peterson@albertleatribune.com
In-home health care has become increasingly popular over the last decade. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 12,400 home health agencies in the United States as of 2014 and 4.9 million patients who received and ended care any time during the year 2013. Those numbers can only expect to rise as hospitals are not keeping patients as long after injuries and the cost of in-home care is far cheaper than moving into a rehab center or nursing home. Albert Lea’s Victoria McGill is part of Allied Health Care Professional Service Corp., and started her own in-home health care business nearly a year ago. She said it was her calling, saying she has always had a passion for caring for others. “I recognized my calling at a young age,” McGill said. “Both of my parents were in the nursing home, with my mother going into it when I was 10 years old. I was a caretaker of hers. I developed a passion for it.” McGill was born and raised near Rochester, and graduated from Hayfield High School in 1988. She attended Rochester Community College — now known as Rochester Community and Technical College — and received her nursing degree in 1998. Upon graduating, McGill spent the next 12 years working for Mayo Clinic before meeting her
COMPANY Continued from Page 3
drive by projects we did 25 years ago and remember what we did there and how it went, and the troubles we’ve had and the successes we’ve had.” Lampman and Peterson
husband, Al, who is a native of Albert Lea, in 2010. The two got married, but health problems with him gave her the opportunity to care for him. “I took a few years off work to care for him,” McGill said. “He had some health issues that forced him to retire and required me to take time off work, so I got out completely.” McGill got back into the health field in 2013. She did some part-time case management work for Sanford Health in Brainerd, where she was living part time with her husband at their lake home. She started her business in February 2016 and has been spending most of her time working on the business side. She has two employees and is hoping to hire a third this month. The reason she got involved in the business aspect was because nursing forced her out of work. “I had some injuries to my back and neck that forced me out of bedside nursing,” McGill said. As for the business, she said she has spent nearly the whole time of the business’s existence developing policies and procedures, looking at trends and budgeting. McGill said home health care provides numerous benefits to patients. “Patients or ‘clients’ are a lot more comfortable in the environment of their own home,” McGill said. “To me, it seems as if they almost recover more quickly. Some more benefits are the financial side of things. Even if
we provided someone with around-the-clock care, it would be much less expensive than a nursing home.” She said living at home can prevent a patient from getting sick. A negative to in-home care is that a patient could self-neglect. Whether it’s not getting medication prescriptions refilled or having them expire, and not being able to properly bathe or get dressed — all present problems. Her company also offers other services such as nurse consulting and nurse navigation. McGill said she is in the process of getting Medicaid and Medicare-certified so she can potentially take on more clients. “I would like to expand my business, but I also don’t want to make my employees feel like they are being overworked,” McGill said. She has three children, with the oldest being 23 and the youngest being a senior at Albert Lea High School. In her free time, McGill loves to garden, attend horse shows, spend time with her children and go on vacations with her husband. Her company hopes to open its first assisted living home later this year. “Improving the quality of life for people and treating them with dignity is a big thing,” McGill said. “Making sure a person is right mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually is crucial. I have been on both sides of the bed, as a nurse and a patient. That’s the most important thing.”
thanked businesses in Minnesota and Iowa for their dedication to the company. “We’re in a position right now that it’s no secret that it’s hard to get construction help, so when we do get good guys we try to take care of them as best as possible.” Lampman said. Lampman, who will have
been with the company for 26 years in May, said he enjoys his job. “I just like building,” he said. “I like construction. I like seeing projects go up and communities being built and remodeled. I’ve always liked seeing what happens in a day, what happens in a week.”
By the numbers 85
100
Employees Larson Contracting had in December
Approximate clients Larson Contracting has each year
1 Locations of the company
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A spark is sometimes nothing more than a flash of light, but under slightly different circumstances that very same spark can have the potential to give birth to a raging fire. The Albert Lea Greater Education Project is a good example of this. The concept for the program was conceived during a public forum hosted by the Education Foundation of Albert Lea. The forum’s moderator, Lyman “Manny” Steil, and panel member John Morrison were part of the discussion, which focused on how to build bridges between Albert Lea businesses, educators and students. Lilah Aas, president of the Education Foundation of Albert Lea, said one of the points made during the discussion was that students needed to be open to different options. “We are so stuck on the idea that all students need to go to college,” Aas said. According to Steil, the group soon came to a consensus — students would profit from job shadowing experiences, mentorship and internship opportunities and endowed scholarships. The conversation could have ended there, but it didn’t. The idea was nurtured by Morrison, who had a proposal for Steil. “He basically said to me, ‘Manny, you put that together, and I will pay for it,’” Steil said. The decision to support the program took very little thought on Morrison’s part. “It doesn’t take very long to make a decision when opportunities like this come up,” Morrison said. Since graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1955, Morrison has established himself in the business world. Among his many accomplishments, Morrison is
By the numbers • 10 percent of job openings by 2018 will require a master’s degree or higher • 20 percent of job openings by 2018 will require a bachelor’s degree • 70 percent of job openings by 2018 will require two years of college or less — Information from a Harvard study chairman of the board and the largest shareholder of MidwestOne Financial Group, a $3 billion banking organization. In addition, he is the owner and chairman of Central Bank Group Inc. and Central Financial Services, a bank consulting firm. Morrison’s company has purchased over 100 banks throughout the United States and many different businesses. Morrison said his work has been financially successful and rewarding — and it has given him the opportunity to give back. Through his foundation, Morrison has donated millions of dollars with the bulk of that funding going toward universities and hospitals, including the University of St. Thomas and United Hospital, among others. Steil has also had a successful career since graduating from ALHS in 1956. He is CEO and chairman of Communication Development Inc. and the International Listening Leadership Institute. As part of his work, he is an author, professional speaker and consultant who focuses on helping organizations enhance their performance, productivity, profitability and pleasure in their work. He has worked with 340 of the Fortune 500 companies and his speaking ventures have taken him across the world. In support of ALHS students, Steil designed and led the building of the class of 1956’s 50year reunion legacy gift of an outside classroom named Inspiration and Ponder Point. In addition, he has created
scholarships to support continued higher education of Albert Lea High School graduates. “I believe strongly in a simple concept that you’ve got to pay back, pay forward and make a significant difference,” Steil said. He’s quite happy with the project so far and said it would be a shame if the community doesn’t step up to ensure the program continues. Steil said Morrison’s contribution covers the program until the end of this school year. For the program to continue next year, about $50,000 of funding will have to be secured. The importance of the program should not be overlooked. “This is truly a win-win for both businesses and the students,” said project director Jean Eaton. “We are helping students make an educated decision on their future career. It is just too costly to make an uninformed or wrong career choice. We help educate them on career trends, workforce shortages, jobs available right here and what college really means — certificate to doctorate. By having a positive experience with a business professional, students have the opportunity to have a mentor or may even want to return to Albert Lea someday because of this relationship.” According to Eaton, the business community has embraced this program, and it’s imperative that it continues beyond this year. “The world is constantly changing,” Eaton said, “Together we can help prepare students for the future.”
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PAGE 8 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017
COUPLE PRACTICES SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE By Ann Austin
news@albertleatribune.com
When spring comes and flowers start to bloom, the dandelion isn’t typically considered a desirable part of people’s landscapes. But to Ariel and Derek Barkheim, it’s a nutritionpacked and easily attainable part of a sustainable lifestyle. More people are expressing interest in the art of survival, whether it’s growing a garden, learning to can or make clothing. The Barkheims take it to the next level and have focused on educating themselves about many facets of working in nature. “If you can feed, clothe yourself and house yourself, it gives you an extra level of security,” Derek Barkheim said of their lifestyle. The Barkheims met in Winona and moved to Portland, Oregon, where they began their sustainability journey. Derek Barkheim was part of an effort called Trackers Earth, which featured different camps for people to experience nature and learn survival skills. He is mostly self-taught with other skills such as foraging. He currently offers various camps during the warm season. Ariel Barkheim, a naturopathic practitioner, was focusing on her degree and studying the science of using herbs and other natural forms of medicine to treat ailments ranging from stomach issues to high blood pressure, mental health to the common cold. “Our ideal is to follow the laws of nature,” she said. She and her husband focus on creating optimal health by following simple rules such as eating with the season to get a more varied and nutrition-dense diet, going to sleep when it’s dark out and finding locally grown produce through foraging. Foraging is acquiring food through hunting, fishing or gathering vegetation. The foraging class
includes a walk along Brookside Trail and learning about plants that can be harvested for food or medicine — such as cedar, which can help with cough and colds and as an insect repellent. When foraging, it’s important not to harvest plants that have been chemically treated or in a highly polluted area, such as along a roadway. Ariel Barkheim serves as board chairwoman for Wintergreen Natural Foods. The class was a fundraiser, and she and Derek Barkheim plan to offer more classes this year. “We want to be a hub to pull like-minded people together,” she said. If someone is interested in foraging or learning survival techniques, the Barkheims suggested to first do a lot of studying and observing — get a good picture book and pay attention every time you are outside or going for a hike. “The wall of green will turn into individual plants,” Ariel Barkheim said, and then you can distinguish which plants to harvest for different uses. One must be open for continuous learning along the way. Derek Barkheim equated the experience to traveling a winding path up a mountain. Rather than focusing on how long it takes to get to the top or how tired you may be, or anxious to finish, what matters most is the journey. Lessons will be repeated to discover deeper knowledge. “When you’re on the right path, eventually you come back to the beginning,” he said. They take a humble approach to their lessons. “We’re constantly learning so you have to be open to changing your mind,” Ariel Barkheim said. Of course, they are human too — and occasionally will eat not-so-healthy food or binge on Netflix. It’s all about balance and taking one step at a time, or focusing on one goal at a time.
Ariel and Derek Barkheim lead a foraging class like the one pictured here. PROVIDED If you slip up, Ariel Barkheim’s advice is to “Forgive yourself and move on.”
A passion for naturopathy Ariel Barkheim practices naturopathy at Rooted Family Medicine in Albert Lea and Winona. Her local office is inside Touchworks Massage in Skyline Plaza. Visit www.rootedfamilymedicine.com for more information or to schedule an appointment. Derek Barkheim’s outdoor education/survival skills classes are offered through www.seekerswild. com, in both Albert Lea and Winona, at the Hormel Nature Center and other vicinities during the warm Derek and Ariel Barkheim seek to learn more about living a sustainable lifestyle. months. The couple plans to offer more foraging classes and Be an other opportunities through Wintergreen Natural Foods. People are encouraged to like Wintergreen’s Facewhen you cast your vote. book page to get information about upcoming read the triBune daily. classes.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | PROGRESS 2017 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE 9
Albert Lea native works with computers, maintains love for music By Dori Etheridge
news@albertleatribune.com
Douglas Olson grew up in Albert Lea, graduated from Albert Lea High School and was the drummer in the band Blynd Tyger. After high school, Olson went on tour with Blynd Tyger for two years. After experimenting with music he decided to explore other options and got a job managing a Little Caesar’s Pizza in Brooklyn Park, but would spend his off time with a friend, watching him work on spreadsheets. That was when Olson said he fell in love with computers. He said the personal computer technology was new and growing, and seeing what could be done with a spread sheet had him hooked. He proceeded to find out what was available in computer-related classes at colleges in southern Minnesota. One choice was Mankato State, but it focused primarily on main frames, and Olson wasn’t interested in mainframe computers. He was interested in personal computers. The Albert Lea Technical Institute, which is now known as Riverland Community College, had an accounting program with computer emphasis. While there he had a computer instructor by the name of Butch Harves. “Butch Harves was a good friend and a mentor. By my second year I was teaching a night class in beginning programming, and I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not met him when I did,” Olson said. After graduating in 1988, Olson began his professional journey with computers. He was hired to take care of all the computers at Streater in Albert Lea. From there he worked
for Taylor Corporation in Mankato, which is owned by Glen Taylor, who is also the majority owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Olson began at Taylor Corporation by automating things that had previously been done manually. “Software developers solve problems,” Olson
“I am very happy I grew up in Albert Lea. I love the small town feel of Albert Lea. The beauty of this city cosmetically speaking, the lake and family.” — Albert Lea native Doug Olson said. “I have been lucky enough to be a visionary and a developer in many industries.” Olson then worked for a consulting company, Born Information Service Group, in Minneapolis. There he developed the skills to identify business problems quickly and solve them via technology in a short time. Eventually, Olson started his own consulting company and used his company as an incubator for consultants who wanted to start their own company. He saw what was happening in the marketplace at the time, and during the boom knew that talented software developers would want to go out on their own but might not know the process. That formulated to a product business, Palm Technologies, in 1999. Olson designed a tool to write software for the palm pilot. “It went really well until
Douglas Olson grew up in Albert Lea, graduated from Albert Lea High School and was the drummer in the band Blynd Tyger. He now works in the computer and technology industry out of the Twin Cities. DORI ETHERIDGE/FOR THE ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE 9/11, and (research and development) went down pretty quickly and I went back to consulting.” Around this time, Olson said he began to feel the need for a home, so he mentioned that to a friend who worked for Benfield — now Aon Benfield. Olson ended up speaking to the manager and was hired as a developer. That’s where he has been ever since. His official title is managing director of product development and applied research. Everyone on his team gets to solve problems, allowing the team to grow. After a year he was promoted to a leadership position, and through time Olson was able to expand the group into a global group — to
troy
Ukraine, India, London, Singapore and Chicago. “I’m a technology evangelist,” Olson said. “I love to talk to business analyst teams about their technology.” What inspires Olson? “To have a piece of software that is used as a verb in a sentence, as in ‘I’m going to Google that,” he said. Olson’s advice have for others with a dream that has not yet been realized comes in three different steps: find a way to make it happen, follow your dreams and don’t be afraid to fail. So what does a successful businessman in global technology do to relax? “I love music, I’ve always loved music,” Olson said.
sean
He is the drummer in a rock ’n’ roll band called The Groove Hawks. He wanted The Groove Hawks recorded a rock/ blues self-titled CD in 2012. “I have a bucket list and I keep working on it,” Olson said. One of his other hobbies is producing other musicians. Olson has produced two CDs and is the business manager for a country singer from Albert Lea named Angel Val. They went to Nashville and worked with some other musicians, he said. Olson and Val met after Olson put together a sort of 30-year reunion of Blynd Tyger and his new band. His brother knew Val and said she had a beautiful voice, so he got
Brian
her to open for them. Just before the Nashville endeavor happened about a year ago, social media showed Olson a friend suggestion for Rhonda Sorensen — a woman he had been on one date with 25 years ago. He sent that request and she accepted. “I’ve had a crush on her for 25 years,” Olson said. They began dating in June 2016, and he proposed to her during Christmas. She said yes. How does Olson feel about growing up in Albert Lea? “I am very happy I grew up in Albert Lea,” he said. “I love the small town feel of Albert Lea. The beauty of this city cosmetically speaking, the lake and family.”
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Telling your story for 120 years!
Back in 1913 the Albert Lea Tribune was in the building at the corner of West College Street and South Broadway Avenue and across from the courthouse block and the Broadway Theater. This photo was taken in the composing room when the type was set by hand. Now this process has been replaced with computers. PHOTO COURTESY FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Thank you to our readers!
PAGE 2 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017
Business gives students a place to display art By Jarrod Peterson
jarrod.peterson@albertleatribune.com
Art has always been a way of expressing one’s self, feelings or mood. For children at Halverson Elementary School, it’s not only that, but it also has some perks. In the last few months, Sarah Hensley, who owns Intego Insurance Services, and Jessica Bremer, an art teacher at Halverson, collaborated on something that is rather unique. Intego Insurance Services recently moved into a new office on Front Street in Albert Lea, and Hensley noticed there was a blank wall in the office space that needed to be filled. Hensley’s sister, Rachel, also works at Halverson and connected her and Bremer for a chance to show off student artwork in the office space — something both welcomed with open arms. “I started talking with my sister earlier this fall and knew there was a need to recognize and just give some more love and attention to kids in the Albert Lea school district,” Hensley said. “We were moving our office to Albert Lea and had a blank wall, and I thought it would be awesome if we could fill it with artwork. That’s how I got connected with Jessica.” Hensley said Bremer was supportive of the idea from the very beginning, and it also gives Bremer and her students a lot of joy. “It been a great connection to our community,” Bremer said. “Any way you can foster art and bring these kids into the community for not just their social well-being, but their mental well-being is great. And the kids are crazy about it.” Whether children have a passion for art or not, Bremer said this new addition has been exciting and the students look forward to it. Bremer said she spends time talking with her students about craftsmanship. “We talk about taking our time with projects,” Bremer
Artwork from Halverson Elementary School students is on display at Intego Insurance Services as part of a new partnership at the business to highlight student art. JARROD PETERSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE said. “We always talk about situational things like ‘you wouldn’t want to have a house with poor craftsmanship, nor would you want to display a piece of art with poor craftsmanship.’ We talk about taking your time with works of art.” Bremer teaches art in grades kindergarten through fifth grade and is in her 10th year of teaching — her fifth year at Halverson. Bremer said art is everywhere in a person’s life, and she’s not wrong. From digital media to moviemaking, to the things in someone’s house, people are surrounded by art and things someone or something created. One thing that stuck out to Hensley was the first time she came to hand out the certificates and bags. “I realized how much it meant to the kid,” Hensley said. “Someone of these kids
may not be the spectacular athlete or feel comfortable going out for a part in a play, but art is something they can kind of carve, develop this skill and have for the rest of their life.” Hensley also said having the artwork in the business space has pleased a lot of customers. “A lot of our customers come in, and their eye is immediately drawn to the works of art on the wall,” Hensley said. “It is so unique and different, and people are excited about that.” Hensley said once the winter season is over, she hopes to gather artwork from other elementary schools in the Albert Lea area so those children have a chance to display their work. “It has been a snowball effect,” Bremer said. “Just being recognized by the community and other
Back row, from left, Sarah Hensley and Jessica Bremer pose for a picture with the students who have their artwork hanging on a wall at Intego Insurance Services. people, the kids love it. Every kid is wondering, ‘When are we going to know who the next one is to have their work on display?’ It’s only been good things.”
Hensley reiterated Bremer’s comments, saying she has only had positive feedback from people in the community. “It makes my day, week
or month,” Hensley said. “I wish we had more wall space, but I think it’s something we can continue for a long time. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | PROGRESS 2017 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE 3
Kelly Vanmaldeghem and Kathy Flor have used their experience to help patients have a high-quality life at New Richland Care Center. SAM WILMES/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
Larson Contracting CEO and Owner Justin Peterson and President Shawn Lampman are leading the company, which is celebrating its 40th year in operation. SAM WILMES/
More than 50 years of service
ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
2 WOMEN ENJOY THEIR WORK AT CARE CENTER By Sam Wilmes
sam.wilmes@albertleatribune.com
NEW RICHLAND — Two employees at New Richland Care Center with more than 50 combined years of experience continue to assist in meeting the needs of residents. Activities Director Kathy Flor has at least 36 years of experience at the care center. Certified nursing assistant Kelly Vanmaldeghem has at least 17. “We take pride in our work,” Flor said. “We want this place to be a special place, a home-like environment.” As activities director, Flor plans activities such as large group events, special entertainment, religious services, game activities, supper club, manicures and exercise. “Being a smaller facility, we get more chances to visit with them, take time with them — and most of the time we know them already,” Vanmaldeghem said. “When they come in the door, we already know who they are or who they are related to.” New Richland Care Center provides long-term care, physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Flor said there were no computers in 1980 when she started as a certified nursing assistant. Resident charts were hand-written. Over the years, Flor has seen families of co-workers grow since she started. “It’s interesting to know their families,” she said. “Like how many kids Kelly has. ... People grow up.” Vanmaldeghem said she applied for job after seeing an ad for a position in the newspaper. “I just had my first son and I thought, ‘Wow, this is perfect, it’s six miles from my home,” she said. “Kind of wanted to be in the nursing field. I didn’t know if I wanted to be a nurse or what. So, I came in and applied, and got hired. Did my classes here, tested out and guess I’ve been here ever since.” Flor said the residents are the reason she has worked at the care center for 36 years. “Just all of the knowledge they have and share with us,” she said. “We just learn a lot from them. “A lot of them didn’t have much years ago. We have some residents who are going to be 100 years old coming up. To think of all
By the numbers 1980 Year Flor started working at New Richland Care Center
50
Beds at New Richland Care Center they’ve lived through — we just take it all for granted.” Staff at the facility are close. Co-workers sometimes go out for supper and spend time together outside of work. “They become your friends,” Vanmaldeghem said. Though the care center can be the last place clients live, Vanmaldeghem said the connections staff form with patients can help ease the pain when someone dies. “I think we can look at it in a different view, because we are with them every day,” she said. “We see them come in, and then we see them decline and decline. And we just know they are in a better place, and it’s comforting to know that.”
Changing the landscape of the area By Sam Wilmes
sam.wilmes@albertleatribune.com
LAKE MILLS — From a project at Iowa State University to local jobs, a contracting company does a variety of work to suit the needs of a large clientele. Larson Contracting was founded in 1977 by Al Larson as an agriculture company specializing in grain bins and agriculture needs. The company’s big break was in 1986 when it built the Byerly’s plant in Lake Mills. “It just kind of snowballed from there, I guess,” said President Shawn Lampman. Today, the company specializes in commercial and industrial construction. “I like to say we do everything from trimwork to bulldozers,” Lampman said. Larson Contracting is overseeing a kitchen remodeling at Iowa State’s Friley Hall and the construction of a steel building for Minnesota Energy Resources on the south side of Albert Lea. The company stresses having projects done on time and within budget. “Obviously, it’s all about
Larson Contracting is the contractor for the addition of a special education room at Lake Mills Community School. SAM WILMES/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
making them happy,” said CEO and owner Justin Peterson. “If they’re happy at the end of the project, we’ve done our job.” Peterson and Lampman both said the company’s ties to the area make its quality of work that much more important. “A lot of people we have in our company are our friends,” Lampan said. “Some are family.” “Obviously everyone wants to succeed, but it’s a different level when you see your family or you see your employees at the grocery store, and you see
them every day, and you’re tight with them.” Peterson agreed. “It’s not like we come from out of town, where we are just here for a project, then leave and then nobody ever sees us again,” Peterson said. “We’re here every day. We hear criticism on our jobs or praise on our jobs.” Lampman and Peterson each have at least 20 years of experience with the company. “We go by our projects,” Lampman said. “We can See COMPANY, Page 7
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PAGE 4 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017
The new nursing home at St. John’s on Fountain Lake was readying for siding at the end of January. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
A new
dawn in senior
health care Photos by Sarah Stultz
After about 1 1/2 years of construction, the remaining buildings at St. John’s on Fountain Lake are slated to open later this summer. The nursing home and town center will be the final buildings to open. The assisted living and independent A courtyard is at the center of The Meadows, which serves living buildings opened previously. both assisted living and memory care residents.
The nursing home at St. John’s on Fountain Lake features many large windows that will allow residents to look outside. The facility will be set up with a residential feel. All areas for staff, such as a nursing station, will be out of view from residents. Levels will be divided up into neighborhoods. Each neighborhood will have a dining room, kitchen, a sitting room and a family dining room. Each resident room in the building will have its own bathroom and shower.
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St. John’s Lutheran Community Administrator Scot Spates and Diane Wichmann, director of fund development, check out the view of a room at the new nursing home on the St. John’s on Fountain Lake property. This building is slated to open later this year. St. John’s staff and community members broke ground on the complex in August 2015.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | PROGRESS 2017 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE 5
CARE Continued from Front Page
34 years. He and fellow South Central Pet Care veterinarian Donald Larson were originally members of a veterinary group based out of Alden and Wells, before South Central Pet Care first opened in 2005. Wessling said Larson has been in the field for 40 years, and the practice added veterinarian Ariana Houge-Liebsch in August 2015, who has been a practicing veterinarian since 2008. South Central Pet Care also has three full-time certified veterinary technicians: Cassie Nelson, Kim Redman and Tami Vokoun. Wessling said the practice maintains strong working relationship with specialists for client referrals, as well, such as those with more specialized dermatology or ophthalmology needs. South Central Pet Care is a mixed practice, but mainly sees dogs and cats. It’s open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Mondays
By the numbers 3 Veterinarians and fulltime certified veterinary technicians at South Central Pet Care, respectively
83 Combined years of experience between the practice’s three veterinarians
through Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and is closed on Sundays. Clients with emergency needs can still call the practice’s regular number, 507-373-4440, and an answering service will page Wessling, he said. Wessling said the client reception to the move has all been positive, especially to having a new facility and a larger waiting room. “Each client’s needs are so different,” he said. “We’re open to their needs and use the experience of South Central Pet Care veterinarian Dave Wessling and certified veterinary technician Cassie Nelson run through a our multi-talented staff.” routine exam on Nelson’s 2 1/2-year-old boxer mix, Murphy. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
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PAGE 6 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017
Big city dental care in a small community By Amy Wasson
news@albertleatribune.com
When you enter the office of Advanced Family Dental, not only will the high ceilings, decor and spacious layout impress you, so will the smiles on the faces of every team member. Patients and visitors alike feel the upbeat energy of the dental clinic as soon as they walk in the front doors. Dentist Rachel Nolander-Poppel opened Advanced Family Dental in 2011. However, it was not until dentist Tricia Nelson joined the practice in 2014 that they broke ground for their new facility, opening the doors in March 2015. The new office location provides the two dentists with plenty of elbowroom and several patient treatment areas to support their growing business. On Ekko Drive, a quiet street just north of Northbridge Mall, Advanced Family Dental offers state-of-the-art services in all aspects of dental care, prevention and treatment. Some of these high-tech services include: • 3-D dental X-ray system: Possibly the only system of its kind in southern Minnesota, this X-ray allows for thorough examination of every aspect of a patient’s problem area. This is particularly helpful with root canals and placement of dental implants. • Intraoral cameras: A high-resolution digital camera on a small wand, which is about the size of a finger, is connected to a computer. This allows patients to see what NolanderPoppel and Nelson are looking at in their mouths. • Soft tissue laser: All Advanced Family Dental hygienists are specially trained and certified to provide relief from canker sores, cold sores, dentures, braces and periodontal disease with this noninvasive treatment. No anesthesia is needed and relief is instantaneous.
Advanced Family Dental opened on Ekko Drive in March 2015. It initially started in 2011. PROVIDED
Get a new crown in one visit
Later this year, Advanced Family Dental will provide a new dental procedure for their patients. NolanderPoppel and Nelson are obtaining equipment that will allow them to design and mill crowns in their clinic. With this new technology, the days of temporary crowns, multiple visits and multiple times getting numb are over. A patient who needs a new or a replacement crown needs only one appointment. A digital impression is made, and the crown is created and installed in one visit to the dentist. While the technology has been around for a number of years, Nolander-Poppel and Nelson said they did not want to purchase the equipment until it provided
the quality they sought for their patients. Although they have created crowns before, this service will now be available in their own clinic. Big city dental care — small town cost At first glance, some potential patients assume they cannot afford the topof-the-line services offered in this modern clinic. However, Nolander-Poppel and Nelson did not change their fees when they moved from their original location on Front Street, and they stay competitive with local fees. In fact, they have patients who live in the Twin Cities but come to Albert Lea for the comprehensive care they need at affordable rates. The clinic focuses on educating patients to empower them to make their own
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decisions about their dental care and oral health. Treating patients like family is the philosophy of the two dentists and their entire team.
In Albert Lea to stay
Nolander-Poppel graduated from Albert Lea High School and was thrilled to return to her hometown after practicing dental medicine elsewhere. Nelson grew up in a small town on the upper peninsula of Michigan and couldn’t believe how at home she felt when she first visited Albert Lea. They and their families are committed to this community and are here to stay. For more information about Advanced Family Dental’s comprehensive care clinic and its dentists and staff, check out their
Tricia Nelson and Rachel Nolander-Poppel are the two dentists at Advanced Family Dental. website, www.AdvancedFamilyDentalAL.com. You may also visit them on Facebook where you can view a
video of the office layout, read patient reviews and stay up to date with what is going on.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | PROGRESS 2017 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE 7
Idea, collaboration spurs the start of entrepreneur program for students By Kelly Wassenberg
kelly.wassenberg@albertleatribune.com
Victoria McGill is an Allied Health Care provider who runs an in-home care business. JARROD PETERSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
Passion of caring for others spurs woman to start her own business By Jarrod Peterson
jarrod.peterson@albertleatribune.com
In-home health care has become increasingly popular over the last decade. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 12,400 home health agencies in the United States as of 2014 and 4.9 million patients who received and ended care any time during the year 2013. Those numbers can only expect to rise as hospitals are not keeping patients as long after injuries and the cost of in-home care is far cheaper than moving into a rehab center or nursing home. Albert Lea’s Victoria McGill is part of Allied Health Care Professional Service Corp., and started her own in-home health care business nearly a year ago. She said it was her calling, saying she has always had a passion for caring for others. “I recognized my calling at a young age,” McGill said. “Both of my parents were in the nursing home, with my mother going into it when I was 10 years old. I was a caretaker of hers. I developed a passion for it.” McGill was born and raised near Rochester, and graduated from Hayfield High School in 1988. She attended Rochester Community College — now known as Rochester Community and Technical College — and received her nursing degree in 1998. Upon graduating, McGill spent the next 12 years working for Mayo Clinic before meeting her
COMPANY Continued from Page 3
drive by projects we did 25 years ago and remember what we did there and how it went, and the troubles we’ve had and the successes we’ve had.” Lampman and Peterson
husband, Al, who is a native of Albert Lea, in 2010. The two got married, but health problems with him gave her the opportunity to care for him. “I took a few years off work to care for him,” McGill said. “He had some health issues that forced him to retire and required me to take time off work, so I got out completely.” McGill got back into the health field in 2013. She did some part-time case management work for Sanford Health in Brainerd, where she was living part time with her husband at their lake home. She started her business in February 2016 and has been spending most of her time working on the business side. She has two employees and is hoping to hire a third this month. The reason she got involved in the business aspect was because nursing forced her out of work. “I had some injuries to my back and neck that forced me out of bedside nursing,” McGill said. As for the business, she said she has spent nearly the whole time of the business’s existence developing policies and procedures, looking at trends and budgeting. McGill said home health care provides numerous benefits to patients. “Patients or ‘clients’ are a lot more comfortable in the environment of their own home,” McGill said. “To me, it seems as if they almost recover more quickly. Some more benefits are the financial side of things. Even if
we provided someone with around-the-clock care, it would be much less expensive than a nursing home.” She said living at home can prevent a patient from getting sick. A negative to in-home care is that a patient could self-neglect. Whether it’s not getting medication prescriptions refilled or having them expire, and not being able to properly bathe or get dressed — all present problems. Her company also offers other services such as nurse consulting and nurse navigation. McGill said she is in the process of getting Medicaid and Medicare-certified so she can potentially take on more clients. “I would like to expand my business, but I also don’t want to make my employees feel like they are being overworked,” McGill said. She has three children, with the oldest being 23 and the youngest being a senior at Albert Lea High School. In her free time, McGill loves to garden, attend horse shows, spend time with her children and go on vacations with her husband. Her company hopes to open its first assisted living home later this year. “Improving the quality of life for people and treating them with dignity is a big thing,” McGill said. “Making sure a person is right mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually is crucial. I have been on both sides of the bed, as a nurse and a patient. That’s the most important thing.”
thanked businesses in Minnesota and Iowa for their dedication to the company. “We’re in a position right now that it’s no secret that it’s hard to get construction help, so when we do get good guys we try to take care of them as best as possible.” Lampman said. Lampman, who will have
been with the company for 26 years in May, said he enjoys his job. “I just like building,” he said. “I like construction. I like seeing projects go up and communities being built and remodeled. I’ve always liked seeing what happens in a day, what happens in a week.”
By the numbers 85
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Employees Larson Contracting had in December
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A spark is sometimes nothing more than a flash of light, but under slightly different circumstances that very same spark can have the potential to give birth to a raging fire. The Albert Lea Greater Education Project is a good example of this. The concept for the program was conceived during a public forum hosted by the Education Foundation of Albert Lea. The forum’s moderator, Lyman “Manny” Steil, and panel member John Morrison were part of the discussion, which focused on how to build bridges between Albert Lea businesses, educators and students. Lilah Aas, president of the Education Foundation of Albert Lea, said one of the points made during the discussion was that students needed to be open to different options. “We are so stuck on the idea that all students need to go to college,” Aas said. According to Steil, the group soon came to a consensus — students would profit from job shadowing experiences, mentorship and internship opportunities and endowed scholarships. The conversation could have ended there, but it didn’t. The idea was nurtured by Morrison, who had a proposal for Steil. “He basically said to me, ‘Manny, you put that together, and I will pay for it,’” Steil said. The decision to support the program took very little thought on Morrison’s part. “It doesn’t take very long to make a decision when opportunities like this come up,” Morrison said. Since graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1955, Morrison has established himself in the business world. Among his many accomplishments, Morrison is
By the numbers • 10 percent of job openings by 2018 will require a master’s degree or higher • 20 percent of job openings by 2018 will require a bachelor’s degree • 70 percent of job openings by 2018 will require two years of college or less — Information from a Harvard study chairman of the board and the largest shareholder of MidwestOne Financial Group, a $3 billion banking organization. In addition, he is the owner and chairman of Central Bank Group Inc. and Central Financial Services, a bank consulting firm. Morrison’s company has purchased over 100 banks throughout the United States and many different businesses. Morrison said his work has been financially successful and rewarding — and it has given him the opportunity to give back. Through his foundation, Morrison has donated millions of dollars with the bulk of that funding going toward universities and hospitals, including the University of St. Thomas and United Hospital, among others. Steil has also had a successful career since graduating from ALHS in 1956. He is CEO and chairman of Communication Development Inc. and the International Listening Leadership Institute. As part of his work, he is an author, professional speaker and consultant who focuses on helping organizations enhance their performance, productivity, profitability and pleasure in their work. He has worked with 340 of the Fortune 500 companies and his speaking ventures have taken him across the world. In support of ALHS students, Steil designed and led the building of the class of 1956’s 50year reunion legacy gift of an outside classroom named Inspiration and Ponder Point. In addition, he has created
scholarships to support continued higher education of Albert Lea High School graduates. “I believe strongly in a simple concept that you’ve got to pay back, pay forward and make a significant difference,” Steil said. He’s quite happy with the project so far and said it would be a shame if the community doesn’t step up to ensure the program continues. Steil said Morrison’s contribution covers the program until the end of this school year. For the program to continue next year, about $50,000 of funding will have to be secured. The importance of the program should not be overlooked. “This is truly a win-win for both businesses and the students,” said project director Jean Eaton. “We are helping students make an educated decision on their future career. It is just too costly to make an uninformed or wrong career choice. We help educate them on career trends, workforce shortages, jobs available right here and what college really means — certificate to doctorate. By having a positive experience with a business professional, students have the opportunity to have a mentor or may even want to return to Albert Lea someday because of this relationship.” According to Eaton, the business community has embraced this program, and it’s imperative that it continues beyond this year. “The world is constantly changing,” Eaton said, “Together we can help prepare students for the future.”
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PAGE 8 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017
COUPLE PRACTICES SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE By Ann Austin
news@albertleatribune.com
When spring comes and flowers start to bloom, the dandelion isn’t typically considered a desirable part of people’s landscapes. But to Ariel and Derek Barkheim, it’s a nutritionpacked and easily attainable part of a sustainable lifestyle. More people are expressing interest in the art of survival, whether it’s growing a garden, learning to can or make clothing. The Barkheims take it to the next level and have focused on educating themselves about many facets of working in nature. “If you can feed, clothe yourself and house yourself, it gives you an extra level of security,” Derek Barkheim said of their lifestyle. The Barkheims met in Winona and moved to Portland, Oregon, where they began their sustainability journey. Derek Barkheim was part of an effort called Trackers Earth, which featured different camps for people to experience nature and learn survival skills. He is mostly self-taught with other skills such as foraging. He currently offers various camps during the warm season. Ariel Barkheim, a naturopathic practitioner, was focusing on her degree and studying the science of using herbs and other natural forms of medicine to treat ailments ranging from stomach issues to high blood pressure, mental health to the common cold. “Our ideal is to follow the laws of nature,” she said. She and her husband focus on creating optimal health by following simple rules such as eating with the season to get a more varied and nutrition-dense diet, going to sleep when it’s dark out and finding locally grown produce through foraging. Foraging is acquiring food through hunting, fishing or gathering vegetation. The foraging class
includes a walk along Brookside Trail and learning about plants that can be harvested for food or medicine — such as cedar, which can help with cough and colds and as an insect repellent. When foraging, it’s important not to harvest plants that have been chemically treated or in a highly polluted area, such as along a roadway. Ariel Barkheim serves as board chairwoman for Wintergreen Natural Foods. The class was a fundraiser, and she and Derek Barkheim plan to offer more classes this year. “We want to be a hub to pull like-minded people together,” she said. If someone is interested in foraging or learning survival techniques, the Barkheims suggested to first do a lot of studying and observing — get a good picture book and pay attention every time you are outside or going for a hike. “The wall of green will turn into individual plants,” Ariel Barkheim said, and then you can distinguish which plants to harvest for different uses. One must be open for continuous learning along the way. Derek Barkheim equated the experience to traveling a winding path up a mountain. Rather than focusing on how long it takes to get to the top or how tired you may be, or anxious to finish, what matters most is the journey. Lessons will be repeated to discover deeper knowledge. “When you’re on the right path, eventually you come back to the beginning,” he said. They take a humble approach to their lessons. “We’re constantly learning so you have to be open to changing your mind,” Ariel Barkheim said. Of course, they are human too — and occasionally will eat not-so-healthy food or binge on Netflix. It’s all about balance and taking one step at a time, or focusing on one goal at a time.
Ariel and Derek Barkheim lead a foraging class like the one pictured here. PROVIDED If you slip up, Ariel Barkheim’s advice is to “Forgive yourself and move on.”
A passion for naturopathy Ariel Barkheim practices naturopathy at Rooted Family Medicine in Albert Lea and Winona. Her local office is inside Touchworks Massage in Skyline Plaza. Visit www.rootedfamilymedicine.com for more information or to schedule an appointment. Derek Barkheim’s outdoor education/survival skills classes are offered through www.seekerswild. com, in both Albert Lea and Winona, at the Hormel Nature Center and other vicinities during the warm Derek and Ariel Barkheim seek to learn more about living a sustainable lifestyle. months. The couple plans to offer more foraging classes and BE AN other opportunities through Wintergreen Natural Foods. People are encouraged to like Wintergreen’s FaceWHEN YOU CAST YOUR VOTE. book page to get information about upcoming READ THE TRIBUNE DAILY. classes.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | PROGRESS 2017 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE 9
Albert Lea native works with computers, maintains love for music By Dori Etheridge
news@albertleatribune.com
Douglas Olson grew up in Albert Lea, graduated from Albert Lea High School and was the drummer in the band Blynd Tyger. After high school, Olson went on tour with Blynd Tyger for two years. After experimenting with music he decided to explore other options and got a job managing a Little Caesar’s Pizza in Brooklyn Park, but would spend his off time with a friend, watching him work on spreadsheets. That was when Olson said he fell in love with computers. He said the personal computer technology was new and growing, and seeing what could be done with a spread sheet had him hooked. He proceeded to find out what was available in computer-related classes at colleges in southern Minnesota. One choice was Mankato State, but it focused primarily on main frames, and Olson wasn’t interested in mainframe computers. He was interested in personal computers. The Albert Lea Technical Institute, which is now known as Riverland Community College, had an accounting program with computer emphasis. While there he had a computer instructor by the name of Butch Harves. “Butch Harves was a good friend and a mentor. By my second year I was teaching a night class in beginning programming, and I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not met him when I did,” Olson said. After graduating in 1988, Olson began his professional journey with computers. He was hired to take care of all the computers at Streater in Albert Lea. From there he worked
for Taylor Corporation in Mankato, which is owned by Glen Taylor, who is also the majority owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Olson began at Taylor Corporation by automating things that had previously been done manually. “Software developers solve problems,” Olson
“I am very happy I grew up in Albert Lea. I love the small town feel of Albert Lea. The beauty of this city cosmetically speaking, the lake and family.” — Albert Lea native Doug Olson said. “I have been lucky enough to be a visionary and a developer in many industries.” Olson then worked for a consulting company, Born Information Service Group, in Minneapolis. There he developed the skills to identify business problems quickly and solve them via technology in a short time. Eventually, Olson started his own consulting company and used his company as an incubator for consultants who wanted to start their own company. He saw what was happening in the marketplace at the time, and during the boom knew that talented software developers would want to go out on their own but might not know the process. That formulated to a product business, Palm Technologies, in 1999. Olson designed a tool to write software for the palm pilot. “It went really well until
Douglas Olson grew up in Albert Lea, graduated from Albert Lea High School and was the drummer in the band Blynd Tyger. He now works in the computer and technology industry out of the Twin Cities. DORI ETHERIDGE/FOR THE ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE 9/11, and (research and development) went down pretty quickly and I went back to consulting.” Around this time, Olson said he began to feel the need for a home, so he mentioned that to a friend who worked for Benfield — now Aon Benfield. Olson ended up speaking to the manager and was hired as a developer. That’s where he has been ever since. His official title is managing director of product development and applied research. Everyone on his team gets to solve problems, allowing the team to grow. After a year he was promoted to a leadership position, and through time Olson was able to expand the group into a global group — to
TROY
Ukraine, India, London, Singapore and Chicago. “I’m a technology evangelist,” Olson said. “I love to talk to business analyst teams about their technology.” What inspires Olson? “To have a piece of software that is used as a verb in a sentence, as in ‘I’m going to Google that,” he said. Olson’s advice have for others with a dream that has not yet been realized comes in three different steps: find a way to make it happen, follow your dreams and don’t be afraid to fail. So what does a successful businessman in global technology do to relax? “I love music, I’ve always loved music,” Olson said.
SEAN
He is the drummer in a rock ’n’ roll band called The Groove Hawks. He wanted The Groove Hawks recorded a rock/ blues self-titled CD in 2012. “I have a bucket list and I keep working on it,” Olson said. One of his other hobbies is producing other musicians. Olson has produced two CDs and is the business manager for a country singer from Albert Lea named Angel Val. They went to Nashville and worked with some other musicians, he said. Olson and Val met after Olson put together a sort of 30-year reunion of Blynd Tyger and his new band. His brother knew Val and said she had a beautiful voice, so he got
BRIAN
her to open for them. Just before the Nashville endeavor happened about a year ago, social media showed Olson a friend suggestion for Rhonda Sorensen — a woman he had been on one date with 25 years ago. He sent that request and she accepted. “I’ve had a crush on her for 25 years,” Olson said. They began dating in June 2016, and he proposed to her during Christmas. She said yes. How does Olson feel about growing up in Albert Lea? “I am very happy I grew up in Albert Lea,” he said. “I love the small town feel of Albert Lea. The beauty of this city cosmetically speaking, the lake and family.”
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Telling your story for 120 years!
Back in 1913 the Albert Lea Tribune was in the building at the corner of West College Street and South Broadway Avenue and across from the courthouse block and the Broadway Theater. This photo was taken in the composing room when the type was set by hand. Now this process has been replaced with computers. PHOTO COURTESY FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
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