2020 Annual Report PT2 by Bemidji Pioneer

The Bemidji Pioneer

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

www.bemidjipioneer.com

HAVE

Saturday, August 1, 2020

HEARD?

Robinson brings mystery to town with Minute59 By Annalise Braught abraught@bemidjipioneer.com BEMIDJI — From eyeglasses to escape rooms, Tricia Robinson’s experience, creativity and abilities run the gamut. Born and raised in Bemidji, Robinson worked primarily as an optician with Sanford Eye Center until about three years ago when she got the wild idea to open an escape room business. “Starting out, I was doing Sanford during the day and the escape room on nights and weekends,” she explained. “I did that for two years until last year in February when I left Sanford and became a full-time entrepreneur.” Robinson said the business idea came to her about four years ago after playing an escape room for the first time while on vacation with her teenage son, Joe, in Omaha, Neb. “I was like, what are you supposed to do with a 14-year-old when he’s stuck on vacation with his mom,” she said with a laugh. “So in looking for things to do, we played an escape room. It was so much fun I started thinking ‘Man, Bemidji needs one of these.’” She explained it was the same summer that PuttN-Go closed in Bemidji and she felt that local residents needed more options for recreational activities close by. After spending that fall researching and brain-

Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer

Owner Tricia Robinson stands outside Minute59 Mystery and Escape Rooms in Bemidji. storming, in January Robinson signed a lease on the building that would become the home of Minute59 Mystery and Escape Rooms, located at 802 Paul Bunyan Drive SE, Suite 17, and opened to the public June 30, 2017. “It’s been really awesome to see people come in and sometimes at first be a little uncertain, but once they get in the room just have an absolute blast,” Robinson said. “A lot of times, by the time

they come out, they go ‘How many other rooms do you have? And are they open?’ because they have so much fun.” Each escape room has a theme and a goal to accomplish. When a group goes in, they have to use the clues, puzzles and riddles that are hidden in the room to reach their set goal within the 60-minute time frame. When asked how she comes up with the rooms and clues to complete

them, Robinson said it mostly involves a lot of trial and error. “I keep a book where I put all my ideas,” she said. “I have a list of all my room theme ideas that I think are cool, and I try to do things that are different or people might not see other places. Every time a puzzle or clue idea comes to me I add it, so I don’t forget.” She explained that most rooms have 12-15 puzzles, but she said it depends a

lot on how hard they are to figure out, so that number can vary. Many of the props and furniture in the rooms are created by Robinson herself, or they are already made things she has creatively repurposed. Robinson said she also enlists her father’s help to build specific things here and there. “When I’m ready to build a room, I look at the other rooms I have available and I pick a theme

that’s a little different,” she said. “I’ll have a historical room and one fantasy room, or whatever it might be, so that there is something for everybody.” So far, Robinson has been changing her rooms about once a year, though some have stuck around a little bit longer. A new room she has in the works has a garden theme, though, with the pandemic restrictions and increased sanitizing precautions, she isn’t sure when she will be able to open it to the public. Though she does find ideas and inspiration from other sources, because Robinson designs and creates the rooms herself, she said no one will ever play a room like hers anywhere else. “I love building the rooms, this,” Robinson said as she gestured to one of the rooms, “this, is my dream job.” Cost to book a room is $20 per person. Rooms currently available are “The Rescue of Professor Dawkins” and “Banshee!” which are open to four people to play at a time. She also has “Framed Fakes,” a large portable room made for groups of 12-30 players. Full descriptions of each room and booking information can be found on the Minute59 website. Annalise Braught is the managing editor at the Pioneer. She can be reached at (218) 333-9796.

Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer

Banshee! is one of the escape rooms currently available to Minute59 Mystery and Escape Rooms is located at 802 The Rescue of Professor Dawkins is one of the escape play at Minute59 Mystery and Escape Rooms in Bemidji. Paul Bunyan Drive SE, Suite 17, in Bemidji. rooms currently available to play at Minute59 Mystery and Escape Rooms in Bemidji.

SPARKY’S CONSTRUCTION, INC. EXCAVATING CONTRACTOR

• • • • • • •

BASEMENTS SEPTIC SYSTEMS ROAD BUILDING DIRT SAND GRAVEL BACKHOE

• • • • • • •

BOBCAT STATE LICENSED BONDED COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL DEMOLITION EXCAVATING

444-8181

-HDQQHWWH 3URXO[ƉV FKLOGKRRG GUHDP ZDV WR RSHQ KHU RZQ FDIª DQG PDNH GHOLFLRXV KRPHFRRNHG PHDOV IRU RWKHUV +HU GUHDP EHFDPH UHDOLW\ LQ ZKHQ DW WKH DJH RI -HDQQHWWH DQG KHU IDPLO\ RSHQHG WKH 0LQQHVRWD 1LFH &DI«

%LJ GUHDPV DUH ZKDW VPDOO EXVLQHVVHV DUH EXLOW IURP , EHOLHYH LQ D %HPLGML WKDW ZHOFRPHV LGHDV ELJ DQG VPDOO $ FLW\ WKDW HQFRXUDJHV JURZWK DQG LQQRYDWLRQ LQ RXU ORFDO HFRQRP\

3UHSDUHG DQG SDLG IRU E\ WKH &RPPLWWHH WR (OHFW -RUJH 3ULQFH 0D\RU _ 32 %R[ %HPLGML 01

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Saturday, August 1, 2020

www. bemidjipioneer.com

The Bemidji Pioneer

Raising the bar: Bar Bell Bee Ranch is dedicated to great honey By Matthew Liedke mliedke@bemidjipioneer.com SQUAW LAKE — The hives managed by Bar Bell Bee Ranch are only in the state of Minnesota for a select number of months, but owners Ed and Eileen Menefee say that it’s a year-long effort. The family business in Squaw Lake, a community northeast of Bemidji, has been in operation since 1976 and from the time it was launched, it has provided honey to a variety of businesses throughout the state. The products from Bar Bell are available in more than 45 retailers and the company has partnerships with several breweries, bakeries and cooperatives. While the honey products are sold in Minnesota, though, the process for production begins nearly 2,000 miles away in the Golden State. In January, Eileen Menefee said their bees are in California, in an area south of San Francisco for almond pollination. They return to Minnesota in mid-April when they’re shipped back. “They come home and we maintain them,” she said. “They get placed in May, and, depending on how many hives we have, we’ll put 20 to 40 colonies on around 20 to 40 farm yards. They have to be in an area where there’s enough food to make honey.” Most of these areas are around the Blackduck region and extend up toward Red Lake. The month of July happens to be the busiest for Bar Bell, too, as many plants are blooming. Following the process,

Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer

Ed and Eileen Menefee and family have run Bar Bell Bee Ranch since 1976 near Squaw Lake. the next step for Bar Bell is extracting the honey, which usually lasts from August through September. Then, the month of October is where preparation for winter begins. “We make sure the bees have enough feed and honey in there to be grouped, and in early November, they are shipped back to Califor-

nia,” Eileen said. “Meanwhile, we’re bottling and delivering.” According to Eileen, the main presence for Bar Bell has been Bemidji and Grand Rapids, which has continued through the years and changes in ownership. However, in the past decade, their footprint has grown. The growth actual-

Bar Bell Bee Ranch owner Ed Menefee points to a queen bee, which sits on the frame from a mating nuc box.

ly came from one of the challenges the business faces. Nearly eight years ago, the company had a bad year and lost nearly all of their bees. “There have been years where we’ve had huge losses, of up to 50% to 60%,” Eileen said. “It’s a huge financial loss. The biggest battle we’ve had is with the varroamite.

Another issue has been the neonicotinoids, which are used as a farm shield.” The year where the married owners lost nearly all of their bees, though, was around the same time they expanded their market. As part of the process to help raise money, Eileen said Bar Bell began doing festivals across the region. As a result, their product was

Bar Bell Bee Ranch owner Ed Menefee lifts a section out of a top-bar hive. According to Menefee, top-bar hives are considered unconventional and allow the bees to create their own comb from the removable bar that hangs down from the top of the hive.

Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer

introduced to new areas. “We finally got on the shelf at Whole Foods in Duluth,” she said. “Also, we were able to work with Natural Harvest Cooperative in Virginia. We’ve increased our market to where we sell it directly. We sell to a lot of breweries, including Summit. The State Fair has also been a big account for us, too. We sell through the Minnesota Honey Producers.” While some of their partnerships are more recent, there have been some longtime agreements for the business, too. “One of the biggest is Third Street Bakery in Duluth, which also sells bakery goods to cooperatives in northern Minnesota,” Eileen said. “Their bread and cookies have used our honey for 30 years.” On an annual basis, Eileen said the company produces about 70 to 90 barrels of honey per year, which equates to around 60,000 pounds. To do so, she said part of the process is making a good home for the bees. “I think we’re lucky with where we have our bees, we have such a huge mixture of crops and landscapes,” Eileen said. “Normally, if they’re happy, it’s sunny and they’re making honey, they’re not aggressive at all.” For more information on Bar Bell Bee Ranch, visit barbellbee.com, or call (218) 659-44569. The ranch is located at 63333 County Road 149 in Squaw Lake. Readers can reach Pioneer reporter Matthew Liedke at (218) 333-9791.

1632 Bemidji Avenue North • 218-751-2801 • higginsheating.com

Amy Stenseng, PE

Mike Stang, PLS

Northwestern Surveying and Engineering LV YHWHUDQ RZQHG DQG SURYLGHV KXQGUHGV RI DႇRUGDEOH DQG accurate surveys each year. Services are provided for ODUJH FRPPHUFLDO SURMHFWV DV ZHOO DV VPDOO SULYDWH MREV ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR VXUYH\V ZH SHUIRUP FRPPHUFLDO VWDNLQJ DV EXLOW VXUYH\V DQG FLYLO HQJLQHHULQJ GHVLJQ

Higgins Sheet Metal & Heating was started by Hollie Higgins in 1946. The business shared the old Tom Smart barn with the telephone company on 612 America Avenue.

Higgins Heating services residential and commercial industries. We administer the highest quality of products and services and are committed to our customers. We install and service commercial and residential HVAC/R equipment along with commercial refrigeration. Our qualiﬁed and trained professionals are here to help you with our quality products. Our oﬃce is open 8am to 5pm Monday thru Friday to service your over the counter parts inquiries. We also provide 24 hour emergency service for our customers’ convenience.

Our employees have a large skill set and high tech equipment which allow us to take on virtually all types of civil survey work.

7R SODFH D VXUYH\ UHTXHVW SOHDVH JR RQOLQH DW

www.nwsmn.com or call 218-444-9394 614 RAILROAD STREET SE BEMIDJI, MN

Back row: Charlie, Shawn, Adam, Richie, Dave, Tom, Alex. Front row: Helen, Daren, Dustin, Laura, Jackie.

The Bemidji Pioneer

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

www.bemidjipioneer.com

Saturday, August 1, 2020

Up North Canvas grows into full-time business for BSU grad By Jillian Gandsey jgandsey@bemidjipioneer.com BEMIDJI — It started with Steven Eastridge quilting when he was young, then he made bean bags for friends in college. Now the 33-year-old has a full-grown business making custom boat covers, canopies and cushions along with a host of other commercial sewing projects. Up North Canvas Co. officially began on Aug. 1, 2017, and is celebrating its third anniversary this summer. “I grew up with five brothers and sisters and I kind of put it aside when I came to BSU,” the Hutchinson, Minn., native said of his early quilting hobby. Eastridge attended Bemidji State and received a degree in social work and began working for North Homes Children and Family Services after graduating in 2011. It was also around that time when he was asked to make custom bean bag boards for friends. When it came time to sew the bean bags, he stopped into L P Stitchery to see if he could have them done — but instead he was set up to sew them himself on a machine that now sits in his shop, located on Jackpine Road Northwest. “That was kind of the start of it,” Eastridge said. “For the first year or what not it was a lot of Bemidji Marine bringing repair work, just like patchwork for boat tarps and from then on I started doing a lot more.” As his projects grew, he moved from working out of LP Stitchery to his own garage that’s connected to his home. Eastridge said he would do that for his first year of taking on projects, while saving money to build a shop. “So I went to all these businesses in town and

said ‘hey, here’s the deal — I’m planning on taking this on full-time,’” Eastridge recalls. So he went to Bemidji Marine, LePier Shoreline & Outdoors, Bemidji Sports Centre, Ray’s Marine and more to offer his services. “I was kind of on a probation,” Eastridge said of his start. “They wanted to know how much I was going to charge and what the final product was going to be.” Now, he’s in a shop built on his property in 2018 and booked out for seven or eight months. Eastridge has landed bigger clients, too, such as Bemidji Aviation. He has reupholstered seats for their airplanes that deliver packages to and from the Bemidji Regional Airport. He’ll also do a lot of snowmobile seats for Bemidji Sports Centre when the season arrives.

He can make portable fish house zippers and repair their vinyl windows. He’s done pop-up camper repairs, tractor seats, umbrellas, patio furniture and the list goes on. “The thing that I specialize in the most is fabricating boat and pontoon covers,” Eastridge said. “Now it’s gotten to the point where I get people from Illinois. I get people from Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa.” The most important aspect, he said, is not taking shortcuts and using the best materials he can buy. For the future, Eastridge wants to be able to serve everyone. He’s having a shoe machine serviced now and it will add to his growing list of services offered. “I’m really thankful for customers and when they’re satisfied with

the work people talk and that’s what’s really helped to grow this business,” Eastridge said. “So to thank the members of this community for everything that I’ve done is huge.” For more information of what Eastridge offers at Up North Canvas Co., visit www.upnorthcanvas.com. Jillian Gandsey is the multimedia editor at the Pioneer. Readers can reach her at (218) 333-9786.

Jillian Gandsey / Bemidji Pioneer

Above: Steven Eastridge is the owner of Up North Canvas Co., which is a high quality commercial sewing business located in Bemidji. Below: Steven Eastridge, owner of Up North Canvas Co., moves a boat cushion onto a shelf at his shop on Jackpine Road Northwest.

Empo Empowering women to help them feel beautiful and FRQ¿GHQW R FRQ¿GHQW RQ WKH LQVLGH DQG RXW

6HUYLFHV ZH RႇHU • Lash Extensions • Full Body Waxing • Manicures and Pedicures • Full Hair Services Bookk your appointment B i t t online: lii www.oasisbemidji.com 146 Paul Bunyan Drive NW, Bemidji MN

MORTGAGE LOANS &RPSHWLWLYH 5DWHV Ɣ ([SHULHQFHG 5HDO (VWDWH 7HDP Ɣ )5(( 3UH $SSURYDO

Here for good. ::: 6(&85,7<%$1.86$ &20 Ɣ

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Saturday, August 1, 2020

www. bemidjipioneer.com

The Bemidji Pioneer

A Stitch in Time provides support for a lifetime By Hannah Olson holson@bemidjipioneer.com BEMIDJI — A Stitch in Time started in a broom closet — literally. Since its inception nearly two decades ago, the sewing machine and vacuum sales and repair business has moved locations four times. Throughout those moves, one thing has remained consistent — owner Jay Stauffer’s commitment to run his business with integrity, and to transform his customers into friends. Stauffer got his start in sewing machines and vacuum cleaners the way many do...reluctantly. “It’s every young boy’s dream to fix sewing machines, right?” he said, laughing. After working in construction, he needed a change. His parents recommended asking Knute and Lucy Naastad at the Vacuum and Service Center if they needed help with repairs. Turns out, they needed a sewing machine salesman instead. Stauffer wasn’t interested in sales — he thought of the practice as generally a bit slimy — but his mind changed when he saw how his employer, Naastad, treated customers. “An older gentleman came in and he said ‘I’m sick of cheap vacuum cleaners, I want a good one, I’m willing to spend up to $500,’” Stauffer said. “My boss started asking him questions, where he

Hannah Olson / Bemidji Pioneer

-D\ 6WDXႇHU RZQHU RI $ 6WLWFK LQ 7LPH VWDQGV WRZDUG WKH IURQW RI WKH VWRUH¶V VKRZURRP lived, how many people, and he started taking an interest in what his needs actually were, rather than what he could sell.” After the customer answered, Naastad picked up a $100 vacuum cleaner, and said “I think this one is going to work really well for you.’’ “Knute took 15 minutes to sell him on why it was better to buy the cheaper one that would meet his needs, rather than the more expensive

one,” Stauffer continued. “And when I heard that, all of a sudden there was something inside me (that said), I’ll learn to be a salesman underneath this.” Stauffer has taken this sales-mentality to heart. He’s been in the business for more than 20 years now and has had some of his regular customers for nearly as long. The store’s namesake — the proverb, a stitch in time saves nine — reflects

the attitude Stauffer has toward machine repairs. “If we know a little bit more, if we plan ahead, we save ourselves a lot more frustration in the future,” he said. “That was my whole thing with service work. I’d rather service a machine beforehand and catch a problem in the bud than have to charge them a whole lot more later.” Currently, Stauffer said the business is about 80% sewing machines and 20% vacuum sales.

“Some of that has been because the vacuum market has changed,” Stauffer explained.“Everyone views a vacuum cleaner as a commodity now, you use it up for a year and a half and then you throw it away and go get a different one.” This old fashioned notion of purchasing things meant to last and maintaining them is another niche A Stitch in Time fills. Stauffer knows he can’t compete with

big-box stores and online retailers on price, so he’s found his calling in providing long-lasting and quality products. In his 20+ years in the business, he knows customers have changed too. Instead of expecting him to be helpful and knowledgeable, he said many expect he will try to upsell them. “(Now,) it’s almost like when they walk in the door they’re expecting that heavy-handed, sales push, almost like there’s going to be a battle between us, and I hate that,” he said. “Once they learn to know us, it’s like we don’t have customers any more, then we have friends.” Another key aspect of the business — and one of the reasons his customers keep coming back — is the education component. Stauffer gives free classes and help to anyone who purchases a machine, for as long as they have it. Sometimes, for a lifetime. “I don’t like just filling people with ideas, and then they have to try to figure out how to get there on their own,” he said. “I have customers who have been coming back 20 years, and I’m still showing them how to use features on their machines. I would say that 90% of our customers are back multiple times for that free help, and that’s what makes us tick.” Hannah Olson is a multimedia reporter for the Pioneer. She can be reached at (218) 333-9790.

Hannah Olson / Bemidji Pioneer

&RORUIXO UROOV RI YLQ\O DUH RUJDQL]HG DORQJ WKH ZDOO DW $ 6WLWFK LQ 7LPH %HVLGHV VHZLQJ DQG HPEURLGHU\ WKH EXVLQHVV DOVR RႇHUV LQVWUXFWLRQ LQ YLQ\O KHDW WUDQVIHUV

Hannah Olson / Bemidji Pioneer

6HZLQJ PDFKLQHV DQG YDFXXPV ¿OO $ 6WLWFK LQ 7LPH¶V VKRZURRP

Quality & Convenience for Clients/Respect & Opportunity for Associates

Employers: Call us today. We find the right people to empower your business.

Become a Direct Support Professional working as a caregiver to make a diﬀerence in the lives of others every day!

Job Seekers:

Apply in person or on-line. Let us give you the opportunity to develop your career. We have a wide variety of jobs in Manufacturing, Clerical/Admin/Acct, IT, Laborers, Construction and more.

• New Opportunities • Limitless Potential • Flexible Schedules • No High School Diploma Required

We offer all-encompassing employment services to Northern Minnesota.

Apply Today: jobs.thementornetwork.com/minnesota

www.alwaystherestaffing.com | 218.444.6533 2522 Hannah Ave NW – Bemidji, MN 56601

',6&29(5 <285 &$//,1* 35(3$5( )25 385326( 2$ . + , / / 6 ( '8

The Bemidji Pioneer

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

www.bemidjipioneer.com

Saturday, August 1, 2020

Head start launches Up North Sports up top By Micah Friez mfriez@bemidjipioneer.com

Bemidji,” Mike said. “I think it’s a perfect-sized town to raise a family, and I think it’s a perfect-sized town to live in. The cost of living is pretty good. There’s just everything you want here. “For us, it would make a ton of sense to move to the most friendly place for a small business to run. But we love Bemidji. I coach here, I live here. I hope I never leave. I feel lucky that our business can run here.” Without snow, things understandably slow down in the summertime for Up North Sports. Some of the staff is seasonal, but when the holiday season hits, Mike said up to 20 employees can fill up the warehouse as part of a team of 25-30 members. “We want to make sure the principles of our company are really sound as far as how we treat each other, how we treat our customers, and then how we treat our partners,” he said. “Those are the prinAnnalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer ciples my dad and mom The Fogelson family, Mike, Wendi and Steve, have owned and operated Up North Sports in Bemidji since 2005. have put into place, and According to Mike, Up North Sports is right near the top -- if not at the summit -- of the largest snowmobile clothing we’re trying to continue that. and apparel retailer in the United States. “And we really want to honor God with the way the summit — of the larg- big-ticket items include Mike said. “Bemidji Sports ness coming through we run our business. We est snowmobile clothing apparel from brands like Centre down the way online sales, Up North love making money, we and apparel retailer in the FXR, Castle X, 509 and does a great job of selling Sports could operate from love being profitable, we United States. Kilm, as well as ice fishing sleds, and there’s a lot of just about anywhere in love growing, but we never Up North Sports ships equipment from brands great sled dealers across the country. But choosing want to do that at the cost nationwide, with New like Striker, Ice Armor, the country. We sell the Bemidji was a no-brainer of honoring God. Because he’s given us this.” York, Minnesota, Wiscon- Clam and Ion. apparel. That’s where we for the Fogelsons.

BEMIDJI — Bemidji is well known for a number of reasons, from lake life to Paul Bunyan and beyond. But, in the snowmobiling world, it’s known for Up North Sports. “We just worked hard at it,” co-owner Mike Fogelson said. “More of that gear comes out of here than anywhere else right now. It’s a quiet, little operation. But it does pretty good.” Up North Sports got its start in 1998 when Ric Bowman of Bemidji founded the company. Fogelson’s father, Steve, joined in to design a website — a progressive move for the era. “Back before anybody knew what buying stuff on the web was, my dad was building websites for people to sell online,” Fogelson said. “Some of the products didn’t have pictures. There were no tracking numbers for orders. We were right at the forefront of building websites … and then it grew really well.” In 2005, the Fogelsons bought Up North Sports from Bowman. Mike owns a 50% share, while parents Steve and Wendi own the other 50%. That early start online paved the way for an empire along the Mississippi. Mike estimates that “Clothing and appar- come in.” Up North Sports is right sin and Michigan placnear the top — if not at ing the most orders. The el is really what we do,” With most of the busi-

“The beauty of this business is that I love

Micah Friez is a sports reporter for the Pioneer. Readers can reach him at (218) 333-9789.

Jillian Gandsey / Bemidji Pioneer

Up North Sports is one of the biggest snowmobile apparel retailers in the United States, selling brands like FXR, Castle X, 509 and Kilm.

Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer

Up North Sports is located at 2000 Division St. West in Bemidji.

Buena Vista.

We service almost all Makes and Models of Sewing Machines and Vacuums

In-home service available

Making Family Memories since 1949.

Celebrating 71 Years!

Over 30 Models of Sewing and Embroidery Machines in stock!

Over 25 Models of Vacuums in stock!

Your Local Source for AccuQuilt GO! Cutters and Dies!

www.bvskiarea.com | 218-243-2231

Great Outdoor Fireplace Options Free Use of our Mask Cutting Dies! We sell Heat Transfer Vinyl! Over 70 colors and styles in stock!

Heat Presses also available at good prices!

Stop In And Check Out Our Large Selection Today!

Long-arm Quilting! We sell the machines, but we also rent time on them for you to start ﬁnishing your own quilts!

Custom Quilting also available.

218-547-4328 | Walker, MN

200 Paul Bunyan Dr. S. #2, Bemidji, MN *Beside St. Michel’s Furniture 218.444.7727 | Hours: M-F: 9-5, Sat: 9-1, Sun: Closed www.sewbemidji.com

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Saturday, August 1, 2020

www. bemidjipioneer.com

The Bemidji Pioneer

Bemidji Steel changes with the times to forge success By Sue Bruns Special to the Pioneer BEMIDJI — When Bemidji was preparing to host Minnesota Hockey Day 2019, state organizers sought local sponsors to promote the event. Bemidji Steel Company (BSC), owned and operated by Dale and Jane Grasdalen, stepped up to the goal net and donated $8,000 worth of time and materials to custom-cut strips of metal for hockey-themed fire rings. Boyer Mechanical rolled the cut metal into rings that were used during the event and were later auctioned off as a Bemidji Hockey Association fundraiser. Bemidji Steel’s generosity, professionalism and quality of work did not go unnoticed. For Hockey Day 2020, organizers contacted Bemidji Steel for a repeat performance — and this time they paid for the service. Bemidji Steel describes itself as “a full-service metal distributor operating regionally out of Bemidji. We provide metal to everyone from the weekend DIYer to large manufacturers who take the metal and use it in their production.” For almost four decades, the company has ridden economic hills and valleys by evolving to meet its customers’ needs, by investing in state-of-the-art, hightech machinery, by training and nurturing their employees, and by being team players with a community focus. After graduating in

to the Bemidji Steel team was the Grasdalens’ son, Alex. Returning to Bemidji in 2018 with sales and marketing experience, he had moved back to Bemidji intending to work at Bemidji Steel for a while and enroll at BSU to find a new career path. His move home (everyone thought — including Alex) was temporary; but helping to move the company forward was exciting, and Alex worked his way onto the Bemidji Steel team. That team has recently purchased newer, faster, more efficient, environmentally friendly and highly sophisticated machinery to provide value-added services including laser and plasma cutting, sawing and forming. They also work with local partners for welding, finishing and machining. With the upgrading and expansion of services, the Grasdalens, with the help Jillian Gandsey / Bemidji Pioneer of the Minnesota Innovation Initiative and a partPictured from left are Alex, Dale and Jane Grasdalen from Bemidji Steel. nership with the Bemidji Industrial Tech from BSU, dalen not only survived “Customers weren’t just ment? Relocate to an area High School Career AcadDale Grasdalen start- the recession of the 1980s; buying steel,” Grasdalen with more manufacturing? emy, have also invested in ed Bemidji Steel Already he built a successful steel says. “They wanted cut Moving forward would training and cross training in debt from college, he sales operation (Think pieces, partially fabricat- mean investing in new of their team members. decided to take a chance lumber yard, only with ed — ready to move into high-tech equipment and After two years with on a new company to pro- metals) with a strong rep- manufacturing.” Bemidji specialized training for Bemidji Steel, Alex vide metal services to the utation for quality prod- Steel adapted and started employees. describes the company’s Dale invested in both, evolution as “nothing area. The business – basi- ucts and service as well as to add fabrication equipcally a two-man opera- for treating his employees ment — machinery to cut crediting his customers short of extraordinary” and employees with pro- and says he’s never had so and bend metals. tion, just Dale and one right. With a changing future viding the direction: “Our much fun going to work. In 1993, Dale married warehouse employee — opened in Bemidji’s Jane Campbell, who took in focus, Dale Grasdalen team has driven us and Dale sees Bemidji Steel’s Industrial Park with one on accounting and pay- grew his team, and Bemi- pushed the company far- forward thinking as a existing wood building on roll duties and became dji Steel evolved and sur- ther,” he says. “The com- direct way to help other site. In 1985, a steel build- part owner (now majority vived the Great Recession pany’s growth is a result area businesses grow. ing was constructed, and owner) of the business. As of 2008. After 30 some of their determination, “We only grow when our four years later, addition- Bemidji Steel’s team grew, years in the steel busi- grit and ingenuity to meet customers grow, and it’s al warehouse space was a second building was ness, more decisions had the needs of our custom- important that we listen added. BSC grew steadily constructed in 2000, but to be made. Should Gras- ers.” to their needs and grow One unexpected addition with them.” through the 1990s. Gras- the market was changing. dalen look toward retire-

Alex Stenberg / Special to the Pioneer

Gregg Winter programs a project for the press break at Bemidji Steel.

Bemidji Steel employee Daniel Murray sets up parameters for a bend on the company’s press break.

The Area’s Only LEATHER SHOP “Only what you need... at a price guaranteed” • Custom pipe bending • Custom duals for cars & pickups • 4” diesel systems • Stock mufﬂers & pipes Locally Owned • Ray Appel • Andy Appel 219 Cars Ct NW - Bemidji • 1 block west of the high school

218-759-1264

Bemidji Locker Red Lake Walleye Wild Rice • Seafood Smoked Fish • Jerky 3001 Bemidji Ave N, Bemidji, MN 218-444-3244

Sandy’s Timeless Treasures LOCATED INSIDE BEMIDJI LOCKER Collectibles • Vintage & Handmade Items Antiques • Furniture Restoration

Serving the Bemidji Area Since 1939!

2 New Exciting Products KC’s BEST Canned Premium Cooked Wild Rice 15 oz.

Our best selling Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Now comes pre-cooked in a can! 1 1/2 minutes microwaved and READY TO EAT! 15 oz. cans available 24 can/case | 68 cases/pallet

KC’s BEST “Wood Parched” Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice 16 oz. The same great taste of traditional wood parched lake wild rice at a fraction of the price 16 oz. bag available 24 bags/case | 48 cases/pallet

Other Available Products: Minnesota Cultivated Long Grain Wild Rice 12 oz. or 16 oz. Hand Harvested Minnesota Lake Wild Rice 16 oz. | Natural Canadian Lake Wild Rice 16 oz. Minnesota Cultivated Soup Grade Wild Rice 16 oz. | Minnesota Cultivated Instant Wild Rice 2.75 oz. KC’S BEST WILD RICE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT CARRY OR USE OUR WILD RICE PRODUCTS: Bagley: Galen’s and Kubiak’s | Bemidji Area: Marketplace, Lueken’s, McKenzie Place, Rod’s Meats, Raphael’s, Turtle River Chop House, and Sanford Hospital | Cass Lake: Teal’s | Fosston: Palubicki’s McIntosh: Neil’s Quality Meats | Park Rapids: Hugo’s and Coborn’s

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Saturday, August 1, 2020

www. bemidjipioneer.com

The Bemidji Pioneer

Red Lake Nation Foods and Minnestalgia becoming one Hannah LaVigne hlavigne@bemidjipioneer.com RED LAKE — Those who have bought jams, jellies or syrups from Red Lake Nations Food might not have known that after the juices were made they were sent all the way to a company in McGregor, Minn. called Minnestalgia. Dave Manuel, 59, originally from the Twin Cities area, has been coming up to Red Lake since he was a child, and now has been living in Red Lake for 16 years. Manuel has been making jams and Jellies for as long as he can remember — and has his own company called Muskrats Specialty Foods — and when he moved back up north, he was hired by the Red Lake Nation to help teach people how to use the resources that they have around them: how to plant gardens, eat healthier and use the soil. About two months ago he was hired at Red Lake Nations Foods, which is a local tribal-owned company, to take care of the food production side of things. Minnestalgia recently decided that they would be closing, and soon after Red Lake Nations Foods purchased the company. “It was a matter of necessity, just a smart move for us to create a few jobs, it was cost effective and just kept everything in house,” Manuel said. “When the owner of Minnestalgia decided that

Development — a nonprofit organization, who revamped the old Red Lake Nation college into their new building — making half the building a place where small shops can open. With the new building they also rebuilt a new commercial kitchen, so the production of jams, jellies and syrups moved from Harmony Co-op to the new kitchen for more practical reasons. Red Lake Nation Food is currently selling their products in different locations such as the Red Lake Trading Post, Harmony Co-op, area gift shops, regional casinos and on the Red Lake Nation Foods website. Their jams and jellies include: Wild Blueberry Jam, Wild Chokecherry Jelly, Highbush Cranberry Jelly, Wild Grape Jelly and Wild Plum Jelly. They also have an array of syrups such as Wild Chokecherry, Wild Blueberry, Real Maple, Wild Grape, Wild Plum and Highbush Cranberry. They also sell wild rice, batter mixes, teas, soup Submitted photo. mixes and more. All of the David Manuel makes jam for Red Lake Nation Foods. Manuel manages the food production aspects of the Red Lake products are made with all Nation Foods business. natural resources harvested in the Red Lake Nation. “My belief is that a he wanted to take time tribal members for an Mike Burr, the one mak- using the commercial strong Red Lake economy and focus on his health, income and all of that fruit ing all the products for kitchen at Harmony Foods makes a strong Bemiall of the equipment that would be shipped to Min- Minnestalgia, was hired Co-op in Bemidji to make dji economy and makes Minnestalgia owned went nestalgia, we wanted to to come to Red Lake to the jams, jellies and syra strong Beltrami econoup for sale,” Manuel con- keep it local. When they teach Manuel how to use ups for Red Lake Nation my.” Manuel said. tinued. “All of the raw hired me it was to kind of all of the equipment being Foods. But recently, Red Hannah LaVigne is a multimedia products were forged and pick up where Minnestal- transferred over. Lake Nations Food part- journalist for the Pioneer. She can be harvested by Red Lake gia left off.” reached at (218) 333-9772. Originally, Manuel was nered with 4-Directions

Submitted photo.

Chokecherry syrup is made at Red Lake Nation Foods.

$ VKHOI LV ¿OOHG ZLWK ORFDOO\ KDUYHVWHG MDPV MHOOLHV V\UXSV DQG ZLOG ULFH IURP 5HG /DNH 1DWLRQ )RRGV

AUTO GLASS ISSUES? Call us!

WE SPECIALIZE IN WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT W & REPAIR! ALL MAKES AND MODELS WELCOME!

FREE mini detail of your vehicle with windshield replacement in shop!

VOTED #1

BEMIDJI AREA -THE-

We work with all insurance companies & handle the paperwork for you!

211 Paul Bunyan Drive | Bemidji, MN (2 Doors West of Hardees)

218-444-7587 (PLUS) www.detailplusbemidji.com