Business health

Progress Business & Health

ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

FEBRUARY 24, 2018

WITH CREATIVITY, LOVE AND

SOUL A tap dance student enjoys a free dance period toward the end of a lesson at The Meraki Studios in January. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Albert Lea studio encourages community, involvement

By Colleen Harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

T

o describe doing something with creativity, love or soul.

That is the definition of the Greek word “meraki” that The Meraki Studios in Albert Lea goes by.

Founded by Holly Karsjens in 2015, The Meraki Studios offers a myriad of classes and lessons for those looking to get creative.

Tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop and pointe dance classes are available, along with “littles” classes for children just starting out. Music lessons for guitar, piano, ukulele, bass guitar, music theory and voice are also offered.

The building, at 115 N. Newton Ave. in downtown Albert Lea, also houses a chiropractor, yoga See MERAKI, Page 4

What’s inside?

Success in a small town Wells business in place 40 years. Page 3

Seek and ye shall find Woman helps people find jobs. Page 5

A $1.2M investment Hotel undergoes major renovations. Page 7

State of the art Inside the new ambulance facility. Page 8

PAGE 2 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2018 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018

John Peterson has had a chiropractic clinic in Albert Lea since 1988. His favorite thing about Albert Lea is the closeness of the community. TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Providing alternative medicine in a rural Minnesota community By the numbers

He said he was about 25 before he officially decided to become a chiropractor.

Growing up, John Peter- He then went on to get his son always had an interest degree from what was then in chiropractic care.

Northwestern College of Being friends with his Chiropractic in Minneapolocal chiropractor and his lis. He compared the educafather always seeking chi- tion required to become a ropractic care peaked Pe- chiropractor as somewhat terson’s interest at a young comparable to dental school age. and optometry.

Although he was inAfter graduation in 1981, trigued by the thought of Peterson started his own becoming a chiropractor care facility in Marshall, during college, what he which he operated until 1988. That wanted to do same year was be a colhe moved to lege profesAlbert Lea sor. However, to be closer after learning that many colto family. He leges weren’t spent many hiring, Peteryears in a building on son decided — Chiropractor John Clark Street, to go a differ- Peterson ent route. until 12 years “I wound up working ago when he moved to his in a rehabilitation hospi- current location on West tal in North Dakota,” Pe- Main Street. terson said. “I was really “I really like the comable to see what physical munity here in Albert therapists were doing and Lea,” Peterson said. “The became interested in physi- more years that I spend cal therapy. A good friend here, the more impressed of mine, who had grown up I become by the people and to be a chiropractor, told me variety of alternative care that I could do something and health options that are similar and be my own boss available here in a small as a chiropractor.” rural community.”

By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

Let’s Hear It for Our Customers!

Thanks for making our year one to celebrate.

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“I really like the community here in Albert Lea.”

36

Years Peterson has practiced chiropractic care

7 Children of Peterson

25 Age Peterson was when he decided to become a chiropractor

Peterson has lived in Albert Lea for 30 years and has seven children and nine grandchildren. He said he is happy with his choice to pursue a career as a chiropractor.

Peterson said the business has changed in many ways over the years, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the hands-on nature of chiropractic care. He said much of the health care industry has become very technological and relies on use of high-tech equipment.

However, chiropractic care remains hands-on and

See PETERSON, Page 7

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | PROGRESS 2018 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE 3

Wells manufacturing business finds success operating in small town Why? By the numbers

By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

WELLS — Over 40 years ago, John Herman’s father opened Herman’s Manufacturing, producing only snow blowers and hog gates. Although the company doesn’t make snow blowers and hog gates anymore, it constructs many different parts and machines for companies all over the country.

Herman Manufacturing, now owned by John Herman and his brother, employs about 50 people and operates out of Wells. Although Herman said there are some challenges working in a small town, he has never thought about moving, and he said moving to a bigger area would pose the same challenges he sees now.

“This is where I was born and raised and where I choose to live,” Herman said.

“I guess I just like living in a small town. We don’t have any more hurdles here than we would if we were

Herman operates his business out of Wells because he likes being able to offer employment to the people of Wells. He knows how hard it can be for people in small towns to get jobs close to home and he is happy he can provide a place for people to work.

40

Years Herman Manufacturing has been in business

35 Years John Herman and his brother have been at the head of the company

45+ Employees Herman Manufacturing employs somewhere like Albert Lea.” Herman Manufacturing does business with companies that range in size from just one or two men to companies that ship their products all over the world. Herman said a lot of the customer relationships the company has formed over the years come from the buying and selling of the companies they do business with.

Manufacturing was involved with NASA’s space shuttle program. It made parts for the ground support tooling, producing parts that were needed to make the fuel tank on the space shuttle. Due to the advancement in technologies and NASA’s movement away from shuttle programs, Herman Manufacturing no longer makes the part. However, Herman John Herman, right, talks with one of his employees out on the shop floor. Herman said partnering with an orManufacturing has been in buisiness for over 40 years. TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE ganization like that was way “Our business has grown working with a company and more business for us. more than he ever expected a lot just because our cus- that makes labeling ma- The best thing you can do out of the company. tomers have bought out chines. As they keep buying is align yourself with a busi“It’s humbling,” he said. other businesses,” Herman out more and more compa- ness that is growing.” said. “For example, we are nies, that brings in more At one point, Herman See HERMAN, Page 7

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PAGE 4 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2018 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018

Holly Karsjens runs through a routine at The Meraki Studios with one of her hip hop dance classes in January. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

MERAKI Continued from Front Page

instructor, painting parties and cooking lessons. One of the studio’s newer additions is Jeet Kune Do — a hybrid philosophy of martial arts heavily influenced by the personal philosophy and experiences of martial artist Bruce Lee.

Have something to say? Send a letter

to the editor.

sarah.stultz @albertleatribune.com

Brenden Troster teaches Jeet Kune Do at The Meraki Studios.

Jeet Kune Do is a hybrid philosophy of martial arts heavily influenced by the personal philosophy and experiences of martial artist Bruce Lee.

Tap is just one of the different forms of dance lessons offered at The Meraki Studios. Hip hop, ballet, jazz and pointe classes are also offered.

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | PROGRESS 2018 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE 5

REACHING OUT AND BUILDING CONNECTIONS By the numbers

By Sarah Kocher

sarah.kocher@albertleatribune.com

On any given day, there is a chance you will see her stop her vehicle and pull out a writing utensil. There is a chance that after she gets out of the car, there will be something inked onto her hand — something to remember. Something important. An opportunity.

Valerie Kvale has been looking for jobs for over 17 years. That’s what she has scribbled onto her hand (or onto paper, if she has it) — a new opening listed on a sign or a business window. She wants to fill that opening.

But she will not be the one taking the job.

During her time at Workforce Development Center, Kvale has held several roles. Kvale first worked as a retention specialist, then in public assistance.

Now, she serves as a career planner and placement specialist.

“When I started doing my placement work, basically, my job was to be out of the office instead of in,” Kvale said.

When a new business starts up or she begins working in an industry she’s unfamiliar with, Kvale may visit the business to get an idea of what they’re up to — what the environment is like, what the work dynamic might be, what a position might require.

“I know a little bit about a lot of jobs,” Kvale said.

She’s still learning, too.

“I’m challenged when someone new comes in with a profession that I haven’t experienced,” she said.

And after more than 17 years working to match employers with employees and employees with employers, Kvale has seen the field change and the market change. For one thing, the paper application is largely a thing of the past. For another, employer expectations have changed.

Kvale’s have not.

“I still expect the best out of people,” she said.

Right now, Kvale said it is

3.4

Unemployment rate in Freeborn County in November

17 Years Kvale has worked at Workforce Development Center

In January, Val Kvale follows along as a Workforce Development Center visitor completes a job application. SARAH KOCHER/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

a job-seeker’s market. November’s unemployment rate in Freeborn County was 3.4 percent. The jobs outnumber the workers, she said. While low unemployment rates is often considered a good thing, Kvale said it is a balancing act.

“It depends what side of the table you’re on,” she said. Helping communities fill these jobs is her passion, Kvale said.

One of the ways Kvale has worked to fill these skill gaps has been through the youth apprenticeship program.

Johanna Thomas worked on starting the apprenticeship program with Kvale when Thomas was an Albert Lea High School administrator.

“With her work tapping into the Workforce Development Center and her work there allowed us to automatically be able to build on her networking system

Val Kvale will look through the newspaper for job openings, which she compiles into a weekly list and emails out to people looking for jobs. and her knowledge of the manufacturing industry in the community,” Thomas said.

Kvale said the

apprenticeship program operates as a foot in the door for young people and a chance for employers to fill a skills gap.

“Many companies have kept on or hired back those youth apprentices, and that’s what it’s all about,” Kvale said.

Thomas said she thinks Kvale’s networking is a product of her natural ability to find connections between people, careers and businesses.

“She was just such a community expert on reaching out and building those connections,” Thomas said.

After spending much of her earlier years as a placement specialist out of the office, Kvale said now she is back working one on one with customers.

“I just feel good if I can make a difference for someone,” Kvale said. She is a helper by nature. That, and she has a social work license and a background in teaching and adult education.

“I like the fact that I’ve kind of had a different road,” Kvale said.

She sees that different road pay off when she is able to help people find jobs in places they may not have thought to look — places like business windows.

“My teaching background tells me everybody’s learning style is not the same,” she said. This can apply, too, to the way people look for jobs.

And after they find them, sometimes Kvale gets let in on the success stories. In December, she ran into a man in the grocery store.

He held up a hand with all five fingers extended. “‘I’ve been there for five years, Val,’” Kvale said he told her. “...He’s so proud.

And he should be.”

So as she drives, Kvale is still looking for a job.

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Page 6 | AlbertLeaTribune.com | Progress 2018 | business & health | Saturday, February 24, 2018

The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties. Dentist Rachel Poppel said of these specialties, there are two currently set up full time in Albert Lea. She hopes establishing further satellite or full-time practices will increase the diversity of care offered in Albert Lea. Sarah Kocher/Albert Lea Tribune

Expanding dental care in the Albert Lea area

By Sarah Kocher

sarah.kocher@albertleatribune.com

It’s a list of silver-dollar words, peppered with syllables that can get stuck between teeth: Maxillofacial pathology. Dentofacial orthopedics. Periodontics.

The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties. According to dentist Rachel Poppel of Advanced Family Dental, Albert Lea has two of those specialties covered in-town: orthodontics and endodontics. And on every other Wednesday, there’s a third.

Periodontist Emily

Schmalz comes down from Implant and Periodontal Professionals in Rochester and has been doing so since early 2017.

“That was kind of just to test the waters to see what the reception was for her and the need for a periodontist in Albert Lea,” Poppel said. “She very quickly became very busy.”

Schmalz and Poppel both said Albert Lea already had a periodontist, but that professional stopped coming to Albert Lea upon retiring.

“The community was relatively underserved, from a specialist perspective, for

a period of time,” Schmalz said.

Schmalz first practiced out of a room at Advanced Family Dental. After Poppel acquired the former Albert Lea Dental building on William Street in July, Schmalz has been practicing there.

“Our schedule is filled, and I mean, patients have been wonderful and very receptive,” Schmalz said.

“They appreciate that they don’t have to drive to Rochester or Mankato.”

This is one portion of a plan Poppel has for the acquired building, and one portion of a plan she has

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for the scope of dentistry in Albert Lea. “The reason we purchased Dr. Schwartz’s physical building was because we know our patient base has the need for dental specialists,” she said.

After five years practicing in Faribault, Poppel came back to Albert Lea in 2011 and heard from the dental community a general concern about a lack of specialists in town.

“I said that I would kind of, you know, champion that effort,” Poppel said.

Right now, oral surgery is highest on Poppel’s list to support the patient needs she sees. Poppel said acquiring an oral surgeon willing to set up a satellite or full-time clinic in Albert Lea will expedite plans she has to remodel and rebuild the William Street location.

Additionally, Poppel and Schmalz are looking to up Schamlz’s time in Albert Lea from bi-monthly to weekly.

Poppel said she sees both of those things happening within the year.

“Because we’re here for the long run, (we’re) planning to build a dental practice or a dental community that best supports our patients,” she said.

Although Poppel is most specifically looking for an oral surgeon next, she said she is in the process of reaching out to practitioners in several different specialty fields.

Additionally, as dentists retire in the local area — Poppel said there have been three do so in the last few years — their patients are given out to other dentists.

Currently, Poppel said general dentists are already

Rachel Poppel acquired the Albert Lea Dental Care building in July 2017. It currently houses periodontist Emily Schmalz every other Wednesday. providing some types of care that may fall under a specialty umbrella, but increasing patient loads mean more weight on general dentists.

“The busier general dentists get with routine dentistry — you know crowns, fillings, dentures, partials — the greater the need becomes to refer specialty care to specialists, because we, you know, we get to a point where we can’t accommodate our patients in a timely manner for the care that they need,” Poppel said.

Schmalz said she would love to have other specialists join her in coming to town for a collaborative effort. Poppel said she sees the community’s need as one able to support further specialists.

“There’s definitely no shortage of patients who would accept care from specialists and need care from specialists if they are available,” Poppel said.

Furthermore, Schmalz

and Poppel both said bringing specialists to the community saves community members from having to outsource their dental care.

“We don’t want access to care … be a reason patients cannot get the care they need,” Poppel said.

By the numbers 9

Dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association

7 Years Rachel Poppel has practiced general dentistry in Albert Lea

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | PROGRESS 2018 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE 7

Tami Roquet, director of Legacy Hotel Group, in back, discusses remodeling work at Country Inn & Suites with General Manager Heather Lee. SAM WILMES/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

$1.2M COUNTRY INN & SUITES RENOVATION IS UNDERWAY MANAGER SAYS WORK IS BEING DONE FOR THE GUEST EXPERIENCE

By Sam Wilmes

sam.wilmes@albertleatribune.com

Country Inn & Suites in Albert Lea is investing $1.2 million in a project hotel leaders said shows the company’s commitment to the community.

The first phase of the project included reconstructing the hotel’s meeting room, including its lighting and ceiling, and decreasing its size so the breakfast room can be extended. New tables and linens were introduced.

As of mid-January, every aspect of the first phase was finished except for the installation of new carpet.

Phase two started in January and includes removing a guest bathroom to create a larger kitchen area with more seating. A stone patio with a fire pit is expected to be complete by spring, and a new breakfast room was expected to be complete by the end of this month.

The third phase of the project includes renovating the lobby of the hotel, tearing down wallpaper, and painting walls and installing new drapes in the hallway.

The front desk is expected to revamped, along with other work planned.

In association with the project, carpet was replaced last fall.

Country Inn & Suites General Manager Heather Lee said she hopes the project — expected to cover about 3,000 square feet — is finished by the end of March.

The project began Dec. 11 and came after Country Inn & Suites changed furniture in its rooms in 2017.

The exterior of the building was painted, and new covers were placed over heating and air conditioning units last year.

Lee said the hotel’s No.1 priority is its customers.

“It’s all about the guest experience,” she said.

“We’re doing it for them.

We love to work in a new, shiny environment, but it’s

Herman Manufacturing operates out of many buildings in Wells. It specializes in making products for different business that operate all over the world. TYLER JULSON/ ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

HERMAN Continued from Page 3

“When I started out 40 years ago, I bought a mill and a lathe and I aimed to be a one-man machine shop, and now it’s grown into this.”

With the growth of the business, he hasn’t been able to be out on the shop floor as much as he would like to. He hopes that one day he’ll be able to return to the shop and have someone else take care of the office work.

Herman said the biggest

difference from when he started was the turnover time he had to get the products to his customers. He said when he started, estimated delivery dates were months out in advance, but with the advancement in technologies, he said if it’s a simple enough part, they can get it made and shipped out the very next day.

“I love making things, which is why I got into this,” Herman said. “It’s what I miss most about being out in the shop. I have always had the mindset, if there’s something I want I’m going to make it.”

As of mid-January, remodeling work was being done on the first floor of Country Inn & Suites.

By the numbers

Peterson said he enjoys the challenge of working with different people and finding out what their issues are.

His current location is 1454 W. Main St. in Albert Lea.

3,000

TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Approximate square feet expected to be impacted by the project

PETERSON Continued from Page 2

$1.2 million Cost of renovations being made at the Country Inn & Suites hotel in Albert Lea really for the guests.

“We’re really excited to see how this turns out … we’re just really excited to see it all come together and be able to share it with our guests.”

The hotel typically does not operate under 45 percent of its capacity during its slow months, and it routinely runs at 90 percent capacity during summer months.

“We’re here to stay,” Lee said. “We’re not just here to make money, we’re here to serve our community, too.”

The hotel participates

A construction worker helps remodel Country Inn & Suites Jan. 16. in community events throughout the year, such as the Friday night car show during Eddie Cochran Weekend, Halloween trickor-treating and combating human trafficking. The hotel donated to Operation Christmas Child and gave snacks to all four elementary schools in Albert Lea this year.

“We’re involved,” Lee said.

Tami Roquet, director of Duluth-based Legacy Hotel Group, which owns

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Country Inn & Suites in Albert Lea, said the hotel’s project is an investment in the community.

“Not only do we want our employees to have a wonderful environment to work in, but we want our guests to come in and be wowed and to have a reason to come to Albert Lea,” she said. There are a lot of things to see and do here, but when they get here, we want them to stay.

“Offering this first-class, five-star facility to do that in is our way of giving back.”

direct, something Peterson said is one of the many wonderful things about the profession.

Most care sessions last about 10 to 15 minutes or about 30 minutes if you’re a first-time patient, according to Peterson, and many joint and muscle pains can be resolved with the right treatments.

“Most people think of us primarily for neck and back,” Peterson said. “But it’s really any muscle or joint problem, I see a lot of shoulder and

Why? Peterson enjoys the challenge of working with different people and trying to figure out where their problems are. He said it’s like a puzzle in some ways.

knee problems.

“I think when people are tuned in with their bodies, they know when something isn’t quite right and they know that just taking a few ibuprofen isn’t going to address the underlying issue.

For people that are looking for more of a long-term solution, the chiropractor is often a good place to start.”

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PAGE 8 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2018 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018

Gold Cross regional manager of operations Kristofer Keltgen believes the new Gold Cross building is worth the $2.2 million investment. SAM WILMES/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Gold Cross facility allows for faster response

By Sam Wilmes

sam.wilmes@albertleatribune.com

The completion of the approximately 8,000-squarefoot Gold Cross Ambulance building has made it possible for eight new fulltime positions and enabled shorter response times for first responders — possibly allowing for the lives of patients to be saved.

The technologically advanced building has the capacity for five ambulances and features storage, training and rest space for employees.

“I’m a biased opinion, but I would say it’s probably one of the best, if not the best, ambulance facility in the state of Minnesota in terms

“I’m a biased opinion, but I would say it’s probably one of the best, if not the best, ambulance facility in the state of Minnesota in terms of technology and integration and design.”

— Kristofer Keltgen, Gold Cross regional manager of operations of technology and integra- of the location of the facility tion and design, certainly a near a residential neighborsignificant investment for hood and for other reasons.

Gold Cross,” said Kristofer The plan was approved by Keltgen, Gold Cross region- the Albert Lea City Council al manager of operations. in late March 2017.

Construction of the facil“This has been on our ity lasted from June to mid- radar screen for years,” October. Gold Cross faced Keltgen said. “This type of some pushback from local See FACILITY, Page 10 The $2.2 million Gold Cross building at 109 West Ave. residents last spring because

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | PROGRESS 2018 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE 9

Businesses with new names in Albert Lea

Citizens Community Federal Bank in August acquired Wells Federal Bank at 2630 Bridge Ave. in Albert Lea.

We Get It.

Downtown party and toy store Celebrations Party & Gifts became Whimzy. SARAH STULTZ/ ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

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Skyline Plaza 127 S 507-373-2000 Broadway Ave 2568 Bridge Ave Albert Lea, MN 56007 1627 W Main St www.edwardjones.com Albert Lea, MN 56007 Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-2000 507-373-1150 www.edwardjones.com 507-373-9050

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PAGE 10 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2018 | BUSINESS & HEALTH | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018

FACILITY Continued from Page 8

facility has been needed in the community.”

The facility consolidated services spread in different locations and is expected to address the growth in call volumes at Gold Cross.

“If we’re going to build a facility, what does it need to do in terms of capabilities to position us well for the future?” Keltgen said.

“The benefits of a lot of that planning now are realized because of that.”

Keltgen said the $2.2 million facility enables Gold Cross to respond to community needs more efficiently, adding sometimes seconds play a critical factor in emergency situations.

“Sometimes seconds really do matter,” he said.

“That certainly helps.”

The building also exceeds new Minnesota energy codes.

“This has been on our radar screen for years.”

— Kristofer Keltgen “We couldn’t be happier,” Supplies are kept in a room at the facility. SAM WILMES/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE Keltgen said. “It’s a gem. It really is. It’s by far, of all the facilities we own across Minnesota and Wisconsin, it’s certainly the nicest. It’s also the newest, but we put a lot of time and effort into making sure everything was just right.”

Gold Cross is a not-forprofit subsidiary of Mayo Clinic. The ambulance service in Albert Lea integrated with Gold Cross on March 1, 2013.

Gold Cross employee Dawn Winkels spoke highly of the training space at the facility.

“The facility is absolutely fantastic,” she said.

“There’s enough room for the call crew to sleep at night until they get called in, then we got comfortable seating. The kitchen is fantastic — we can bring in food and cook.

“And we tend to make big meals and share with everyone, especially on holidays. We’ll cook everything, and then the Fire Department and Police De- The new Gold Cross ambulance facility includes a kitchen with ample storage space, a partment will eat with us.” microwave and an oven.

Complete Electrical Design & Installation Industrial• Commercial Residential• Agriculture

A meeting room at the facility includes a television that enables video conferencing.

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Call Jeff Bowman or Jared Bowman today for all your electrical needs!

JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION THROUGHOUT 2018

519 Adams Ave • Albert Lea, MN

507-373-0731

TÄuxÜà _xt tÜxt Trades & Labor Federal Credit Union 610 So Broadway Ave Albert Lea

jeff@bowmanel.com

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