Progress brainerd lakes area
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Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
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Edition
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Serving the Brainerd Lakes Area and Central Minnesota since 1881
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Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
NEW NAMES AND
FAMILIAR FACES Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch
In August, B2 Builders general contractors work on the multi-tenant building going up in front of Gander Outdoors along Highway 371 in Baxter. The building is expected to be home to two new restaurants.
CONTRIBUTE TO GROWTH By Renee Richardson Managing Editor
restaurant names included in documents developers filed with the city — namely Chipotle and Five Guys. Frantzick said Gander Outdoors has more products than the story ever had before and is also focused on being regionally relevant, meaning it has the supplies that match the local environment and partners with local manufacturers. He said the consumer response has already been strong and had them meeting their budget for June well before the month was over. In addition to the retail store, Gander Outdoors includes an entire recreational vehicles community within its walls in addition to the models in the outdoor display area, meaning people can walk through what feels like an indoor camping village complete with coolers, bicycles and lawn chairs to examine RVs in depth and in comfort no matter the weather. Gander Outdoors, Overton’s and Camping World are all part of the redevelopment. And another name was back in the mix as Ashley Furniture reported it was moving into Brainerd in the Westgate Mall in the former Herberger’s department store. Planet Fitness moved into the back portion of Herberger’s storage area but the retail store was left in limbo after Herberger’s went through bankruptcy and the parent company Bon-Ton closed
its stores after it couldn’t find investors for the company. Herberger’s had been around since 1927. It was Brainerd’s last department store when it closed late last summer. Shortly after shuttering all the stores, Herberger’s was back — at least online. CSC Generation, based in Indiana, acquired Bon-Ton’s intellectual property and announced plans to reopen in a handful of states — Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, while establishing itself as an e-commerce site. “When Herberger’s left the property due to bankruptcy it left a very large space to backfill,” Scot Snitker, of Lexington Realty, which owns and manages the mall, wrote in a news release. “Planet Fitness was the first step and now another great company in Ashley is the next step. I want to be clear it’s not the final step we are taking. We are aware of the other challenges and are working with other potential tenants and will have more exciting announcements soon.” Hallmark, Payless footwear and Dairy Queen were some of the more recent closings in Westgate Mall. Bette Mae’s is also closing. And there are other more long-term vacancies with dark storefronts in the mall from previous closings. These are challenging times for indoor malls, even in states where the winter
Investment, redevelopment and growth are all terms that could describe the start of 2019 in the Brainerd lakes area, as familiar names returned and new ventures began building. This summer marked the long-awaited return of Gander Outdoors with its major renovation along a highly visible section of Highway 371 in the heart of Baxter’s commercial strip. Redevelopment of the site has been a long process and the question of when Gander Outdoors would reopen was a common one for Baxter City Hall. Once the Walmart store, the building was shared by Gander Mountain and Ashley Furniture but part of the building remained vacant for years after Ashley Furniture closed in 2008. Several deals fell through at the Walmart-owned location, which at one point was expected to be home to Michaels craft store and Petco. The Minneapolis-based property development firm Oppidan Investment Co. purchased the site in 2014 with renewed redevelopment plans. When Gander Mountain was reborn from bankruptcy as Gander Outdoors in 2017, the company announced it would reopen the Baxter location in the spring of 2018. It took a little longer than that, but Gander Outdoors was back for a spring opening in 2019. Cory Frantzick, Gander Outdoors store manager, retail, said during a ceremony with Baxter city officials after the opening that other than perhaps Brainerd General Rental’s new building, he thought Gander was the best looking new addition to Baxter. “And we know that as a company you had a large decision to make as you were reorganizing and seeing the value in Baxter and making that investment we truly appreciate that,” said Brad Chapulis, Baxter city administrator. Chapulis said if Gander Outdoors, as a corporate leader, hadn’t made the investment to be here, the city wouldn’t be seeing the things happening around them. Those things included additional construction Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch with a building going up this summer Baxter city officials met with Gander Outdoors managers for an official ceremony to in front of Gander with two familiar welcome the redevelopment in the city and Gander’s return.
Unemployement rates as of June 2019
H Crow Wing County — 3.5% H Cass County — 4.2% H Wadena County — 4.9% H Todd County — 3.6% H Morrison County — 3.6% H Mille Lacs County — 4.1% H Aitkin County — 4.6%
climates make the indoor setting seem like a good fit. But changing consumer habits have foot traffic dropping at malls across the country, CNBC reported this spring quoting a report from data analytics firm Thasos. Thasos reported the good news for malls was retailers were able to draw in shoppers with promotions in 2018. “With more store closures likely on the horizon, consumers can expect to start seeing hotels, gyms, apartment complexes, more food halls and grocery stores at traditional malls, turning them into more like city centers,” CNBC reported. Coresight Research tracked 5,524 U.S. store-closure announcements in 2018, reporting the number was down 32% from 2017, however, the number of store closure announcements early in 2019 was up 23% compared to the same time in 2018. Other key findings from Coresight included e-commerce gains, retail bankruptcies continuing at a rapid pace, a high rate of consumer retail spending and store openings also at a rapid pace. Interest rates and tariffs all playing a part in the mix.
Comings, goings and comebacks
Long after the Great Recession reset how consumers and businesses thought about everything in terms of economic stability, and long after companies took the lessons of that extended economic downturn to be lean and efficient to survive, there were still surprise closings. Olive Garden has to top that list in the lakes area.
NEW NAMES: Page S4
Table of Contents New names and familiar faces contribute to growth................................................ S1 Destination Downtown Business Challenge......... S2 Bobcat of Brainerd thrives....................................... S3 Treasure City promises something for everyone.......S13 Storytellers in stone: Little Falls Granite Works.......S13 Starry Eyed Brewing Co. and Block North Brew Pub............................................S14 Dennis Drummond Wine Co................................S15
Strictly Mushrooms.................................................S25 Flower farms flourish................................................S25 Brambling Rows......................................................S26 Telecommuting and working from home ...........S27 Batcher Block Opera House...................................S37 Butler Building connects past and present...........S37 Northern Pacific Center ........................................S38 Need a ride? Area taxi or Lyft, options are there......................................................S39
Crosby-Ironton Courier: A century of community news..............................S39 Grand View Lodge..................................................S49 Kavanaugh’s Resort on Sylvan Lake .....................S49 Quarterdeck Dock 77..............................................S50 Rainbow Lawns........................................................S50 For companion videos and more photos to go with the stories profiled in the annual Progress Labor Day edition go to the Dispatch homepage where readers, viewers and listeners will find links to videos, photos and the Dispatch podcast -- DispatchCast.
Progress Edition 2019
S2 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
BRAINERD LOFTS Renee Richardson Managing Editor
Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch
Marie Kirsch, winner of the second Destination Downtown Business Challenge, is ready to give up her day job and go full time into her bakery as fall approaches.
DESTINATION DOWNTOWN TO BUILD ON MOMENTUM 3rd and final business contest has biggest prize, public vote for winner results exceeded expectations and this final chapter appears to be no exception. As applications trickled in slowly at Seventy-three applicants put their the beginning of the contest in June, dreams for their own downtown Brainerd Matt Kilian, Brainerd Lakes Chamber of business into motion this summer in the Commerce president, said he found himthird and final Destination Downtown self hoping to break 30 for the third and Business Contest. final contest. By the July 22 application Since the beginning of the contest, deadline, 73 applications were received, Renee Richardson Managing Editor
mirroring the number turned in last year. “My guess is that we received more than half of our applications over the final weekend,” Kilian stated. “Without revealing any specifics, I’d characterize this year’s ideas as the most unique and wide-ranging that we’ve ever seen.
Renovations in downtown Brainerd continued with the transformation of the former Downtown Mall — a massive structure with 28,000 square feet, and multiple floors for both commercial and residential space — into the Brainerd Lofts. Consisting of 12 retail units and 14 apartments of varying shapes and sizes, the Brainerd Lofts represents years of work. Brainerd Mayor Ed Menk, during an open house for the building, noted a significant roof leak was just one of the problems to overcome in the renovation efforts. Frozen storm sewers, about 38,000 pounds of gravel and about 14 huge, old air conditioners were all part of the weight wearing down the roof and pooling water. The gravel and air conditioners were removed and flooding issues fixed. Dave Pueringer, of Pueringer Investments, purchased the building on Seventh Street in downtown Brainerd. He said they got engineers involved, jacked the roof back up and went to work relieving the weight load. It was one of those projects where once they got into it, they finally had a better idea of what they were actually dealing with inside. Pueringer said the building was in rough shape. The month before the project opened its doors for an open house in mid-June, workers were reported to be putting in 10-12 hour days to complete the project. Pueringer said they did a great job and were probably out celebrating as he spoke to a gathering during the building’s June open house. Pueringer, a self-described fan of downtown Brainerd, said he thought the project would take about a year to reclaim, but it stretched over two years. “By making this a better building it helps my business, it helps everybody’s business,” Pueringer said at the open house. Numerous people took the opportunity to take tours of the building, which is actually made up of two buildings that were connected years ago. “So it took a little longer but it’s worth it I think,” Pueringer said of the renovation project.
DOWNTOWN: Page S5
BRAINERD LOFTS: Page S5
The Call of the Loon improvements, interpretive trails and new public docks.
Here in north-central Minnesota, the distinctive call of the common loon greets us as dawn breaks across the lakes and bids us good night as the sun sets behind the jack pines. In Minnesota, the loon is not just our state bird but an icon of the important role our environment plays in our quality of life.
With the goal of securing $4 million in grant funding, the Foundation presented the project to the Legislative–Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). At the heart of its presentation was the WSN-produced video, which clearly communicates the main points of the proposed Loon Center. The LCCMR approved the full amount requested, which covers 31 percent of the total project cost. The Foundation and its supporters continue to use the video and materials produced by WSN’s design and communications teams to gain more supporters and raise the rest of the funds needed.
Widseth Smith Nolting began working with the National Loon Center Foundation in 2017 to bring its vision for a National Loon Center to life. WSN’s architects and engineers prepared conceptual site plans, facility concepts, and renderings, and the communications team produced an informational video to help the Foundation visualize the possibilities and communicate its vision to supporters, the Crosslake community, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and funding agencies. The proposed project includes a new research facility and visitor center, shoreline
WSN’s storytelling and video production arm is a growing client service for the Brainerd area professional services firm. The team’s work has been used to promote the firm’s services as well
as to help clients publicize their businesses, services, development opportunities and information campaigns. The two-minute video produced for the National Loon Center recently received top honors in two national award programs: 1st Place Video, 2019 Marketing Excellence Awards, the Zweig Group; and the Award of Excellence, Video–Client Pursuit, 42nd Annual Marketing Communications Awards, Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS).
Landscaping and glass will create views and continuous flow between the outdoors and indoors, virtually bringing the water and docks into the Loon Center.
RENDERINGS COURTESY OF WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING
The concept for the first floor of the Ecosystem Experience is to give visitors an “underwater experience” and insight into the impact of invasive species on loons.
National Loon Center Coming to Crosslake in 2022 Rendering by Widseth Smith Nolting
Master Planning
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Architecture | Engineering | Surveying | Environmental
WidsethSmithNolting.com/loons
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Communications
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S3
Jennifer Kraus / Brainerd Dispatch
Bill Feyereisen of Bobcat of Brainerd sits in a Bobcat utility vehicle with the company mascot. The dog’s name is Lieutenant.
BOBCAT COMPANY THRIVES IN BRAINERD By Jennifer Kraus Staff Writer Bobcat of Brainerd is close to reaching its one year anniversary since opening its new facility in October 2018. The business has thrived since it opened its new 20,000-square-foot facility along Business Highway 371 on 5 acres, just south of Brainerd in Crow Wing Township at a site that formerly hosted the
Prairie to Pine Auto Sale business. Bobcat of Brainerd carries a broad selection of new and used inventory for sale or rent, as well as parts for all product lines. Bobcat of Brainerd also conducts service work with five bays, where the service department can accommodate full-sized machines, with five trained techs on staff to get the job done. Bobcat of Brainerd deals with large parts in support of the complete line of
Bobcat brand wheeled skid-steers, track loaders, Toolcat utility work vehicles, compact tractors and excavators. The business is a Bobcat, Doosan, Powerscreen, MultiQuip, Big Tow and Telsmith dealer. Bringing the full-service Bobcat business to Brainerd is something its parent company — THECO Inc. of Big Lake — discussed for some time, said Dan Olson, general manager of Bobcat of Brainerd.
Brian Dodd purchased THECO after the previous owner retired. The company has been around since 1988. THECO is a dealer in the Upper Midwest with brands in equipment for excavating, material-handling, screening, crushing, aggregate washing, conveying, compacting, grinding, shredding, chipping, recycling and dredging, its website stated.
BOBCAT: Page S6
Advertorial
Brainerd Savings & Loan continues to serve the Brainerd Lakes Area Brainerd Savings & Loan has been handling the banking needs of the Brainerd Lakes Area for nearly 100 years. At Brainerd Savings & Loan you are not just a customer you are an owner. The employees of Brainerd Savings & Loan believe that customers, with every visit, deserve excellent customer service. This Labor Day, and every day, they say thank you to their dedicated staff. Brainerd Savings & Loan’s staff of Universal Bankers has a whole array of products, services and tools to share with you. They look forward to visiting with you about everything from traditional banking to mobile banking, from local Visa® and CardValet®. Going above and beyond is just their way of doing business. They deliver on their commitments and take your financial needs seriously… they work for you and in your best interest. The Board of Directors and employees of Brainerd Savings & Loan are tuned in to this area. They spend time volunteering, serving in various city and county government roles. They volunteer for non-profits, schools and churches. This area is important to them because this area is also their home. Brainerd Savings & Loan is proud of its history and is excited about the future. They look forward to partnering with you to achieve your financial goals. Because of dedicated employees, committed leadership and sound financial philosophies Brainerd Savings & Loan will continue to be the area leader in the banking industry. Banking Your way… whenever and wherever you want it.
Brainerd Savings & Loan employees continue the nearly 100 year tradition of personal banking service in the Lakes Area. We all look forward to serving you by providing solutions for all of Your banking needs. Brainerd Branch 524 South Sixth Street Brainerd, MN 56401 Phone|218.829.5183 Fax|218.829.7078
Drive Up Hours: Monday & Friday 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Lobby Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Drive-up ATM 24/7
Online Branch Brainerdsavings.com Open 24/7 Online Banking | Mobile Banking | Mobile Deposit | Loan Applications
In Your Best Interest.
In Your Best Interest. NMLS #410361
Progress Edition 2019
S4 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
NEW NAMES From Page S1
The Baxter restaurant closed March 31. Olive Garden’s following was visible in the packed restaurant as customers tried to get their fill of the house salad and breadsticks and their favorite entrees before it closed. The restaurant, with the ability to seat 246, opened in the fall of 2012, creating about 150 jobs. Now a “permanently closed” sign hangs on the exterior. “We always have to look at the trade areas that we’re in, and it boils down to a business decision,” said Jerid Courneya, director of operations at the Baxter restaurant, of the lakes area customer base this past spring. “Unfortunately, we thought the trade area was just not where we wanted it to be, so we are going to be closing.” Olive Garden wasn’t the only eatery to shutter its operation. Construction started on Tim Hortons in the fall of 2016 in the vacant lot next to Wendy’s along Washington Street in West Brainerd. By the spring of 2019, Tim Hortons’ venture into Minnesota came to an abrupt end. When the Canada-based Timbits doughnut hole maker announced an expansion into Minnesota, it reported development commitments planned out for 14 years. Minnesota seemed a likely expansion spot with its shared border and Brainerd was one of the first locations chosen. “It just feels like the demographics and character of the town feels a lot like Canada,” said Paul Durigon, CEO of Restaurant Development Partners, the developer of the Tim Hortons brand in Minnesota, of Brainerd. “It just felt like it was a good area to locate. We thought
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Kevin Stumpf pauses in the dining room of Baxter Cafe and Catering. The restaurant recently launched a new and expanded menu. a lot of Brainerd, putting it in our top five. It just felt like it was a good area to locate.” It all came to a fast end in May as Tim Hortons stores started closing in the state. “There have been signs of trouble over the past couple of years, with legal rifts between Tim Hortons and Restaurant Development Partners,” the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reported in May, noting “in 2017 Tim Hortons sued Restaurant Development Partners and seven of its Minnesota franchises for allegedly failing to pay franchise fees. “Tim-Minn Inc., a company wholly owned by Restaurant Development Part-
Economic impact by country
H Minnesota’s leisure and hospitality industry, 2015. Gross sales, State sales tax, Private sector County, employment H Aitkin
$21,328,250
$1,456,08
500
H Cass
$106,542,041
$6,606,764
1,789
H Crow Wing
$228,963,084
$14,295,461
4,048
H Mille Lacs
$51,041,466
$2,833,706
948
H Morrison $43,950,895 $3,011,919 H Todd
$22,519,414
$1,490,994
1,043 358
H Wadena $17,100,732 $1,153,291 381 H Region Total (17 counties)
$1,247,288,632
$81,222,086
26,971
Source: Explore Minnesota using data from the Minnesota Department of Revenue, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
ners, sued Tim Hortons earlier this year, alleging that the company used misleading information to lure Tim-Minn into taking interest in its Minnesota expansion.” But there may be another option in the community in the future. Perhaps Dunkin’ Donuts — which previously planned to open in Brainerd in 2016 across from Walgreens where Corral Auto is now before changing plans — may be interested in the Tim Hortons’ site. In August, a Dunkin’ Donuts representative stated in an email, “Dunkin’ Donuts is proactively scouting the area for development opportunities in the Brainerd/Baxter market and looks forward to serving the community in the future.” While small independent shops as well as chain stores were among recent closures, other stores added recently included the Four Seasons Car Wash next to Radco in Baxter and the anticipated arrival of Firehouse Subs along Highway 371 by Culver’s and Menards. Burger King was among the comebacks this summer after a sudden closure. Brainerd Burger King closed in the spring of 2018 after its owners filed bankruptcy documents. It was one of nine shuttered Burger Kings in the state that closed abruptly. But this summer, action started at the fast-food restaurant with renovations inside and out to reclaim what sat idle. And signs went up announcing Burger King was back and hiring. It wasn’t the only closed facility getting a fresh look and a fresh start.
Quality Inn & Suites opened in south Brainerd just off South Sixth Street along with a new restaurant called the Brainerd Family Restaurant. The new enterprise is two hotels in one property with rooms near the front lobby area Quality Inn & Suites and rooms that extend off the north side as an EconoLodge. The restaurant is operated independently by Sam and Julie Maksutosk, who moved their family to Brainerd for the opportunity to have their own place focused on comfort food or homestyle favorites. Most recently the 148-room hotel was known as the Brainerd Hotel and Conference Center, which closed in 2013. The hotel has operated under a variety of flags over the years, including the Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn and Red Roof Inn. The restaurant has also carried a number of names in that time such as the Green Mill. The Green Mill closed in the spring of 2004 and moved to Baxter, opening in the fall of that year next to Baja Sol Tortilla Grill in the North Pointe Center. Both of those restaurants are now long gone. The Green Mill’s vacated space on South Sixth Street was later known by Buffalo Creek restaurant and Renata’s Restaurant and Lounge. The property has a long history in Brainerd going back to the 1970s. Surrounded by residential neighborhoods, businesses and health care facilities, the Brainerd Family Restaurant remains on a busy stretch of Business Highway 371/ South Sixth Street, albeit not the major thoroughfare it once was when all traffic on Highway 371 flowed past its doors. The property is independently owned by Twin Cities Hospitality LLC under a license by Choice Hotels International. The Minneapolis-based Twin Cities Hospitality purchased a number of hotels in recent years, including the Holiday Inn on the east side of St. Paul, according to the Star Tribune, and the Coates Plaza Hotel in Virginia, Minn., according to the Superior Chamber of Commerce in Wisconsin.
Rebranding and retooling
The Baxter Cafe & Catering in Baxter, formerly Country Kitchen, also did a revamp, ending the franchise relationship to become an independent restaurant. Owner Kevin Stumpf said he started thinking of it about three years ago when he knew his franchise contract was coming up. “I kept looking at what did Country Kitchen brand really give me … for the franchise fee I had to pay every month there just wasn’t enough there for the value. It used to be.”
NEW NAMES: Page S7
Advertorial
Stay Once... You’ll be Hooked by Sue Ready
Looking for a destination that offers a rustic cabin style feeling with hotel conveniences in the heart of Brainerd lakes? Arrowwood Lodge in Baxter has a lodge feeling with its 102 cozy, cabin-inspired rooms and suites. A virtual tour of the rooms is available at www.arrowwoodbrainerd.com along with an updated list of room specials and lodge promotions. A complimentary hot breakfast buffet starts your day with a variety of delicious items. While Arrowwood Lodge is a family friendly resort they’re also attentive to the needs of business guests, with a 7,500-square-foot state-of-the-art flexible meeting conference and event space. It’s an ideal space for board meetings, training workshops and retreats. The Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes offers the perfect venue. The Sand Ballrooms covering 5,200-square feet offer versatility and endless possibilities ideal for both social and business events including wedding receptions, family reunions, seminars and trade shows. Arrowwood Lodge can give you the wedding of your dreams. Wedding facilities include access to an outdoor courtyard with a pergola perfect for a wedding ceremony and a wedding planner available to assist in the planning process. Award-win-
ning culinary full service catering and event management are available for all events. One can’t help being impressed with the Paul Bunyan Waterpark, a top lodge attraction with 30,000 square feet of indoor fun. It’s available free to hotel guests and open to the public for a fee. The waterpark area includes a tube and body slide, zero depth entry, snack bar and basketball hoops. Their indoor-outdoor hot tub is the largest in the area. Private party rooms are available for your next birthday party. Don’t forget to visit the Gold Mine Arcade next door with a stunning array of arcade games. Hungry? Treat yourself to a stop at Baxter Bar and Grill offering many locally sourced foods with daily lunch and dinner specials with homemade desserts prepared by chef Rick Zontelli. Look for posted daily drink specials and a newly added specialty coffee bar. Room service for guests and take-outs available for the public add to your dining options. Thinking of planning a family reunion, special gathering or birthday party? Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes is a destination not to be overlooked. Check their website for upcoming promotions and holiday specials.
Baxter’s Bar & Grill at Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes
Come in and check out our new menu. Plus, we have Daily Specials for food and drinks!
Happy Labor Day! Baxter’s Bar & Grill (218) 822 - FOOD
6967 Lake Forest Road Baxter, MN
www.arrowwoodbrainerd.com
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S5
DOWNTOWN
nalists are assigned to a consultant with the Small Business Development Center From Page S2 to help them craft a business plan. Greg Bergman, the center’s director, said the “They include restaurants, retailers, work can be a reality check and has been professional services, creative spaces, described by contestants as time-intenactivities for kids and families, and the sive. But Bergman said it is all based on list goes on and on. Some are so unique helping them get the best product so they that I’m not sure that similar businesses can move on to the next round. The judgexist anywhere in Minnesota.” es then review the plan and hear up to 10 The Destination Downtown Business presentations. All contestants will be able Contest judges planned to meet the last to take the Small Business Development week of July to narrow the entries from Center’s workshop Going into Business 73 to 10 semifinalists. Kilian said the for Yourself free of charge. Nate Grotzke, Destination Downtown entrepreneurs who make up the Top 10 will immediately begin the process of site Committee chair, said getting down to the semifinalists is easier but judges selection and business planning. The top three finalists will be chosen in spend a lot of time when it’s down to the last 10 applicants before deciding on the early October. New this year, a public vote will deter- final three. To help the public make a decision, mine the contest winner and all three finalists will receive substantial priz- Widseth Smith Nolting will create es after the total prize package was two-minute videos about the applicant and their proposal. The winner will be increased to $135,000. The grand prize winner will receive a announced at the chamber Celebration of prize package of $65,000, with $35,000 Excellence on Nov. 21. each going to the runners-up. “It’s the biggest and best prize that Building on momentum For the 2018 contest winner, Marie we’ve offered to date,” Kilian said during the June launch party announcing twists Kirsch, adding the construction and for this year’s final contest. “So it’s a big, building resources is a key component. big incentive to get your business idea in Kirsch looked at a number of locations and plans before finding what she the running.” The online voting for one week, coor- thought was the best fit — taking up part dinated by CTC, is tentatively scheduled of the Rumbly Hall building in what was once the Iron Rail and long before that Nov. 10-16. Kilian said the grassroots coalition of the J.C. Penney store when downtown about two dozen organizations decided was a hub for all the major retailers. The pressed tin ceiling is still there to stop after the third contest because from those downtown department store they felt three was enough and they felt days. Kirsch has a grant to help rehab they made good headway. This year, two new prize sponsors were added including the front of the building on Laurel Street Hy-Tec Construction, which is providing and bring back the full windows comconstruction consulting and 80 hours plete with refurbished awnings. It will be of carpentry services and Builders First a continuation of the restoration efforts Source offering a store credit of $2,000 property brothers Nick and Joe Phelps for building materials for the winner and began just down the block with The $1,000 for each runner-up. The semifi- Crossing Arts Alliance, the Lakes Area Music Festival, Vaenn Har Hair Salon and the first Destination Downtown winner Brenda Billman-Arndt’s Purple Fern Bath Co. By the numbers “The momentum the Destination The entrepreneurial spirit was alive Downtown contest brought has been realand well in the lakes area with ly amazing for Brainerd,” Billman-Arndt scores of people putting their busisaid on a late summer afternoon in her ness idea forward to be part of the shop with sunlight streaming through Downtown Destination Business the windows and traffic moving along the Challenge. street outside. “I see new people coming H 49 applicants submitted their ideas downtown every day.” in 2017. She said people who grew up here or H 73 followed through in 2018. haven’t been here for a while, see a difH 73 submitted applications in 2019. ference.
DOWNTOWN: Page S8 Advertorial
Superior Masonry & Fireplaces by Brock White By Carissa Andrews
Serving the Brainerd lakes area since 1978, Brock White specializes in supplying masonry products, fireplaces, and landscape products for both commercial and residential projects. They provide exceptional customer service, combined with a wide variety of materials, accessories, tools, and supplies. Clients can count on the team at Brock White for product expertise and incredible customer service. Construction professionals can also take solace in Brock White’s ability to deliver products to the worksite location. With the cold winter months on the horizon, there is nothing better to warm home and heart, than a beautiful, handcrafted fireplace. Add an element of warmth and elegance to a living room or bring a touch of the indoors outside by incorporating an outdoor fireplace in an exterior living space. Brock White is the lakes area’s place to go for both woodburning and gas fireplaces and stoves. Clients can count on the customer-oriented team of specialists to provide expert insight on purchasing decisions and access to the latest products and materials. Brock White has a wide range of stone suppliers including Buechel Stone, Montana Rockworks, Glacier Stone, Krukowski
Stone and Boral Stone. Choose between full bed or thin veneer stone. Brock White also carries geotextiles, shoreland restoration and erosion control products from leading manufacturers. Baxter Brock White manager Travis Ohman takes pride in his team’s ability to provide clients with the tools and experience needed to stay current on the latest exterior landscaping trends. “We offer products from some of the best manufacturers in the country. We’re known for our exceptional customer service and provide materials to construction professionals and homeowners at great prices. With numerous stores throughout the Midwest, we can get almost anything construction-related and get it fast.” Ohman also said, “Our local branch here in Brainerd/Baxter does gas fireplace service. We are NFI (National Fireplace Institute) certified and can get the fireplace cleaned and working like new.” Conveniently located in Baxter, Brock White provides clients with superior service, combined with expert insight on the latest trends in fireplaces. Hurry in to take advantage of the fall sales happening now, or visit www.BrockWhite.com for a complete list of materials and products.
Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch
People tour the Brainerd Lofts during an open house in June. Formerly the Downtown Mall, renovations took nearly two years to transform the building into 12 retail units and 14 apartments.
BRAINERD LOFTS From Page S2
The Lofts are one of a small collection of buildings in the Brainerd with a public elevator. The building has commercial space on the lower levels and apartments on the third floor. Apartment prices range from $375 to $595 and $635 to $695 with a number of configurations, including a unit with a large private deck. “They are like brand new. We gutted everything and started over,” Pueringer said. “We have a lot of apartments in town and these are what people want and they are the nicest units in town now bar none. We really spent some money on them.” Along the hallways, colorful photos dot the walls. Pueringer took the photos during his travels to China, Jamaica, Singapore and Roatan — a Caribbean island. He also did the artwork on colored panels on the third floor to help break up the white walls. The apartments, with good-sized windows and even some with private decks, had new fixtures, new appliances, chocolate carpeting, tile and simulated wood floor made out of porcelain. “They don’t scratch the way wood does,” Pueringer said. He said 36 security cameras monitor the exterior and interior. Apartment
renters have key fob entrances but without access to the retail store area or offices. Five parking spaces are in the back of the building with options for parking nearby. “I own a lot of downtown buildings and when this one came up it had problems obviously and when I bought it, I knew that I could make it into a good building — one that’s going to be, oh, a star for downtown Brainerd — something that will draw businesses in and it will draw people in and it will draw good people in,” Pueringer said. “And that’s what we need in downtown. We need the kind of people that will invest in businesses and things that will work and we need good people that will rent. Before I bought it, it was in pretty rough shape. It was time to change the image, so this really will be an image changer for downtown Brainerd as far as the type of clientele you see for apartments and kind of stores you’ll see.” Pueringer said in Baxter, renting commercial space means paying about $35 a square foot per year and in downtown Brainerd in these buildings can be rented for about $1 per square foot, meaning tenants can do a lot less business and still put a lot more money in their pockets.
BRAINERD LOFTS: Page S8
S6 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
The front entrance of Bobcat of Brainerd off Business Highway 371, south of Brainerd.
Advertorial
Employees Become Owners at RiverWood Bank
BOBCAT From Page S3
In a telephone interview, Dodd said the company wanted to open a Bobcat branch in northern Minnesota for some time. Dodd said it was a goal of both THECO and Bobcat to open another facility as the business is seeing growth. “There has been a big gap in (the Brainerd) area for some time,” Dodd said of Bobcat dealer and services. “There is a big need. “It’s going very well, and more importantly it has been the community that received us — everybody up there and all the contractors have really embraced us. It’s important for us to take care of the customers. People have expectations on the Bobcat equipment they run and we want to live up to those expectations. We, as a company, pride ourself on our service to the customers, paying attention to their needs and that is what we want to convey to the Brainerd market.” Dodd said Bobcat of Brainerd is a good fit with THECO, as it is a business already known in the industry with a majority of its customers from the aggregate industry who do crushing and screening. “The most important thing for people to know is the Bobcat of Brainerd store is there for the everyday homeowners all the way to the large general contractors doing large street projects,” Dodd said. The business will send its techs to the home or farm of a customer, who don’t have a trailer to haul their Bobcat or piece of equipment to the nearest Bobcat facility to be serviced, making it more convenient for the customer. Olson said most of its customers at the Brainerd location are from Crow Wing, Morrison and Cass counties. Since it opened, Olson said they have sold about 175 units. “Business is going really good,” said Olson, whose duties are to oversee the entire operation, complete paperwork and to meet with customers. “We are trying to build a brand here. “We are dealing with incoming and outgoing equipment and machines that come in and go through a process and our service techs are working on them, while our sales guys are out selling.”
By Carissa Andrews
Celebrating Labor Day means a little bit more at RiverWood Bank this year. In October of 2018, they launched an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), resulting in nearly 100 employees becoming employeeowners with a vested interest in their future.
management, and investors from the communities they serve. It’s important to note that no one shareholder has a controlling interest in the bank. In addition, the board governing RiverWood Bank, as well as all employee-owners, live, work and volunteer in their local communities. In fact, they proudly share “Our employees have always been our number that in 2018, nearly 1,800 hours of volunteerism were one asset and we wanted to reward them for their served. dedication and expertise to our customers,” explained RiverWood Bank founder and CEO Paul Means. RiverWood’s anticipates being an ESOP will provide an advantage in attracting and retaining the very best Formed 16 years ago, RiverWood Bank serves nine people to join their team. They also believe it provides northern and central Minnesota communities. employees the opportunity to benefit from the overall Locally, you can stop in to have a cup of Stonehouse success of the bank, which employees help to create. coffee at their Baxter branch near Target, or visit their branch in Crosslake along County Road 66. They “Becoming an employee-owner of RiverWood Bank provide personal and business banking services, has made me even more committed to helping our including residential mortgages, commercial banking, bank be successful in the long run,” said Josh Rardin, cash management services and more. senior credit analyst. “Being an owner of a business is a dream for many If you’d like to learn more about RiverWood Bank, and now it’s my reality,” said Jaime Rowlette, Assistant becoming an employee-owner, and their employee Vice President / Mortgage Lender. stock ownership plan, connect with Bruce Kennedy, Baxter branch president, at 218-316-3786 or visit RiverWood Bank is privately held, with a number www.RiverWoodBank.com. of shareholders, including employees, senior
BOBCAT: Page S9
FOR YOUR
INFO Bobcat of Brainerd
H City: Brainerd H Number of Employees: 11. H Did you know?: Bobcat of Brainerd has a mascot at its facility. His name is Lieutenant and he is an 8-year-old chow/ golden retriever.
Employee-Owners WORKING FOR YOU RiverWood Bank is now employee-owned, so you have the opportunity to work with an owner every day. Stop by or call us today.
RiverWoodBank.com MEMBER FDIC
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Shawn Coil, the service manager/shop foreman of the service department at Bobcat of Brainerd, checks out the Bobcat compact loader in the shop this summer. Coil has 40 years of experience in the diesel field working on different pieces of equipment, mostly heavy truck.
BAXTER | 14540 Dellwood Drive | 218-824-8400
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
NEW NAMES From Page S4
Stumpf said the chain, which seemed ubiquitous, was now down to about 30 restaurants from nearly 200 restaurants all over the United States and Canada. Stumpf knew the chain from the inside out working for corporate for years and traveling in Canada once a month as a franchise consultant in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, as well as being a franchisee. Enough time passed on a one-year non-compete agreement that Stumpf is now able to go beyond the basic menu the restaurant offered after leaving the franchise and rebranding as Baxter Cafe & Catering. A much expanded four-color menu is back to offering skillets, more crafted burgers, classic meals of meatloaf and country fried steak, a ribbie basket with a half- or whole-rack for 2 pounds of ribs, and a heavily expanded breakfast items. The expanded menu started in early August. A signature piece is the Baxter Breakfast — two eggs, toast, bagel or pancakes, meat, and hash browns. “Everybody says that we literally have the best pancakes they’ve ever eaten,” Stumpf said. The restaurant also offers a gluten-free meatloaf that uses corn meal instead of wheat, which is the signature dinner item for seniors and the regular menu. As for sandwiches, the popular one is the patty melt but Stumpf said he hopes it will become the double bacon cheeseburger with the Baxter Cafe’s special sauce. Inside the menu are lots of references to the area’s railroad and lumber history. While it seems lakes area residents and visitors eat out regularly, there is a lot of competition for those dollars that continues to grow. Stumpf said he recently used an online aggregator that listed 154 restaurants in the Brainerd lakes area, which included grocery stores with salad bars. “There are restaurants galore, so what we tried to do is specialize in the cafe end,” Stumpf said noting they close at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and stay open until 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and close at 3 p.m. on Sundays. While the Baxter Cafe has a core group of regulars, Stumpf said they are also seeing more business customers for lunch. “You can come in and get a lunch from us and it takes 10 minutes after you order,” he said. “Our goal is to have nothing in the kitchen after 10 minutes. Our goal is to get the food to the customer as quick as we can. … They can also call ahead.” The cafe also does takeout and Door-
Progress Edition 2019
Dash is now delivering orders and they are getting more and more pickup orders. Stumpf also said the catering side of the business was growing with repeat commercial customers, breakfast meetings, and business groups and others, including a funeral menu. The catering business handles small groups up to 150-160. The restaurant employs about 15. Stumpf said they also accommodate special requests, for those on a keto diet or gluten free or vegetarian. And two major retail centers — Target and Walmart — also made changes to react to an evolving marketplace. Walmart completed a major remodel and added free, same-day grocery pickup this year with certified shoppers picking items placed with online orders and loading customer’s vehicles at the curbside pickup. Walmart noted the service is free and prices through Walmart Online Grocery are the same as in-store and it follows a number of changes last year designed to improve the shopping experience inside the story and make it easier to order online and pickup items or shop in the store, in addition to the groceries. Target is in the process of adding drive-thru lanes and is undergoing a remodel as well. More services were also added to the lakes area from Instacart to Food Dudes and DoorDash to provide delivery of groceries and from a growing list of restaurants. On the ice cream front, Dairy Queen moved out of the Westgate Mall and remodeled a former KFC on Brainerd’s east side into a new DQ Grill & Chill with drive-thru. And in Crosby, Victual opened in a reclaimed historic storefront offering a store with artisan cheeses, charcuterie (French for cured meats and pâtés), packaged gourmet foods, specialty distilled liqueurs and fine wines, dinnerware, cocktail accessories, gifts and what the owners describe as a super premium ice cream from Rave Creamworks that just happens to also be lactose free. As Pine River did in the recent past, Little Falls and Crosby and Ironton had to contend with major road construction projects that can be more than daunting for businesses depending on summer traffic to keep them going through leaner winter days.
Micropolitan and tourism
The Brainerd micropolitan draws from communities around the region and tourism continues to be a major economic engine in the lakes area and a major player in the state. Spending a Sunday afternoon watching continuous traffic flow through the economic beating heart that is the highway 371/210 intersection
CTC’s Annual Meeting Focused on “Mission: Possible”
CTC’s annual meeting drew nearly 500 members to the Brainerd Curling Club on Wednesday, June 5, 2019.
Earlier this summer nearly 500 CTC members joined eight board members and 64 employees as they celebrated some of CTC’s “Mission: Possible” moments. Held at the Brainerd Curling Club, the crowd was treated to lunch and giveaways during the cooperative’s annual meeting. Throughout the event, they highlighted three areas of CTC’s mission: members, employees, and communities. EMPOWERING THEIR MEMBERS The experiences that CTC’s members have are paramount to the Cooperative’s success. Whether it’s expanding their service area or working through price increases from their providers, CTC is determined to deliver the best services and experience to their members. For instance, in 2018 CTC was the first telecommunications company in Minnesota to be awarded a grant through the USDA’s Community Connect program. This $2.1 million award is bringing broadband services to a portion of Todd County including the Fawn Lake community, Philbrook, a portion of Moran Township and some surrounding areas. During the 2018 construction season, they installed fiber optics in the City of Long Prairie, which has given residents and businesses the broadband connections they’ll need for years to come. EMPOWERING THEIR EMPLOYEES Over the past year, CTC’s team worked to rebrand the company. From a traditional phone company to a robust broadband provider – their new brand better matches their vision. They were thrilled when NTCA: The Rural Broadband Association took notice and
awarded CTC with a 2018 Marketing Excellence Award for the new branding. EMPOWERING THEIR COMMUNITIES The partnerships that CTC has with area electric cooperatives and municipalities has helped to bring much-needed services to underserved or unserved areas of the state. For instance, last year they continued to work side-by-side with Arrowhead Electric Cooperative, Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative, and Northeast Service Cooperative. By partnering with these organizations they’re able to collectively reach more businesses and residents than they would alone. CTC’s community involvement goes beyond partnerships as their financial contributions to local organizations neared $50,000 last year. While they’re honored to support numerous organizations, they’re incredibly proud of the Smiles for Jake movement, a local movement to eliminate suicide and provide hope to all. “As we celebrate 67 years of service, we look forward to a future filled with Mission: Possible moments and wish you a safe and enjoyable fall and winter season,” said Kristi Westbrock, CTC’s Chief Executive Officer / General Manager.
Area representatives joined CTC staff and board members for a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony on May 20, 2019 at Sylvan Shores Clubhouse in Browerville, marking the start of construction on new fiber broadband in the area.
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S7
is visible proof of the pull for tourism and seasonal or weekend residents. This year, Grand View Lodge in Nisswa completed a $30 million expansion, including a boutique hotel, guest lodging and recreation center. Grand View Lodge reported it was set to “become Minnesota’s largest resort” with the May 2019 debut of the 60-room boutique hotel, which brought the number of accommodations to 269 cottages, vacation homes and hotel rooms, which can accommodate as many as 1,500 guests. Beyond the lakes and resorts, attractions like Brainerd International Raceway, now in its 51st year, continue to draw people to the area with 100,000 people expected through the BIR gates for the NHRA Nationals in August. Track owner Kristi Copham said they are looking at the potential to add a couple of events that also have the ability to draw spectators from across the country. The tourism industry brought in $15.3 billion in gross sales in Minnesota in 2017, compared to $11.9 billion in 2011. Explore Minnesota, the state’s tourism department, reported sales at leisure and hospitality businesses grew more than 28% from 2011 to 2017. The gross sales in the leisure and hospitality industry for Crow Wing County listed by Explore Minnesota at $228,963,084 in 2015 outpaced every county in central Minnesota except Stearns County’s $324,690,734 and in Greater Minnesota (excluding the Twin Cities) was only behind St. Louis County with $552,268,576 and Olmsted County with $473,309,455.
Inside Progress
Inside the pages of this year’s Progress edition there are numerous stories of entrepreneurs and fresh start beginnings, and there may be people finding a way to pursue their dreams in unexpected markets or opportunities to telecommute readers may not realize are in the lakes area.
More online
In addition to the printed page, the Dispatch has compiled additional ways to experience these stories through videos, photo galleries and the Dispatch podcast DispatchCast. We urge readers, viewers and listeners to take advantage of experiencing these stories through multiple mediums.
VIDEO For videos on 2019 Progress Edition stories go to www.brainerddispatch.com
2016 Consumer Spending Crow Wing County
H Apparel & Services: Total dollars $44,407,138. Average Spent $1,633.58
H Education: Total $27,848,917 Average Spent $1,024.46 H Entertainment/Recreation: Total $68,703,136 Average Spent $2,527.34 H Food at Home: Total $119,841,518 Average Spent $4,408.53 H Food Away from Home: Total $70,233,776 Average Spent $2,583.64 H Health Care: Total $134,826,636 Average Spent $4,959.78 H Household Furnishings and Equipment: Total $40,568,466 Average Spent $1,492.37 H Personal Care Products and Services: Total $17,075,237 Average Spent $628.14 H Shelter: Total $335,191,700 Average Spent $12,330.48 H Support Payments/Cash Contributions/Gifts in Kind: Total $56,852,112 Average Spent $2,091.38 H Travel: Total $41,273,404 Average Spent $1,518.30 H Vehicle Maintenance & Repairs: Total $ $25,312,461 Average Spent $931.15 Data Note from Esri via the Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation: Consumer spending shows the amount spent on a variety of goods and services by households that reside in the area. Expenditures are shown by broad budget categories that are not mutually exclusive. Consumer spending does not equal business revenue. Total and Average Amount Spent Per Household represent annual figures. All categories spent less in the area than the national average. Source: Consumer Spending data are derived from the 2013 and 2014 Consumer Expenditure Surveys, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Esri. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 Summary File 1. Esri forecasts for 2016 and 2021 Esri converted Census 2000 data into 2010 geography.
S8 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
DOWNTOWN From Page S5
“I hear it,” Billman-Arndt said. “They see a different downtown. It’s fun to hear and see their responses, you know, from looking outside in — there is an obvious change.” Billman-Arndt has been on both sides of the contest as applicant and a judge. “That was a really neat perspective to be on the other end of it,” she said. They also took her input to give contestants more time to prepare a business plan. The Purple Fern has been open more than a year now. Billman-Arndt said she doesn’t regret making the move to leave her job and start her own business. “It’s been a really exciting year. I’ve had my ups. I’ve had my downs and probably everything in between just like any small business owner, but no regrets. I’m really excited to be a part of this and be on the ground floor helping to revitalize downtown Brainerd.” Now Billman-Arndt is working along with Kirsch and others on a Destination Downtown Brainerd Coalition to keep the momentum from the contest going, organize events and market downtown. Their plan includes a website to provide one spot as a resource for updates and event information. Billman-Arndt said she’d love to see more businesses locate downtown, businesses that will contribute unique offerings and shopping. “We’re all working toward a common goal,” she said. “We’re not going to let the momentum go away.” The coalition, with subcommittees, is looking at banners and flowers to create a downtown experience. And it has talked about a pop-up retail program where a business could open a shop with a short-term lease — say November and December. Billman-Arndt makes soaps and bath bombs and hosts classes so shoppers can make their own for everything from birthdays to bachelorette parties. “I love this space,” Billman-Arndt said. “I love being here. I see people come back over and over again. I love making those relationships.”
Knotty Pine Bakery
While Billman-Arndt now has more than a year under her belt, things are just beginning in earnest for Kirsch, who was at her University of Minnesota Extension Service job for the last day Friday, Aug. 1, before making the move to her business full time. “Things are really picking up for me,” Kirsch said. Not only was Kirsch ending her full time job, but she was baking 90 pies for Park Methodist Church food
Progress Edition 2019
booth at the Crow Wing County Fair as well as checking on the construction work, where she brought a pie for the work crew as well. She’s described her bakery as a modern take on her grandmother’s kitchen. Kirsch has been operating a home-based bakery since 2016 with the dream of her own storefront — the kind of place she looked for when she moved back to Brainerd from Chicago. The inspiration to return to the lakes area gained prominence after she was with family in Nisswa for her grandmother’s 80th birthday celebration. Her dream to create a bakery with goods made from scratch and from sustainably raised ingredients is growing ever closer. Hy-Tec Construction crews were working steadily on the space this summer. Plans call for a large commercial kitchen, a room for classes on baking or parties that can be used for additional seating when needed. Customers will be able to have a seat at the counter. A window will allow a view of what’s going on in the kitchen. “Once the walls went up, it was like oh yeah, this is happening,” Kirsch said during a walk-through of the construction area where the rooms were fleshed out with 2x4s outlining the space to come. The bakery will have the high ceilings that were part of the original construction and give view to that detailed ceiling. “You can kind of picture this being this big department store,” Kirsch said. She was looking forward to seeing the counter seating go in, imagining customers coming in for coffee and some pie during a downtown shopping trip. She credits the contest with giving her the impetus to move forward with her plan. “I don’t know if I’d be here without that whole experience,” she said of the contest. “I just needed that little push.” The contest, she said, helped make her feel comfortable with her business idea and gave her the confidence that she could do it. “Going through that whole business plan process and just kind of knowing that you have the community behind you, knowing that there are all these other people that want you to succeed is really inspiring and just gives you a little more confidence to go into something that is really a huge undertaking and a really big risk.” Kirsch took out a small business loan for construction costs, equipment and operating costs the first year. As with any business, there are a lot of unknowns as far as what sales will be the first year.
DOWNTOWN: Page S10
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch
Brainerd Lofts opens in a renovated 28,000-square-foot building on Seventh Street, which actually represents two buildings that were connected years ago.
Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch
Apartment prices range from $375 to $595 and $635 to $695 with a number of configurations, including a unit with a large private deck.
BRAINERD LOFTS
Redevelopment Authority, he noted the work there with Jennifer Bergman to From Page S5 help with grant dollars for some of the structures and the businesses coming “There is room here for some nice in as a result. businesses and some nice growth,” “I’m looking at the future of downPueringer said. “It’s going to be a good town Brainerd as a place to put busiattraction.” ness and things,” he said, adding peoPueringer said the project was chal- ple ask him what he sees in Brainerd. lenging but fun. “I see Baxter is expanding, but “It’s really been a pleasure for me Brainerd is an opportunity waiting to putting this building together,” he happen. For a while when the highway said, adding he likes making things moved, a lot of businesses moved out and putting things together with a and now we’re seeing businesses come wonderful crew to work with who did back into the area. You can operate very all the day-to-day effort. affordably in downtown Brainerd.” Improvements included effiThere is room here for some nice cient furnaces, air conditioning, LED businesses and some nice growth, lights, updated plumbing along with Pueringer said. fiber optics throughout the building, “This whole area is really changing Pueringer said. rapidly here and I just see everything Pueringer said he sees downtown moving up for Brainerd.” Brainerd as a great place to invest, noting he’s been downtown for a long Richardson, managing editor, may be reached at time, buying buildings and he still has Renee 218-855-5852 or renee.richardson@brainerddispatch. a lot of them. Looking at what is hap- com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ pening with the Brainerd Housing and DispatchBizBuzz.
Advertorial
Volunteer ‘EXECs’ Play Critical in BLAEDC’s Success
with businesses one on one. The Natural Resources for Economic Development, led by Lake Shore Mayor Kevin Egan and the Initiative Foundation’s Mike Burton, is an example of an EXECs initiative. Their focus is our minerals, peat, gravel and forests and how it may impact our community.
Attracting business and growing jobs is a tricky – and very competitive - proposition for communities. Every city and town from coast to coast wants to bring in new business with good-paying jobs to bolster their local economies. The Brainerd lakes area is no different. But communities in Crow Wing County have had great success over the years thanks to the Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation (BLAEDC), its dedicated staff and a lengthy roster of seasoned business professionals who eagerly chip in to help. These volunteers graciously give their time and talents to BLAEDC to help strengthen the local economy and provide assistance to existing businesses, to help them succeed and grow. It’s a luxury many communities don’t have but wish they did. “We’re so proud of our volunteers because they’re a Who’s Who of successful business professionals,” said Sheila Haverkamp, BLAEDC executive director. “They’ve had impressive careers and they care enough about this community that they’re willing to share their expertise to help grow the local economy.” The volunteers, called EXECs, either specialize in certain initiatives or consult
Brainerd Lakes Area ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Corporation
The BLAEDC team is here to help you start, expand or locate your business in the Brainerd Lakes Area!
The River to Rail initiative is led by former Widseth Smith Nolting president Bruce Buxton, who works with community and business leaders to champion for the redevelopment of downtown Brainerd. Dave Johnson, former president of Anderson Brothers Construction, Martha Steele from the banking industry, Mary Audette of business and marketing, and Tom Anderson, former CEO of Integrated Retirement Initiatives, participate in the Downtown Destination Initiative by coaching the 10 semi-finalists and preparing them to meet with judges. Former CTC CEO Kevin Larson leads the Membership and Public Relations initiative, educating business leaders about the value that BLAEDC brings to the community.
Chelby
Tyler
Megan
Sheila
Psychologist Bob Steele heads up the Entrepreneurial and Junior Achievement Partnership, which mentors and makes loans available for entrepreneurs and Junior Achievement projects. Established in 1985, BLAEDC is a community-driven, non-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the area’s economic base by expanding business, building community and growing jobs in Crow Wing County.
224 West Washington Street, Brainerd, MN 56401 www.growbrainerdlakes.org | 218-828-0096
Mike
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S9
BOBCAT From Page S6
One of the biggest challenges of the business, Olson said, is finding enough service workers who specialize in servicing Bobcat and other brand equipment the company deals with. Olson said about 25-30 units a month go through its servicing department, so they are always busy working to get the job done. The staff takes part in factory training for all of Bobcat of Brainerd’s product lines, and between hands-on and online learning, it adds up to hundreds of hours per employee a year, Olson said. Shawn Coil is the service manager/ shop foreman of the service department. Before coming to Bobcat of Brainerd, he worked for another compact company in the Twin Cities metro area. He has 40 years of experience in the diesel field working on different pieces of equipment, mostly heavy trucks and he also was a helicopter mechanic. When asked why he switched jobs to work in Brainerd, he said: “I wanted the opportunity to be involved in this from the groundbreaking, knowing this is the first … Bobcat in many years in Brainerd. ... Brainerd needed this a long time ago. I wanted to climb on board and be a part of this team … to start it and make it grow and produce.” Bill Feyereisen, parts manager, also has been part of the team since it opened last October. Feyereisen oversees the service operation department in repairing the machines. He coordinates, orders and hooks up the parts, answers the phone, helps with customer service at the counter, assist customers with their needs and loading and unloading their equipment. “At the end of the day, it’s taking care of the customers,” Feyereisen said of why he enjoys his job. “It’s the customer satisfaction. You feel you did a good job and took care of people. They broke down and needed to get it fixed and we got them up and going so they can finish their task — get the job done — so they can feed their family.”
Rows of Bobcat machines line up at Bobcat of Brainerd off Business Highway 371, south of Brainerd.
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
BOBCAT: Page S11
Advertorial
Ice Forts Custom Fish Houses by Nicole Stracek
Minnesota’s infamous winter season is right around the corner, and as soon as the temperature begins to drop ice fishing diehards are anxiously waiting for the lakes freeze over. For anglers who are ready to upgrade to a more cozy and comfy ice fishing experience, Ice Forts Custom Fish Houses in Brainerd is ready to help make this ice fishing season one to remember with their custom fish houses by Yetti. Locally owned and operated Ice Forts Custom Fish Houses is the premier dealer in the lakes area offering custom fish houses from some of the industry’s most trusted brands. With the advanced shell quality of the houses themselves with rigid foam that protects and insulates the fish houses. Offering both aluminum and steel frames, both brands are designed to withstand the elements. Customers can choose from predesigned floor plans or work with an in-house expert to design their own. Advertising Manager Cassandra Kitchenhoff knows that customers are searching for quality products. “We carry the Yetti brand because they offer superior quality and come with an excellent warranty that is known in the industry as the best warranty on the market. We know our customers are in good hands.” With a focus on providing exceptional customer service the goal is to help customers find an icehouse that fits their needs. “Our expert sales team specializes in helping customers find a fish house that fits their specific needs and wants. We also offer a large variety of accessories and add-ons allowing
customers to find the fish house of their dreams.” Ice Forts Custom Fish Houses has a large selection of fish houses in stock to help customers find the perfect match.
Fun for all Seasons
Another benefit to investing in a fish house from Ice Forts Custom Fish House is the versatility of owning a custom fish house. “Many of our customers use their fish houses all year long. From camping in the summer to deer hunting, to virtually any outdoor adventure, the possibilities are endless.” In addition to All Season Fish Houses, Ice Forts Custom Fish Houses also stocks trailers, deer stands, docks and lifts. Get a head start on the ice fishing season this year by visiting the experienced team of professionals at Ice Forts Custom Fish Houses today.
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FEATURING THESE GREAT PRODUCT LINES & MORE! 16543 State Hwy 371 Brainerd, MN 56401 (888)-656-7418 | IceForts.com
Progress Edition 2019
S10 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
DOWNTOWN From Page S8
A challenge came in finding the right location that gave her the space to run the bakery, have classes and seating but she credited mentors from Widseth Smith Nolting, who helped in determining what spaces would work, and Pete Nelson at the SBDC for the business plan. She’s worked with The Teehive for T-shirts for the bakery and with attorney Ginny Knudson to set up her limited liability corporation. Having people with expertise on starting a business meant Kirsch could focus on the bakery with a sense of a support system at work on her behalf. With the third contest ahead, Kirsch said she is excited to see what comes next. “We want as many businesses as possible down here and we want them to be successful,” Kirsch said, noting they want downtown to be a place vacationers come as well as a place locals are excited about. “We want to keep adding to the downtown community down here, like what can we do to get more people down here, activities, events.” When people say they are saddened to hear this is the contest’s last year, Kirsch said she tells them they are working to keep the energy going, including offering educational opportunities for business owners for marketing or grant options for facade improvements. Small business owners don’t have time to research all of that and if they pool ideas and resources and share it, Kirsch said they will only make it better. “We really want to be strategic and organized about it because we know there have been other groups that have come together and kind of fizzled out over time. We hope we can make this a longterm effort that continues to improve the downtown area.”
More to come?
In 2017, the prize package for the runners-up was assembled in a hurry and announced as a surprise when the finalist was named at the chamber’s Celebration of Excellence fall dinner. Each of the finalists expressed a desire to move ahead and a prize package of $10,000 each was offered to runners-up Ed Mattson and Lisa and Bill Desrocher. Mattson added to the Last Turn Saloon and Eatery with The Vice, sports bar and gaming room with pool tables, dart boards, shuffle board, ping pong, foosball, bean bags, arcade games and large screen TVs on South Eighth Street. Lisa and Bill Desrocher purchased the former Tom’s TV building on Washington Street, moving forward on their plans for a distillery. Last year, the runners-up may have
suspected they’d receive something given the 2017 example and they weren’t disappointed. They were each offered a $17,000 prize package should they decide to move forward with their plans. It’s unclear if the runners-up will move ahead with a downtown business. Mark Nesheim, owner of Wings Cafe at the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, whose concept for Sourdough Sam’s Cook Shanty was a 2018 finalist, said blessings from taking part in the contest came with all the publicity for the contest. For the semifinalists, Nesheim’s advice is to do the work and participate as much as possible as it pays dividends. “To me it was worthwhile all the way down the line, even now it benefits me,” Nesheim said. “I advise anyone to get involved and do it and stay involved afterwards.” For Nesheim, the question of moving forward with his business plan comes down to financing. He was looking at a spot downtown, keeping the idea open but said he just needs the gumption to jump in headfirst and really go after it. In August, Nesheim was considering it all while working in a Crow Wing County Fair booth. He’s been thinking about the future on two fronts, his current restaurant at the airport and the potential for a downtown Brainerd location. Nesheim’s vision for Sourdough Sam’s Cook Shanty created several businesses with the ability to feed each other. The combination of a homestyle bakery was linked with a scratch-cooking diner, a catering company and the potential for a small store offering downtown Brainerd residents grocery staples. Combining them all together offered ways to be efficient with products, limit food waste and bring in revenue. Cooking since he was in high school, Nesheim has more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He’s been operating the Wings Cafe since 2014 but the lease will be up for renewal in 2022, meaning the airport will open the spot up for requests for proposals. “For me, for both projects, the future is uncertain but not without promise. I know it’s all going to work one way or the other,” Nesheim said. “I have a talented crew, a good product, so I can’t imagine it won’t work out.” Nesheim is also contending with a construction project on Highway 210, but said as of now it hasn’t dampened business too much. He described it as excellent summer business and was buoyed by the knowledge access to the airport will be maintained through the construction period. “We’ve been lucky and blessed,” Nesheim said. He said he’d like to stay
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
About the Destination Downtown Business Challenge
involved in the Destination Downtown project in some way. For those not in the Top 10, Billman-Arndt said it doesn’t mean the idea wasn’t a good one, but may mean taking a new look at the business plan. Take the free course on starting a business, and keep working toward the goal, she said. “If you have the entrepreneurial spirit, you are going to kick yourself in the long run for not listening.”
behind Destination Downtown offered
How it started
four square blocks of downtown Brainerd
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority with a team of seven people saw the vacancies in downtown Brainerd and the group spent a year focused on four core blocks with a goal of doing more in marketing and assisting with rehabilitation grants for buildings. Then a significant number of nominations, in the thousands, for Brainerd in the Deluxe Small Business Revolution raised Brainerd’s profile for a Main Street program. Deluxe was showcasing 100 small business stories from across the country for the company’s 100th anniversary with a special project of photo essays, video and a documentary. Deluxe, perhaps once best known for their checks, provides marketing services and products for small business. Deluxe found businesses were still struggling to find their footing after the Great Recession, especially those in small towns. To help, Deluxe created the “Small Business Revolution - Main Street,” with a public vote for a community to help it find its spark. Deluxe then chooses small businesses for a makeover. Help comes in the form of advisers, mentors and a $500,000 prize package, not to mention an original online series to document the transformation. The show online at deluxe.com/small-business-revolution is now in its fourth season. In 2018, Brainerd was one of 10 finalists for the Main Street series, which created community enthusiasm across industries and city borders, but ultimately fell short of making it into the Top 5. Deluxe is credited for the outreach it did, for the ideas and seed money to help fill empty storefronts. The effort helped launch the grassroots Destination Downtown Business Challenge, with about two dozen organizations involved in the project, all aimed at giving a startup or significant expansion the help it needed for a successful beginning.
► In 2017, the community effort a value in excess of $50,000 to help the winning entrepreneur locate a business in downtown Brainerd with support for success. Contest organizers created what they termed Opportunity Square, or with 13 empty storefronts. ► The Destination Downtown contest was inspired by the Small Business Revolution initiative, championed by the Minnesota-based Deluxe Corporation. A few years ago, Deluxe purchased Brainerd business Range. ► Deluxe Corp. volunteered $20,000 and a grassroots community initiative started in 2015. The local business community added $30,000 of value to create the $50,000 prize and offered resources to help an entrepreneur to give them every advantage for first-year success. ► The first business challenge contest inspired 49 applications, which were pared down in stages until there were three finalists. After working with a coach and putting together a business plan and financials, the finalists made presentations before the 12 judges. ► The grassroots organization behind the contest provided a prize package of $10,000 each for the two runners up. ► Brenda Billman-Arndt’s bath boutique, Purple Fern Bath Co., was the winner of the first Destination Downtown Business Challenge in 2017 with its prize package of $50,000. The boutique opened in May of 2018 on Laurel Street. ► In 2018, 73 entrepreneurs submitted applications for the $50,000 Destination Downtown Business Challenge prize to help start their business in downtown Brainerd and gain help from advisers to create a business plan. The three finalists in 2018 were Marie Kirsch, Knotty Pine Bakery; Mark Nesheim, Sourdough Sam’s Cook Shanty; and Lindsay Topp, BluPaisley Boutique. The prize package value increased to $17,000 each for the two runners-up if they chose to move forward with their plans. ► Marie Kirsch was the winner of the
VIDEO For videos on 2019 Progress Edition stories go to www.brainerddispatch.com
2018 challenge. Her bakery is scheduled to open in September on Laurel Street in downtown Brainerd.
Advertorial
Crow Wing County Fair Beyond the County Fair By Bryan Reeder
Open to the Public to Rent SPACE IS AVAILABLE AT THE CROW WING COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS: The first week every August, the Crow Wing County Fair opens as the fifth largest fair in the state. Over 80,000 people visit during that week. General manager Gary Doucette appreciates the wonderful support from the community. Doucette says that “none of this happens without the amazing staff and Crow Wing County residents.” For the first time ever, the county fair at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds in Brainerd had two contained beer gardens. One was located by the Grandstand and the other is located by the Mills Free Stage. The new beer gardens will help offset the cost of keeping the Crow Wing County Fair free for all to attend. This fair is still one of the largest free fairs in all of Minnesota. Doucette expressed gratitude to the Crow Wing County Board that had to give them permission for the opportunity to begin the beer gardens as part of the fair. But when the fair is over it starts another series of events.
Snocross Snowmobile Race This February the Crow Wing County Fair proudly hosts for its third consecutive year the very popular Snocross
Regional
Event.
The
International Series of Champions (ISOC) presents this event for the Brainerd Lakes community. ISOC is the premier snowmobiling racing organization in the world, providing safe, competitive racing for the top athletes and teams in the sport.
Vehicle Storage When you live in the Brainerd Lakes area, you’re bound to have vehicles you can only use for part of the year. Whether it’s a boat,
es
Concert Venu
· Weddings · Anniversary Parties · Family Reunions · Birthday Parties · Graduation Parties · Class Reunions · Benefits, Auctions · Craft Shows · Business Picnics · Fundraising Events
n a h t e r o m e r a e W a County Fair!
motorcycle, RV camper, classic car, or riding mower, the Crow Wing County fairgrounds has a place to keep your investments safe during the winter. These vehicles are worth too much to park them in the weeds or in a snow bank during the offseason. To learn more about upcoming events at the Crow Wing County Fair or to a reserve a spot for your vehicle this winter, go to www.crowwingcountyfair.com.
ALSO AVAILABLE : Boat, Classic Car and RV Storage Early Fall thru Spring Call the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds at 218-829-6680 or Gary Doucette at 218-838-9671 for more information or to reserve a date for your event.
WWW.CROWWINGCOUNTYFAIR.COM
Crow Wing Fairgrounds · PO Box 361, Brainerd, MN 56401 www.facebook.com/CrowWingCountyFair
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S11
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Products of Bobcat of Brainerd are on display in the lobby of the business’s 20,000-square-foot facility along Business Highway 371.
More about THECO
BOBCAT
THECO offers brands of new equipment from Terex Powerscreen, Bobcat, From Page S9 Doosan, Telsmith, Inertia, Edge, Terex CBI, Multiquip, Big Tow Trailers, Terex Feyereisen said it was a challenge when Washing Systems, Genie and more, as well as being an authorized CAT Engines they opened as they had to build the service center. The team has experifacility from scratch and build their cus- ence in assisting customers with equiptomer base, but he added everything is ment purchases and rentals, along with parts and service, for industries such as going well.
aggregate production, mining, recycling, land-clearing, mulching, landscaping, excavation, construction, demolition and agriculture. THECO also offers a variety of used equipment of various brands. THECO has evolved and grown from its beginnings in 1988 as one of the first Powerscreen dealerships in the U.S., to a full-service dealer and service provider of all brands and types of equipment it offers. With
locations in Big Lake and Brainerd, the company serves customers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and beyond.
VIDEO For videos on 2019 Progress Edition stories go to www.brainerddispatch.com
Advertorial
Crosby Mattress by Nicole Stracek
Getting enough rest is an important aspect to living a healthy lifestyle. Choosing a mattress that’s a perfect fit is a vital component to sleeping well. At Crosby Mattress the goal is to find the right mattress that fits your needs. Locally owned and operated since 2013 with two convenient locations in Baxter and Aitkin, Crosby Mattress is the lakes area exclusive Serta mattress dealer. Owner Doug Gillette is proud to serve the lakes area as the only Serta dealer that offers the highly sought after i Comfort hybrid mattress. “The i Comfort hybrid mattress features a revolutionary 3 in 1 coil providing exceptional comfort and support and features EverFeel®, Triple Effects ™, and Gel Memory Foam providing superb temperature control. It is long-lasting and highly durable ensuring you get an excellent night’s sleep.” Serta is the No. 1 mattress manufacturer in the United States and a leader across the globe. Providing customers with a wide variety of Serta mattresses. Backed by meaningful innovation and strong relationships with retail brand partners, Crosby Mattress can help customers find the perfect mattress. “I stand behind the Serta brand 100% because it is one of the most recognized brands on the market and the company acts with
honesty and fearlessness to deliver an exceptional comfort experience.” Crosby Mattress provides customers with excellent customer service by offering free delivery and a price match guarantee. “We will match any competitors advertised price on the same item, and all our i Comfort queen mattress sets come with a free upgrade to a powerbase adjustable bed power.” In addition to the i Comfort mattress brand, Crosby Mattress also stocks a wide variety of additional Serta® models including the Perfect Sleeper Elite series that is engineered to help solve many of the common causes of poor sleep. Crosby Mattress is dedicated to serving the community and customers in the lakes area. In 2017, Crosby Mattress partnered with the program, Beds for Kids North. Created to provide a path to a good night of rest for boys and girls who come from economically challenged households throughout the Brainerd lakes region. In 2019, Crosby Mattress donated 12 complete bed sets to children in need. “Crosby Mattress is proud to provide customers with a path to improving their health and wellness while giving back to the community it serves.”
PROMOTION DETAILS:
• Any size Special Edition Perfect Sleeper for the price of a Twin. 14370 Dellwood Drive Baxter, MN 56425
209 Minnesota Ave North Aitkin, MN 56431
www.crosbymattress.com
S12 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
Progress brainerd lakes area
b r a i n e r d
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
d i s pat c h
Edition
l a b o r
d ay
Serving the Brainerd Lakes Area and Central Minnesota since 1881
s p e c i a l
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Treasure City is hard to miss along Highway 10 in Royalton. The gift shop was one of three originally and is the only one that is still remains as a souvenir shop.
ROYALTON GIFT AND SOUVENIR SHOP PROMISES ‘SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE’
really need to see it to believe it!” Free coffee, cookies, ice and ice water, picnic tables and restrooms are available ROYALTON — Fireworks? Check. Giant for tourists’ convenience. Treasure City clam shell? Check. Real sharks in bottles? is open all year, with a majority of the Check. customers hailing from the Twin Cities, Welcome to Treasure City, a gift and according to Janski, but he has had shopsouvenir shop in Royalton the likes of Tourist attraction Motorists can take a picture with Pirate pers from China, Russia and Poland. which many motorists have never seen “I enjoy talking to people, I enjoy vis— or the kind of tourist attraction you Pete or the 200-pound “man-eating clam,” just a few of the oddities out- iting with people. If I’m waiting on them, have to see to believe. “We try to be a store that carries things side, or explore inside the novelty store I’ll ask where they’re going, and we’ll you can’t find in most stores,” said Rob- for Minnetonka moccasins and sandals, always have a little, short conversation,” ert Janski, who has owned the business toys and games, including “many unique Janski said. After more than half a century in operalong Highway 10 for more than four treasures that aren’t available elseation, Treasure City still catches motordecades. “The most common thing I hear where,” Janski said. “One thing that is really popular is ists’ eyes with its free weekly drawings is when they walk in and say, ‘Oh, my Minnetonka moccasins, and they’re the for $25 worth of gas, and freebies adverGod!’” The 4,800-square-foot building sits Cadillac of moccasins in the mocassins tised on the building’s exterior. “I’m a born-again Christian, and I on 3 unmistakable acres located between world. A lot of people come for them,” strictly believe that I used to think I had the Twin Cities and Brainerd, making it Janski said of Treasure City. “Treasure City is a must-see place in a lot to do with this business, but I found a popular stop for weary travelers, espeyour travels,” said Jason Davis of KSTP- out that he’s the one that has a lot to do cially those with children. “Everybody knows where Treasure City TV’s “On the Road.” “If Treasure City with the success of this business,” said is. We’re sort of an icon in the state doesn’t have it, you don’t need it. You Janski, a 78-year-old husband and father By Frank Lee Staff Writer
of Minnesota,” Janski said. “We’ve got three, four generations that have come here. And a lot of older ones come here and say, ‘Dad wouldn’t stop because he was in a hurry to get up north.’”
Treasure City
H City: Royalton H Number of employees: Nine employees H Trivia: Motorists drive to Treasure City just to have their photo taken with the 200-pound “man-eating clam” that has been a part of the store since it opened 57 years ago.
of three from Rice. “Since the economy failed in 2008, our business has been record every year since — even that year. … Last year, I wrote checks to 240 suppliers. I’m going through catalogs all the time ordering stuff.”
Gifts, souvenirs
Janski the entrepreneur bought the business, inventory and building for
PROMISES: Page S16
STONE STORYTELLERS: LITTLE FALLS GRANITE WORKS CONTINUES TRADITION, INCORPORATES TECHNOLOGY
Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch
Little Falls Granite Works continues a tradition going back to the 1800s, uses technology and talent to create monuments that reflect the story of an individual’s life in stone.
Renee Richardson Managing Editor LITTLE FALLS — There’s a sense of permanence and shared memory in the stone monuments that document a life, including details that even tell a stranger something about the individual and the people who loved them. The business of telling life stories in monuments in Little Falls continues a tradition going back to the 1800s and now harnesses modern technology to meld art and stone. For the people behind Little Falls Granite Works, crafting a memorial for a loved one becomes part of the healing process after a death and the granite becomes a lasting legacy. “Both Todd and I grew up in the business,” Scott Nagel said of his brother. Their father, Ron Nagel and partners Ray Calhoun and Howard Garry purchased the Little Falls Granite Works in 1963. The business stretches back more than 100 years in the city. Now Scott and Todd Nagel and Calhoun’s son Don, who was out of town during the Dispatch visit to the business, continue the tradition established when Little Falls city streets were traversed with horse and buggy. Central Minnesota, considered one of the main granite hubs in the nation, traces its history to 1868 with the state’s first granite quarry in the St. Cloud area.
Pioneers from Europe brought their stone cutting skills to Minnesota. With four decades in the business, Scott Nagel said they have seen many changes even in a short amount of time. “The industry has changed a lot, probably in the last 10 years with, of course, technology,” Todd Nagel said. “The types of engraving we can do now and the sculpting that we can do now is so much easier now with the equipment that is available.” Once chiseled by hand in soft stone, memorials now incorporate technology to heat and fracture and sandblast granite, creating scenics of sunsets, adding rich color images of favorite places or etching detailed portraits into graveside memorials. “Our job is to tell stories,” Todd Nagel said, recalling “The Dash” poem by Linda Ellis and noting someone’s story is not the dates marking when their life began or ended, but is in what stretched between those dashes in between. “That’s our job, to tell the dash, so what we do with memorialization is to try to tell that story with either designs or pictures or verbage and incorporate all three of them — so when someone walks up to a memorial they can know, hopefully in a very short amount of time,
GRANITE WORKS: Page S17
S14 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
CRAFT BEER RISES: NEW BREW PUBS SPRING UP IN AITKIN, LITTLE FALLS By Gabriel Lagarde Staff Writer In an age of commercialism, where everything is conveyor-line manufactured and mass produced, there’s burgeoning markets for craftsmanship. And, where craftsmanship is concerned, look no further than the rise of breweries and microdistilleries across the state. Sometimes, it’s good for the soul to sip something featuring distinction and verve, brewed with passion, skill and care. For the people of central Minnesota, two such establishments — Block North Brew Pub in Aitkin and Starry Eyed Brewing Co. in Little Falls — tap into that niche.
Block North Brew Pub
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Manager Nancy Ruhl gets a beer for a customer at Block North Brew Pub in Aitkin.
Gabriel Lagarde / Brainerd Dispatch
Founders and co-owners including Rich Courtemanche (left), head chef Peter Lowe and brew master Dake Olson pose on the main level of Block North Brew Pub on 302 Minnesota Ave., Aitkin.
AITKIN — When Peter Lowe co-founded Block North Brew Pub, it was something of a homecoming for the proud son of Aitkin, returning after years catering to movie sets and exotic locations across the United States, from Los Angeles to Boston, and in 13 countries abroad. “It’s home. I always had this idea in my mind, that I wanted a restaurant here,” Lowe said. “I had this grand scheme in my mind that I wanted a brew pub like this, but I had no idea how to do it.” Lowe is an accomplished chef — 15 years of expertly whipping together meals for A-listers while they shot the “Pirates of the Caribbean” or Marvel films of the world, drawing upon local cuisine from whatever region they were filming in at the time. That’s what Lowe means by “city food” when the Dispatch asked him to describe what the menu at Block North Brew Pub looks like — eclectic, ever-changing, metropolitan, with a taste for flare and not a single microwave in sight. The saga started over three years ago, when Lowe first started shopping the idea around. Connections in the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce looked like they could set the project on the right path. A group of potential investors looked into establishing a brew pub, but that fell through. Even if the capital could be acquired, the law books would have to be rewritten — for example, to allow a liquor establishment within 500 yards of a church in a town with 13 churches. Then came along Rich Courtemanche, a land commissioner with Aitkin Coun-
Block North Brew Pub
H City: Aitkin H Number of employees: 53 H Did you know? The building containing the brew pub was once home to a furniture store, and the openness of the space appealed to the brew pub founders.
ty, who doggedly pursued the idea and approached Lowe about getting the project off the ground. “Man, I’ve been here for 20 years and this town it always closed at about 5:30 every night. It just disappeared,” Courtemanche said of Aitkin. “(Lowe) said, ‘Let’s look at furniture stores.’ If we could do something downtown, I think that’s a success. Wonderful community, it needs something.” Upon meeting Lowe, Courtemanche said he still had reservations about starting a brew pub. “I said, ‘I’d love to start a restaurant, but I don’t know how,’” Courtemanche said. “He said, ‘Oh, don’t worry about it. My food is good.’ He gave me two tickets to a soiree across the street and I still remember every item on the menu three years later. It’s some of the best food I’ve ever had. Nothing like I’ve seen in Aitkin.” The place on 302 Minnesota Ave. used to be a 4,500-square-foot furniture store, which means a wide-open concept originally designed for throw rugs, sofas and king-sized mattresses. Lowe said he saw something like it when he visited a brew pub in San Diego with his sister. When he observed that brew pub’s open, expansive setup, he knew the furniture store in Aitkin was the way to go. All it took, Courtemanche said, was to tear out the cardboard ceilings, carpet and stapled insulation to reveal hardwood beneath, then to install the proper piping and amenities for the brew pub before it finally opened March 3. The result is rustic, but modern. Cast iron. Lightbulbs burning with a smoldering tungsten quality. Wood finished to a fine shine. It’s something of a tribute to old industries buried in Aitkin’s past, distinctly rural and blue-collar in origin.
BREW PUBS: Page S19
Advertorial
Shop Home Health Care Agencies and Discover the Good Neighbor Difference
An increasing number of people are discovering the benefits of receiving in-home health care, and as a result, agencies have been popping up across the country with a variety of services, rates and quality of care.
available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering a flexible schedule that fits your needs. Its staff is also experienced in caring for clients with dementia, shortterm illnesses, post-surgical care and many other chronic diseases.
When patients leave the hospital and need in-home care, they can choose which agency they want to hire. And like hiring any kind of agency, it’s best to compare services and pricing, and consider the history and reputation of your prospects. If you consider Good Neighbor Home Health Care, here’s what you’ll find.
Good Neighbor’s list of medical services, which are administered by registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, includes pain management, I.V. therapy, wound care and medication management. Physical and occupational therapists provide therapeutic exercises and activities, strengthening programs, ultrasound treatments and safety and cognitive assessments.
Good Neighbor has the longest history of any agency in the area. When the agency was started 36 years ago, there were no home health care agencies here and the concept of home health care was relatively unknown. Sherrie Christensen started the business out of the basement of her home, calling it Good Neighbor because of the company’s “being a good neighbor” approach. Good Neighbor grew quickly and increased the services available, which is another consideration for those who are shopping for an agency. Good Neighbor sets itself apart by offering a full range of skilled medical care and non-medical services, which are
Non-medical services include homemaking, laundry, cooking, errands, transportation and companionship. Home health aides help with personal care such as bathing, dressing, grooming and feeding. These services are supervised and directed by a registered nurse. Cost is another consideration. Ask each agency what exactly they charge for specific services, and then compare. You’ll find that Good Neighbor’s rates are lower in most cases. Visit us at our new location: 7111 Forthun Road, Suite 100, Baxter, or www.gnhomecare.com.
A salute to our staff! A business is only as good as its staff, and Good Neighbor Home Health Care has the best staff in the business! Our dedicated and compassionate employees have been serving the Brainerd Lakes Area for 36 years, bringing professionalism to the job every day while providing nursing care, therapy, home health aide, homemaker and companion services to our clients. We’re proud of our employees and thank them for their loyalty to Good Neighbor Home Health Care.
We’ll be there. (218) 829-9238 | (888) 221-5785 | www.gnhomecare.com
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S15
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Grapes grow on the corner leading to the Dennis Drummond Wine Co. near Brainerd. The winery includes an event and bistro with menu items to complement the wines.
WINERY SOUTH OF BRAINERD IS FIRST IN CROW WING COUNTY By Frank Lee Staff Writer LONG LAKE TOWNSHIP — The Drummonds had a dream — to become the first Crow Wing County winery — but they had a rude awakening after a bureaucratic hurdle threatened to turn their dream into a nightmare. “We’ve been dreaming about this for a long time, so we were like, ‘What things have we noticed that other wineries have done that we really could improve on?’” Dennis Drummond said. The Dennis Drummond Wine Co. opened in 2017, but Dennis and Jody Drummond ran into permitting problems regarding wine production on the 15-acre site. So they bided their time. “We’ve had our struggles, as you know, but we never thought of giving up (on our dream),” Jody said of the former farm
field located about 4 miles away from downtown Brainerd. The basis for the farm winery license denial, according to the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, was state law requiring farm wineries be operated by the owner of a Minnesota farm or on agricultural property. The agricultural land zoning classification requirement was not part of the state law when Dennis and Jody Drummond first purchased the property in 2009 with plans to build a winery.
get people interested in what we do and make our tours interesting and make our food interesting, and basically build a beautiful place where people can celebrate,” Dennis said. Jody added, “Dennis is from England, so we wanted it a little bit like a castle, so that’s why there are peaks on the building and towers.” Jody has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality, restaurant and catering industries. She has managed hundreds of events over the course of her career, including more than 300 weddings. Something special “We’re pretty much eco-friendly, We In July of 2009, the Crow Wing County Board of Adjustment/Planning Commis- use biodegradable straws, picks and to-go sion approved a conditional use permit containers,” Jody said of their winery. She has served as a wine buyer for sevfor the establishment of this vineyard, eral establishments, including managewinery and event center. “We want to make it so we can really ment of a wine bar that offered more than
40 wines by the glass. “We’re booking weddings. We have wine in the cases now. We’re going to be winery-direct only, so if people want to come and buy wine, taste wine, they have to come here,” Jody said. At the Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club in Sonoma County, Calif., where Jody worked for five years, she managed a staff of more than 80 and was responsible for food and beverage service for the club’s multiple hospitality centers, including its signature restaurant and banquet facility. “We’re not looking to be famous. We’re not going to distributors, and we’re not going to liquor stores, and we’re not going to restaurants,” she said of their “boutique winery.” “We have a restaurant, so we want people to come to our restaurant.”
WINERY: Page S22
Advertorial
A Local Gem
#1 Jeweler
in the Brainerd Lakes Area Two Years in a Row
By Sheila Helmberger Few businesses in town are as seeped in local pride and history as E.L. Menk Jewelers. More than just owning a business in the city, Ed is also a committed citizen to the area. “I believe in giving back to the community that supports me,” he says. So much so, that he currently serves in the role of the mayor of Brainerd, a city that he and his wife, Susan, are proud to call home. Ed originally went to St. Paul Technical School to be a watchmaker. While he still proudly offers minor watch repair, his business in downtown Brainerd has become the place to go for one-of-a-kind gifts and the finest in diamond and colored gemstone jewelry, specializing in stunning wedding and engagement rings. E.L. Menk Jewelers has called the historical Parker Building in the heart of downtown, home since 1984. The business has become well known throughout the years as a staple in the lakes area for those looking to purchase or repair fine jewelry. This year E.L. Menk Jewelers is proud to be celebrating its 40th anniversary with the area’s largest jewelry service center offering jewelry design, sales and repair to the
Voted Brainerd’s
Brainerd lakes area. E.L. Menk Jewelers has just been voted the area’s best jeweler for the second year in a row in the Brainerd Dispatch Best Of contest. E.L. Menk Jewelers have a vast collection of loose diamonds and other precious gems for you to select from or you can bring in a special gemstone of your own and have the staff help you design a piece that you or a loved one will cherish forever because a custom-made jewelry item will meet your exact style and taste and offer an impressive personal touch. Whether it’s a traditional setting or something to fit today’s trendy styles, E.L. Menk Jewelers has something suitable for every budget. If you’re looking for something traditional or that “wow” over-thetop jewelry item for yourself or the perfect gift to show someone how much they mean to you, Ed and the knowledgeable staff at E.L. Menk Jewelers are committed to offering their expertise in helping you find that perfect Jewelry item. Visit http://elmenkjewelers.com/ to view some of their creations and learn more about E.L. Menk Jewelers.
Celebrating 40 Years
Serving the Jewelry needs of the Brainerd Lakes Area
Corner of 7th & Laurel • Downtown Brainerd 829-7266 • www.elmenkjewelers.com
S16 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
PROMISES From Page S13
$1,000 down in 1977. His mother-in-law was already employed at Treasure City, so when Janski took it over, he made her manager, which she did for 40 years. “I used to be a contractor. I built 450 homes in the Little Falls, St. Cloud area,” Janski said. “I went to the guy who owned Treasure City, but he wouldn’t sell the land without the business, so I bought it … and it was $35,000 worth of inventory and right now there’s half a million.” Real alligator heads, “Make America
Progress Edition 2019
Great Again” caps, pirate-related items, flags and an outdoor guillotine are some of the items that can be found at the kitschy gift and souvenir store. “Two men started Treasure City — one they had in Michigan, one in Wisconsin and this one. The one in Wisconsin is gone, the one in Michigan is in Manistique is still going, but it’s more of a clothing store. They were all started as a souvenir or gift shop,” Janski said. “When I first bought the place, I always bought things that I liked, and then I found out that’s not a good way to buy. I get a lot of reps that come here to see me, so I deal with them and go by what’s selling in other areas because if it sells
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
there, it’s going to sell here, too.” Personalized shot glasses, coasters and keychains with an individual’s name on them — and fireworks for sale yearround — are popular items at Treasure City with about three-quarters of a million in sales a year, according to Janski. Bruce Wald stops not just for buying things but for the nostalgia, too. The 58-year-old Elk River husband and father of five is an industrial equipment service representative who made a recent pit stop at Treasure City between calling on his customers in the Royalton area. He has made many visits to the gift and souvenir shop with his own kids, too. “My mom and dad — every time they
drove by Treasure City — used to say, ‘Oh, no. We don’t have time today. We’re not stopping!’ They knew if they’d stop it would cost them some money. … I was a big car nut. I had my pockets full of toy cars,” Wald recalled fondly. “But every once in a while when we’d go up north to the lake, they would stop, probably once a month or something, and let us pick out something, and it was always fun. There’s so much stuff here. … There’s so much to look at, and the prices are so reasonable.” FRANK LEE, county and features reporter, may be reached at 218-855-5863 or frank.lee@brainerddispatch.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchFL.
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Robert Janski, owner of Treasure City, shows off a shark in a bottle, one of the many novelty items for sale at the Royalton gift and souvenir shop. Advertorial
Color and Inspiration for Your World at Hirshfield’s by Nicole Stracek
Just imagine how dull life would be with no color. Luckily, adding hue to our world is as simple as a visit to Hirshfield’s Paint on Clearwater Road in Baxter. A veteran company with deep Minnesota roots, Hirshfield’s has been providing lakes area DIYers and contractors with everything from custom stain and paint matches to in-home consultations on window treatments for decades. Family-owned since 1894, this long-standing company has continually earned a reputation for being the premier paint and interior decorating center. The common thread that runs through all Hirshfield’s stores is the
mission to provide customers with the products and the technical expertise they need to handle the most complex and demanding situations. From industrial applications, to a child’s bedroom that needs a splash of bold and vibrant color, Hirshfield’s wide range of paints and stains can meet any challenge. “Our knowledgeable staff is one of our many assets,” shared Assistant Store Manager, Felicia Moddes. “If we don’t know the answer to a question, we will find it. Customer service is extremely important to us and our goal is to always make sure each one of our customers leave our store with all of their home improvement or new construction project needs.” As Hirshfield’s celebrates its 125th year in business, Moddes noted the main reason for the company’s overall success and longevity is that their loyal customer base continues to come back again and again. “We would like to wholeheartedly thank our customers for their business and support. We have rearranged our store this year and everyone has been so understanding and patient! But with that project coming to a close, we would like to invite customers, old and new, to stop by and let us show them what sets Hirshfield’s apart from the competition.” For more information on Hirshfield’s, visit them on the web or on Facebook.
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
GRANITE WORKS From Page S13
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S17
Leaving a lasing mark
H 30 — the number of monuments a little bit about that individual.” Technology has also changed what customers see. In the past, a person wasn’t likely to see the finished memorial until it was placed in the cemetery. Now they can use 3D imaging to show people exactly what a stone or memorial will look like when finished and do a virtual walkaround. Beyond graveside monuments, the company also works on a lot of big civic projects, veterans memorials, city signs, markers for fire departments and law enforcement. “It’s amazing what we can do nowadays,” Scott Nagel said. All the manufacturing happens in Little Falls and the design and sales is predominantly in the company’s facility in Richmond. Todd Nagel, who lives in Little Falls and works in the Richmond office, said he is lucky to be able to see the work at both sites, including the intricate and detailed monument work. Little Falls Granite Works’ specialty is custom work. It took them time to find the technology that would fit their business. After a lot of research and patience to wait for technology to create a laser that worked well in stone, they were rewarded seven years ago. They found and bought a high definition laser and spent a week in Massachusetts to learn how to use it. “It is an amazing piece of equipment,” Scott Nagel said. “High definition laser has taken us to the next level of what we can offer the families.” High definition laser technology creates photographic images in precise detail, capturing portraits, the family farm, a nature scene, a lakeside view, or Duluth’s lift bridge — or a combination of images vividly. Little Falls Granite Works describes it as a “fusion of photos, art and stone” as black granite serves as a canvas. “I think we were kind of pioneers in some of the things that were done,” Todd Nagel said of engraving processes they used in the 1990s importing techniques used in other industries and design programs not typically used on gravestones. They went out to look for graduates and hired people with backgrounds in architecture, mechanical and graphic arts. “They were so much better at producing these really nice designs,” Todd Nagel said, adding he walks through the yard and is amazed at what the staff is making. “They produce some beautiful stuff. … I’m very proud of what our people are able to do.” Every individual is different, so every memorial should be different, he said. Thirteen years ago when the Nagels
Little Falls Granite Works typically makes in a day. At any given time there are 1,200 to 1,500 memorials in the works with the company creating 4,000 to 5,000 a year. H 37 — employees, including part time staff and five designers. H The company, established in 1898, has memorials going all over the United States and did lettering and engraving for the Pearl Harbor memorial in Hawaii. H A granite man, called the Traveler and based on the nomadic Inuit people’s signposts of stones to mark the way in the Arctic, marks the company’s site along Highway 10 near Little Falls. A sign at the base of the figure provides the story. The company invites people to stop there for a selfie before the figure who serves as a lesson that people need others to improve their lives. “We’ve been given the gift of being able to guide people,” Scott Nagel said, adding that is what a traveller does. H Granite, a stone with a visible grain, resists weathering, can be polished to a mirror-like shine, comes in a variety of colors and its permanence to stand the test of time makes it a popular choice for memorials. Imported granite comes from all over the globe, with India a main supplier.
memorial in Hawaii. What works best for lettering, engraving or graphics on a particular memorial or stone depends on multiple factors, including color and whether the stone is Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch upright or flat. The Nagels said they can Scott (left) and Todd Nagel, who own the Little Falls Granite Works with partner Don accommodate any budget and can work Calhoun, point to the teamwork and dedication that make going to work rewarding on with families to get their loved one’s story in stone. In central Minnesota, a a daily basis. monument for parents, a mom and dad lost their mother, they felt the value of stone. Others have color scenes, like a stone, is about $3,500, including granite the work they do for memorialization on waterfall. The brilliant and durable colors foundations for the memorial, engraving a personal level. Her monument, an angel of the scene are created on metal covered and installation. Little Falls Granite Works also creates sculpted in her image, stands as tall as in porcelain. Another trend brings a place she did. to reflect when visiting a loved one as custom sculpted stones like a replica “Our story is the mother was always benches gained in popularity in the last of the family dog in the center space between two connected monuments. Clay the fabric that held our family together, 10 years. now she’ll be able to do it eternally,” The timelessness of their work is models are created first for customers Scott Nagel said. something that stands out in a time when then a lot of the sculpting is done overThey’ve created a monument with a nearly everything else seems made to be seas. More people are also pre-planning sculpted muskie on top. Turn the corner thrown away, replaced, upgraded. on a rounded stone to find it carved to Recently, Todd Nagel said he drove their own monument, which removes the show two individuals riding a motorcy- through a city with his kids and when guesswork for loved ones. Even though cle. An angel with detailed feathers rests they passed a veterans memorial he was they were in the industry, the Nagels said next to one monument, another kneels able to point that out as something their they hadn’t talked to their mother about in prayer. And a sculpted full-size tiger business created. They’ve also engraved GRANITE WORKS: Page S18 climbs along the side of a polished head- name markers for the Pearl Harbor
Happy Labor Day
Today, we celebrate the achievements of our workforce. We would like to thank our wonderful team and our fabulous customers for your support. We greatly appreciate all of you.
Our hardworking team at JIBEC Heating and Cooling is dedicated to meeting all your HVAC needs.
218-828-0330 jibechvac.com | 1775 Dandelion Lane SW, Brainerd
S18 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
GRANITE WORKS From Page S17
it. Todd Nagel said some people may also need more time before they make a decision on what they do want. He said the biggest thing is not to rush it and regret it later. Todd Nagel didn’t expect to be part of the family business. He went to school for mechanical engineering/drafting and started the company’s computer design department, which grew to employ multiple designers. The work grew and he stayed with it. Part of the company’s process is so unique with the precision graphics developed, Scott Nagel said other people ship product to Little Falls so they can carve it. As they look at trends and the future, the move to more cremations looms large. “There was a major concern it would affect our business in a negative way,” Todd Nagel said. With cremation rates rising and the National Funeral Directors Association predicting 70% of American will choose cremation over burial by 2030, Little Falls Granite Works looked at options as well. Todd Nagel said the cremation rate in Minnesota is getting into the 60-65% in the metro area, but is not as high in rural areas. The Nagels said while some states do have a high number of cremations, and may not provide a burial or a place for cremains, Minnesotans still value a burial. Scott Nagel said there was the concern that cremation would turn into a disposal instead of a burial, but here the final resting place is still predominantly the cemetery. “That way entire generations are not lost,” Scott Nagel said. “Here in Minnesota we have that value system where everybody matters and that’s a great thing to have. We should all be proud of that.”
Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch
Technology is creating multiple options for monuments with carving, engraving, color photos and high definition laser work in granite.
how many people or how much work the business did until he came across the technology job. He’s been able to bring innovations to the work to better the business and said he enjoys the challenge and ability to integrate technology. Charis Rudolph works as a quality/ administrative assistant, working in many departments. “I love my job,” she said. “It’s very busy and very rewarding — start to finish.” The process Hunter Siltman, plant coordinator, said Multiple checks and balances in the the Little Falls Granite Works does more creation of monuments are all designed to try to catch any errors before they are in a day than some other monument businesses do in a month’s time. The literally carved in granite. Raven Hokus, graphic designer/monu- process includes regular shipments of ment designer, said she enjoys working stones that are stacked and scheduled for with the families and personalizing the work. A conveyor belt carries the stones monument. She never thought she’d be from the yard into the plant for the putting her graphic design skills to work engraving process. The laser engraving heats the stone and makes tiny fractures in this industry. “I like that I get to help people,” Hokus to produce the image. Paint can then be used to make the image more prominent said. Tim Hanson, laser operator, is from such as the lasered image of a sunset Little Falls and said he never realized through the clouds on a black stone.
Stencils of a rubberized material made by 3M are placed on stones and then staff members like Ken Bergren cut out parts of the stencil. The sandblaster etches out the stone not covered and protected by the stencil to make letters stand out from the background. With carvings, such as flowers, paint can be used with stencils again protecting part of the image to heighten the shadow and thus enhance the 3D effect. While monuments make up the bulk of the Little Falls Granite Works business, the company also creates and engraves benches, picnic tables, memorials for pets, bird baths, cornhole stone boards, granite paths and fire pits, custom markers, wall clocks, plaques and awards, a lazy Susan, reflection stones, teddy bears and turtles. They’ve engraved guns and windshields and do items for weddings and special events. Reflection stones are now a huge part of the business for memorials, homes, pets and anniversaries. In addition, in lieu of flowers, some have a reflection stone at the service,
while the gravestone typically can take three to five months to place on site. “We feel we could go in a hundred different directions, but we try to stay true at what we are the best at, which is memorialization, but we know we can do a lot of other things,” Todd Nagel said. “We are always looking for new things.” The Nagels said there is not a day when they dread coming to work and the ability to help families through the grieving process with a lasting memorial is what makes it worthwhile. “I love coming to work, what we do here is so amazing. If I take a day off, I feel guilty,” Scott Nagel said. “I enjoy what I do. The people here, there is something special here. It’s such a huge team it’s great to be part of it. I’m proud to be part of it. We’ve been given the gift to enjoy what we do and there are not a lot of people that can say that and it gives meaning to so many people as well as us.” Renee Richardson, managing editor, may be reached at 218-855-5852 or renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchBizBuzz.
LINDAR Is a Home for Mechanically Talented People LINDAR is a Baxter, MN company specializing in plastic thermoforming—a process that forms sheet or roll-fed plastic into shapes using custom-designed molds. Using this process, LINDAR designs, develops and produces products that are part of people’s everyday lives. Whether it’s their own patented food packaging containers, specially-designed paint trays and liners, or custom-made equipment parts, products produced at LINDAR for world-class companies like Wal-Mart, Target, Lowes, Sherwin Williams, AGCO, Bobcat and Toro, can be found as close as our local stores, to across the world. In 1993, Tom Haglin and his wife, Ellen, acquired a small thermoforming company with growth potential. Soon expanding to a new facility in the Baxter Industrial Park in 1998, they changed the name to “LINDAR.” LINDAR has grown to 175 employees who operate 17 thermoforming machines, 6 CNC routers, 4 robotic routers, and a plastic extrusion line in its 165,000 square-foot state-of-the-art, manufacturing facility. Noted for business growth, job creation, innovation and community impact, Tom Haglin and LINDAR are being recognized as the Thermoformer of the Year for 2019 by the Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE), a national organization that supports the $375 billion U.S. plastics industry. “LINDAR’s success and longevity speak to our history that began with our first company,” said Tom Haglin, owner and CEO. “Our entire team’s striving for excellence led to our shared growth and success.” Backed by the skills of mechanically talented people—who are always in high demand—automation plays an important role in LINDAR’s production. Continuing with a strategy of growth and expansion, the Haglins purchased Lakeland Mold in 2012 and rebranded it to Avantech as a producer of tooling for rotational molding and thermoforming industries—relocating to a new Baxter facility in 2016 and expanding its CNC machining capabilities. The investment in Avantech, along with LINDAR’s product design and thermoforming, has also led to growth opportunities in single-source rotational molding at the recently launched TRI-VEN, LLC also located in Baxter. The combined businesses employ more than 250 people. “Over the years, we have had a motivated, capable team driving the business forward,” said Haglin. “I am privileged to work with employees who exhibit amazing leadership and efforts every day.” To learn more, visit www.lindarcorp.com.
Celebrating our innovation, excellence, and recognized industry-wide success. Made possible by 200 (and counting) dedicated and amazing employees. At LINDAR, Avantech, and TRI-VEN we design, develop, and construct tools, plastic parts, assemblies, products, and containers for hundreds of industries worldwide. This Labor Day we salute you, our motivated and highly capable team. Thank you.
LindarCorp.com
avantech.com
Progress Edition 2019
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
BREW PUBS From Page S14
“My mind has this place more as a restaurant than a bar,” Courtemanche said. “This community was so hungry for a restaurant. We’ve lost so many great restaurants in the area. There was just room for us.” “All of it is craft,” Lowe added. “Craft food. Craft beer. Craft wine.” Dake Olson, the brew master and third member of the co-owner trifecta, features a background in brewing that’s one part self-taught, one part on-the-job training and one part college educated. Ultimately, after cutting his teeth in Duluth, he said Lowe offered him a “dream.” Lowe jokingly said he got Olson to drink the right Kool-Aid. “It’s impressive,” Olson said of Block North with a smile. “There’s a lot of love involved.” So what’ll be? Chocolate Milk Stout? Or a better food beer, like a Lazy Boy? Maybe a Gateway beer will work if you’re hankering for something closer to Coors than craft? What about a For My Horses, a pre-Prohibition style beer based on recipes and methods lost to the banning of alcoholic drinks in early 20th century America? Shoot, they’re even aging beer in an old whiskey cask just to see what pours out come September.
Starry Eyed Brewing Co.
LITTLE FALLS — Tucked away in north Little Falls, just off the juncture of highways 371 and 10, exists a brewery that owes much of its existence to a woman named Dayna — from its inception as a small birthday gift, to the name and logo emblazoned on its building today.
It started as a home brewing kit for her husband Thomas Goebel, the current president, co-owner and head brewer at Starry Eyed. A lifelong beer lover, Goebel discovered he had quite the knack for brewing his own beer and it grew from there. “She thought I’d only use it once or twice and throw away,” Goebel reflected now, about a decade since that fateful gift. “I went all in. I never turned back from there.” Then Dayna was diagnosed with cancer. While juggling a home life involving her chemo treatments, Goebel said he looked into taking online classes for brewing so he could master the art form and maintain a flexible schedule for her. Upon her death, he decided to go all in, embarking on a two-year personal journey that culminated with the establishment of the brewery. It was Dayna’s wide-eyed love of the world and stars, reflective of her own bright spirit and optimism, that inspired her husband to honor her with the moniker Starry Eyed when he himself took a leap of faith and founded the brewery from scratch. Her eyes actually served as the model and template for the company’s distinctive logo. Kyle Kieffer, a longtime friend of Goebel and co-founder, joined in the venture. Kieffer had been an excavating contractor for more than 10 years when his buddy dropped by with a proposition. “He just came up and said he wanted to start a brewery,” Kieffer said. “I was looking to either stick a bunch of money in that or do something totally different. I thought it was a great opportunity.” “This was a hole in Morrison County, where everything was popping up in Brainerd and St. Cloud, so it became a nice place for a craft brewery,” Goebel explained. “We’ve done everything with
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S19
help from friends and family.” “Both of us reached into our own savings,” Goebel added with a wry chuckle. “And we still are. We pay ourselves very little, because most of the money goes back into this. We didn’t want investors or people we owed money to. We wanted to do it and we wanted to do it self-sufficiently.” And so, Starry Eyed’s taproom opened Oct. 17, 2017, a couple months after operations in the brewery took off on their own. Every aspect of the brewery — from the building itself, to the brewery and its related business — has come out of pocket, they noted, years upon years of networking, brewing and the sweat of their brows. Aside from Goebel and Kieffer, who put in long, long weeks of labor, they have 13 part-timers to help them in distribution and tap room work. “This is about beer,” Goebel said, matter of factly. He pointed to the lineage of many Little Falls families — families of German and Polish origin, he said, who marked every social occasion, good or bad, with a hearty supplement of beer. In reflection of that, Starry Eyed is all about a casual atmosphere and picnic feel. Bring your own food or order it in. Gather inside or outside at the tables, Goebel said, just grab some quality tap beer and enjoy the day for what it is. “It’s just a good spot for families and groups of friends to come and hang out,” Goebel said. “It’s not like we’re trying to go for a specific style, like a German beer or a Belgian beer, we offer a little bit of everything. Everybody has their own palate.” Light beers. Dark beers. IPAs. Exotic infusions or beers with atypical flavors, like a Moscow Mule or jalapeno beer to spice things up. The taproom is open from Thursday
Starry Eyed Brewing Co.
H City: Little Falls H Number of employees: 2 full-time, 13 part-timers H Did you know? The logo for Starry Eyed Brewing Co. is modeled after the eyes of Dayna Goebel, who also inspired the name of and idea for the brewery. Goebel died of cancer, and her husband went on to open the brewery.
through Sunday, while the rest of the week is dedicated to brewing and distribution. “It burns you out,” Goebel said. “It’s a lot of hours.” Space, particularly for brewing equipment and storage, is at a premium when the objective is producing the product and distributing it en masse, Goebel said. They rebuilt an old machine shop for their own pieces, refitted it with brewing equipment and established parking lots and hops yards outside. They’re already running out of space in their 6,000-square-foot building, which means expansions on the horizon. That’s 100 accounts for now, with more than 20 in the Twin Cities, and the rest all over Minnesota, from Old Chicago in St. Cloud, Ernie’s on Gull by Brainerd, to The Landing at Lake Alexander and a litany of other partners that will only grow with time. That doesn’t leave much time for celebrations and pats on the back — not yet. “We don’t go to festivals,” Goebel said. “We don’t even see the light of day sometimes.” GABRIEL LAGARDE may be reached at gabe.lagarde@ brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5859. Follow at www. twitter.com/glbrddispatch.
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Kyle Kieffer (left) and Thomas Goebel, the founders and co-owners of Starry Eyed Starry Eyed Brewing Co. in north Little Falls offers craft beer in the tap room Thursday Brewing Co. in north Little Falls. Both work tirelessly from Monday through Wednesday through Sunday, as well as a burgeoning hops garden outside. to brew the beer, then Thursday through Sunday to run the taproom up front. Advertorial
JN Tree Service
Your Local Tree Experts By Sarah Herron Trees surround the lakes area and as beautiful as they may be they can also cause some problems too. Downed trees or limbs can be fire and safety hazards. JN Tree Service specializes in hazardous tree removal and high risk trimming. It may be tempting to try it on your own, but there is great risk of personal injury or damage to your house. This fully insured tree service company is educated and experienced in tree removal. They will quickly and efficiently clean up your property. JN Tree Service also specializes in commercial and residential lot clearing, brush clearing, stump grinding and services needed to keep your existing trees healthy. Tree health is something many property owners neglect but that regular basic maintenance is something trees need. Owner Joe Nelson says, “It’s important to get your trees dead wooded. Removing those limbs that may be hazardous, diseased or pest ridden will preserve the health of your trees. We do complete pruning and trimming.” Fall is the time to get your oaks and elms trimmed!
JN TREE SERVICE OFFERS LOT CLEARING — WOODS CLEARING — TREE REMOVAL AND TREE — TRIMMING — STORM CLEANUP — BRUSH CLEARING AND CHIPPING — STUMP GRINDING — AND MUCH MORE!
In recent years when heavy storms have blasted through the lakes area, JN Tree Service was instrumental in helping residents and businesses with the overwhelming task of clean up for months afterward. Nelson and his crew will ensure your time outdoors is enjoyable when you leave the clean-up in their experienced hands. Call 800-630-2960 or visit www. jntreeservice-landscaping.com.
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Quality Collision Repair & Mechanical Services by Shannon’s Auto Body Your vehicle is an investment —we’ll treat it that way. by Carissa Andrews
After a collision, we know the only thing on your mind is how to get your vehicle back up and running as quickly as possible. If this is the first time you’ve found yourself in this situation, your biggest concern may be finding the right repair shop to do the best job for the right price. This is especially true as technology in vehicles continues to evolve—making your newer car or truck an extremely complex machine. Not every mechanic will be well-versed in the latest technology for repairs. You’ll want to find a collision center who will treat your vehicle like the investment it is. While Shannon’s Auto Body now boasts a 17,000-square foot facility, with more than 15 employees dedicated to repairing your vehicle—we have humble roots. Shannon Christian started the business out as a small repair shop in 1996 and it has grown ever since. Boasting 28 bays to work on vehicles, Shannon’s Auto Body is a full-service auto body repair shop here in the Brainerd lakes area with an average of 55 cars in various stages of completion at any given time. Rest assured we know what it takes to service and repair your vehicle in a timely and quality manner.
our primary goal with everything we do. We see it every day and know how overwhelming of an ordeal a collision can be. That’s why we’ll do our best to take the stress off your shoulders. We’ll work directly with your insurance agency ensuring everything is handled for you and claims are processed right the first time. We’ll even arrange to have your vehicle towed to us, as well as set you up with a rental vehicle comparable to yours for the duration of the work. Get everything taken care of for you right here in one convenient location. Considered to be a “destination location” due to our off-thebeaten-path site, our customers find us mostly due to the outstanding referrals from friends and family. But you don’t have to simply take our word for it. If you head over to Facebook, you’ll find over 70 reviews from our happy customers. Over and over again, you’ll spot ones like this latest one:
“I am beyond impressed and satisfied with the service I received from Shannon’s Auto Body. Shannon was incredibly accommodating from start to finish. He gave me a vehicle to use for the time my vehicle was being serviced and made sure it was a vehicle comparable to my own. The entire staff was friendly and my issue was resolved in a timely manner. To top it all off, not only did they repair my vehicle but they cleaned and polished the outside as well as detailed the inside! I feel like I got a new car! 10/10 will always recommend Shannon’s Auto Body to anyone in need of a great body shop!” - Brandy R. With a record like ours, we know you’ll be thrilled with the repairs to your vehicle, as well as the exceptional customer service you’ll receive.
New for 2019: With winter not too distant in the future,
We specialize in complete vehicle diagnostics and in-house collision repair. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing our shop is an I-Car Gold Class Member, ASE Certified, as well as Sikkens Waterborne Certified—all distinctions setting us apart from our competitors. When you trust your vehicle to us, it will come back looking and driving better than ever. We proudly provide a range of auto repair services to cover all the bases in getting your vehicle back to pre-collision condition. Some of these services include: paintless dent repair, hail damage repair, windshield replacement, frame straightening, wheel alignment, computerized paint matching, diagnostics, and more—all provided by our on-site full-service mechanical shop and full-service detail shop. Accidents can damage more than just the exterior of your vehicle. That’s why it’s important to have your car or truck diagnosed and repaired properly by a team you trust to do the job right. This can mean running a variety of inspections and tests to pinpoint every aspect of your vehicle affected by the collision—especially the ones you can’t see. The last thing we want is for you to leave our lot and find out we missed something— which is why we offer a lifetime guarantee on all paint and workmanship of all body repairs. Your 100 percent satisfaction is
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it’s best to be prepared. Shannon’s Auto Body now offers sales, services and parts for both Western Snow Plows and SnowEx plows. Gear up your truck with the right snow plow to help you make it through Minnesota’s winter months. Visit shannonsautobody.com to have a look around at the many services we have available to you. Reach out and have any questions quickly answered by our rock star customer service team. We know you’ll find we are committed to providing you with the very best experience auto repair has to offer. If you’re ready for an estimate, stop by our shop located at 13540 Ironwood Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401. We’d be happy to provide you a written estimate in just a few minutes. Proudly serving customers across Aitkin, Cass, and Crow Wing counties.
Love working on vehicles?
Do you have an interest in vehicle mechanics and repair? We’re always looking for quality-minded team players to join
our staff. If you feel you’re a good fit and interested in applying, email a copy of your resume to amie@shannonsautobody.com. We look forward to speaking with you.
CHOOSE SHANNON’S AUTO BODY FOR COLLISION REPAIR IN BRAINERD, MN & BEYOND. We are proud to provide service to customers across Aitkin County, Cass County, and Crow Wing County.
Shannon’s Auto Body has provided auto body repair in Brainerd, MN since 1996.
We
go above and beyond to make sure you receive the repair services you deserve.
We can repair vehicles of every make and model.
Our company is an I-CAR Gold Class Member, ASE Certified, and Sikkens Waterborne Certified.
Our team is committed to 100% customer satisfaction.
CONTACT US 13540 Ironwood Drive Brainerd, MN 56401 HOURS Monday - Friday 8am-5pm
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218.829.6764 www.shannonsautobody.com
S22 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
WINERY
of the winery from “commercial 2” — and 9 acres zoned “rural residential 2.5” From Page S15 — to “agricultural/forestry district,” so the winery can do business in the state without running afoul of state regulaThe wine company was not initialtions. ly approved for a farm winery license, “People are coming in and tasting which permits the sale of wine produced the wines and buying wines and buyon site. Although the business owners ing cases of wines,” Jody said. “We’re did not intend to grow their own grapes making 2,000 cases a year — that’s our to produce their wine, agricultural land goal. We don’t want to be any bigger is required for licensure. than that.” “I thought we’re going to have to just Construction on the Dennis Drumbite the bullet and get through this,” he mond Wine Co. began in the summer of said. 2016 on the southwest corner of Thiesse Road and Highway 25 with a grand Rezoning the land use The land use map amendment opening slated April 1, 2017. “We both have worked in the wine approved in November changed an acre
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
business — Jody’s been mostly on the rezone the property to allow the Drumrestaurant side with catering … and I’ve monds’ business venture to function as been a production winemaker for years,” a winery and event center. A permit was Dennis said. issued in 2016 for an 18,271-squareThe business had a May 6, 2017, grand foot commercial building to be used as opening and has operated as an event a winery. center that can cater up to about 300 “Other than weddings, we have the guests, but the company could not make Nisswa Women’s Club on Thursday … wine in their fermentation room until and we have educational seminars … now. and once a month we have a live band,” “We wanted it to be elegant,” Jody Jody said entering the ballroom, which said of the event center. “We wanted a can seat 250 for a wedding and 300 for welcoming lobby — this is our Romeo a seminar. and Juliet balcony — all for staging The Long Lake Township winery is for the wedding party, or the bride and open seven days a week for lunch and groom up above.” dinner at its bistro, which can seat The Long Lake Township Board of as many as 50 people. The chalkboard Supervisors supported the petition to menu items complement the winery’s
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Jody and Dennis Drummond, on the back deck of their winery, said for 20 years they drove through Brainerd before moving here. They opened their business in 2017. Advertorial
Holiday Inn Express® Brainerd-Baxter Hotel and Three Bear Waterpark BY SARAH NELSON KATZENBERGER
It’s hard to miss Holiday Inn Express’s blue and yellow water slides while driving north on Highway 371, but what you can’t see from the road is the hotel offers more fun than meets the eye. Tucked in the corner of the waterpark is the Brainerd lakes area’s only laser tag arena and it’s available to everyone. “You can come in and play a game or two or play unlimited laser tag,” said Holiday Inn Express General Manager Tom Vasecka. Since opening in 2016, Holiday Inn Express’s laser tag has been a great stop for locals and out of town guests alike. The 2,300-square-foot multi-level arena can host up to 24 players at one time and is available for players ages five and up. While the waterpark and complimentary breakfast is always included with an overnight stay, laser tag
can be added on to hotel packages for a nominal fee. Vasecka said laser tag is also a great alternative to standard team building exercises. From sports teams to corporate groups, Vasecka said laser tag is a great way to build camaraderie, “It’s a great bonding experience,” Vasecka said. “Companies use it for team building – or stress relief. It gives them an opportunity to learn strategy and find out who their natural leaders are.” Laser tag at the Holiday Inn Express in Baxter is open seven days a week during the summer months from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m Friday and Saturday. Hours in the school year shift to 10 a.m. -10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information on laser tag at the Holiday Inn Express call 218824-3232 or visit https://brainerdhi. com.
HAVE A BLAST! LASER TAG!
THANK YOU TO THE STAFF AT HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS.
Have a Safe & Happy Labor Day Weekend! 15739 AUDUBON WAY (HWY 371) • BAXTER, MN 56425
(218)824-3232 • www.brainerdhi.com
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
house white, rosé and red table wines, chardonnay and port-like wine. “The white is similar to a pinot grigio. Our biggest seller in the first two years we didn’t have our wine license was a pink moscato, so Dennis modeled the rosé after a pink moscato but not quite as sweet. And we have a nice, mellow, rounded red and our French-style chardonnay,” Jody said.
Dennis is an award-winning winemaker with more than 25 years of experience. The pair of 64-year-olds bought a house on Lower South Long Lake in 2004 and have three children. “Our children all went to Trout Lake Camps up in Pine River, so every summer for 20 years, it was a week at the grandparents in White Bear Lake, a week at Trout Lake Camps in Pine River, so we drove through Brainerd for 20 years and Experienced winemakers Dennis Drummond is the winemak- ended up buying,” Jody said. For the two years the winery could not er and production manager. He has a master’s degree in fermentation science make wines but operated as an event from the University of California, Davis, center, the Drummonds were able to get and a Bachelor of Science degree in farm a sense of what their customers liked, management from the University of Illi- which was 50% of their clientele favored pink moscato followed by pinot grigio nois at Urbana-Champaign. “I do everything — maintenance, cut and a rounded red wine. “When we make wine, we don’t do grass, fix things and make wine — wash dishes, too,” he said. our tastes. We do what the ratio of what
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S23
people want (in wines) … so that’s how we calculated the taste,” she said. The winery includes seven, 528-gallon fermentation tanks that are hooked up to a cooling system to keep the fermentation temperatures low for the whites and the rosé. “The red wines come into these bins — we have nine of those bins — and it’s an open-top fermenter, and we actually use a punch-down tool to mix it. It takes about a week to ferment those and about a month in the cool tanks,” he said. Last year, wine consumption in the U.S. reached 966 million gallons — an increase from the 959 millions of gallons consumed in 2017 — according to the Wine Institute, and the Drummonds just hope more people will now be able to enjoy their wines. “There’s been hiccups and things
Dennis Drummond Wine Co.
H City: Rural Brainerd H Number of employees: Nine H Did you know? “Port wine” is a fortified wine made from distilled grape spirits exclusively in the Douro Valley in the northern provinces of Portugal. Dennis Drummond Wine Co. produces a “port-like” wine at its Crow Wing County winery.
along the way, but we’ve both been in the business for a long time,” he said. She said, “We persevered. We’re Christians. We prayed about it … and God provided.” FRANK LEE, county and features reporter, may be reached at 218-855-5863 or frank.lee@brainerddispatch.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchFL.
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Food and beverages on offer are written on the wall of the bistro at Dennis Drummond Wine Co., which is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
Thank you to our wonderful employees and loyal patrons for making this another great summer!
25559 Main Street • Nisswa, MN 218-961-6724 Open Daily 11am-10pm
to our dedicated employees and volunteers that keep our foundation running smoothly.
001762714r1
10424 SQUAW POINT RD., EAST GULL LAKE 218.829.3918 WWW.ERNIESONGULL.COM
Many thanks...
PEQUOT LAKES, MN
To our employees for another phenomenal year of team work and dedication.
Advertorial
Small Company, Big Impact By Susan Smith-Grier
Years ago, young people were taught the “Golden Rule.” This age-old concept was taught not only in Sunday School lessons but also at the kitchen table, and in schools of all types. It merely stated, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” Advantage PCA is a family owned and operated business that takes this rule to heart. Since 2008 Advantage PCA and Senior Care has been providing home care services to families in the Brainerd lakes area and throughout central Minnesota. One of the hallmarks of this business is their dedication to person-centered care. Advantage PCA has been practicing this personal caring service since day one, emphasis on the word caring. Having had the personal experience of nurturing their own special needs child, the founders of Advantage PCA realized there was more need in the community for high-quality, home based, person-centered care. The business was born in answer to this call.
parent living with Alzheimer’s or coping with the aftermath of a stroke, the Advantage team has first-hand understanding of what the families of their clients are living with. This business takes caring one step further.
Caring for the Caregivers
Nationally, the turnover rate for people in this industry is high. As an employee, nationally the average caregiver will stay on the job for two years. In comparison, the turnover rate for caregivers at Advantage PCA is considerably lower than the industry standard. Some caregivers have been with the business for the entire 11 years since it first began offering services. Advantage PCA has the unique trait of caring for the caregivers. All employees are valued and the Caregiver of the Month program acknowledges the best of the best. Urbaniak attributes high employee loyalty to the care given to the placement process used to
match caregivers with clients. “We really look at what’s going to work well for our caregivers – what does he or she want in a schedule, what’s going to work best for that caregiver’s family and what’s going to work best for their schedule.” Consequently, the matching process considers a variety of factors on both sides, client and caregiver, and results in a match that works for everyone. Respecting the needs of the caregiver as well as the needs of the client reduces the attrition so common to this industry.
Doing for Others
Caring for others is a very rewarding experience. “We are very passionate about these services and the life changing effects that they can have on not just the recipient, but the entire family and the communities they live in.” Watching people blossom with person-centered care is one of the many rewards Advantage PCA staff witness on a regular basis.
Holistic Caring for Others
Providing personalized care for another person is what most people expect from a home care business. When you hire a PCA or home care provider you hope that the person will treat your loved one as well as you would. Advantage PCA caregivers do just that and more. “Our caregivers often go above and beyond the average care,” said CEO Cindy Urbaniak. “This statement sums up who we are: ‘We believe everyone, regardless of diagnosis or different abilities has the Godgiven right to live their lives to their full potential; together we can make that happen.’” All care coordinators, licensed social workers and RNs also have some level of personal experience with someone in their life needing care. Whether it be a child or adult with special needs or a
Advantage PCA & Senior Care Office Staff.
Advantage salutes and recognizes all of our Family and Professional Caregivers this Labor Day! THANK YOU for the excellent care you provide our clients and families you work with. We are very proud of the work you do and we recognize and appreciate the significant difference you make in someone’s life.
HAPPY LABOR DAY!
SPECIALIZING IN PERSON-CENTERED CARE FOR CHILDREN, ADULTS AND SENIORS We believe everyone, regardless of their diagnosis or abilities, has the God-given right to live their lives to their fullest potential.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THAT HAPPEN! LICENSED, BONDED AND INSURED We have many experienced Caregivers to meet your Home Care needs - or you can choose a friend or family member to be your paid Caregiver.
www.advantagepcaandseniorcare.com
218-838-4543
13954 Cypress Dr. Ste. 102, Baxter, MN 56425 Private Pay, Medicaid & Major Insurance Plans accepted
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Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
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Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
King oysters sprout from the grow bag they germinated in on a shelf in a climate controlled area.
MUSHROOM MAVENS: HOMEGROWN BUSINESS OFFERS FRESH FUNGI IN LAKES AREA By Chelsey Perkins Community Editor PINE RIVER — Mushrooms are one of those mysterious natural wonders that can appear seemingly overnight — much like Rob Prekker and Rachel Ingberg’s small business. What began as an off-handed remark during a brainstorming session in February has — just months later — come to fruition as Strictly Mushrooms, a rapidly expanding culinary mushroom growing operation based in the couple’s Pine River home. They knew they’d found an unexplored niche among lakes area food businesses within moments of seeking their first restaurant customers. “All we did was introduce ourselves, and you always bring a sample. We’d open up that sample: ‘Yep, I’ll take them,’” Prekker said. “They’d say, ‘You can’t get them up here, there’s nowhere to get them.’” Fresh shiitakes and oyster mushrooms of the king, blue and yellow varieties grown by Prekker and Ingberg have
appeared on plates at 3 Cheers Hospital- into a bit of the wholesale side of it.” ity restaurants Prairie Bay, Iron Range Eatery and Dock 77, along with Sage on Living the dream Strictly Mushrooms has its beginnings Laurel, Bar Harbor, Black Bear Lodge & Saloon and Maucieri’s Italian Bistro. as a strong desire on Prekker’s part to Prairie Bay executive chef Jenna Brow- once again become his own boss. He has er Von Siebolds chose the company’s a history of offbeat small businesses, mushrooms as one of her three signature including breeding worms while proingredients during this year’s Minced ducing organic gardening soil and logcooking competition hosted by Sprout ging firewood seven days a week. Both in Little Falls. So sought after are the of these previous businesses fell victim ingredients by local chefs, the couple is to circumstances outside his control, he pushing themselves to the limits to meet said — the worms and soil to the Great Recession, the firewood to a particularly demand, they said. This included a July move from Brain- warm winter when fireplaces remained erd to a Pine River home better suited dormant as a home heating alternative. But this winter had Prekker, 36, for the operation, complete with nearly a month of late nights and early mornings dreaming again. He and Ingberg, also 36, to convert a ramshackle shed into a labo- first considered becoming organic catnip ratory and preparation area and a portion farmers, even going so far as to acquire equipment. Midstream in the planning of their basement into a fruiting room. “My plan is by October or Novem- process, Ingberg made a half-serious ber, I want to be doing 100 pounds a suggestion: What about mushrooms? It week,” Prekker said. “That allows you to was a comment that prompted Prekker to join certain programs and organizations. conduct intensive research for days and Those help you get more connections and left him with just one question himself:
Strictly Mushrooms
H City: Pine River H Number of employees: Two -founders Rob Prekker and Rachel Ingberg H Did you know? Before becoming a mushroom farmer, Prekker ran businesses including breeding red worms and nightcrawlers, developing organic garden soil and compost and logging firewood.
Why not mushrooms? Much of the equipment in which they’d already invested translated to mushroom production, and soon they’d “knocked up” their first bags of substrate — mushroom farmer slang for introducing mushroom spawn to a growing medium. Weeks later, they would taste their first homegrown king oysters.
MUSHROOM MAVENS: Page S30
SEEDS OF GROWTH: CUT FLOWER FARMS BLOSSOMING IN LAKES AREA local economies. “One of the big drives behind the local EMILY — It’s in a small hayfield hug- American grown flower movement is ging a picturesque country road — a to minimize the environmental impact, secret garden obscured by a grove of minimize the carbon footprint, keep things more local, keep dollars in the trees. Rows of petite cosmos, feathery ama- community, support growers that are ranth, wispy zinnias and stately gold and using environmentally friendly growing maroon sunflowers dance in the breeze, practices,” Hawley, 28, said from her spreading their petals wide to gulp in the kitchen table in mid-July. “It’s employsun’s rays. It’s here where Abra Hawley ing local folks and bringing back the nurtures a patch of more than 100 vari- industry of cut flowers to the United eties of blooms destined for the arms of States.” It’s a lofty ethos derived from humble lovers and the centers of dinner tables. Hawley Hill Gardens is one of a grow- beginnings for Abra and husband Tim, ing number of cut flower farms blooming both the products of families immersed in the Brainerd lakes area and surround- in gardening and small-scale farming. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch ing communities, part of a reemerging For Hawley, the urge to grow flowers After a morning of picking flowers, Abra Hawley heads home with a bucket of fresh domestic floral market riding the wave of flowers. renewed consumer focus on supporting FLORAL FARMS: Page S31 By Chelsey Perkins Community Editor
S26 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
THE LONG GOODBYE: BRAMBLING ROWS FOUNDERS STEP DOWN FROM THRONE, SELL FARM TO BHS GRAD RETURNING HOME markets and a haven for pick-your-own enthusiasts. “We really had to hit the ground running since we closed (on the sale) at the end of April,” Rachel said. “They were kind enough to have everything started, tomato plants going and everything else.” For Rachel, buying the farm is a homecoming. She moved back to the lakes area from Colorado, where she managed a small vegetable farm. Travis will soon follow, but remains in search of work. For John and Ruth, it’s goodbye. But maybe it could be called a Minnesota goodbye — one of those prolonged rituals in the entryway, each relative fitting in the last story and hug and sour cream container filled with leftover mashed potatoes. In this case, it’s the Jansens sharing their knowledge of every square inch of the land: the beloved garlic patch, the greenhouse home to the accidental hybrid lettuce they named “Godsend,” the complex breeding lineage of each crop John’s tinkered with. “It’s big shoes to fill, that’s for sure,” Rachel said. “I’m so grateful. I really thought that if I was ever going to get to farm, it was going to be clearing a patch of woods and start from zero. So to start with greenhouses and plants and everything else is just amazing.”
A fresh start
Farming came into the Jansens’ lives during a tumultuous time. Both were among the approximately 600 lakes area Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch residents who lost their jobs with the New owners of Brambling Rows Farm Travis and Rachel Cobb (left) and former owners Ruth and John Jansen share ideas and plant closure of the Potlatch paper mill in knowledge on the plants that grow on the farm. 2002. They’d purchased the property By Chelsey Perkins sell. It’s the conclusion of a chapter in corn stubble and sand burs and gopher eight years earlier, but the professional their lives and the beginning of a new one mounds when we bought it. Now we’ve upheaval was the final push they needed Community Editor for 29-year-old Brainerd High School got seven greenhouses here and 4-5 to make something of it. John Jansen is almost ready to say “I grew up on a dairy farm, and like graduate Rachel Cobb and husband Tra- acres of produce. You put a lot of yourself farewell to the land that changed his life. I said, it’s something I craved all my vis, who assumed ownership this spring. into that over the course of 20 years.” Almost. John, 70, continues to put a lot of him- life, and I just inhaled any information “It was one of the hardest decisions I Nearly two decades after he and wife ever made, to put it up for sale,” John self into the land, despite the change of I could on it. … We wanted a breeding Ruth nurtured their first patch of rasp- said, standing among rows of grapevines hands — he’s on site nearly every day farm is what we wanted, but until you berries at Brambling Rows Berry Farm, on the northwest corner of the proper- as the Cobbs familiarize themselves with LONG GOODBYE: Page S34 the couple made the difficult choice to ty in early July. “This was nothing but the farm that’s a fixture at area farmers Advertorial
Lakes Area Powersports By Sarah Nelson Katzenberger
Summer is short and winter never seems to end, but Lakes Area Powersports knows how to keep powersport enthusiasts on the go no matter what the seasons bring. Family owned and operated, Lakes Area Powersports takes pride in its business, community and passion for powersports of all kinds. Whether you’re looking for lawn and gardening equipment, ATVs, rangers, side-bysides, pontoon boats or Sea Doo watercrafts, Lakes Area Powersports has you covered with the equipment and the knowledge and experience to match. In addition to the heavy equipment, Lakes Area Powersports has a great line-up of trailers as well as dock and lift systems for the lake. Plus, when your equipment requires a tune-up or a new set of tires, you can visit Lakes Area Powersports full-services shop, operated by three full-time technicians, to help you get things running just like new again.
The folks at Lakes Area Powersports know customer services matters, so they make it a top priority to attract and keep customers for life – and it’s not just talk. Lakes Area Powersports is recognized as a platinum level certified dealer of BRP products -- the highest level of customer satisfaction and ownership experience. In 2018, they were named the Sea Doo District Dealer of the Year. Lakes Area Powersports is located a mile and a half north Walker on Highway 371, right in the heart of Leech Lake and is open year-round making certain you have full-time access to the powersports toys you need any time of year. For more information on the vast lineup of equipment and services offered by Lakes Area Powersports, www.lakesareapowersports.com or stop by the store 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday.
End of Summer Manufacturer & Dealer Rebates on all in-stock pontoons!Stop in Today!
218-547-1558 | www.lakesareapowersports.com Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 8am-1pm - Closed Sun. 8322 St Hwy 371 1-1/2 miles north of Walker MN on Hwy 371 Check us out on Facebook at Lakes Area Powersports and on Instagram @lakes_area_powersports
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S27
LONG DISTANCE: WORKING AROUND THE COUNTRY FROM HOME By Theresa Bourke Staff Writer
BAXTER — From fax machines and snail mail to video conferencing and email, leaps in technological advancements in the last few decades have changed the business world. Ashley Seitzer understands these changes more than most, after watching her dad set up a home office a generation ago and now maintaining her own career from her Baxter house. Seitzer works remotely for Boston-based HealthcareSource, a software company specializing in the health care industry. “I was always envious of all the people that could work from home, and I didn’t,” Seitzer said during an interview July 16 in her home office, surrounded by inspirational quotes, stacks of motivational books and pictures of her family. “So then I decided, ‘Well, let’s give it a shot and we’ll see.’” That shot came when Seitzer learned of HealthcareSource while working as a recruiter for Cuyuna Regional Medical Center. She thought working for the company would be a dream. “I loved recruiting, and I felt I was good at it,” she said. “And I enjoyed software.” Eventually she got up the nerve to ask someone she knew working there to keep her in mind if any job openings became available. “She reached out three months later and said, ‘Hey, I have a job, and you should apply for it,’” Seitzer said. Two years later, that job opportunity turned into a new career for the working wife and mom. As a Brainerd High School graduate, she works from the comfort of her home community with clients all around the country, from California to Maine. Once clients buy a software solution from HealthcareSource, as a client success manager Seitzer continues to work with them to make sure they know how to use the software properly and keep using it. She does this via phone and computer, with a laptop hooked up to two monitors at her desk, and a phone line connected to her computer, allowing her to wear a Bluetooth headset and take calls from her monitor screen. “It’s pretty simple,” she said of the technology needed to do her job. She can reach out to clients in a matter of seconds via email or phone call as long as there’s an internet connection.
Her company, she said, is starting to make a push for video conference, but for now Seitzer doesn’t usually get a lot — if any — face-to-face time with her clients, which means she has to adapt her communication methods, especially when assessing how important an issue is. “You can’t see the interpersonal communications — the facial expressions. You can only hear from the voice,” she said. “So a lot of the time I have to adjust my communication style to say, ‘Can you express to me, if this is on a scale of 1-5, where are we at right now?’” Seitzer also created a page with her picture and some personal information on it that pops up on the screen when she talks with clients over the phone, which is connected to her laptop. “I’m a firm believer in transparency, and I want you to know who I am and where I come from — a little bit about my work, a little bit about my personal life,” she said. “I think it just adds a little extra touch to it when you’re not physically with somebody.” Communication aside, the technology, as she said earlier, is pretty simple for today’s world. But Seitzer understands how far things have come to get to this point. When she was a little kid, she recalls her family having a fax line and a printer in the house because that’s how her dad got business done from his home office. She remembers him rushing off to reach the post office before it closed so he could send documents through the mail, a method that seems slow and even a bit archaic in today’s fast-paced business world. “Now we can do anything and everything in the snap of a finger,” Seitzer said. When email came into the picture, the family’s fax machine disappeared. And when cellphones finally became available, she said her dad’s company provided him one right away. Now, doing remote work without email and a mobile phone feels almost impossible. If Seitzer’s internet ever happens to go down — which has only happened once in her two years working at home — she knows she has her phone to fall back on. “We all have those situations, I think, where technology isn’t always working, whether your internet’s down, or something’s not working,” she said. “So I do use my cellphone from time to time.”
KNUTE NELSON Home Care and Hospice Providing the quality care you deserve, in the environment you choose. At Knute Nelson, our mission is to enrich the lives of everyone we serve. For our patients, that means an array of life enriching services that help them accomplish their goals – whether that be staying safely at home or crossing items off their bucket list. WHAT IS HOME CARE? Home Care is health care provided to you or your loved one wherever they call home.
WHAT IS HOSPICE? Hospice focuses on caring, not curing and in most cases, can be provided wherever an individual calls home. Hospice is about quality of life and being the predominant voice in your own care. It is a service that can help you or your loved one meet end-oflife goals and make the most out of the time they have with their family and friends.
The number one priority in hospice is to keep your loved one comfortable. Home Care clients typically need help That means managing their pain and managing a chronic health condition. giving them the physical, emotional Some need help transitioning from and spiritual support so that they are hospital or rehab to living on their in control of their quality of life. own. Knute Nelson Hospice offers the Knute Nelson Home Care offers the following services: following services: • healing touch • assistance with activities of daily • home health aides living such as dressing, bathing • massage therapy and grooming • skilled nursing • skilled nursing and case • spiritual care management • and more! • physical, occupational and speech therapy • wound, ostomy and continence nurse • cardiac and blood pressure monitoring • monitoring and care management of chronic illnesses • IV therapy • nurse available on call 24 hours a day for urgent situations or needs that arise • smart home technology Home Care client, Elloise, with Knute Nelson nurse, Katti LPN • and more!
CONTACT US
We know that making a choice about your or a loved one’s care can be difficult. That’s why we are available 24/7 to help answer your questions or begin providing care. You can reach us at 218.454.1542 or visit us at knutenelson.org.
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Ashley Seitzer looks at pictures of her children and other decorations at her home office in Baxter. Seitzer works remotely for Boston-based HealthcareSource, a software company specializing in the health care industry. Or if she absolutely needs internet access in a pinch, other options include going to coffee shops or any of the other multitude of places with public Wi-Fi. With the options of email, calling, texting and even working from an iPad when necessary, Seitzer said she always feels like she has some way of getting her work done from wherever she is. Sometimes that means being able to take her daughter to tennis practice, but still having a device with her if anything urgent comes up. “I don’t try to make that a habit though,” she said. “I really try to make sure that I’m present at work and that I’m present with my kids. But, you know, we are all in those situations, and you have to take advantage of that opportunity, especially if it is the only opportunity.” The want for a better balance between her work and personal life prompted Seitzer’s move to a remote career, but it’s not something that necessarily comes easy all the time when her office is just a few steps away from the kids and other household duties. Her son and daughter have learned that when the office door is closed, Mom is at work and doesn’t want to be interrupted. But the better balance comes when Seitzer is able to run upstairs and get dinner started if she has a few minutes between calls.
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Motivational sayings and insprational books adorn Ashley Seitzer’s home office in Baxter.
Or when she can step out of her office at the end of the day and instantly be home with her family, not to mention the money she saves on gas and a business wardrobe. “I like the perk of not having to get up and get myself totally ready,” she said. “I don’t have to put dress slacks on or a skirt.” The occasional conference or business trip requires professional attire, but it’s
WORKING: Page S33
Advertorial
Grocery Shopping Has Never Been Easier With Cub Foods By CARISSA ANDREWS
For Your Life. TM
Brainerd Store
C
ub Foods is the go-to grocery store for Brainerd lakes area residents and tourists. For many, it’s the same store they know and love in their own local community, as they come up to enjoy some cabin time away from the hustle and bustle of home life. With all the same benefits as the stores in larger cities, it’s easy for people to know what to expect when they get their grocery shopping done at Cub. However, there are some new changes to the lakes area stores and they’re happy transitions area residents and tourists are excited about.
GO GREEN For those wanting the healthiest organic and specialty foods, you’ll be pleased to know the Brainerd lakes area has been embracing this desire and transitioning to meet your needs. Thanks in part to consumer demand, and the expanding number of farms and companies with green options, Cub has been expanding the organic and specialty foods to support this growing market. In both the Baxter and Brainerd stores, you’ll find a larger selection than ever before of organic and specialty items. Even the meat department has new options, such as Beyond Beef, plantbased products that looks and tastes like beef but claims to be healthier for you -and the planet. The organic produce and organic foods section have expanded over the years, including more products than ever before. From organic beets to milk, mushrooms, and even organic sodas and kombucha teas, you’ll find something you love. Cub has also expanded its glutenfree options and carries everything from candies, gravies and cereal to baked goods, such as doughnuts, cookies, and of course, bread. And don’t worry, even with all of these additions, Cub Foods still carries all of the same products you’ve grown to know and love over the years.
GROCERY DELIVERY
How does that work? Well, for every $100 you spend at Cub, 10 cents per This past June marked the one-year gallon of fuel is added to your My Cub anniversary of the Brainerd/Baxter Cub partnering with Instacart -- a service that Rewards card. Use it right away, or let it build up until you can save even bigger. delivers your Cub groceries right to your door within an hour. This new service has With this reward, you can save on up been wildly popular -- helping deliver the to 20 gallons of gas -- which can be big same service tourists from the metro are savings. After all, having more money for used to, as well as providing accessibility food at the cabin is good, right? What’s even better, all of the weekly to elderly residents who have trouble coupons are pre-loaded onto your My getting out, people who are medically Cub Rewards account and you can access unable to shop, and busy families them by showing your card or using our needing an extra hand with their weekly Cub mobile app. errands. The way the program works is by first THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT signing up with the Cub / Instacart Whether you’re looking for the latest portal. You pick out your foods, just like you were shopping in the physical stores. weekly ad or coupons, a specific store’s location, or how much you’ve earned Then, Instacart sends out personal in Holiday Gas fuel rewards, the Cub shoppers to shop, pay, and deliver your Foods app is where it’s at (available in groceries right to your home. Delivery is just $3.99, or free for all orders over $35, iOS and Google Play stores). You can if you sign up for the exclusive Cub Foods also keep track of your shopping list, add even more coupon savings, and refill a Instacart Express service. prescription in the Cub Pharmacy. The delivery area for Brainerd/Baxter’s If you want to do your grocery shopping Cub Instacart has also been expanded from your phone and have it delivered to include areas like East Gull Lake. So, if you tried to use the service a while ago to your door, there’s an app for that, but we didn’t quite reach you, it might be too (currently only available in iOS). worth checking back to see if your area is Download the Cub Delivery App and start shopping anytime, anywhere. Schedule now covered. your delivery or pickup time and location, To start getting your Cub groceries dropped at your door, visit https://shop. then sit back and relax. To learn more about the apps, click cub.com and sign up today. here: https://www.cub.com/savings/ mobile-apps.html GET REWARDED Cub Foods is the lakes area grocery Driving back and forth to the cabin for store with plenty of options to make most people in the area means traveling grocery shopping as convenient as more than 50 miles to get there. Over time, that’s a lot of money spent on fuel. possible. From online shopping and delivery, to rewards and gas savings, Cub However, for Cub Foods’ customers enrolled in the My Cub Rewards program, Foods has you covered and is 100% Lakes Proud. Don’t forget to head over to cub. you’ll save money at the pump. Cub has com for all the latest news, savings, and been teamed up with Holiday Gas for a couple of years and you can now use your details on your My Cub Rewards and the Cub Foods or Cub Delivery apps. My Cub Rewards card (or your phone number) right at the pump to save up to To get social with Cub, follow them on Facebook. $1.50 per gallon.
HAPPY Labor Day Brainerd Store
Baxter Store 34 Years of Providing the Lakes Area great service, fresh produce, award winning meats while also providing the best in Deli, Bakery and Floral Services.
Thank you to not only our local customers but our dedicated, hardworking Staff !
Have a Safe and Happy Labor Day! BRAINERD 417 8th Ave. NE BAXTER 14133 Edgewood Dr. N. For Your Life. TM
OPEN 24 HOURS
S30 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
MUSHROOM MAVENS From Page S25
Ingberg didn’t even like to eat mushrooms at the time. “Now I love them, I actually want them in things,” she said. “He’s a large advocate of making sure you try things multiple times before you say you don’t like it. So he cooked me mushrooms and that was that. He knows how to make them.” Ingberg posted the mushrooms for sale on Facebook Marketplace and the response was swift.
Progress Edition 2019
“The next day it was sold out with four people waiting,” Prekker said. “Two weekends later, we got another flush and we had 10 pounds. Literally the next day they were gone.”
From spawn to ‘shroom
It’s surprising to learn Prekker and Ingberg are new to the mushroom cultivation world, given the ease with which they explain and seemingly execute the process. They appear to have moved quickly through beginner growing pains into streamlined production, a tour of their operation on a late July evening indicated.
The path from spawn to ‘shroom begins in a steam bath. Bagged blocks of substrate — which can be any material in which fungus will grow — are sanitized in 55-gallon drums Prekker rigged to serve as large pressure cookers inside the converted shed. Sanitizing is important, they explained, because any mold growth will smother potential mushrooms by growing at a faster rate. Once the bags are steamed and cooled, they head to the lab for inoculation. The couple’s lab is an area of the shed they’ve sectioned off with plastic walls and a zippered entrance. Inside, positive pressure is created with an air conditioner that
Strictly Mushrooms grows yellow and blue oysters in a climate controlled room in the basement. Advertorial
Now You Can Believe Your Eyes
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Are things looking a little fuzzy in your world? Maybe it’s time to schedule an eye exam where the focus is on you. Northern Eye Center is the lakes area’s go-to eye care specialists. With locations in Brainerd, Little Falls and Staples, they offer a wide variety of eye care services to protect and improve your vision.
From petite women’s frames to stylish men’s frames and a large selection of children’s frames, Northern Eye Center and Great Northern Opticians has you covered. Whatever your style, you can rest assured you can find the right look for you. Plus, you’ll always get the best lenses possible because they work with an independent lab to get it all done right the first time.
Northern Eye Center has Personal Service for your optometrists and ophthalmologists Precious Sight on staff with the experience and Trust in our care and experience. expertise to deliver quality eye care. Some of the popular services If you’d like to stop in for an eye exam, pick out glasses or contacts, include: or speak with one of the doctors about the health of your eyes, • Complete eye health exams give Northern Eye Center a call at • Contact lens fittings 218-829-2020. You can also visit • Eyeglass prescriptions • Macular degeneration treatment northerneyecenter.com Don’t get lost in the shuffle. • LASIK surgery Northern Eye Center will provide • Cataract surgery personal service to protect your • Glaucoma surgery precious sight. • Cosmetic eyelid surgery The Experienced Pair in Eye Care - Northern Eye Center and Great Northern Opticians Are you searching for the perfect frames to enhance your vision and self-esteem? Northern Eye Center is paired with Great Northern Opticians in the Brainerd office and they provide the finest selection of frames in the lakes area -- with more than 1,000 to choose from.
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 pumps in outside air through a HEPA filter, blocking out almost 100 percent of particles larger than .3 microns. This provides a second defense against the introduction of mold. Then, millet spiked with mushroom spawn is added to the substrate in specially designed bags featuring a small breathe patch allowing the exchange of carbon dioxide. The bags are tightly sealed and placed on shelves, where they’ll sit for weeks to months, depending on the variety. Dozens of these bagged blocks in various states of growth lined the couple’s
MUSHROOM MAVENS: Page S31
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S31
MUSHROOM MAVENS
ratory system from prolonged exposure to the constant output of spores from From Page S30 maturing mushrooms. The room requires regular disinfecting, once again in an effort to stave off mold growth and conshed, tendrils of white mycelium snaking tamination. through the substrate. Mycelium is the To the uninitiated, the process might root part of the fungus, while the eventual seem meticulous and cumbersome. But, mushrooms are the fruit of the organism. Prekker and Ingberg emphasized, it Prekker knows the bags are ready to move doesn’t have to be this complicated or to the basement when a popcorn texture large scale. Inoculated blocks, logs and appears on the surface. Unlike plants and other growing mediums can be purchased more like humans, fungus exhales carbon and grown into mushrooms by the condioxide and breathes in oxygen. sumer in humidified plastic containers or “It’s trying to grow, but there’s not even just on the kitchen counter. enough oxygen,” he said. “I’ll cut that “You can literally spend $16 plus shipbag open and move it to the fruiting ping on the block, and all you really need room, where it gets a boost of oxygen and is a (small) tote,” Prekker said. “You can a temperature change.” put a grocery bag over the top of it and Down in the basement, another airtight spray water twice a day and you could area the couple built with thick plastic grow a pound or two of mushrooms.” walls contains the final product in proOr instead, let Prekker and Ingberg do cess. Walking through the door of the the work and enjoy the fruits of their fruiting room is akin to emerging from an labor, either at an area restaurant or by air-conditioned room to the outdoors on purchasing direct from them. a humid Minnesota summer day; a wall of water-infused air marks a significant For the love of fungi atmospheric change. Metal shelves hold Proselytizing about mushrooms seems the blocks, now sporting pins — essen- to come second nature to Prekker and tially, mushroom sprouts — or full-on Ingberg now. The taste, appearance, stems and caps of colorful mushrooms. health benefits and beauty of their harA PVC pipe with small holes runs across vest — all of it rolls off their tongues like the ceiling, and with the flip of a switch true mushroom junkies. The king oysters, it emits a mist that helps maintain 95 which occupy the most real estate, are in percent humidity in the space. particular the apple of Prekker’s eye. Once a block produces a harvestable “The flavor is excellent, it’s a mild amount of mushrooms, it’s still not mushroom flavor. The mushrooms at the spent. Prekker and Ingberg simply flip store don’t have flavors. It’s like noththe block over and wait for a second ing,” he said. “They’re large. They’re flush, or growth of mushrooms. This so meaty that vegans will use them as a typically produces about half the weight substitute for scallops. … You can cook of mushrooms as the first go-around, but them for hours and they have a texture is worth skipping the first several steps to them. They hold up well in the fridge. for more of the good stuff. They are the perfect mushroom, espeWorking in this airtight space with cially for restaurants.” actively growing mushrooms means The couple is in the process of expandwearing facemasks, protecting the respi-
FLORAL FARMS
her first year, including an unexpectedly clay-like soil in an otherwise sandy field From Page S25 that led to drainage problems and a seed starting mix that lacked the nutrients necessary to encourage healthy growth began as one of a number of do-it-your- in the young flowers. Some varieties she self projects she pursued for the cou- tried to grow failed. ple’s 2016 wedding reception. Two years It was a year filled with lessons the of consideration and research later, the Hawleys took into this growing season first seeds were planted for what would — one that’s so far been markedly more become a tiny farm offering locally grown successful, she said, although still what cut flowers and greenery. she would consider a “trial” year. It wasn’t an easy task, converting a “A lot of people will tell you the best portion of the field to a flower garden. advice is to maybe pick fewer varieties Tilling the land, digging a well, acquiring and grow a lot more of each variety, electricity, installing a fence and a drip but it’s really hard to narrow down the irrigation system — the couple under- selection. Once you start looking there took all of these jobs, on top of taking are so many gorgeous varieties of flowcare of seedlings that would fill the space. ers out there,” Hawley said. “There are Hawley faced numerous challenges in some things that I tried last year just Advertorial
MIKE’S TREE COMPANY
A Local Company You Can Trust
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Rachel Ingberg holds a mushroom grow bag, in which a culture of mushrooms takes root as Rob Prekker explains the process. ing their offerings, including a batch of chestnut mushrooms that were beginning to pin in the fruiting room in July and plans to produce morels and almond mushrooms in a greenhouse next spring and summer. Almonds, which appear much the same as the button mushrooms found in produce aisles, are anything but ordinary, according to Prekker. Beyond their enviable flavor, benefits to the immune system in humans and animals from the mushroom have led to its use in a surprising way — as a cattle feed supplement in Europe, intended to reduce antibiotic use. For now, Prekker continues to work three 10-hour days a week and Ingberg works as a nurse for Essentia Health. But
Prekker hopes to soon be a stay-at-home mushroom dad. With a major expansion and upgrade out of the way, the focus is on increasing production and maintaining that output. Selling direct to consumers at farmers markets is a possible next step, along with introducing more area restaurants to their fungi gold mine. “It’s really been a nonstop expansion since April or so. It’s a few more dollars we put into it coming here, that’s for damn sure,” Prekker said. “Once you get that big chunk of upgrade, it’s just make sure you keep maintaining it at a low budget. Then you start rolling out mushrooms.” CHELSEY PERKINS may be reached at 218-855-5874 or chelsey.perkins@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchChelsey.
really didn’t work for me, and I didn’t do them this year. Some things that I tried last year didn’t really thrive for me, but I thought I’d give them one more try and see. … Some things I know like it here, so those I kind of tried to plant a little more of this year.”
“There being more flower farmers in the lakes area than I thought there were? Yeah, sure, that poses a challenge because obviously then there’s people competing for the same market,” Hawley said. “But I think the market potential here is big enough that there’s room for all of us.” Among those seeking to get their flowIn good company ers into the hands and noses of lakes area At first, it appeared Hawley Hill Garconsumers is 18-year-old Mary Schaefdens might be the only farm of its kind bauer of Brainerd, proprietor of Sonnenserving the Brainerd area, with the potential to corner a market brimming blume Flower Farm and Design who said with destination weddings and a healthy her business is a perfect blend of intertourism economy. But it soon became ests in floral design and farming. Then clear Hawley was among a communi- there’s Veronica Geisenhof, the 22-yearty of women striving to provide a local old daughter of Nelson-Shine Produce’s alternative to a large-scale market of cut Ron and Barb Nelson who began growing flowers imported from fields thousands FLORAL FARMS: Page S32 of miles away in South America.
Voted #1 two years in a row
BY BRYAN REEDER
Mike’s Tree Company has been providing professional tree service in the Brainerd lakes area since 1995. They offer tree removal, tree trimming, tree pruning, stump removal, insect and disease control, tree protection plans, soil care and consulting services. This Labor Day they are pleased to continue to focus on creating a safe working environment for their employees and their families. Professional and Community Driven Their tree service is based on care for clients as well as the trees. They strive to ensure their customers receive the most professional Tree Care Service in Minnesota. Most of the new business at Mike’s Tree Company comes from referrals so you can trust in their quality of service and the high standards they have set for themselves. Are you doing some yard clean up this fall? Mike’s Tree Company believes in their community and offers free organic yard waste drop off and disposal for homeowners. Tree Doctors Not only is Mike’s Tree Company the most trusted tree service company in the area, but they also take pride in being a leader in tree health care in the Brainerd lakes area. Mike’s Tree Doctors are certified arborists. They are known to be the most knowledgeable tree surgeons in the Brainerd lakes area. The goal is not to simply be there in an emergency or after neglect, but rather to be proactive in providing the services needed to keep your existing trees healthy. Their educated team specializes in diagnosing your trees for various diseases and insects. It is their mission to educate people on proper tree care practices to ensure the life and vitality of area trees. Voted Best Tree Company In 2018 and 2019 Mike’s Tree Company was voted the Best Tree Company of the Best of Brainerd Lakes. Owner Mike and their 25 employees appreciate all of their current customers and look forward to continuing to be a local company that can be trusted. If you would like more information about caring for your trees or are interested in any of the other services, including commercial snow removal, you can find their contact info at mikestreecompany.com.
Thank you to all of our amazing customers and employees!
S32 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
FLORAL FARMS From Page S31
cut flowers two years ago in her Country Sunshine greenhouses. To the north, 29-year-old Chantal Netzer of Pequot Lakes expanded her locally grown herbal tea business The Sweet Leaf Farm to include cut flowers with the goal to begin edible flower production in the near future. With a background in high-end floral design and a lifetime interest in gardening, Rachel Bredemus runs House of Alouette along with young campers on the grounds of Camp Birchwood for girls in Laporte. To the south, floral farms Beezie’s Blooms and Pluck Floral Farm operate harmoniously in Milaca, including a recent collaborative event inviting visitors to tour both farms on a Saturday in July. It’s a varied field of entrepreneurs adding their own flavors and backgrounds to a marketplace in which old is new again. They’re a burgeoning group in the mold of the “slow flowers” movement led by American grown flowers advocate Debra Prinzing, author of “The 50 Mile Bouquet” who launched an online directory helping consumers connect to local flower farmers. And it’s a community in which Hawley said she’s found inspiration and support during the trial-and-error beginnings of her flower business. “Other growers I have met here in the lakes area but also beyond, everyone is, I would say, really supportive and enthusiastic of the industry,” Hawley said. “We all want each other to do well. … They’ve all been really open to sharing information and tips, their growing strategies and stuff that has worked well for them. Everyone’s been really welcoming. I try and share information with them, too, for things that I figured out work well for me that would maybe be helpful for them and their farms. It’s a really positive community overall.” This collaborative spirit has opened doors for Hawley in her second year. A newly formed partnership with Schaefbauer has the pair traveling together to pitch their blooms to area florists. Schaefbauer was nervous at first, she said, upon learning of another up and coming flower farm in the area. But a lunch meeting revealed an opportunity to capitalize on one another’s strengths and provide a wider variety of local flowers from the back of Schaefbauer’s family van. “We’re both growing some different things,” Schaefbauer said. “We keep track of whose stuff sells and it’s an opportunity for us to work together and
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Veronica Geisenhof with Country Sunshine arranges her cut flower bouquets at the Laurel Street Farmer’s Market. maybe make a little more money. And it’s easier to have some company. … It’s an interesting balance between the competition and working together. We’re very friendly with each other. We’re friends and we share our knowledge and experiences. If I need flowers that I don’t have, I’ll just buy some from her.”
Why they do it
Over the past decade, the sources of food, clothing, energy and other goods have become elements to which consumers pay more attention. More and more people know where the vegetables and meat on their tables spent their lives, who made their soap or handcrafted their jewelry. Floral bouquets, however, might just be one of the last frontiers. The vast majority of bouquets found on the shelves of grocers, big box stores and both brick-and-mortar and online florists are imported — approximately 80% of all flowers sold in the U.S., according to Slow Flowers. Of these, 65% are grown in Colombia and another 17% hail from Ecuador. The industry got a huge boost in the early 1990s, when a trade agreement meant to dissuade production of illegal drugs offered duty-free access to a wide
range of exports from Andean countries, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. At the same time, domestic flower farms faced economic hardship in the wake of low-cost imports in the floral marketplace. Slow Flowers reports 58% of American flower farms have gone out of business since 1992, attributed mostly to the inability to compete. While there are certainly benefits to point to for South American residents, concerns abound over other potential consequences stemming from lax environmental regulations and chemical applications, a lack of worker protections for those who work the fields, and the unavoidable carbon footprint of transporting the flowers by plane to the U.S. Purchasing flowers grown in the United States doesn’t necessarily avoid all of these impacts — hothouse greenhouses, for example, consume a high amount of energy — but it’s a step toward increasing awareness of where one’s dollars go. Nearly three-quarters of U.S. consumers are unaware of where their cut flowers originate, Slow Flowers reports. In her own little corner of the world, Hawley focuses on growing her flowers
organically, without any use of harsh chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. “As you’ll see when we go out to the field, there’s lots of weeds,” Hawley said. “We don’t kill anything with chemicals. That’s important to us. We don’t want to be part of adding more of that to the environment.” Knowing the growing practices is one positive benefit Hawley points to in making the decision to purchase from a local farmer. But there’s more: the variety of flowers available isn’t possible to obtain through imports. A number of blooms offered by lakes area flower farms are far too delicate to withstand shipping in the way the hardy and ubiquitous carnations can, for example. Showstopping dahlias and zinnias generally aren’t available from wholesalers, but can be found among the bouquets Hawley sells at the Ideal Green Market Cooperative farmers market, the downtown Brainerd market and at the Crow Wing Co-Op. Buying direct from local flower farmers also cuts out a huge number of tasks for
FLORAL FARMS: Page S33
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“The general public is increasingly aware of identity theft and privacy issues, and we’re seeing that locally by the number of businesses and individuals who call us looking for a way to properly destroy their records and sensitive information,” Paper Storm President Geoff Gorvin said. The walk-up service is located west of Baxter on State Highway 210, in the Paper Storm’s services can accommo- Sylvan Commercial Park, at 12806 Aldate both residential and business cus- falfa Lane, Pillager. The cost is based on tomers. Its mobile service has routes weight.
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001886316r1
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
FLORAL FARMS
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S33
florists required to spruce up imported flowers, she said. “If you’re ordering flowers from a wholesaler, they’re going to come to you dry in a box and you have to unpackage them, recut them, treat the stems, put them in water, give them time to freshen up,” Hawley said. “Being shipped without water for any period of time, they’re looking pretty sad, they need some time to recover before you can do anything with them. “That’s a time consuming thing for florists to have to do, to process all those flowers. They appreciate that there’s not that processing involved (with local growers).”
involving the campers is a way to spread the satisfaction of growing and caring for the plants to a new generation. “Part of the gardening and flower thing is I hope girls will have an appreciation for how to grow stuff,” she said. “Out in the farm where the flowers are growing, they just love getting their hands dirty. They would play in the dirt all day if I would let them.” Hawley is also taking an interactive approach, partnering with local businesses to offer “flower bars.” The events invite participants to build their own bouquets from a selection of blooms, either on their own or with some guidance. Two such events scheduled in August were set to take place at Serendipity Art Gallery and Gifts in Pequot Lakes and Luna Women’s Wellness and Birth Center in Brainerd.
Spreading the joy
Floral future
From Page S32
Beyond the nuts and bolts of the industry, many lakes area flower farmers expressed the simple joy they find in sharing the beauty of the blooms with others. Geisenhof of Country Sunshine operates a flower subscription service, akin to a CSA or community-supported agriculture share. She delivers bouquets to these customers on a weekly or biweekly basis. “Flowers just bring happiness, and that’s why I like flowers more than I like vegetables,” Geisenhof said. “You can’t eat flowers. People ask, ‘Why do
H Hawley Hill Gardens, Emily — hawleyhillgardens.com or find on Facebook or Instagram @hawleyhillgardens. H Sonnenblume Flower Farm and Design, Brainerd — sonnenblumeflowers.com or Facebook/ Instagram @sonnenblumeflowers. H Country Sunshine, Brainerd — nelsonshineproduce.com or Facebook at https://bit.ly/2GNuJN9. H The Sweet Leaf Farm, Pequot Lakes — thesweetleaffarm.com or Instagram @thesweetleaffarm. H House of Alouette, Laporte — houseofalouette.com or Instagram @sweetalouette. H Beezie’s Blooms, Milaca — beeziesblooms.com or Facebook/ Instagram @beeziesblooms. H Pluck Flower Farm, Milaca — pluckflowerfarm.com or Facebook/ Instagram @pluckflowerfarm.
Submitted photo
Rachel Bredemus poses with cut flowers she grew on the Camp Birchwood property in Laporte.
you grow so many flowers?’ It just brings a sense of happiness to me and if I can share that with other people, I will.” Netzer, who cleans homes and works in gardens for people as another source of income, said she gives clients bouquets of her flowers as gifts. She often sets up a small stand along the road in front of her home to sell stems to those who happen upon the spot. “When I first started, they thought that they were so nice because they’re different than the flowers you can get at the grocery store,” she said. “A lot of people will say, ‘Wow, I didn’t know you could grow these kinds of flowers here.’ Some people are really surprised and really happy to find them.” Inspired by the Lonely Bouquet movement, Schaefbauer has left bouquets around Nisswa with her contact information for unsuspecting people to find. Doing so served a dual purpose, she said. “I was kind of looking at it as partly a way to brighten someone’s day and partly a way to market my products in kind of a unique way,” Schaefbauer said. “The best way to market my flowers is just for people to see them.” Bredemus, whose farm is located at a girls camp she and her husband run, said
As for Hawley Hill Gardens, Hawley said she’s looking forward to achieving some goals: erecting a high tunnel to extend the growing season, learning more about the wedding floral industry and establishing more contacts in the floral design world. This, all while she and Tim are expecting a baby boy in September. Despite what many of her customers think, she’s far too busy to think about her own yard, she said. “I get a lot of comments from people like, ‘Oh, I bet you have such a beautiful yard,’” she said. “My yard and my house get neglected during the summer. My yard is lucky to get mowed once a month. … Everybody assumes we have this gorgeous landscaping and that’s not quite how it works. All of our energy and work in the summer goes into the flower field and growing and selling those flowers and not so much into beautifying our yards.” Neglected yards aside, the future seems bright for the local flower industry, farmers agreed, as more people are exposed to the concept of slow flowers and buying locally grown bouquets. “I would love to see local flowers more visible and available. I would like to see local businesses with locally grown flowers as table decorations or if it’s a gift shop, maybe they’re selling bouquets of locally grown flowers,” Hawley said. “I would like to see more lakes area weddings featuring lakes area flowers, and definitely I would love to see floral designers and retail florists using more locally grown product and kind of promoting that, too, to their customers.” CHELSEY PERKINS may be reached at 218-855-5874 or chelsey.perkins@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchChelsey.
WORKING From Page S27
not something she normally has to wear every day of the work week. While the job requires some traveling here and there, Seitzer doesn’t see that as a downfall but rather takes advantage of the opportunity to accomplish extra work while away from home for a couple days. “I usually work more when I’m traveling just because I want to seize the opportunity when I am home to be more present with my kids,” she said. When Seitzer initially made the decision to trade shared workspace and physical coworkers for that extra family time and convenience of working from home, she worried about missing the office environment. But thanks to texting and her various other means of communication, she’s able to keep up close relationships with some of her remote co-workers, despite not seeing them in person every day. “We still have that camaraderie of being a team or being with your coworkers,” she said. “But I will say you have to make a little bit more effort to do that, and I don’t know if everybody can do that either.” Being able to build those kinds of virtual relationships takes the right type of person, Seitzer said, explaining how she takes the time each morning to send a quick greeting to her teammates and send them good vibes for the day. “You have to kind of put yourself out there, and I think that is tough for some people,” she said. “You have to make that initiative.” But it would seem Seitzer is the right person for the job, and thanks to technology, her dream situation is a reality. “I’ve heard of situations of other people that have tried to work from home, and they just didn’t like the experience. And for me, I feel it’s really a privilege to work for home,” she said. “... I just feel fortunate. I tell my boss that all the time.” THERESA BOURKE may be reached at theresa.bourke@ brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5860. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchTheresa.
For Your Info
H Location: Works from Baxter for company in Woburn, Massachusetts. H Organizations served by HealthcareSource: More than 3,500 H Interesting fact: Seitzer’s young children don’t quite understand how their mom works at home and think she doesn’t have a job at all.
Advertorial
Brian VanVickle Can Now Be Found at Northland Sports Center in Eagle Bend by Carissa Andrews
The VanVickles are not strangers to the Brainerd lakes area. After 18 years working at Brothers Motorsports in Brainerd, Brian VanVickle now owns his very own motorsports dealership in Eagle Bend, Minn. In June of this year, Brian and his wife Janet took over Northland Sports Center. You may recognize Janet from her 30-plus years of customer service at TV Service Center in Brainerd. With the previous owners retiring after nearly 50 years in the business, not much has changed in the way Northland Sports Center is run. “What really built the powersports business at the Eagle Bend location was the small town, homey feel of the dealership, and the customer service they provided. Our intention is to continue on with this legacy,” said Brian. “We want you to feel like you’re talking with friends when you’re in the dealership.” Northland Sports Center is central Minnesota’s go-to dealer for Polaris Off-Road Vehicles, Hustler mowers and WoodMaster outdoor furnaces. The Polaris side of Northland Sports
Center originally started in 1991, with the previous owners, and has since grown into an incredible inventory of new and used motorsports vehicles, such as ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles.
from all of us at Northland Sports Center We appreciate all of our dedicated staff members and clients we get to work with every day.
Owning a new or used powersports vehicle can be more affordable than you might think, too. With an easy, online financing application, there’s no need to spend your Saturday filling out paperwork. You can get all of the hard stuff out of the way and come down to the dealership to pick up your ride. With incredible sales, service, parts and financing available, there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain. If you’re been dreaming of your next ATV, lawnmower, or even snowmobile, Northland Sports Center has everything you need. Reach out to Northland Sports Center in Eagle Bend at 218-738-2582 to talk with Brian or stop by the dealership at 131 E Main Street to have a look around. You can also follow Northland Sports Center on Facebook to see the latest new and used inventory.
Pictured (from left to right): Andrew Jay - Sales, Cur t Woelfel -Service Tech, Cody Wegscheid - Service Tech, Charlie Jackson - Par ts/Service We are Central Minnesota’s dealer for Polaris Off-Road Vehicles, and WoodMaster outdoor furnaces. Everyone is family at Nor thland Spor ts Center. We don’ t do high-pressure sales but instead try to find the best fit for you in motorspor ts vehicles and outdoor power equipment. Shop our Polaris Side by Sides including the Ranger, RZR, and General; Polaris AT Vs including the Spor tsman; and Polaris Snowmobiles. We sell both new vehicles and pre-owned vehicles including AT Vs, UT Vs, and snowmobiles. Nor thland Spor ts Center is located in Eagle Bend, Minnesota, nor thwest of St. Cloud between Long Prairie, and Wadena. Visit or contact our dealership today for the best sales, service, par ts, and financing for motorspor ts vehicles and power equipment in Minnesota.
131 E. MAIN ST., EAGLE BEND, MN 56446 (800) 683-8522 | (218) 738-2582
northlandsportsmn.com
S34 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
LONG GOODBYE From Page S26
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Rachel Cobb samples some of the Godsend lettuce from a greenhouse on the Brambling Rows Farm. stumble on that first perfect cross there’s no money in it,” John said. “When Potlatch said that they were shutting down I thought, well, a berry farm alone isn’t going to do it, so I’m going to build a greenhouse.” Ruth’s roots are also agricultural, having grown up on a farm between Elysian and Waterville in southern Minnesota. “We also raised cattle and my mom had a garden and I helped her pick — and pull weeds, as little as possible,” she said with a smile. Ruth was 56 when Potlatch closed and she took an early retirement, locking in the couple’s health insurance. She initially planned to stay at home with their teenagers, but soon found that wasn’t a good fit for her. “I needed a job that I could have my summers off, so I looked into getting into the school district,” Ruth, 74, said. “I had raised a special needs child of my own and that’s what opened the door for me, so I was able to work at Garfield (Elementary School). I worked there for seven years and John worked at Ace (Hardware) for a couple years. We just got too busy in the summer and it was getting to the point where he had to have some help. So I retired, and we’ve been working hard ever since then, together.”
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Rachel and Travis Cobb are the new owners of Brambling Rows Farm.
some varieties of black raspberries that are not only winter hardy, but are also nearly immune to the common disease anthracnose when grown in high tunnels. And then there’s Godsend. John stabilized the accidental hybrid, which he believes was a cross of romaine and buttercrunch. But it took time and patience — seven generations of time and patience, to be exact. This is the number of generations required to stabilize a genome to the point the seed’s output will be predictable. Until then, seeds can produce wildly different results. John said of the Experimental approach 150 seeds he planted in the second genJohn’s approach to gardening has a bit eration, about 100 different variations of a mad scientist flair to it. To speak with sprouted. Throughout the process, John him on the topic is to be a student in a saved the seeds from the plants that master class, piecing together instruction looked the most like the original hybrid. on cross-breeding, disease resistance, By the eighth or ninth generation, John plant biology and saving heirloom seeds, noticed an emerging trait in the lettuce from which a large number of the farm’s that defied conventional wisdom about plants grow. Jansen was able to develop the green. Instead of becoming inedible
once blossoming, the Godsend variety remained palatable. “Most lettuce, if it gets this (tall), it gets real bitter,” John said. “We noticed that enzyme disappearing. Ruthie and I have taken leaves off of a blossoming plant right up next to the stem. There’s a tiny little dab of bitterness (at the end) but you break that off, and we use it.” The success of the Godsend variety is an example, Ruth said, showing “the good lord has been with us.” While her husband got his hands dirty in the gardens, Ruth dirtied hers in the kitchen, making jams from the farm’s berries and other fruits, including grapes, plums and cherries. “After I got married I would have to call Mom and say, ‘How do you do this? How do you do that?’ She taught me how to can over the phone. I had to learn all that then,” Ruth said. One of her most successful products at
Advertorial
Can Temp Agencies Really Help Job Seekers?
E
G TH N I R O HON
Are you looking for a job, but don’t know where to start? Maybe you’re interested in switching careers, but don’t know exactly how to go about it. If you need help finding work, a staffing agency is a great place to start. What are some of the benefits of working with a staffing agency?
the farmers markets came yet again from John’s experimental streak. “When there’s always a little bit left at the end of a batch, he mixed some sometimes, so he would say, ‘Oh can you make a recipe and mix these two together?’” Ruth said. “One of those was our top seller, and one of those was his mom’s recipe that I just expanded so I could make a bigger batch. It’s been a learning experience, too, and it’s been fun to experiment with the different products.”
‘What I want to do’
With wonderful memories and life-shaping experiences aplenty, leaving the farm is a welcome proposition for the Jansens, too. Running a farm operation of the scale and nuance of Brambling Rows doesn’t leave a whole lot of time for other things in life. The couple owned a lake
LONG GOODBYE: Page S35
KER R O NW A C I R AME
Stability
The term most associated with staffing is “temporary,” so it’s natural that most people don’t think of stability when they think of the staffing industry. However, working for a staffing agency can provide you with some permanence. Even if you work in several different positions over a period of months, you’re still considered the staffing agency’s employee. This is good for your résumé, because you can try out different jobs without it looking like you’ve switched employment too much. This is also beneficial because the staffing agency can provide consistent insurance and retirement benefits, even as you try out different work options.
Flexibility
While stability is an unexpected advantage to working with a staffing company, agencies also offer employees flexibility. They can offer temporary work to those who prefer variety and have an ever-changing schedule, but can also offer long-term and temp-to-hire options to employees who are looking for a career. At Penmac, we’ve had employees start in temporary positions, and eventually become long-term employees in management positions.
Support
The best part about working with a staffing agency is that there’s someone there to help with the overwhelming process of looking for the job. At Penmac, Staffing Specialists are there at each step. They take care of finding you a position that meets your needs, help you complete your application, assist with resumes, provide training, and ongoing on-the-job support. At Penmac, we value our employees and the hard work they do each day, and we try to show our appreciation by providing you with all the resources you need to succeed.
Work
This is at the core of any staffing agency. In its simplest terms, staffing is a way to connect job seekers to businesses. Some common misconceptions about staffing companies are that they only offer entry-level positions, and that there is a fee associated with looking for work. The truth is, that temp agencies fill positions that require a range of skill levels, from those who are just starting out to those who have years of experience. Penmac works with the area’s best employers, and often is the connection you need to get your foot in the door at a great local business. Penmac’s services are always free to job seekers and employees.
U K YO N A TH
ES! E Y O L EMP R U LL O A O T
Penmac Staffing salutes the hardworking Americans who keep our country moving forward with their dedication, determination, and innovation. We are proud to be America’s largest 100% employee-owned staffing company.
NOW HIRING Need free help finding a job that fits your skills and schedule? Apply online at WWW.PENMAC.COM or contact one of our Minnesota offices: Brainerd: 218-824-9675 Hackensack: 218-675-5661 Wadena: 218-632-9675
If you’re interested in learning more, or would like to apply to work at Penmac, visit www.penmac.com or call the Brainerd office at (218) 824-9675.
EOE
EOE
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S35
LONG GOODBYE
Brambling Rows Farm
From Page S34
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Working on the raspberries, Rachel and Travis Cobb are learning more about the Jansen family’s special varieties of raspberries.
property near Grand Rapids they visited only six times in the course of 18 years, for example. “We’ve just gotten to the point where we have 21 grandchildren and the 14th great-grandchild is on the way, so for them, it’s just time, we need to spend time with the kids,” Ruth said. “I just lost a daughter last March and it just kind of concretes it all the more, that it’s time that we spend time with family and work on our bucket list.” The contents of Ruth’s and John’s bucket lists vary greatly, however. For Ruth, it’s all about traveling — to Alaska, to the tropics, to the mountains and the vineyards of the West, to Colorado where new owners Rachel and Travis previously lived. As for John? “I have a couple more crosses I want to do, I want to develop,” he said. “I have a rhubarb that is red and it’s very large. … It’s very coarse. So I would like to breed it with another one that I have that is quite fine, and see what we can get out of that. There’s a perennial sunflower that I’d like to work on. … It all takes time. “So many people say, ‘Why are you working over there if you’re retired?’ What do you do when you’re retired? You do what you want to do. And this is what I want to do.” Despite his bucket list, John said he’s slowly becoming acquainted with the idea of more free time.
H Location: Rural Brainerd H Number of employees: Five, including owners Rachel and Travis Cobb. H Did you know? Four greenhouses at Brambling Rows Farm are built partially below ground. In one of them, John Jansen devised a method to heat the plant beds directly, rather than through the air. It costs just $45 to heat for the entire spring, according to Jansen, versus conventional greenhouses that can run about $1,300 a month.
and he works hard,” Ruth said. “And you know they’re going to have to be hard workers, and they are. I can see she has the passion like John, and that’s what it’s going to take. … So I look for success. I sure do.” Although she’s mostly just soaking up as much as she can right now, Rachel said a few changes are underway. She’s dropped “Berry” from the farm’s name, and she intends to begin implementing organic practices in her first full season. At this time, that doesn’t include certiSteve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch fication through the U.S. Department of Brambling Rows Farm is located on Roscoe Road south of Brainerd. Agriculture, which can be expensive and cumbersome, but Rachel said she’d enjoy “I’m getting used to it. We went fishing a farm, but knew Colorado wouldn’t be community input on whether that label is the other night for the first time in 10 the place. Rachel’s parents, Larry and important to them. years,” he said. “Yesterday on the spur Beth Lindman were the ones who hapof the moment we dropped everything pened across John and Ruth’s listing in Little kingdom and went to Safari North (Wildlife Park). the classifieds. Under a blazing late afternoon sun, the That wouldn’t have been possible last “My parents were really into me com- past and future of Brambling Rows consummer.” ing home,” Rachel said. “I knew I didn’t vened at the garlic patch, one of John’s want to live in Colorado long term, and I favorite places on the farm. Finding the net did miss living around this area. I missed “I’m looking forward to seeing what Rachel knew for some time farming the trees especially. It was good to come I can produce,” Rachel said. “I feel for was in her future, and her passion was back, and farming here is definitely eas- John because when you work land, you ignited further by a great teacher. ier than Colorado. You don’t have water fall in love with it. I’m looking forward to “I was lucky enough, the town we lived that, getting to know the different intrilimitations here like you do there.” in Colorado there was this little farm that Beyond the location, the timing was cacies of the place, what goes best where was very similar to this. The farmer was and what I can pull out of this. You kind unexpected, too. just kind of a master of vegetables, and I “At some point you kind of just have to of get to have your own little kingdom.” was able to get a job with him and work “That’s a good way of putting it, your leap and go for it. I didn’t want to do this for him for two years, ended up manown little kingdom,” John replied. for another few years. I thought I needaging the place,” Rachel said. “And so I “You get to create a little empire here just learned everything I possibly could. ed more experience, but I’m glad I did from scratch,” Rachel added. I really loved being able to grow vegeta- it,” Rachel said. “My mantra has been, The conversation turned toward garlic bles, and grow really delicious vegetables. ‘Leap and the net will appear.’ I heard productivity, soil-borne fungus and the I think most of the art is knowing when that quote somewhere and I liked it. It’s math equations farming requires. But to pick it correctly and he was really good been helpful in getting me through these soon, John circled back. days.” at that, so that was a great education.” “The kingdom,” he said. “This is Her gusto hasn’t gone unnoticed by Although farming as a goal was clear, Rachel’s kingdom now, and I just hope Rachel didn’t exactly expect to make her Ruth, who expressed gratitude for the she finds as much satisfaction as what I way back home — at least not as soon successors fate delivered. did over the years.” “I think Rachel is just the neatest kid. as she has. She and Travis, 33, casually CHELSEY PERKINS may be reached at 218-855-5874 or browsed real estate listings from Maine Travis hasn’t really been around that chelsey.perkins@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchChelsey. to Idaho with the goal to eventually own much but when he’s here he just dives in
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Advertorial
Continued Growth at Clow Stamping By Sarah Nelson Katzenberger
MERRIFIELD — Manufacturing is hot and Clow Stamping is riding the wave of a healthy economy and high demand. “Our customers are feeling good about the economy and that has helped a lot.” said CEO Reggie Clow. “Manufacturing is doing well and we are really benefiting from it,” Clow said. Clow Stamping launched its business in 1970 as a family business and has grown to be a leading provider in the metal stamping industry. Clow’s parents, Everett and Gladyce, founded the company in St. Louis Park and its rapid growth and desire for a more rural setting, resulted in a move north to its current property in Merrifield. Reggie Clow took over the business as president and CEO in the early 2000s. In January of 2018, he handed off the role as president to long-time employee, Lori Davies. “Small business owners never really retire,” Clow laughed. “But I’m starting to slow down.” Even through several economic recessions over the last four decades, Clow Stamping has managed to maintain consistent growth by anticipating changing needs in the industry and getting ahead of the curve. “There have been a lot of ups and downs,” Clow said. “But overall, it seems like it has been mostly ups.” The Merrifield facility has expanded several times over the last few decades, with plans for an additional expansion. Clow said he remembers the days of manufacturing parts for
Xerox machines and as technology changed, copier parts were replaced by parts for agricultural and off-road vehicles. “We’ve managed to adjust and keep a steady presence in the market through it all,” Clow said. Clow Stamping ships products in more than 25 different markets in nearly every state as well as several American-owned companies overseas. With changing technology and necessary job skills, Clow Stamping is adding automation, what he calls a great addition to an already competent workforce. Clow said the company’s workforce has remained adaptable and has played a vital role in Clow Stamping’s overall success. “We really challenge our employees,” Clow said. “More often than not, they not only meet, but exceed our expectations.” Clow Stamping has 490 employees. The company is looking to add 30 new positions this year in production. Clow said new jobs available don’t need experience and come with in-house training. “Everybody is looking for help,” Clow said. “It’s a great time to be in the market for a new job.” Clow credits his staff for Clow Stamping’s continued success and ability to stay competitive in an ever-changing market. “They work so hard — seven days a week when needed,” He said. “I feel so fortunate to have the people on staff that I have — and at every level. We couldn’t do what we do without them.”
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clowstamping.com • (218) 765-3111
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Enjoy your holiday. 23103 COUNTY RD 3, MERRIFIELD, MN 218.765.3111 | WWW.CLOWSTAMPING.COM
Progress brainerd lakes area
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Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
d i s pat c h
Edition
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Serving the Brainerd Lakes Area and Central Minnesota since 1881
s p e c i a l
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
STAPLES
OPERA HOUSE
Photos by Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Staples Economic Development Director Melissa Radermacher (left) and Colleen Frost with Batcher Block Opera House talk on the floor of the historic opera house about the potential of the building.
RETURNS TO ROOTS AS CENTER OF LIVELY ARTS COMMUNITY By Frank Lee Staff Writer STAPLES — The historic Batcher Block Opera House is far removed from its heyday, but better days are ahead with revitalizing the landmark in downtown Staples to its previous glory. The building was built in 1907 as an entertainment venue, with commercial businesses on the main floor. It housed the opera hall along with offices and apartments for railroad executives. “Charles Batcher was responsible for building the beautiful opera house … and one family owned it up until Chris Frost, my twin brother and myself bought it,” Colleen Frost said of the opera hall that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. The revitalization is through a partnership with the Staples Economic Development Authority along with local business and community leaders as part of the economic revival of the downtown area that Frost is passionate about and a reason for her purchase. “I had a cancer diagnosis where I was given one year to live, so my twin brother knew how much I wanted to find an ‘extreme home.’ … My twin brother is a musician … and when we opened the doors … no one had been in here for like 40 years,” Frost said of the opera house. The Batcher Block Opera House is one of only 13 opera houses of its kind in the United States, according to officials. The creation of a business plan was funded by Sourcewell and the city of Staples, which was created as part of the city’s application for the revitalization of the building to be considered for funding in the 2020 Minnesota Legislature Capital Projects budget. McClure Placemaking was awarded the
contract for writing the business plan. Harmonious Architecture is overseeing the structural needs along with Norson Construction. Historical restoration has been awarded to Omforme Design for the intricate mural work within. “Nobody takes on something like this if they didn’t have the passion for wanting to live, so basically, I’ve always said that this project saved my life,” Frost said of her involvement. The main floor of the 112-year-old building was used for commercial and retail businesses, but in the past century, the opera hall portion was used for opera performances, as a movie theater, as a roller-skating rink, and for public gatherings and celebrations. “The traveler who came via train from New York to California, all the trains turned here, so this was the traveler’s rest (stop). This was where big shows from New York performed here, from circuses to John Philip Sousa,” said Frost, a 55-year-old Perham resident.
Historic building
The main level remained as retail space as the nearby railroad declined in popularity, with the primary tenant as the Batcher Department Store, but the building saw declining occupancy in the early 1990s. The department store was remade into antique store in 1995. “There were apartments in the building, and those people did not even know there was an opera hall down the hallway,” Frost said. “A hundred years ago, there were over four opera houses (in the vicinity), and had it not been for Staples train history, these places would not exist.” There have been attempts to preserve and restore the opera hall and building with limited success, according to
From the balcony, the opera house is now over 100 years old and served railroading passengers with shows at the turn of the century.
The viewing alcoves provide a unique The wooden stairways in the opera house vantage point in the historic opera house. display the quality work of carpentry at the turn of the century in the historic building. Staples Economic Development Director Melissa Radermacher. “That’s what we are trying to do here today is to get people excited about it,” Frost said of the opera house, which is 5,000 square feet with a stage that extends also in front of the curtain, two private boxes and a balcony on the second floor. The opera hall’s addition to the National Register of Historic Places makes it eligible for funding and tax incentives for preservation and rehabilitation. “That’s been my dream — to get on the National Register first — and then to turn the lights on, and I found a part-
nership with the city that I’ve never seen work so hard at trying to make my initial dream come true, and that’s to finish what I started,” Frost said. The main floor is 9,000 square feet with an open floor plan while the second and third floors — excluding the opera hall — are at about 4,000 square feet, each with 11 rooms. The department store was made into an antique mall in 1995. “Comedian Louie Anderson came in to buy the antique mall, and we said,
OPERA: Page S40
HISTORIC BUTLER BUILDING WITH OPERA HOUSE USED TO BE THE PLACE TO GO IN AITKIN
TODAY SERVES AS OFFICE SPACE AND MORE as the building provided all services people needed AITKIN — It is a piece under one roof — from of history that’s been on food to clothing to buying Minnesota Avenue North feed and hardware needed for the settlers’ homein Aitkin since 1903. Aitkin’s Opera House, steads. When it came time also known as the But- to unwind, people could ler Building, at one time be entertained on the was bustling at the seams upper level, which housed By Jennifer Kraus Staff Writer
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Sylvia Allen stands in the opera house on the upper floor of the Butler Building in Aitkin. Allen restored a portion of the building, including the opera house.
the Opera House, a place Judy Garland from “The Wizard of Oz” is known to have performed. Fast forward to the 21st century, and the building has sustained a lot of wear and tear, has been
BUTLER: Page S41
S38 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
The towering ceilings of the buildings at the Northern Pacific Center will create a unique atmosphere for events that require large spaces for music performances. Aimee Jobe, operator of the NP Event Space, is dwarfed by the expanse.
HISTORY REMAINS aged brick structures instead house more than a dozen businesses, including event With traces of history, signs of growth spaces, photography studios and offices, and high hopes for tomorrow, the North- while traces of tracks, reminiscent of the ern Pacific Center is rooted in Brainerd’s city’s industrious past, remain. In the future, site owners picture a past, present and future. “One of the reasons that we picked this plethora of shops, eateries, entertainarea is we were able to simultaneously be ment spaces and hopefully even a hotel a part of Brainerd’s history and a part of built into the existing facilities, revamping the use but playing off and paying Brainerd’s future.” Mark Lelwica’s reasoning for placing tribute to the once vital railroad industry. “We want to keep the aesthetics of the his brewery in Brainerd’s historic Northern Pacific Center seems to encapsulate buildings, so we’re trying to bring in the feelings of all those involved with the businesses that like what we have to offer without modernizing them too much,” unique locale. The expansive site on the southeast Northern Pacific Center owner Sharon side of Brainerd was the city’s central Higgins said, noting she wants to create hub when the Northern Pacific Railroad a feeling of family. Roundhouse Brewery already fits that bill. set up shop in 1871 with brand new build“I love the brick and the concrete and ings and freshly laid train tracks. Today, the railway at the Northern the history that goes with it. It has a very Pacific Center no longer operates, and the industrial feel to it,” Lelwica said of the By Theresa Bourke Staff Writer
AS NORTHERN PACIFIC CENTER GROWS
brewery he co-founded in 2016. Contrasted with the woods and water theme more often seen throughout the lakes area, Lelwica likes that he has a unique space with exposed brick and metal furnishings. History and ambience played a role in Brian DeRosier’s choice of the Northern Pacific Center for his business as well, but on a more personal note. “My father was a 42-year railroad man,” said DeRosier, president of DeRosier & Associates financial planning firm. “I’m also kind of a history buff,” he added, “so I like this historic feel of the building and the old custom cabinets. It’s just a really cool space.” Housed in the Northern Pacific Center’s clock tower building since 2011, DeRosier enjoys a bigger, quieter and more
FOR YOUR
INFO
H Business: Northern Pacific Center. H Location: Brainerd. H Number of employees: Six full time, 10-12 part time. H Tenants: 17. H Interesting fact: The Northern Pacific Center opened as the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1871 and eventually turned into BNSF Railway. Brainerd township was founded in 1870 when the Northern Pacific survey determined that the crossing of the Mississippi should be here.
NORTHERN PACIFIC: Page S42
Advertorial
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While maintaining a commitment to an upscale, all-encompassing shopping experience, Pequot Lakes Supervalu maintains an inviting, hometown atmosphere with their lounge area complete with sofas, a 60-inch flat screen TV, grand river rock fireplace and complimentary hot coffee on Thursday mornings from 7-11 a.m.
For shoppers in a pinch, Pequot Lakes Supervalu has their signature hot and ready fried chicken as well as an assortment of deli trays for all occasions and Heat-andEats options for quick meals on the go.
Pequot Lakes Supervalu’s superior service is driven by its incredibly hard-working staff without whom everyday successes and a decade of progress would not be possible.
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“We still look forward to seeing and greeting our loyal customers when they shop with us,” said store manager Corky Ledoux. “That’s just the Pequot Lakes way of doing business.” To learn more about Pequot Lakes Supervalu and to view their weekly specials before you shop, visit www.pequotlakessupervalu.com
Your local grocer and partner for all your party supplies.
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For nearly 10 years, family owned and operated Pequot Lakes Supervalu has provided top-notch grocery value and customer service to shoppers of the Northland. Conveniently located off of Patriot Avenue, Supervalu is stocked with a wide selection of produce, deli items, baked goods and pantry staples at unbeatable prices.
Employees For All Your Hard Work And Dedication. 30581 Patriot Ave. • 218-568-5001 www.pequotlakessupervalu.com Locally owned and operated
SAVE ON GROCERIES. SAVE ON GAS.
Progress Edition 2019
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S39
ON THE
ROAD AGAIN DRIVERS FOR HIRE IN THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA Heading down memory lane
By Gabriel Lagarde Staff Writer
While these drivers come from different backgrounds and fill different niches in the Whether it’s stumbling during the 2 a.m. bar rush, being stranded on a backcountry community today, it may not be surprising road or deadlocked in a local neighborhood, to note they all feature backgrounds in mass lakes area residents often depend on hired transportation — whether that’s bus driving, drivers to get them from point A to point B, truck driving, serving with other taxi comif that means hailing old-fashioned cabs, or panies, or even pitching in through helming medical and public school transport. calling new kids on the block such as Lyft. Brainerd Area Taxi has been a mainstay Their business and daily routines vary in the region for decades — going back to widely. It’s a reflection, in many regards, of the ‘80s at least, Hoskins said, though it’s their passengers’ lives — the awkward times changed ownership from Reichert Bus Co., on the schedule, the medical emergencies, to former owner Jim Sykes and now Hoskins, the family outings and spontaneous trips who’s run it from roughly 2000 to the presdowntown — times and places where anyone ent. Hoskins first drove taxi as a college stumight find they need a helpful hand at the dent in the late ‘80s. wheel to swing by and get them where they “The best feeling is knowing I’m helpneed to go. ing people out, getting them to and from The Dispatch spoke with John Hoskins, their medical appointments — elderly, dialowner of Brainerd Area Taxi (soon to be ysis patients, trips to the emergency room,” Brainerd Taxi LLC); Lisa Nebel and Leonard Hoskins said. “That’s my reward. You get Smith of Grab A Cab; as well as Kirk Kuhl, good tips, on the weekends for example, but an IT professional who moonlights as a Lyft driver in his spare time. TAXI: Page S44
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Lori LaBorde, who serves as publisher of the Crosby-Ironton Courier, along with her father, holds up a July 17 issue of the weekly newspaper.
108
FAMILY PROUD OF ITS HOMETOWN CROSBY-IRONTON COURIER NEWSPAPER By Jennifer Kraus Staff Writer
A roof ornament on a Chrysler minivan operated by Grab A Cab.
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Advertorial
PEQUOT TOOL Automation in Advanced Manufacturing By Bryan Reeder and Laura Stromberg (Pequot Tool)
Pequot Tool Manufacturing is a thriving precision manufacturing shop in the area and they would like to take this Labor Day to recognize the people who make it happen -- their employees. Through a culture of education, united with new tooling and evolving technology, Pequot Tool is creating a transformation of what success looks like for its employees. Part of this transformation is automation in advanced machining processes, enabling hiring of highly skilled technical manufacturing professionals. ROBOTIC IMPLEMENTATION Pequot Tool has an automation team that performs development and robotic implementation for their manufacturing processes. Automation is a priority that Pequot Tool recognizes value in and their frontline development team literally builds robotic machines from the ground up, programs, and then teaches the robots to do complex manufacturing procedures. Today’s automation includes robots that load/unload machines or scaffold systems that are mounted and feed the machine, or used as a stand-alone that is capable of running multiple machines. By partially automating production, facility cycle times are reduced, quality is improved, and a safer workplace is created. LOCALLY TRAINED FROM CLC’S ROBOTICS PROGRAM With the emphasis on robotic automation, Pequot Tool utilizes Central Lakes College
robotic program to secure prospective employees. They currently employ three graduates from CLC’s robotics program -Vance Peyton, Lucas Bollig and Dustin Rollins, as automation technicians and engineers. Pequot Tool is putting their knowledge to the test by tasking them to implement automation to alleviate repetitive or manual tasks. It’s a common misconception that replacing workers with automation will eliminate jobs; it could not be further from the truth. Automation opens the door for Pequot Tool’s employees to advance to higher skill jobs as the robotics team creates programs for the manual or monotonous part of the labor. FUTURE FOCUSED Pequot Tool’s commitment to automation advancements keeps them in step with emerging technology and enables them to evolve faster than its competitors and be cost competitive in the global market. Today is a new era where machines work in tandem with people, rather than just being operated by them. Increasing demand for higher precision parts is fueling the growth of Pequot Tool which in turn is supporting the ability to challenge its employees with a different kind of work… the next generation of labor.
YEARS AND GOING STRONG
or its digital product featuring human interest stories, hard CROSBY — More than a cen- news stories, correspondence tury ago a weekly newspaper in and advertising. Its website was Crosby was born with a mission in the process of being redeof gathering community news in signed this past summer. The Courier’s coverage area is this small mining town in centhe Crosby-Ironton School Distral Minnesota. The Crosby-Ironton Courier trict. However, it has customers began in 1911 as the Crosby Cruci- outside the C-I school district ble weekly newspaper. In 1951, the and the state. The Courier is situated along name of the newspaper changed to the Crosby-Ironton Courier East Main Street in Crosby and after it purchased the Deerwood the office is old-fashioned, but Enterprise and the Ironton Rang- serves its purpose as employees er, using the tag line “Since 1911... don’t spend a lot of their time Continuing the Crosby Courier, in the office. Most of the time, Crosby Crucible, Ironton Ranger, employees are out selling adverand Deerwood Enterprise” under tisements or are gathering news the logo of the paper on its front and photographs of a community page every week. or sporting event or covering a The weekly newspaper is cir- city council meeting. culated every Wednesday to Employees work when the 3,500 paying customers, who receive the printed newspaper NEWSPAPER: Page S46
S40 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
OPERA From Page S37
‘Would you like to see our little opera house?’ And he says, ‘What?’ and so he said he wants to be our first show, so at that point, we thought, ‘Well, maybe we should have shows,’” Frost said.
Opera hall
The theater’s design was to maximize acoustics. The walls slope upward toward coved ceilings, the balcony seating slopes downward toward the 24-by-50-foot stage. “I do have to question why this space has never got that backing, that big push to restore it, or maybe it just wasn’t the right time,” Radermacher said. “Colleen and I met a few years back. We’ve been working on what kind of a project we could do here.” The opera hall has not had any significant remodeling done to it and has the original backdrops, lighting and stage equipment, all of which are operational, according to Radermacher and Frost. Frost has given tours of the building for the last seven years. “What is the attraction of the building? It isn’t little shops here and there, it isn’t those other things. It’s this space in here — that opera house — that is what we want people coming to this space for,” Radermacher said of the potential economic driver for the region. The Nov. 21, 1907, opera house grand opening featured the play “Prince Karl” by the Mack-Leone Co., a Minnesota-based traveling theater troupe. More recently, Anderson did a show as well as Mickey Rooney and the blues band Lamont Cranston in the opera hall. “This is the only opera house in the nation that has the original Bavarian fresco artwork in it … so we’re going to be able to recreate exactly to the ‘T’ of what it is. It’s going to require a lot of work and a lot of paint,” Radermacher said. Studies show “the building is in remarkably good condition, considering its age and length of vacancy,” and “there are no structural or building code related renovations that would make renovation impractical,” according to Radermacher. “When you talk about downtown revitalization, this is it,” Radermacher said of the Batcher Block Opera House, which occupies almost a whole city block in downtown Staples. The Batcher Block Opera House and all related programming will be managed by a new nonprofit organization, which will enter into a long-term lease with the city of Staples for the use and management of the building. “The city involvement has grown over
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
The historic Batcher Block building in Staples is the home of the opera house that served railroad visitors as they stopped for the night in Staples. It is the plan to restore the building to its original state. the last couple of years as far as how we can make this happen,” Radermacher said. “It started off as, ‘I’m here to support Colleen’ … and now it’s turned into Rep. John Poston was informed of the project and what we’re trying to do here. He said, ‘Well, I think this would be a great bonding application for general obligation bonding at the state.’”
Project overview
Plans for the building include a restored performance space with diverse programming and rentals, and flexible classroom/ event space available for community and private events, including a demonstration culinary kitchen. “Ultimately, we want to be the regional performing arts hub. You look at our five-county region, and we see a lot of visual arts … but you’re not seeing much on the performance side. And we really, as a community, have always been the performing arts hub of our region of the state,” Radermacher said. Other uses envisioned include a concessions area to service events and rentals in the building; lodging space to host touring artists and educators as well as, long term, an artist residency program; office and meeting space; and events such as markets on the first floor. “We ended up hiring McClure engineering (out of Iowa). They specialize in placemaking and taking these historic type of buildings and helping us figure out a business plan and how do we restore them … and how do we keep them viable for the long run,” Radermacher said. “We hired them to find out, if we move forward with this bonding application, is
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this viable — like is the city going to be taking taxpayer dollars and constantly pouring into this space? Because that wouldn’t be something the city would want to do, and it wouldn’t be feasible or practical.” The city of Staples, community stakeholders and partner groups plan to “restore the now-dormant space to preserve the historic character of the building while making necessary changes and upgrades for the building to function with a new use.” “So if you invest the $16 million to restore and renovate this entire space — and that’s a high estimate, we haven’t gotten any blueprints done — as the state does, then who’s to say in five years we don’t close the door because we didn’t have a viable plan as to what we were going to do with it,” Radermacher said. According to the overview for the Batcher Block Opera House Project: “The current state bond opportunity presents a unique moment for the opera house, along with the potential for state and historic tax credits to aid in the capital financing.” “Assuming that there’s an approval — and that’s a big assumption — for the 50% of the total project, which is about $8.5 million down at the state end of the 2020 budget, then the city would actually use those dollars along with what we fundraise to acquire the space and then lease it back to a nonprofit,” Radermacher said. The Batcher Block Opera House project includes a proposed mixed-use performance and education hub, according to plan details that suggested space design and best usage for the revitalization, artistic excellence and long-term sus-
tainability of the opera house. “Staples’ most valuable asset drives by us everyday,” Frost said of motorists in the Staples region. “We’ve just got to turn the light on and get them to pull in, so that’s what I’m excited. This is the first time that I’ve ever had this type of support, and I really believe it’s happening.” FRANK LEE, county and features reporter, may be reached at 218-855-5863 or frank.lee@brainerddispatch.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchFL.
VIDEO For videos on 2019 Progress Edition stories go to www.brainerddispatch.com
FOR YOUR
INFO
H Business: Batcher Block Opera House. H City: Staples. H Owners: Colleen and Chris Frost, twin siblings. H Did you know?: Charles Batcher was born near Rochester in 1866, studied architecture in Minneapolis and settled in Staples in 1895 while working in the construction industry. He is credited with building at least 200 residences and commercial structures in Staples.
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Progress Edition 2019
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S41
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
The exterior of the Butler Building in Aitkin, includes remnants of its storied past in a sign for general merchandise, the building is home to the historic Aitkin Opera House, where Judy Garland performed as a child.
BUTLER From Page S37
renovated and today has a different purpose. Sylvia Allen, president of TBP Management in Aitkin, purchased the 22,164-square-foot Butler Building in November of 2011 with a purpose of remodeling it back to its original style to contribute to the economic vitality of downtown Aitkin. Remodeling — which was not done on the entire building — was completed in October of 2012. Allen loves history and when she saw the property was up for sale, she decided to purchase it and bring it back to life. Allen considers Aitkin her home and she didn’t want to see the historic building be destroyed or remodeled into something less desirable. Allen’s great-grandfather in 1914 bought a 100acre property on Big Pine
WE TAKE
Lake in Aitkin County and she has vacationed there all of her life, when her grandparents lived there. Today she owns a seasonal cabin in Aitkin and her permanent home is in New Jersey, where she also runs her public relations business, Allen Consulting Inc. As a businesswoman, Allen thought it would be great to have people use the Butler Building to conduct their business in a beautiful building. She hired contractors to remodel the main level of the building into office spaces for residents, business owners or nonprofit organizations to utilize. Currently renting space are Minnesota Mobility Services, Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce and Miracle Ear — with additional space available, including shared office space. A shared office space was created to give customers 24/7 key entry access, so they could come
and go as they pleased. This space may be of interest to freelancers, real estate or insurance agents, lawyers or to people who come to the area to vacation and need a quiet place to work for an hour or more, Allen said. The shared office space has room for about 10 people and includes highspeed broadband, computers and monitors, a meeting space, video screen with webinar capability and printers. The rates are flexible and depend on need and availability; ranging from hourly to daily, monthly or annually. Rates are typically $10 per
hour and must be prepaid. Businesses have come and gone in the building, including The Beanery Cafe and Roastery and Curio North shop. Allen said she would like to see more businesses utilize the space. She said she would like to see retail, an art gallery or coffee shop move into the Butler Building. The opera house is on the upper level of the building and also was restored. This event space is available for organizers to rent, offering a stage to host performances and social events such as weddings, graduations, anniversaries or recitals. People may
Thank You…
hire catering companies to bring in food and beverages for events, as currently there is no kitchen in the building. The space can seat up to 200 people. The Lakes Area Music Festival has hosted concerts in the space, as well as other music organizations. “The opera house is a phenomenal place for people to rent,” Allen said. “It is so beautiful and the acoustics are fantastic.” The lower level is currently used for storage and would need to be renovated. Allen said the space would be a great place to open a restaurant as there is a 30-foot rock foundation
acting as a dramatic backdrop for the interior design. Allen said the Aitkin Economic Development Authority helped and supported her in updating the Butler Building to help the Aitkin economy. However, as much as she loves the history and the building, she put the building up for sale in mid-July with Close-Converse Commercial Real Estate in Brainerd. “It breaks my heart,” Allen said to sell the property. “I love this building.” Allen said she can’t afford to keep the building, as her bills are just too
BUTLER: Page S42
To our dedicated staff and caring community. Without your support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. Dollars raised in our Thrift Store go to help those in need in the Brainerd/Baxter Lakes Community!
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Progress Edition 2019
S42 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
BUTLER From Page S41
high. She said her husband has been in a wheelchair for three years, and she pays $7,000 a month for a permanent, live-in health aid and her cash flow deficit in the Butler Building is $6,000 a month. She said she did it for three years, but now she has to stop. Allen said the Butler Building will still need to have renovations done, but it would make a great space for a business in Aitkin.
What the tenants have to say
VIDEO For videos on 2019 Progress Edition stories go to www.brainerddispatch.com.
The letter “B” sits inside the Butler Building in Aitkin, waiting for workers to place it back on the exterior of the building. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
“This is a perfect space for us,” said Taylor Erickson, executive director of the Aitkin chamber, of the historic Butler Building. “It’s visible from downtown Aitkin, it has good parking and that is not always easy to come by. There is lots of space in the basement and that is big because we have events every month and need to store materials. “Plus, it’s just nice to be in a historic place. This building has a lot of history. This building was a hub of commerce in Aitkin’s earliest interactions so that is cool for the chamber to be a part of.” The chamber uses the opera house for events, as well. Erickson said the chamber gets a lot of walk-in traffic, moreso as people want to see the historic building. She said people are impressed with the building. Mark Bliss is the owner of sales and in-home assessments at Minnesota Mobility Systems Inc. He said they decided to rent the space at the Butler Building four years ago as it is a central location in Minnesota to do business, and they do business all over the state. “This is a wonderful building, historic building,” Bliss said. “Being in Aitkin there are a lot of things happening, bringing people in. The out of town people flock into town at this time of year (summer).” Minnesota Mobility Systems provides in home sales and service for mobility items to keep people independent in their home for as long as
NORTHERN PACIFIC From Page S38
visually interesting space than he previously inhabited on Washington Street. “Every once in awhile you get a train going through, but for the most part it’s really peaceful.” A lot of DeRosier’s clients, he said, also have an uncle, grandfather or some family member who worked on the railroad years ago, too. “And we actually polled some of our clients before we moved out here,” he said, noting they highly approved of the change. And for artist Pete Driessen, the Northern Pacific Center’s combined historical, cultural and natural charms make it the Spoonbridge and Cherry of Brainerd, as he compared it to the iconic artwork in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. “I like the rawness and the — just the sheer sense of industrial size and speciality here,” he said while working in one of the site’s buildings, which he’s grateful to call a temporary studio after so many childhood summers of passing by while at the family’s vacation home on Gull Lake. While he also keeps a studio in Minneapolis, noth-
Thank you my Great TEAM.
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
possible. Bliss said they sell new and used items, including mobility scooters and power wheelchairs, stair lift elevators, vehicle lifts, ramps, walkers with seats and brakes, lift chairs and walk-in tubs. Bliss said their customers can come to the store or they can go to them.
History of the Butler Building
“Aitkin’s Opera House, also known as the Butler Building, was built in 1903 and was the cultural center of the community,” the Butler Building’s history website. “Aitkin sprang from the wilderness in 1871, materializing where the Mississippi River and the railroad met. The settlement was a wild frontier lumber town and riverboat transportation center that swarmed with lumberjacks each summer as the ‘boys’ came to town to spend their paychecks in the 16 saloons and various ‘bawdy houses’ in the community.“ “In 1902, Samuel Hodgeden sought to enhance the cultural offerings of the community by constructing a new building that would contain an opera house. He traveled to Chicago and New York to visit the best opera houses in those cities to formulate plans for his own design a two-story structure. A year later, Hodgeden expanded the original structure to double its size. “Unlike the first section, the addition was constructed with bricks made in Aitkin from Mississippi mud and fired locally.” In the early 1900s, Aitkin’s opera house was home to a general merchandise store, bank, barber shop, hardware store, seed and feed warehouse, buggy and wagon shop, bath house, and the opera house. “A person could arrive in town by train or steamboat and could quite literally walk in the front door of the Hodgeden-MacDonald building and buy feed and hardware needed to start up their homestead, get needed food and clothing, a wagon and team to haul everything, a shave, a bath, take in a vaudeville performance at the opera house and get a bank loan to pay for everything — all without leaving the building,” according to the building’s history.
ing compares to the vast expanses of the Northern Pacific Center. “It’s kind of sculptor’s dream site,” he said. “The size, the space, the connection to the earth here — all the buildings being made from Minnesota earth and clay from various parts of Minnesota throughout the years. The architecture really lends itself well to doing artistic projects.” Driessen’s current project, a wooden scale model of the Northern Pacific Center’s original roundhouse, is a testament to his affection for the place. “It’s looking at the old images from the county museum downtown as well as other images and then also abstracting those and kind of developing what could go out onto the complex there in kind of pie wedge shape,” Driessen said, explaining he wants to give people the feeling of an authentic roundhouse, which was a circular building with a turntable in the center to service and turn locomotives. When his Minnesota State Arts Board funded project goes on exhibition, likely in September or October, Driessen hopes it can be an agent of community togeth-
Safe Labor Day!
NORTHERN PACIFIC: Page S43
Thank you to all of our loyal customers and dedicated employees. Dr. Jackie McCall
A Sincere Thank You to all of our Patients and Staff for another great year.
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erness by employing other local artists and businesses to provide setup, supplies, audio/visual effects and other components to bring the piece alive and simultaneously support the local economy. “So then it’s not just the object that’s built by one person,” he said, noting his finished product isn’t the sole outcome of the state grant dollars. “It’s really not,” he said. “It’s the whole makeup of everything that goes into that.” That seamless unity is also one of Higgins’ goals for the property, which she and husband, Mike — who owns the Brainerd Industrial Center, the former paper mill, in northeast Brainerd — just purchased from Dave
Have a Safe & Happy Labor Day Weekend!
Have a Happy and
A young Judy Garland on the Opera House stage, Vaudeville acts, lantern-slide presentations, home theater productions, high school plays, lectures and ballroom dancing were all part of the entertainment in the Aitkin Opera House, on the building’s second floor. The folding chairs could be readily removed to make space for ballroom dancing. “The walls were covered to window sill height with oak paneling that Hodgeden had manufactured from oak cut near Aitkin,” the website stated. “The panels were milled in Little Falls, numbered as to placement and shipped back to Aitkin for installation. The new opera house sported a ticket window, men’s and ladies’ lounges and dressing rooms. The expansive stage was trimmed with oak carved in ornate floral scrollwork and was accented with Roman-style pillars.” The days of the opera house’s use came to an end before World War II and later, for a few years, it became a furniture store before serving as the local American Legion’s first home. The Aitkin Opera House stage had notable performers, including the youngest of a vaudeville trio from Grand Rapids called the Gumm Sisters, including 3-year-old Francis Gumm who would mature and become Hollywood’s Judy Garland. The Gumm Sisters performed around Minnesota and in surrounding states in the mid-1920s. According to the Butler Building history, Garland returned to Aitkin again shortly after her most memorable role in 1939’s “The Wizard of Oz,” during a visit to Grand Rapids, where Garland was born. “She made a point to visit the former place of employment of a fellow MGM star and former performer at the Aitkin Opera House — Warren Krech,” whose father owned the Aitkin Age newspaper. The original Perry Mason, Krech, who had changed his last name to William, starred in many roles, including Marc Anthony in Cecil B. DeMill’s epic “Cleopatra.”
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Thank you for your hard work and dedication this past year. It is because of you that we continue to thrive. Kelly Masberg Shannon Lowery Kaitlyn Messerschmidt Casey Joy Scott Schupp David Watson
Joe Keppers Brock Tobiason Willy Novicky Brad Flanagan Marlene Ramacher Dan Egan
8240 Industrial Park Rd. Baxter, MN
We’d like to take a moment to thank our Staff and Patients for a wonderful year! Enjoy a safe and happy Labor Day!
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14213 Golf Course Dr. Suite 100 Baxter
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“Serving our Members since 1940”
804 Laurel Street, Brainerd, MN 56401 | 218-829-9065
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SERVING THE LAKES AREA FOR 31 YEARS!
Progress Edition 2019
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S43
NORTHERN PACIFIC From Page S42
Hutton in February. While weddings and events seemingly dominate the Northern Pacific Center’s business right now, Higgins hopes to turn it into a campus-like site, a miniature community of sorts with something for everyone. “There’s a lot of opportunity here, a lot of unfinished buildings and stuff we can look into,” she said. “What can we create and what can do here?” When guests come for weddings, she wants them to be able to shop, get coffee, go for a drink or find any other number of ways to entertain themselves during down time. “We don’t want any franchises,” she clarified. “We want the personal touch.” Big box stores and industrial businesses are a no for Higgins, who wants small, locally owned additions for her prized property. “Sharon, as a new owner, is very particular in building the community, basically the small city within the city, and making sure that the tenants and our local businesses go in the right direction,” said Aimee Jobe, operator of the NP Event Space. “Obviously the event business is a major part of the property,” Jobe added. “And making sure that everyone commingles and the businesses all support each other is a really important part of their own independent economy onsite.” Planned newcomers for the Northern Pacific Center include Loco Express — a coffee shop set to open in a few months — and a Tex-Mex restaurant envisioned to start up early next year. Also coming soon is the Brainerd Exchange, a new 40,000-square-foot event/convention center. With the ability to house larger crowds than any of the property’s existing three event venues, plans for the Brainerd Exchange include a fitness center — complete with a gym, massage parlor and hair studio to pamper a bride on the morning of her wedding — and additional 40,000 square feet of adjacent space coming later to expand the capacity even more. The Brainerd Exchange is a
Photos by Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Brainerd’s historic Northern Pacific Center is home to several businesses, and new owner Sharon Higgins plans to add more in the near future. joint project of Higgins and Jobe, who also owns a photography studio in the Northern Pacific Center, along with managing the NP Event Space since its opening in 2014. The Exchange’s first official booking is an agate show in January, but a couple soft openings are planned before then, Higgins said, including some events during Brainerd History Week Sept. 20-22. The women’s other joint venture is Farmhouse Foundry, a business they opened recently to rent out Northern Pacific Center chairs, tables and other event equipment after they realized their items were in high demand. Both modern and vintage styles of upholstered furniture are available for rent, too. The foundry also offers all sorts of custom-built items, like floors for outdoor venues or room dividers and decorative walls to hide bathrooms and Porta Potties during special events. In the future, after all the furniture is nicely displayed, Jobe and Higgins plan to offer up Farmhouse Foundry as an event venue, allowing renters to pick out whatever furniture and fixtures they’d like to use. Right now, the NP Event Space, Luminary Fern and Storehouse serve as the Northern Pacific Center’s event spaces, each offering a different experience for guests. Jobe estimates about 90% of wedding parties come from out of town, as do their guests, meaning the future plans for the NP Center need to cater to both local and out-of-town demographics.
BUSINESSES AT THE NP CENTER
Aimee Jobe and Sharon Higgins show off The Luminary Fern, one of the event spaces at the Northern Pacific Center. For the out-of-towners, the need is things to do in between wedding ceremonies and receptions, and possibly an onsite hotel in the future. “With 90% of our weddings being from out of town, they’ve got to lay their heads somewhere,” Higgins said, noting a hotel would likely be quite a few years down the road. For locals, Higgins wants to create more sources of entertainment in the winter, when there are fewer things to do in the lakes area. Last year, the NP Center had a couple markets with various artist vendors selling their wares. This year, she hopes to do at least one of those a month in the winter. Along with showcasing artists during markets, Higgins and Jobe may look to give local entrepreneurs the opportunity to rent temporary space on the property, giving them a store-
front for a time so they can sell their goods and promote their businesses. “These guys being entrepreneurs themselves have a place in their heart for that,” said Derek Owen, public relations and marketing director for the NP Center, noting the women’s goal is to help others get their feet wet in the business world. Higgins put in a bid for the Northern Pacific Center to be home to Region Five’s planned children’s museum as well, but has not yet heard back on a decision. In the meantime, one of the biggest projects Higgins and Jobe are tasked with is getting the word out about the activity going on at the Northern Pacific Center to mitigate vandalism and make sure people know it’s not an abandoned site. “People still think it’s abandoned,” Jobe said of the proper-
Right now, 17 tenants call the Northern Pacific Center home: ► 3 Cheers Hospitality. ► Aimee Jobe Photography. ► Captivating Beauty. ► CWA Local 7212. ► DeRosier & Associates. ► Farmhouse Foundry. ► Good Samaritan Church. ► Luminary Fern. ► NP Event Space. ► Pete Driessen, artist. ► Productive Alternatives. ► Progressive Property Management. ► Range-Deluxe. ► The Storehouse. ► Strong Towns. ► Studio 211, LLP. ► Studio North Photography.
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ty. “Or a lot of people think the property’s owned by the railroad or it’s owned by the city or it’s just a defunct place, and they don’t sit down and comprehend that there’s businesses.” One idea they have to accomplish that goal is putting up wooden railroad men around the property to spruce up the site and add fun, inviting visuals for passersby. THERESA BOURKE may be reached at theresa. bourke@brainerddispatch.com or 218-8555860. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter. com/DispatchTheresa.
Advertorial
Positive Outlook, Positive Realty By SUSAN SMITH-GRIER Positivity is the driving force behind Positive Realty. Forty years ago, this locally owned and operated business came into being. The company has a history of longevity with its agents and loyalty with customers, a reflection of the legacy of honesty and integrity that has consistently been a hallmark of the business. This is not surprising when you consider their mission statement, “To continue to foster long-term relationships through trust and integrity.” “People keep coming back to us because of our honesty,” said agent Jeremy Johnson. Trust is a cherished value at Positive Realty. Relationships cultivated and nurtured by the agents produce client loyalty and lead to consistent referrals. Selling a home or property can be challenging. The process is made considerably easier when you can trust that your agent has your best interests at heart. “We have a family atmosphere at Positive,” said fellow broker Tim Nelson, “We work amongst each other with the other agents in the office, so it’s really a group experience for our customers and clients. I would say it’s the teamwork aspect that’s very well received by our people. There’s a high level of integrity at our office.” In addition to the team approach, Positive Realty makes it a priority to offer all customers and clients their best. Nelson explained, “We stay on the front end of technology. We’re doing Matterport Interactive tours for every one of our listings. We have high end photography. We have a strong online presence.” The difference with Positive Realty is that regardless of the price of the listing, it is shown in its best light and a Matterport Interactive tour is available for each listing.
The Positive Realty team members give back to the community in other ways as well. In addition to many area civic organizations, such as JC’s, Ski-Gull, Rotary, Women of Today, Kiwanis and more, they participate in an annual event to support the soup kitchen. They provide all the coffee at the fundraiser and collect donations which provide soup kitchen meals for a month or more. There is a lot to be said for a company that is firmly rooted in the community. Positive Realty’s integrity and honesty make them a towering business in the Brainerd lakes area. To learn more about Positive Realty, visit www.positiverealty.com or call 218-829-1777.
SORENSON LAKE - MERRIFIELD
MLS# 5270681
$588000
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Associate BOYBroker LAKE - REMER
Clint Nelson
218-820-3025
MLS# 5264108
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MLS# 5259869
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MLS# 5259488
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• 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath • 40 Acres, 2 FP's, Loft BR, Full WO Bsmt, Deck, Log Beams & Accents • Perfect Country Home, Hunting Lodge, or Your Up-North Getaway!
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SOUTH LONG LAKE - BRAINERD
EAST GULL LAKE
AITKIN/CROSBY
PERCH LAKE - BAXTER
Mike Pikula
Jeff Torfin
Katharine Herold
Mark Schmutzer
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218-838-3777
218-831-1955
• 4 Bedroom, 4 Bath • 2 Fam Rms, Full WO Bsmt, Deck, Patio, FP, Hrd Flrs • Overlooks Environmental Area Filled w/Wildlife
Realtor/Agent
MLS# 5249288
$254,900
Realtor/Agent
MLS# 5241406
$250,000
• 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath • Beautiful Views, Great Boating, Fishing, Swimming or Just Relaxing • 50' Frontage, Newly Renovated & Updated, Convenient Location
• 5 Bedroom, 4 Bath • 5 Acres, Private, Close to Golf Courses & Gull Lake Public Landing • Sliding Doors to Deck, Full Fin WO Bsmt w/Family Rm & F/Place
BRAINERD
GULL LAKE - NISSWA
$275,000 Jeremy Johnson MLS# 5201328
$700,000 Andy Hayes
MLS# 5196432
Realtor/Agent
MLS# 5223421
$399,800
• 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath • Sun Room, Stone Gas F/Place, Upper Loft, Central Air • Sportsman's Paradise! 31.8 Acres, Heatd Greenhouse
EAST GULL LAKE
$355,000 Brad VanVickle MLS# 5005509
Realtor/Agent
MLS# 5210971
$235,000
• 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath • One Level Living! Sliding Doors to Patio, Lrg Open Kitchen • 50' Lakeshore, Wet Bar, MBR w/Private Bath, Central Air
CREE BAY ON PELICAN LAKE
$114,900 Curt Lovitz
MLS# 4995270
• 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath • Porch, Foyer Entry, MF Fam Rm w/Gas FP, Hrdwd Flrs • Cul-de-Sac, Sliding Doors to Deck from Kitchen & 4-Season Porch
Realtor/Agent
• 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath • Open Kit, Lakeside 4-Season Porch & Deck, 2 F/Places, MBR Suite • Full WO Bsmt w/Fireplace/Family Rm Walks out to Lakeside Patio
Realtor/Agent
• 2 BR, 2 BA - Maintenance Free Living! • Cragun's Legacy Village on Cragun's Legacy Golf Courses • Kit w/Island, F/Place, Vaulted Ceilings, Att Gar, Cen Air
Realtor/Agent
• 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath • Turn-Key Ready & Furnished! 2 Sheds, New Drilled Well, Dock • 2nd BR is the Loft, Great Fishing, Close to Golf/Dining by Boat or Car
Patrick Buckley
Gina Meixner
Mark Meixner
Tim Nelson
218-820-3099
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Keith Schwankl
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507-219-1212
218-866-2351
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Realtor/Agent
218-839-2121
514 South 6th St. • Brainerd Broker Associate
Broker Associate
Broker Associate
Broker Associate
15244 State Hwy 371 • Baxter Realtor/Agent
Realtor/Agent
Realtor/Agent
Realtor/Agent
4820 County Rd. 77 • Nisswa
Realtor/Agent
Realtor/Agent
Realtor/Agent
Realtor/Agent
Our mission is to continue to foster long-term relationships through trust and integrity.
Progress Edition 2019
S44 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
TAXI
FOR YOUR
INFO
From Page S39
the real bonus is helping your community. That’s why I do it, I guess.” Inevitably, the operation — which has a fleet that’s expanded and shrunk over the years, up to eight vehicles at its height, now down to three vans in 2019 — will be passed on, Hoskins said, more than likely to his own son, who pitches in as a driver himself. “It’s been a family affair for all these years,” said Hoskins of the Brainerd-based company with four full-time drivers and two part-timers. “My son is a driver. Someday, it’ll probably go to him. It’ll stay in the family.” After working for years as a licensed practical nurse, a work-place accident that resulted in a plate in his spinal column left the elder Hoskins unable to continue in the profession. Hoskins settled upon the idea of calling old friends for another dip into driving taxi — namely Sykes, the one-time colleague who at the time owned the main taxi operation in Brainerd. “I said, ‘Jim, did you ever think about selling the taxi?’” Hoskins recalled. ‘‘He said, ‘Actually, I was just going to list it.’ I bought it from Jim and the rest is history. Over the years we’ve just been growing and growing.” One such offshoot of this growing business is, in fact, Grab A Cab — a two-year-old operation
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
H Business: Brainerd Area Taxi. H Location: Brainerd.
H Number of employees: Four full-time drivers and two part-time drivers. H Did you know? The taxi company is the only one to offer 24/7 coverage in the Brainerd lakes area and the company’s minivans cover roughly 300 miles on an average day.
with three vehicles of its own. Co-owners Nebel and Smith boast a blend of transportation gigs between the two of them — experience as diverse as driving special education buses and charter buses, to steering delivery trucks and taxis. They brought this experience when they decided to buy Grab A Cab in November of last year, taking the wheel for a taxi service struggling with financial difficulties at that time. “We decided to strike out on a new venture,” Nebel said. “We decided to take a leap. It’s a good business. We decided it needed a new face.” “It’s the people. I’ve always been in customer’s relations, so it’s good,” she added. “It’s the people that you meet. Community is huge.” While Kirk Kuhl also features experience with mass transportation, he is just as likely to be seen tackling technical diffi-
culties for internet service providers in the area. Kuhl came to the lakes area about 20 years ago from first Oakland, California, then a stop in the Twin Cities metro, where he drove charter bus. “A little bit of a culture shock,” Kuhl said dryly. Lyft — a relative newcomer in the area and representative of a shift in mass transportation — seemed like an interesting option for Kuhl, who said he was looking for a little cash to fund his “habits and hobbies” with a nice side gig to his day job. He’s been driving Lyft in the area since December 2018, after undergoing about 7-10 days of background checks, applications and a process during which documents are submitted to be vetted as a competent, safe and friendly driver. He noted vehicles older than 2007 are not accepted by Lyft and others must be in acceptable condition.
Photos by Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Brainerd Area Taxi owner John Hoskins has been active on and off as a cabbie since the late ‘80s. When he suffered a back injury that ended his career as a nurse, Hoskins decided to buy Brainerd Area Taxi in 2000 and has run the operation for 19 years.
Taxi! Taxi!
The daily ins and out of a given taxi driver can differ greatly from person to person, or operation to operation. For example, Hoskins expects his drivers to put in 12-hour shifts on the regular, which helps to fill in the gaps for the area’s only 24/7 taxi cab service. Roughly 80% of the company’s trips come between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., Hoskins said. “We get bombarded. Some days, it doesn’t matter what time or day it is, there’s certain parts of the day where there’s a lot more people calling for rides than drivers to give them,” Hoskins said. “I always tell my drivers, ‘Let the calls work you, don’t
work the calls.’” An example would be planning a trip to pick up and drop off multiple people on a single route, instead of rushing back and forth to accommodate everyone in a speedy fashion. On the other hand, Nebel and Smith said they have eight-hour shifts for their drivers — typically operating from 7:30 a.m. in the morning until 3 a.m. the
following night, though this may change for contractual obligations or in the case of some regulars who require their assistance at a given time. However, Smith noted, the “mad rush” is typically between 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on a given day. Bar rush at about 1 a.m to some time before 3 a.m. also factors as a high point in calls.
TAXI: Page S45
FOR YOUR
INFO
H Business: Grab a Cab. H Location: Brainerd.
H Number of employees: Seven. H Did you know? Grab A Cab’s coverage area includes places as far as Pine River, an occasional trip to Cambridge or the Twin Cities.
Thank You for Choosing Mille Lacs Driving!
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Now enrolling for Preschool.
Three representatives for Grab A Cab, including co-owner Lisa Nebel (left), co-owner Leonard Smith, and company accountant Denise Tautges are behind the cab service founded two years ago.
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301 N.W. 6th St., Brainerd | 829-4721 Property • Liability • Group Health IRAs Business Life • Disability Income
001753662r1
Progress Edition 2019
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S45
TAXI
FOR YOUR
INFO
From Page S44
As for Kuhl, it’s all about when he’s available and, more importantly, about how he feels. He said he typically punches in between 6 to 8:30 p.m., but if the fish aren’t biting, he doesn’t worry too much. A typical day driving Lyft involves five to eight rides, he said. At the longest, he’s put in seven hours at a stretch — not too bad for a man who enjoys driving the freeways, Kuhl said. That and if the vehicle has satellite radio is key. “For me, it’s kinda dependent on how busy it is. I do my day job, go home and spend time with my family, then I punch in,” Kuhl said. “Super flexible on the timing. Usually, if I log in and don’t get a ride within an hour and a half, or if I don’t get a new ride an hour and a half after the last, I log off. It’s dependent on your schedule and what you put in.” All three services operate primarily in the Brainerd lakes area and surrounding communities. Kuhl said he generally has a 45-minute round-trip restriction or coverage area, but he has driven people down to Cambridge and back. Grab A Cab’s coverage area includes places as far as Pine River, an occasional trip to Cambridge or the Twin Cities. Brainerd Area Taxi operates as far as the Twin Cities twice a week, or will go to even Wisconsin, Iowa and Chicago, though Hoskins noted about 90% of their trips remain in the lakes area.
Advice and adversity
Drivers have to deal with the usual hassles of the road — inattentive drivers, inclement weather, heavy traffic and the extraordinary toll placed on vehicles after hundreds of thousands of miles per year. But, beyond that, there’s also other challenges that arise — for traditional taxi services, it can be competing with each other or services like Lyft or Uber; for Lyft drives like Kuhl it can be the struggle to locate and find customers in big events; and for all of them it can be customers who contact multiple cab companies at once to have them “race” to
H Business: Lyft.
H Did you know? To drive for Lyft, drivers must undergo about 7-10 days of background checks, applications and a process during which documents are submitted to be vetted as a competent, safe and friendly driver. Vehicles older than 2007 are not accepted by Lyft and others must be in acceptable condition.
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Lyft driver Kirk Kuhl stops for a break in downtown Brainerd recently. His driving helps fund his extra hobbies. get there first. “We don’t race,” Nebel said flatly. “That’s just ridiculous, when they play the card like that.” “I try not to,” added Smith, who iterated that he communicates and expects about 20 minutes to reach customers. “Safety is the main concern. I’ll get there when I say I get there.” ‘“It’s very difficult, it’s very challenging,” Hoskins said. “We drive all the way across town. We could have three or four other calls to get to, but we’re driving to you. It’s very difficult.” Hoskins said area residents forcing taxi drivers to engage in “races” is an issue, and added he tells people to, at the very least, call the other companies once a taxi has arrived, so as to not waste their time further. In terms of Lyft, Hoskins said they charge more, but the key difference is Lyft operates on a part-time, side-gig model at best, while traditional taxi drivers offer 24/7 access, plus all the features of professional driving and service. On the other hand, the usual hitch that comes up during a
Lyft drive is its geopositioning, Kuhl said — namely, it’s difficult to pinpoint where a person is if they’re along a busy stretch of road, or involved in a large event or gathering, such as Lakes Jam. “It’s a lot of messing around,” Kuhl said. Aside from that, all three services gave two forms of advice — follow the golden rule to treat others as you want to be treated and, generally speaking, expect other drivers to do the unexpected at any given moment on the road. “Drive as if everyone else is an ... idiot,” Kuhl said. “But, as a Lyft driver, just be happy and personal. I’ve never had anyone sour or anything. You get back what you put out. If you’re nice, they’re generally appreciative and nice to you back.” “You have to watch yourself out there, because you don’t know,” Smith said. “You want to give them good service,” Nebel said, along with a clean cab and nice drivers. “Just expect every other driver to do the exact opposite of what
they should do or what you think they will do, and you’ll be safe in Brainerd,” said Hoskins, who noted the company has a policy stating no one should put the car in reverse for parking or pickups as a safety precaution. “I just assume that people are going to do something wrong. I’m usually right, and I’ve avoided a lot of accidents that way.”
On the road
In addition, drivers shared some other tidbits that may shed some light on transport services in the Brainerd lakes area. ► Hoskins said Brainerd Area Taxi minivans cover roughly 300 miles on an average day. ► While Brainerd Area Taxi favors foreign makes — Japanese companies such as Honda or Hyundai — Grab A Cab swears by American makes like Chrysler and Dodge. Hoskins said it’s a matter of durability and fuel efficiency, while Smith pointed to the scarcity of repair parts for foreign makes in the lakes area that pushes them towards American cars. As for Kuhl, he drives a 2012 Ford Edge.
► Kuhl noted he makes about $15-$20 per hour driving Lyft, while the driver and company split fees at a ratio of 70/30. Hoskins said his company splits revenue fees at 55/45, but provides the vehicle and pays to maintain it. ► Both cab companies favor minivans even if they’ve had sedans often in the past. The reason? Bar rush. It quickly became apparent, Hoskins said, that cabbies need a vehicle that can transport six people when 1 a.m. rolls around. ► So, what kind of life do taxi drivers get out of their vehicles? Hoskins said his company typically buys them used, at about 90,000 to 100,000 miles, then drives them for about 2.5 years until they’re 300,000 to 400,000 miles. The record holder? A Pontiac Trans Sport that reached over 750,000 miles — that, and it had the original engine and transmission to boot. ► Both cab companies said they conduct a “religious” amount of maintenance checks — a pretrip, end-trip and end-of-theday check on the engine, fluid levels and tires to the tune of at least three times a day. Tires are typically replaced twice a year. GABRIEL LAGARDE may be reached at gabe.lagarde@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5859. Follow at www.twitter.com/ glbrddispatch.
VIDEO For videos on 2019 Progress Edition stories go to www.brainerddispatch.com
Advertorial
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Progress Edition 2019
S46 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
The Crosby-Ironton Courier sits at 12 W. Main St. in Crosby. This is the second location the building has been since it began in 1911.
NEWSPAPER
tired in 2018, provided the Dispatch with the history of the weekly newspaper. The C-I Courier was born in 1911 and was built on Second Avenue Northwest in Crosby. Elmer L. Anderson of Crosby was the first owner/publisher of the newspaper and he sold it to Paul L. Sheets. On May 1, 1959, Earl J. Hunter became co-publisher of the Courier, with Sheets. The night of Jan. 14, 1965, a fire was reported at the C-I Courier. The fire destroyed the Courier plant, along with its entire stock of newsprint and large amounts of paper used in commercial printing.
From Page S39
events are happening and when Monday rolls around it is production day, meaning their work must be done as their deadline has come and it’s time to lay out all news and advertising copy onto the pages of the newspaper. Once it is printed and distributed they are back in the community to do it all over again for the next edition.
History of C-I Courier
Lori LaBorde, who serves as publisher, along with her father, Tom Swensen, who semi-re-
In 1974, Sheets and Hunter purchased property and built a one-story building to house the needs of the newspaper at 12 E. Main St. in Crosby, where the newspaper still operates today. During this same year on Aug. 1, Sheets sold his half of the business to his employee, Swensen of Ironton. Sheets was associated with the Crosby-Ironton Courier for more than 44 years. A new partnership between Hunter and Swensen was formed. At the same time — the newspaper’s first full color photo of the new Courier building marked another milestone in the Courier’s publishing history, LaBorde
stated. It is the first full color picture to ever appear on Courier pages. The new building was the first business building ever owned by Courier management. In 1979, Hunter sold his half of the newspaper to Swensen, making Swensen the sole proprietor. In September of 2005, Swensen sold a portion of the business to LaBorde. Swensen was featured in the Minneapolis Sunday Tribune in the Picture Magazine dated Oct. 11, 1959. It reads: “At the age of 18 he took over operation of the Swanville News (circulation of about 600) and became the youngest edi-
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
tor of a weekly newspaper in Minnesota, maybe the nation. He graduated from Swanville High School last spring and is purchasing the weekly from R. A. McRae on a year’s trial basis (actually he’s leasing the paper and rental will apply on the purchase price if Swensen decides to stay in business).” Sweet moved to Crosby in the fall of 1960 and was hired as a linotype operator for the Courier. He has grown and adapted to the changes in the industry such as off-set printing to pagination. He was the sports writer for a
NEWSPAPER: Page S47
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NEWSPAPER From Page S46
number of years and wrote “The Scoop on sports” column weekly. “Wonder where the nickname ‘Scoop’ originated,” LaBorde writes. “Some blame belongs to Jim Harker, but it was ex-basketball coach Clayton Kermeen who exploded with, ‘Well, finally, here comes old “Scoop!”’ as Swensen was a trifle late to accept a ride to a game. Needless to say, the players ... took it from there. It’s a combination of Bill Selisker, Kermeen’s successor, and football coach John Davies who kept the fires going.” Swensen became a member of the Half Century Club in 2004 through the Minnesota Newspaper Association, after being nominated by former publisher Terry McCollough of the Brainerd Dispatch, recognizing his “50 years of faithful service to the newspaper profession.” Tom “Scoop” Swensen also was inducted in the Crosby-Ironton Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2017. Swensen, 78, is semi-retired from the business but still enjoys stopping by the office to check on things and help when needed. Swensen has lived and breathed the newspaper business for so many decades and enjoys that two of his four children, LaBorde and son Bill Swensen, are still part of the business. LaBorde works at the newspaper full-time as publisher and Swensen as a contributing sports copywriter. LaBorde began working at the newspaper during her senior year in high school in 1983. She helped sell advertising, ran advertising proofs to area businesses and did miscellaneous printing jobs, such as letterheads, envelopes, raffle tickets and auction bills. “I started working here and I haven’t left,” LaBor-
de said 36 years later during a July 24 interview with the Brainerd Dispatch. Over the decades, she has covered every position in the newspaper industry and currently works with advertising sales, bookkeeping, page layout, writing and other duties. “Every week is a new challenge,” LaBorde said as to why she hasn’t left the business she loves. “It’s like a giant jigsaw puzzle. You collect all these pieces, which are your ads, news, classified or whatever and you put that puzzle together before the deadline of getting it to print. Some weeks the pages flow together easily and other weeks you are redoing it because it is not working.”
The business
LaBorde has seen many changes in the industry since she started, with the biggest being technology. Technology has helped the newspaper business flow much more smoothly in many ways. For instance, a majority of the news releases the newspaper receives are sent digitally, mainly through email, so a staff member may copy and paste the release into a document and then it’d be ready to be laid out on a page. Before the technology advancements, LaBorde said, it was much more time consuming as a person had to type the release on a typewriter, then send it to a copy-graphic person to type, then send it to a proofreader and then it was printed out again. Then, if there was a correction, there were more steps a person had to take. Technology also vastly improved the way the newspaper is laid out. Newspaper staff use Quark, a graphic design and layout software, and Adobe, a multimedia and creativity software product, to do pagination of page layouts. Once the pages are laid out digitally they are sent to the Brainerd Dispatch,
Progress Edition 2019 which prints the Courier’s newspapers as a commercial job. The Dispatch has printed the C-I Courier since 1974, its longest running commercial job. Before these digital advances, newspaper staff had to print their stories from the computer and actually cut the story with a scissors or razor and paste it with a wax substance onto the page, which was very time-consuming. Another big change in doing business was photography, which went from using film to going digital, allowing newspaper staff to take more photographs for its print and online products. It saved a lot of staff time from going into the dark room to process the film to just downloading the images directly into the computer. When it comes to which news stories to cover for the weekly newspaper each week, LaBorde said they cover the Crosby-Ironton School Board and the Crosby, Ironton, Emily and Deerwood city council meetings for hard news as these are entities affecting taxpayer dollars. The other big focus is covering community events, such as high school sporting events, parades, fundraisers and entertainment events, such as concerts and plays. One of the biggest stories the Courier covered was the closing of Scorpion, a manufacturer of Trail-ASleds, LaBorde recalled. In 1979, Arctic Cat shut down the Crosby facility, and moved the production to its Thief River Falls facility, until Arctic Cat went bankrupt in 1982, ending the Scorpion production forever, as stated on a story written on the Stern Rubber Co. website on the falling of the company. “Many families lost their job and had to leave the area,” LaBorde said. “It was a real hardship for our community.” LaBorde said the newspaper had opportunities to
Advertorial
The Lakes Area’s #1 Law Firm for the Second Year in a Row – The Raboin & Francis Law Firm
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S47
write about professional athletes. ► Alan Scott LeDoux was born in Crosby in 1949. LeDoux, known as the Fighting Frenchman, a contender for the heavyweight title in the mid-1970s and early ’80s, died in 2011 at his home in Coon Rapids, according to The New York Times. He was 62. ► Anthony “The Bullet” Bonsante was born in Crosby in 1970. Bonsante’s boxing career started in Crosby and ended at one of the world’s most famous arenas, Madison Square Garden. This past July, Bonsante learned he will be inducted into the class of 2019 Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame, with the ceremony this October in Prior Lake. ► Professional wrestler Hayden Zillmer was born in 1992 in Crosby. According to a Brainerd Dispatch story, Zillmer is the No. 2-ranked USA wrestler at 98 kilograms in Greco-Roman and the No. 3 freestyler at 97 kilograms. He wrestled for the club team Minnesota Storm. The former North Dakota State University Bison and Crosby-Ironton Ranger has his sights set on the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. “It was fun to write about them and we had other well known people in our area,” LaBorde said. “Features are always fun and you get to learn about so many people.” LaBorde said they try to publish one feature a week. On upcoming community events, they try to publish them two weeks before the event is scheduled to let people know, as long as space allows. “There is always something going on,” LaBorde said. “A lot of times people will come in with posters of their event and we run them. “We don’t do a lot of investigative reporting, we kind of look at it like a letter from home in our paper. We write about things going on in our
community and what is affecting your taxes, your pocket books.” LaBorde said they don’t have the space to report on national events, but always have space if people want to place an advertisement. “Without them we wouldn’t be a newspaper,” she said. LaBorde is appreciative of the community’s support of the newspaper. She said without them the newspaper wouldn’t be where it is today. The economy is growing and the city of Crosby has been doing a lot of revitalization downtown, which is refreshing, she said. LaBorde recalls back in the day when the retailers in Crosby had crazy day sales and dressed up in costumes. One year they dressed up like a Blue Bunny ice cream and handed out plastic eggs that contained coupons for the sales. “It was a fun marketing theme that year,” LaBorde said with a smile. Outside of the newspaper, LaBorde is a member
of Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce and the Outing Area Chamber of Commerce; and volunteers on many committees including the Heritage Days Committee, Downtown Retail Promotions Committee, Ironton Miner Days Committee and she sells raffle tickets for various organizations throughout the Cuyuna Range. LaBorde received the Aquatennial Ambassador Organization’s Commodore’s Award naming her the Honorary Commodore in 2010. She also was presented a special award from the Myrin-James American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 443 of Ironton for outstanding and dedicated service. JENNIFER KRAUS may be reached at jennifer.kraus@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5851. Follow me at www. twitter.com/jennewsgirl on Twitter.
VIDEO For videos on Progress stories and more photos, go to www.brainerddispatch.com
FOR YOUR
INFO
H Business: Crosby-Ironton Courier. H City: Crosby.
H Staff: Two full-time employees, Lori LaBorde, owner and co-publisher, and Krista Wynn, advertising; one semi-retired co-publisher, Thomas Swensen; and seven part-time/contributing employees: Linda Peeples, news editor; Barbara Linn, proofreading; Brenda Booth, front office and photography; Bill Swensen, contributing sports writer; and Lisa Hamilton, Darla Swanson and Peggy Stebbins, contributing writers. H Cost: $40 per year for online or mailed copies in Minnesota. A customer who receives the mailed copy may add online access for an additional $10. H How to contact: By phone at 218-546-5029; by email at courier@crosbyironton.net; through its website at www.c-icourier.com; or mailing address is P.O. Box 67, Crosby, MN 56441. H Did you know? The Thomas Swensen family has been involved with the weekly newspaper for 45 years.
Wishing you a SAFE & Happy Labor Day!
by Carissa Andrews
Accidents happen every day—from car accidents to workplace mishaps— and everything in between. Right after an auto accident, it may be surprising to know most people will get solicited by mail from 10-15 lawyers in the Twin Cities. While there’s nothing wrong with opting for their advice, it may be more challenging to connect with them in person during the course of your case. The good news is, there are also hardworking and experienced attorneys right here in the lakes area. The attorneys at The Raboin & Francis Law Firm have a connection to the community and speaking with them in person couldn’t be easier. For the second year in a row, The Raboin & Francis Law Firm was voted the No. 1 Best Law Firm in the Best of the Brainerd Lakes contest, and it’s not hard to see why. Both John Raboin and Michelle Francis work hard to not only win their cases but also build relationships with their clients. “You will be treated with complete honesty and respect, given an accurate
analysis of your options, and how the process will proceed.” ~Sandra The Raboin and Francis Law Firm’s primary focus is on personal injury law. They know the best ways to get results for their clients. However, personal injury cases aren’t the only kinds of legal matters handled at The Raboin & Francis Law Firm. They also represent clients in discrimination, sexual harassment or abuse, worker’s compensation, Social Security disability, insurance disputes and employment law. Regardless of your reason, from personal injury to worker’s compensation, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Without them, you may not get the compensation and support you deserve. If you’ve been in an accident or need legal advice, involving our other areas of practice, call them at 218-828-9211. You can also stop by and talk to them in person to receive a prompt, no-obligation consultation with one of the attorneys at the lakes area’s No. 1 law firm.
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S48 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 Advertorial
Accra Helps Break Barriers To In-Home Care By SARAH NELSON KATZENBERGER
For families and individuals in need of long-term care and support, receiving personalized care in the home that promotes quality of life and continued active participation in one’s community, can be life changing. Accra Care, Inc. has provided personalized in-home care and support services to individuals with disabilities and older adults since 1992. Accra’s mission is to provide individualized services and supports to people with disabilities and older adults who are living at home in their community. As a nonprofit organization and a recognized name in personalized health Brainerd Labor Day Progress 2019.pdf
1
care in the home, Accra’s services support individuals throughout all 87 Minnesota counties. Accra offers the highest quality of care, whether it is a self-directed program of Personal Care Assistance (PCA), Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) or home health care with the personalized attention of a skilled nurse or home health aide. Accra provides services that prevent more costly outof-home placements, and that promote independence and ongoing wellness for the people they serve. Funding for services is provided through Medicaid and
6/30/19
Medicare reimbursement, and related tasks. PCAs also assist through some healthcare plans. clients with routine tasks such as light housekeeping, laundry and meal preparation. To qualify for PCA or other related waivered services, an individual must be Medical Assistance (MA) eligible. Clients of Accra supported PCA services are responsible to identify their own PCA staff and direct their own care or have a responsible party assist them. Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) assist with daily living needs such as dressing, grooming, eating, bathing, transfers, mobility, positioning and toileting, and other health-
For more information about any of Accra’s services, please call our Brainerd office at 218270-5905 or 866)935-3515. You can also visit www.accracare.org.
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Progress brainerd lakes area
b r a i n e r d
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
d i s pat c h
Edition
l a b o r
d ay
Serving the Brainerd Lakes Area and Central Minnesota since 1881
s p e c i a l
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
This library area is located in the North hotel. Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal
FOR YOUR
INFO
H Business: Grand View Lodge H City: Nisswa.
GRAND VIEW LODGE FAST TRACKS
H Employees: 730 with 30-40 employees, full time and year-round, whose jobs are attributable to the resort expansion. And the resort reported additional jobs are available as Grand View could still use “20-30 full-time yearround great employees.” H Number of guests the resort can accommodate: 1,600.
$55 MILLION EXPANSION PROJECT H Did you know? The original estimate for the recent $55 million expansion project called for five years to develop and build the amenities. Instead, all work was done in 18 months.
GOAL IS TO BE RELEVANT FOR THE FUTURE
By Nancy Vogt Echo Journal Editor NISSWA — The idea of an up north vacation has changed dramatically over the past half century. “Everybody wants to hit the ground running,” said Mark Ronnei, general manager at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa. “It’s not enough to have just a beach chair anymore.” Grand View still offers those beach chairs on the north shore of Gull Lake for people who want to relax and soak up the sun, but a recently completed $55 million expansion project offers many more options for today’s vacationers who like to be on the move. Forty years ago, families were happy
with a fishing camp type resort. Now they want lots of activities, and Grand View’s newest offerings make the resort a regional player that’s also drawing national attention, Ronnei said. “We now have a capacity of hosting 1,600 guests at one time,” said Frank Soukup, Grand View’s director of marketing. “I believe that makes us the largest traditional resort in Minnesota.” One of the oldest resorts in the state and under the Cote family’s ownership since 1936, Grand View recently opened the two-story North hotel, the NorthPark recreation center, and the Fairway Pines and Garden Cottages residential areas. The resort offers an intimate wedding chapel, rebranded the former Italian Gardens
restaurant into a pizza place, and made improvements at Camp Lincoln (new recreation center) and Camp Lake Hubert (renovated kitchen and dining facilities). Projects also include a wedding barn at Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona, also owned by the Cotes. The $55 million comes from what Grand View invested and what people who bought the family cottages invested. The original estimate was about five years to develop and build the amenities. Instead, all work was done in 18 months.
Why expand?
Expansion planning started about two years ago. Ronnei said the Cote family hired Tom Juliano as Cote Family Desti-
nation’s CEO and gave the executive team direction that they wanted the resort to get bigger, grow business and be relevant for the next 40 years. “The CEO came up and said, ‘Give me every idea you ever had,’” Ronnei said. They took seven major projects to the Cotes, thinking the family would choose two or three. “So be careful what you wish for,” Ronnei said, noting the family embraced all the projects offered. Luckily, Grand View had a lot of land being underused. “I’m happy to say we were patient about it,” Ronnei said. “We needed to modernize our rental
EXPANSION: Page S51
KAVANAUGH’S RESORT ON SYLVAN LAKE CELEBRATES
50 YEARS OF HOSPITALITY By Gabriel Lagarde Staff Writer
A view of Kavanaugh’s Resort on Sylvan Lake. The resort, a low-impact, houskeeping destination northwest of Brainerd, features more than 50 units on 24 landscaped acres and 12,000 feet of lake shoreline. Steve Kohls Brainerd Dispatch
EAST GULL LAKE — After 50 years, if there’s one thing to say about Kavanaugh’s Resort on Sylvan Lake, it’s the more things change, the more they stay the same. In fact, it’s a business predicated on change and — judging by this ever-evolving resort’s history from 1969 to the present day — these changes often take on bold and sweeping dimensions. Take Kavanaugh’s Resort’s calling card and signature establishment, its restaurant — well, that doesn’t exist anymore. The decision to shutter it in recent years represents just another big move the family has made, Tom Kavanaugh told the Dispatch during a tour of the property on Sylvan Lake, northwest of Brainerd. As a prominent scion of the family, Tom carved his place at the resort as head chef at its namesake restaurant. Now he speaks of its closure without a hint of bitterness. “The restaurant in the first place is what made us pretty famous,” Kavanaugh said, steering a golf cart around the turns and bends of the resort. “We were known for our
HOSPITALITY: Page S53
S50 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
RAINBOW LAWN IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
HAS GROWN IN 14 YEARS By Travis Grimler Echo Journal Staff Writer
Dan Determan / Echo Journal
Dock 77, a new restaurant off the back of Quarterdeck Resort, provides a lakeside eatery that people can access from the lake.
FRESH FACES, IDEAS AT QUARTERDECK,
DOCK 77 By Dan Determan Echo Journal Staff Writer
back. … People are happily surprised when they come in.” As summer draws to a close, so Swanberg said the resort offers does the “busy season” at Quarter- a different aesthetic than other deck Resort that was met with plenty resorts in the area, forgoing a bufof new experiences, but also plenty falo plaid-laden cabin feeling for of success. something more akin to lodgings in “We are a smaller, boutique resort,” resort manager Quinn Swanberg said. “We specialize in DOCK 77: Page S54 custom stays. … We can really cater to our guests and give them a unique FOR YOUR experience. People have had requests like decorating for birthdays to different furniture. We don’t have a standard formula for what we do.” Swanberg has been with the decades-old resort on the western Quarterdeck and Dock 77 shore of Gull Lake for roughly one H Quarterdeck Resort, estabyear. In that time, including in the lished in 1957, sits on 27 acres winter months, she said the resort on Gull Lake’s west shore. has been a resounding success. H The resort employs 13. “Things have been going great. H Dock 77, a lakeside restaurant We are open year-round, and now that opened in May, employs that all of our new houses are in, about 35. you get repeat guests looking to re-book. Once people stay at our resort, they typically want to come
Many businesses could do, and have done, worse than Rainbow Lawns Irrigation Systems “I suppose we run 12 service trucks and various other trucks,” said owner Thomas Marcum. “We’ve got over 20 trucks now. We went from two people, to running anywhere from 15-18 people now.” For Marcum, it’s all thanks to careful planning and positive business relationships. Marcum and his wife Heather not only have business degrees, but for nine years he learned the ropes from his brother-in-law Larry Oaks, who started the business in 1994 and sold it to Marcum in 2005. Marcum worked under Oaks from 1996 until he graduated and bought it. “Larry asked me to work for him,” Marcum said. “I said yes. It was really just a job at that point, but I really enjoyed it and stuck with it. He was really a great employer to work for.” At one point he wasn’t sure about buying the company, but it has since worked out. “I did have the offer and I was still mulling it over because it was a big decision for me,” Marcum said. “It just seemed
to make sense. It all fell into place. I learned the irrigation side from Larry and I learned the business side from the school so I had all the resources I needed to move forward with the business. I was definitely nervous for it. It did work out. There was a lot of stress and a lot of learning at first, but we got it done and it’s been a success.” Having a firm grasp on finances and scheduling has helped a great deal. Marcum says he has been careful to never overextend himself financially. In the beginning he took out a loan of $50,000 to buy the business, but now he operates debt free and grows only at a responsible rate and only as finances allow. “We’ve grown as we could afford it,” Marcum said. “We’ve run the business out of our home. The shop we have is 1,500 square feet, It’s bathroom, office and shop. It’s very small. We’ve built shelves everywhere. The house is over top of it. We live upstairs and run off of 5 acres. It’s very tight with all those trucks.” In addition to growing the company’s fleet of vehicles and equipment, Marcum has finally gotten to the point that the
LAWN: Page S55
INFO
Travis Grimler / Echo Journal
Jim Marcum of Rainbow Lawn Irrigation Systems installs fittings on an irrigation line.
Advertorial
Waste Partners By Nicole Stracek
As a family owned garbage and recycling collection company, Waste Partners was formed by father-son duo Gary and Eric Loge in 2000. A year later, longtime friend and co-worker John Laufersweiler became a partner as well. This base of knowledge and experience provided the platform from which to grow their business. And grow it did. From three employees and 600 customers at the beginning to 25 team members servicing about 13,000 of our lake lountry friends and businesses today. More recently, Eric’s son Jace has joined the family business and is proud to continue the tradition of providing dependable, courteous and value priced collection services. He believes it is their team of professionals that really make the business shine.“Waste Partners is a family owned business and our crew is an extension of our family. We understand that our continued growth is a testament to the service performed by our team every day.” “The name Waste Partners itself is an indication of the company’s focus. Our intent is to form partnerships with our customers, the communities we serve, and the environment we live in. We believe this culture will translate into a positive work setting for our peo-
ple, creating a business climate built on loyalty, trust, dedication, and exceptional service.” Waste removal is necessary for any home or business so why not choose a company that cares about the service they provide. The office staff is from the lakes area and are experienced, knowledgeable, and best yet - available to answer your questions. They utilize many of the tools to communicate today such as phone, email, instant message, and yes they still use an answering machine so you can always get in touch at a time convenient to you. In addition the drivers show pride in what they do with clean trucks while mechanics keep them safe and dependable behind the scene knowing none of this is possible without them. On Labor Day especially, we want to thank our employees for their time and dedication they invest into our business every day.
HAPPY LABOR DAY
Thanks to all our employees for their hard work and dedication over the years. Have a safe Labor Day! • Family Owned & Operated • Active Involvment in Area Community • Experienced, Safe & Organizations & Events Knowlegeable Staff • Recycling Service • Clean, Well-Maintained Available in Many Equipment Locations
“In all the markets we serve Waste Partners has built a solid reputation of quality service and community involvement. Local is more than a buzzword to us. It is an everyday lifestyle.”
Residential Garbage Collection & Commercial Waste Collection Waste Partners, Inc. Website: www.wastepartnersinc.com 2928 State 371 SW Cust Svc: info@wastepartnersinc.com PO Box 677 Pine River, MN 56474 218-587-8727 (office) 218-587-5122 (fax)
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S51
Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch
Guests relax in the North Hotel’s lobby on an August morning at the resort. The hotel features 60 guest rooms.
EXPANSION From Page S49
inventory,” he said. “When you reach 100 years old (which the resort did in 2016), you have a lot of stuff that needs to be updated.” Ronnei said the entire project was fast-tracked because real estate started selling, and because the resort started building amenities first, like the NorthPark recreation center with indoor and outdoor pools and fitness center. “People could see we were making a substantial investment in facilities,” Ronnei said, rather than just a promise of those facilities. “That gave a lot of credibility.” So rather than drag out construction over five years, they decided to do it all at once. “By next summer, there won’t be any sign of construction at Grand View,” Ronnei said.
Projects
The North hotel features 60 guest rooms with sliding
glass doors that allow ambient light and fresh air to fill the rooms, along with in-room amenities, including a kingsized bed or two queen beds, sitting area with workspace, master bathrooms and an open closet concept. The hotel’s avant-garde design offers millennial families an aesthetically pleasing place to rest their heads after a busy day. The décor takes its cues from natural elements nearby, incorporating a dark, red oak shelving unit with a granite overlaid check-in desk, large stone fireplace and wood furnishings encouraging a style throughout the property that reflects back to the authentic roots of the original 1916 lodge and its rich history. The hotel lobby features a social lobby lounge with Brew (coffee bar by morning and bar by night) featuring coffee, craft brews, signature craft cocktails and fine wines. The North hotel’s Reflection Room offers a spot to lounge,
host a breakout or entertain with a private chef dinner, wine or beer tasting while on the other side of the hall lies a more intimate “library” with fireplace and bookshelves. The facility also has four high-tech meeting spaces, including a 1,936-square-foot conference room. “To be relevant in the off-season we needed to be attractive to today’s conference guests,” Ronnei said, noting they felt there was an unmet need at the resort for a high-end conference center. The NorthPark recreation center, located just east of the hotel, features indoor and outdoor lap pools, an outdoor Jacuzzi, fitness studio, gym and kids club. An additional lodging project is the Craftsman-style cottages overlooking The Pines Golf Course in the Fairway Pines community and cottages built in the former Garden Golf Course area. Ronnei said the cottages have great kitchens, which today’s
Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal
This intimate wedding chapel is on the Grand View Lodge property.
vacationers want; ample space to sleep; and recreation aspects, such as ping pong tables, pool tables or movie theaters. “The overarching design element was, how much fun can we have?” he said. Another project planned for the near future is the Glacial Waters Spa facility, which will get eight new treatment rooms, an expanded women’s locker room and new relaxation area. All of the expansion projects fit well with the other features that have made Grand View Lodge popular, like the eight distinct culinary concepts, the 2,500 feet of sandy beach, several tennis courts and 54 holes of championship golf. The expansion is expected to generate 60 to 100 more year-round and seasonal jobs at the resort.
VIDEO For videos on 2019 Progress Edition stories go to www.brainerddispatch.com
Another plus was moving all employee accommodations and most of the administration offices away from the center of the resort, and making a new employee entrance. “Other than more pedestrians, it really doesn’t feel like there are a lot more people at Grand View,” he said. He believed the projects would be successful. “You think you know your customers, but you don’t know until you pull the trigger,” Ronnei said. “I think it’s just a home run. It’s the most exciting and challenging thing I’ve ever done,” he said of his 41 years working at Pleased with projects “It has been amazing. The Grand View Lodge. guests love it,” Ronnei said of Nancy Vogt may be reached at 218-855-5877 or nancy.vogt@pineandlakes.com. Follow her the projects, giving credit to the on Facebook and on Twitter at www.twitter. com/@PEJ_Nancy. team that made it all happen.
Advertorial
Third Annual Suicide Prevention Walk in Nisswa By Sarah Nelson Katzenberger
Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group We meet bi-weekly, first and third Mondays of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Location is:
You are not alone. That’s the message the Greater Minnesota chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention wants to make clear to families who have dealt with the heartache of losing a loved one to suicide. “What you do for support since losing a loved one matters,” said Jeri Borgwarth of AFSP. “We need each other as we face our loss.” On Oct. 12, the Greater Minnesota AFSP will host its third annual “Out of the Darkness” walk in Nisswa. The walk is to raise awareness, funds and show support for those left behind by tragic loss. “Families desperately need support and this walk is a great way to raise awareness for suicide prevention and let people know – we are here,” Borgwarth said. “It’s a good way to connect with others and find a way to honor our own loved ones.”
The event starts at 9 a.m. at Grand View Lodge and lasts until early afternoon. Pre-registration is available online, but same day walk-ups are welcome. The 2019 event is sponsored in part by Hubbard Broadcasting who has taken an active role in helping raise awareness for AFSP. “It has become something near and dear to their hearts.” The Greater Minnesota Chapter of AFSP has a goal of raising $30,000. All funds raised stay in Minnesota and help provide local training, support groups as well as work to change mental health policy statewide. “We are trying to erase the stigma around mental health,” Borgwarth said. “It has always been something so shameful and it’s just not -- everyone struggles.” Pre-registration for the Oct. 12 walk can be found at www.AFSP.org/nisswa.
Lutheran Church of the Cross 5064 County Road 13, Nisswa, MN behind Schaefers Foods
Our goal is to provide a safe environment to share our stories, and to provide support and education to those who have lost a loved one to suicide. *please note that we are a group for adults only **contact Jeri Borgwarth at jeriborg@hotmail.com with questions…
Talk Saves Lives.
S52 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
Advertorial
pineandlakes.com
Thursday, May 23, 2019 • $1.00
Pequot Lakes fire tower repairs planned
Travis Grimler / Echo Journal
Amber Taylor of the University of Minnesota Raptor Center introduces a bald eagle that the center rescued years ago to a crowd at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground in Crosslake on Saturday, May 18.
By Frank Lee Brainerd Dispatch Staff Writer Crow Wing County is seeking bids from contractors to perform repairs and improvements to the historic Pequot Lakes fire tower it bought from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. County commissioners heard at the Tuesday, May 21, committee of the whole meeting from the land services department about the future plans for the planned tourist attraction. “We just sent the (request for proposal) to the State Historic Preservation Office,” said Ryan Simonson, county environmental services supervisor. The 100-foot-tall fire tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017 and has been on the National Historic Lookout Register since 1993. The tower is on a 40-acre parcel of land, which was also included in last fall’s purchase of the tower for $1. “They have a 30-day review period where they’re going to review all of the improvements that we’re proposing and make sure that our plans fit within all the National Register of Historic Places guidelines,” Simonson said of the preservation office. The fire tower north of County Highway 11 and east of Highway 371 was built in 1934. It was initially closed two years ago due to vandalism and misuse. Windows have repeatedly been broken in the cab with equipment thrown from the top of the tower. “We’re making all these improvements and still keeping that historic integrity,” Simonson said of the project, which will be completed by Sept. 15. The proposed work includes the stairway treads, landings and handrails; the tower legs, cables and antennas; cab floor, walls, ceiling and windows; and tower base. “I think June 7 we’re due to hear back from the State Historic Preservation Office … and then select a contractor in late June hopefully, and they will have plenty of time to make improvements before this fall,” Simonson said as he presented his timeline for the project. Future plans include to work on sign or kiosk design from November to May 2020; install a new restroom facility by June 2020; and purchase 69 acres of nearby private land using Legislative-Citizens Commission for Minnesota Resources funds by August 2020.
Echo Journal Continually Updates Area News By Travis Grimler Staff Writer Crosslake earned the honor of becoming the state’s fourth Minnesota Audubon Bird City. The designation, awarded Saturday, May 18, is twofold, said Bird City Program Manager Katie Burns. It’s about recognition for the city, but it’s also about engagement. “It’s something that is designed to help com-munities that are doing great things for the environment and community be recognized for those things and provide a pathway for those communities that are already interested in doing these things to add to that as time goes on,” Burns said. The Bird City program is relatively new to Minnesota, but it is tried and true in Wisconsin. “We had worked with Bird City Wisconsin to learn about their program and had done some piloting with a small number of communities in 2016 and then took what we learned from those pilot cities and made some adjustments,” Burns said.
By Pete Mohs, Publisher
The PineandLakes Echo Journal weekly the area weekly newspaper remains the newspaper and the pineandlakes.com websame - to cover the news and promote the site provide a perfect combination of print businesses in our local communities. and digital news. The newspaper provides The history of the Echo Journal actually in-depth coverage focusing extensively on dates back to the two separate publications the communities in the Echo Journal read- the Pine River Journal established in 1935 Ellen Germundson performs “Count On Me” with her fellow Nisswa BIRD CITY: Page A8 Elementarywebsite School fourth graders Friday, Maythe 17, at their graduation ership area. The pineandlakes.com and Lake Country Echo established in program. See more photos on Page A12. TOWER: Page A6 features those stories, plus additional local 1972. The JournalFIRE and Lake Country Echo and regional coverage on a daily basis. were combined into the Echo Journal in Before the digital age, Echo Journal 2012. That decision increased the coverage readers often needed to wait, sometimes area and almost doubled the responsibilimove,” Taylor news said. Castro was coming on and going more events, meetings and sportBy Travis Grimler almost a week, to receive the when ties with Staff Writer Taylor said his brother served to save the world.” in WWII, stationed in Pearl Taylor was aboard the Saipan on attending the Memoour mainhose source of area information was ing events to fill one newspaper. Harbor during the attack with Dec. 24, 1948, when the aircraft rial Day service at 11:30 a.m. the USS South Dakota, one of carrier took on a XHJS-1 helicopter Monday, May 27, at Swanships that was damaged but conand three HRP-1 helicopters before the weekly newspaper. Today, we have The Echo Journal staff is based out of burg Cemetery near Crosslake will the not destroyed in the 1941 attack. taking off for Greenland to assist have the honor of hearing from Taylor’s sister was a nurse serving in the rescue of 11 airmen who Taylor, airman first class tinualRalph updates with breaking news or story Pequot Lakes office. The Echo Journal the armed forces in Alaska. Taylor crash landed onthe the ice cap. with the Navy, sergeant first class was virtually fated to join up. “We had one of the fastest in the National Guard and a pio“When I was 18 I joined the aircraft carriers covers in the Navy,” the news for dozens of cities in updates our website. Pineandlakes.com neer inon the sunflower industry. National Guard,” Taylor said. Taylor said. “They put one of Taylor’s career reflected his “When I graduated I joined the those big banana helicopters on past. He grew up in the farming also provides additional coverage from our Crow Wing and Cass Counties - including Navy and was sent to Great Lakes there and we steamed as fast as community around Olivia, Naval Training Station. Then I we could go out there.” in a family steeped was Company aboard USS Saipan, ansister aircraft A C-47 airplane on skis stole Lakes, Pine River, Breezy Point, ForumMinnesota, Communications Pequot in military tradition. His father carrier.” their thunder, however, by and five uncles were all National Taylor had many experiences ahead of them to rescue Guardsmen stationed in Alaska publications, like the Brainerd Dispatch.arriving Backus, Crosslake, Nisswa and Merrifield. in the service. He remembers the airmen. during World War II, though experiencing historical events all Later, when the Korean War the military gave his father an the perspective of an aircraft started, Taylor was stationed at After two decades providing free webThe publication also focuses on coverage of out upon realizing he had seven of from carrier. the Naval Air Training Command children back home. “We were in the Caribbean center in Milton, Florida, where “They said, ‘You’re in a site coverage, we will soon switch to a paid the school districts of Pequot Lakes, Pine about the time Fidel Castro landed they helped pilots get certified to demanding industry of farming,’ there,” Taylor said. “It was kind fly. and they discharged him back Veteran Ralph Taylor, sitting on(Nisswa his deck in Crosslake, will be membership model our current River-Backus, Brainerd School) and time. (Fulgencio)print home. He would have liked towhere have of an unsettled the Memorial Day guest speaker at Swanburg Cemetery. TAYLOR: Page A6 gone, but it would have been a bad Batista was a dictator there and subscribers also receive additional website the Crosslake Charter School. and E-edition coverage. will also be offer-seeksThe Echoinput Journal staff, plus more than a PR-BWe School District public for strategic plan The Pine River-Backus School areas for improvement. School are four ways to contrib- a copy and fill it out. Completed ing digital only subscription for coverage on dozenThere correspondents, work hard to write District is in the initial stage of district residents and staff can ute through a district survey: surveys should be returned by 5 developing a strategic plan. The give the school board feedback by ► Provide input by filling out p.m. Friday, June 7, to the district our website and E-editions. Those dollars andversion takeof photos orat the video of the yearschool board is working with the completingare a survey or stories attend- the online the “Pine office above address. Minnesota School Boards Asso- ing a community forum Thursday, River-Backus Strategic Planning ► Call Rita Sepin at 218-587ciation to provide guidance andwork June 6. to Go to http://bit.ly/PRBto request a survey to staff be important to supporting our staff’s roundSurvey.” area events. The8005Echo Journal assist with the planning. The MSBA will analyze the Plan2019 before 5 p.m. Friday, sent to your home, or request the The school board is seeking information gathered from the June 7, to fill it out. survey via email by contacting provide accurate news coverage of the many also produces more than 40 special sections input from school district resi- survey and community forum to ► Stop by the Pine River-Backus dendicott@prbschools.org. dents and staff to help identify help identify school district stra- School District Office at 401 Murarea events each year - ranging from meeting each ray year including Love of the PR-B:annual Page A6 the school district’s strengths and tegic priorities. Ave. in-Pine River to pick upthe Volume 6 • Issue 36 coverage, featuring local personalities and Lakes magazine. AREA EVENTSand A4 • OBITUARIES A7 •development OPINION A10 • SPORTS B1-B3 • RECIPES B4 has photo and story coverage of area events The of digital media Pequot Lakes and Pine River-Backus school leveled the playing field for weekly and district, and Crosslake Community school daily newspapers and both can offer immeactivities. diate 24/7 news coverage. That helped the The PineandLakes Echo Journal has pineandlakes.com website grow to an allchanged over the years, but the goal of time high of 1.2 million page views in 2018. Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal
GREAT GRAD
Thanks for supporting our weekly community publication. Our staff works hard to keep you informed about local news, sports and information.
MEMORIAL DAY SPEAKER LED INTERESTING LIFE
Thank you to our great employees
T
Have a safe and enjoyable
Travis Grimler / Echo Journal
Labor Day
4285 West Lake St. | Pequot Lakes | 218-568-8521 001758930r1
Advertorial
Brainerd Dispatch Offering Membership Services By Pete Mohs, Publisher
The Brainerd Dispatch is in the process of moving to an audience membership program to focus on serving both its print and digital customers. The paid membership package will combine the Dispatch printed edition, the E-edition featuring digital newspaper pages and brainerddispatch. com website access. Members can also access the websites of our sister Forum Communications Company properties. The Dispatch will also be offering a digital-only subscription for E-edition readers and website access. This subscription model helps reinvest in local reporting, which is critical for accurately covering the stories and photos for the area communities. The Dispatch has been responsible for covering our area since it was first published in 1881. From the start, the task was to cover local, state and national news for our newspaper readers. The newspaper was a main source of local information, and that continues today -- although the news is delivered in a variety of forms. The Dispatch began to transition its news and advertising coverage to a combination of print and online platforms with
the debut of the Dispatch website in 1996. In the early years, the Dispatch website offered news stories after the information had first appeared in print. But in the past 15 years, that strategy changed with the explosion for the demand of immediate breaking news from all age groups. Audiences wanted immediate updates on their computers or phones with the option of gaining deeper knowledge of news and events when the newspaper arrived at their homes. Today, the Dispatch has an annual audience of more than 22 million page views with 2.4 million users while many also read the Dispatch E-edition. We also produce podcasts and have expanded our video coverage with breaking news and weekly features. And we are active in social media - like Twitter updates that link our stories to Facebook posts. The methods of delivery have changed - but the ultimate goal of delivering the news for our local communities remains - ranging from city, county and school board meeting coverage to attending hundreds of year-round area events. We also cover the college, high school and youth sporting events for area teams. Today, 138 years after the Dispatch began, our staff remains dedicated to accurately and fairly covering our area as a multimedia company.
THIS WAS THE
Over 130 years and we’ve never missed a publication date. EVER.
1881
First edition: Dec. 22, 1881 (weekly)
1907
1907 Fire destroys original building. Paper moves to South Sixth Street
June 16, 1883, City council votes Brainerd Dispatch as the city’s official newspaper
1883
1920s
Earliest microfilm issue: Vol II No. 33, published on Aug. 2, 1883
First South Sixth Street Home shown in the early 1920s
1968
Second South Sixth Street building Composing room at 215 South Sixth Street office in 1968
1990
Brainerd Daily Dispatch
1996
1990- The Brainerd Dispatch moves to 506 James St.
2001
2010s
Brainerd Dispatch begins engaging socially on the web by creating forums, chat rooms and personals/dating pages
2010s- Brainerd Dispatch gets a Facebook page and a Twitter feed
1996- The Brainerd Dispatch becomes available on the Internet
2019
2019- New website introduced for Brainerd Dispatch.
Dedicated employees as well as loyal readers and advertisers have kept Brainerd Dispatch the Brainerd community newspaper for over 130 years!
THANK YOU! Happy Labor Day!
Progress Edition 2019
Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S53
HOSPITALITY
FOR YOUR
INFO
From Page S49
food. We were one of the top-rated restaurants in the state. But we were seasonal and the restaurant business is tough, it’s just a tough business to be in.” “We were always big at changes,” Tom Kavanaugh added later. “We knew we were kinda tired of the restaurant concept. I always tell people that I’ve opened a restaurant 30 times because you have to retool every summer.” Dissatisfied after decades spent working in agriculture through various capacities, Tom’s parents, Sherman and Mae, bought Brown’s For Rest, a small cabin operation built in 1948 and by the time the Kavanaughs purchased it in 1969, it was little more than nine old-style cabins and an abandoned basement restaurant. “He knew he didn’t want to farm again and my mom loved cooking and food and hospitality, so they decided, ‘Let’s do a resort,’” Tom Kavanaugh said. “They started looking for resorts specifically in the Brainerd lakes area. They knew nothing about the resort business, but they knew that this was the right place.” Sherman and Mae made waves from the onset. Despite having little experience and a bunch of uninsulated cabins, the Kavanaughs decided to open their resort in the depths of a Minnesota winter — a decision, Tom said, their neighbors and good friends, the Maddens, thought was crazy. Still, offering a place to stay and a warm meal to snowmobilers passing through meant the gamble paid off handsomely. Described as a low-impact, housekeeping resort, it has been subject to a litany of adjustments since the Kavanaughs first bought the Brown’s For Rest property in 1969. In that time, the resort has expanded to more than 50 units of upscale cottages on 24 acres of landscaped lakefront property with artificial ponds, streams and waterfalls. The resort has seen the emergence and departure of its flagship restaurant after 30 years, the construction of a conference center, the decision to make all their cottages rent-share, new tennis courts, new indoor and outdoor pools, and extensive reshaping of the property so it,
H Business: Kavanaugh’s Resort on Sylvan Lake. H City: East Gull Lake. H Number of employees: The resort is currently
run by the four Kavanaugh brothers and — aside from one full-time mower and landscaper — the property is maintained and facilitated by a staff of roughly 26-27 part-time staffers of high school and college ages.
Photos by Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
The four Kavanaugh brothers, Mark (left), Dave, Tom and John, meet together three times a day and work in conjunction to run Kavanaugh’s Resort on Sylvan Lake, northwest of Brainerd. generally speaking, slopes away from the lake. Rent-share, which became the standard business model of the resort in 2005, is the practice of leasing out cabins and cottages to prospective buyers, while the resort agrees to maintain the buildings and grounds in the lessee’s absence. Via its rentshare model, resort staff see to the upkeep, lawn and landscaping, amenities and general care of the property, so renters can keep their minds on the finer things of life and enjoy the water, Kavanaugh said. An over $9 million project in 2005 saw a significant expansion in these properties, as well as the construction of infrastructure, decorative features and lakeside amenities to accommodate visitors. While the resort once employed upwards of 50 seasonal workers to run its restaurant, Kavanaugh’s now employs roughly 26-27 part-time seasonal workers a year. As such, the business primarily relies on the diligent work of coming up on four generations of Kavanaughs, plus the labors of one full-time groundskeeper employed there. Tom said the resort maintains ties with local schools — mostly Pillager, but also other districts like Brainerd — to staff their resort with younger workers typically between 16-24 years of age. While change is a given, Kavanaugh’s Resort on Sylvan Lake is
Ready for the water, boats line part of the resort’s 12,000 feet of shoreline on Sylvan Lake.
something of a unique operation in its continuity as well. It’s run by four brothers who have been involved the entirety of its 50-year history — the eldest, John serves as president and CEO running day-to-day operations, Dave is in charge of maintenance on the property, Mark serves as a property caretaker and real estate broker, while the youngest, Tom now heads public relations and outreach. All four brothers are in their early 50s to late 60s, working six days a week and sitting down for coffee three times a day at 7 a.m., 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., 365 days a year, to turn the gears that keeps Kavanaugh’s in smooth running order. It’s a demanding lifestyle, Tom noted, taking up his time to the point that he, despite living and working on 12,000 feet of lakeshore, has only been out on the water once this summer for his own pleasure. “It’s really worked well. We get asked this a lot by our guests, ‘How do you guys work so well together? How do you not kill each other?’” Tom said with a laugh. “First, our parents forced us to work together. It wasn’t an option. Second, we talk a lot. Those coffee breaks are where we coordinate and talk about everything.” Still, the challenges remain. The resort business has always been an industry of hard-earned rewards and difficult stretches,
but now Kavanaugh’s Resort on Sylvan Lake faces more upheaval. One is the advent of Airbnb, which allows private homeowners to rent out their properties without the regulatory hurdles and licensure that resorts have to acquire. Another is a series of legislative pushes to increase the minimum wage and paid family leave, which Tom said places more and more pressure on resort owners to spread thinner and thinner profit margins to compensate. Then, too, it’s about competing in an increasingly international market — the domain of the internet just as much of word-of-mouth, which presents a whole new set of pros and cons for resorts to tangle with. “I’ve always said competition is good,” Tom said, though he noted he believes there should be tighter monitoring and regulation of Airbnb rentals, as a matter of safety. “I would hate to think that legislation would only come if something bad happened.” Then too, the resort’s future remains to be seen. Tom said the third generation of Kavanaughs aren’t as keen on running a resort as the first two. On top of that, the quadfecta of John, Dave, Mark and Tom can only go on for so long before it’s time for them to retire. Does that mean selling Kavanaugh’s Resort on Sylvan Lake to someone willing to take the reins? Does that mean bringing in a management company to
H Did you know? While, by their own admission, the resort hosts few events to maintain its atmosphere of tranquility, privacy and lakeside access, visitors can enjoy the annual rubber ducky races. Now in its 12th year, each summer participants can watch as hundreds of duckies are unleashed on the manmade river that runs through the resort and find out which one passes the finish line first.
PHOTOS & VIDEO For more photos and videos on 2019 Progress Edition stories go to www.brainerddispatch.com
oversee things in the brothers’ stead? Does that mean giving up on the resort and doling out its property in parcels to private buyers? Or, could it be some of the younger Kavanaughs will warm to the idea of buying the resort for themselves and keeping it in family hands? At any rate, those answers rest far, far into the future, Tom said. For now, things look to stay the same — even if the same means always changing. “We’re not going anywhere,” Tom said with a laugh. “We have a business here where people are happy, where they leave their stress behind. And that’s cool. That’s a cool thing.” GABRIEL LAGARDE may be reached at gabe.lagarde@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5859. Follow at www.twitter.com/ glbrddispatch.
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S54 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019
Dan Determan / Echo Journal
Staff members of Dock 77 show off the view of the lake from the restaurant.
DOCK 77
rant business for a long time, and you learn a lot of things but the lake has had From Page S50 some differences. The sheer quickness in which people can come off the lake all at New England. “We have an East Coast, Nantucket once. … This kitchen is designed for fewer seats than what is really here. When it is style in the houses — more of beachy and full, it’s a lot on the kitchen staff.” nautical decor and lighting. … It’s just The restaurant faced a few hardships at a different look than your typical resort the start, particularly with inexperienced lodging (in the state).” staff and below-average temperatures in The resort employs 13 people who, due the month of June, but management and to the small number, cannot specialize as staff have since been able to fine-tune much as employees of other, larger resorts. its practices. “It really is a family,” Swanberg said. “We are now at the point where what “We work together on whatever needs to be was a hard day six weeks ago is now an done — housekeeping, laundry, answering easy one, because they have perfected the the phones and watching the desk. … It’s method. The offseason is always a chalnot a job. It’s a part of your life” lenge, but we are up for it. I think we are Also new to the resort is Dock 77, a on the right path.” new dockside restaurant which opened The tacos - especially the brisket tacos its doors in May. The restaurant is - are a good choice in his mind for those being operated with the help of Three eating there, but the chef’s signature is Cheers Hospitality, and employs roughly one that has a tendency of turning heads 35 individuals. as it goes past other tables. “We have been well-received,” said “Our ‘signature dish’ is a whole fish Nick Miller, president of Three Cheers a red snapper that the chef fries,” Miller Hospitality. “I have been in the restau- said. “You get the whole fish on a plate -
eyes and all - and you can pull the meat right off the bone with a whole bunch of dipping sauces and accompaniments. … It’s a very cool dish, and a great sharing appetizer for the table.” Miller, whose company also manages three other restaurants including Prairie Bay in Baxter, said this lakeside eatery provided some unique challenges at the start. “It is different than other properties. This one had a different learning curve. This staff was pretty green when we started and it took a while for everyone to coalesce. Now, we still have things to do — every day, you can be doing better — but we are OK now.” In the winter months, Quarterdeck is still open, usually catering more to couples and outdoors enthusiasts than provide a family experience more common in the warmer months. Dock 77 intends to be open in the winter as well, likely from Thursday to Sunday each week. “I think we will try to do some ice fishing event,” Miller said. “You could see your tip-up through the window, and run
down and do your fishing while you have a beer in (the restaurant) and watch a Vikings game. I would really like to figure out something like that.” Now that both Swanberg and the staff of Dock 77 have seemingly found their footing, changes may be coming in the future. Swanberg discussed the possibility of the resort expanding in the future, perhaps with different lodgings like smaller, one- or two-room cabins. For Dock 77, the goal is to make the restaurant more of a destination. “We want to expand the music scene through the summer,” Miller said. “We have a great opportunity with the boat house, which is an event space. … Now that we have figured out, at least at a baseline, how to run this restaurant, we can be thinking about the next thing, but never so fast that you mess up the thing in front of it.” “We have worked hard to get a really good team, and everyone gets along and respects each other,” Swanberg said. “It’s a very nice atmosphere.”
Advertorial
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Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Progress Edition 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 • S55
Photos by Travis Grimler / Echo Journal
Ryan Muise, one of around 15 employees of Rainbow Lawn Irrigation Systems, installs water lines on a job site.
LAWN From Page S50
business can expand property-wise. Soon he and his family are moving to a new 50 acre piece of land with separate office and home. He is still keeping his finances under careful control. The new facilities will be modest. “We want to be able to pay our bills on time to our suppliers, service our customers well and pay our employees on time and all that,” Marcum said. “That’s very important to us. That’s one thing that separates us from a lot of business owners.” In addition to keeping spending in control, Marcum is careful to plan ahead according to the seasons. Ordering inventory strategically and maintaining vehicles during down time means not only cost savings, but better service to customers in the long run. “Heather and I, my wife and two other people spend time over the winter servicing trucks, getting our inventory set up,” Marcum said. “If we do buy all of our inventory in the spring we get better pricing on it and we’ve got it on the shelf if we need something. It’s better
than, if when we are so busy we don’t want to be doing inventory activities.” They’ve got a lot of customers. They are based out of Pequot Lakes, but they serve Walker, Laporte, Park Rapids, Staples, Motley, Longville, Bay Lake, Crosby and during slow times they have even gone to the Twin Cities and the border of North Dakota and Montana. In addition to approximately 80 new irrigation installations every year, they perform services for about 1,200 customers with peak seasons in the spring when they service systems after the thaw and again in the fall to winterize systems. Among their big local customers have been Pine River-Backus School District and Pequot Lakes School District. There are slower times during the summer and even some serious down time in the winter, but those times actually make Marcum enjoy the business more, rather than less. “I enjoy the work,” Marcum said. “It’s very fast paced. I enjoy the seasonality of it. We have our peak demands and we have our slower demands. We ramp back up in the fall and have peak demand again. There’s a con-
clusion in the season so we get time to, right now we get time to spend a lot more time with the kids and doing church ministry things we enjoy doing that we don’t get a chance to in the summer when we’re busy.” Business relationships are also a big part of success. “The success of our company is a result of long lasting business relationships,” Marcum said. “My wife Heather started as an Irrigation technician 14 years ago and now she and her sister Jenny manage all business operations from our home office. My brother Jim has been with us for 14 years. Reid with the The Woods Landscaping, and Matt and Jeff Balmer with Lands End Development and many other customers have been loyal and dedicated to us for over 14 years. Warren at First Supply in Brainerd has been faithfully supplying our materials for 14 years. These solid relationships with coworkers, customers, and suppliers is what has kept me going all these years.” Among other strategies to keeping healthy business relationships, Marcum is careful to not step on anyone’s toes. In the end, this has resulted in his
There is lots of manual digging in the lawn irrigation business, as Seaver Schmidt of Rainbow Lawn Irrigation Systems knows well.
business picking up many more subcontracting jobs. FOR YOUR “What we do is we try to specialize in irrigation as much as possible,” Marcum said. “A lot of landscapers and excavators, builders subcontract us. We don’t want to do anything that H Business: Rainbow Lawns would compete with them so we Irrigation Systems stick very closely with irrigaH City: Pequot Lakes. tion. It’s worked out well for us. H Employees: 15-18. We are able to specialize and do H Did you know? In addition what we do well. The cycle times to about 80 new irrigation on an irrigation system are installations every year, short, so the guys working with the company provides us get to be experts at it pretty services for about 1,200 quickly. That’s what we’re doing customers with peak seaevery day. We’re able to operate sons in the spring when they service systems after pretty efficiently.” the thaw and again in the Marcum has developed favorfall to winterize systems. ite jobs over the years. He certainly prefers new installation jobs where the landscaping is in progress and the yard is wide VIDEO open, giving lots of space to For videos on 2019 his crew and their equipment. Progress Edition stories That’s true locally, or even if go to www.brainerddispatch.com they go well out of town. “One of my favorite projects was when we were able to travel probably my favorite. I’d love to to North Dakota and go out there go back out there but we don’t to a wide open site with a big get the opportunity very often.” area we were covering,” MarTravis Grimler may be reached at 218-855cum said. “We were able to get 5853 or travis.grimler@pineandlakes.com. our equipment in everywhere Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Travis. and service it well. That was
INFO
Advertorial
Developing New Generations of Changemakers By SHEILA HELMBERGER
Youth development is the social-emotional, cognitive and physical process all youth uniquely experience from birth to career. A successful development process fulfills children and teens’ innate need to be loved, spiritually grounded, educated, competent and healthy. YMCA after-school programs foster each child’s cognitive, social-emotional and physical development through opportunities and experiences which focus on achievement, relationships and belonging. Our team of professional role models plan so that each activity is offered in a physically and emotionally safe environment consistent with evidence-based principles of youth development: each child is encouraged to develop at his or her own unique rate by encouraging skill development and frequent leadership opportunities. We also believe families
are partners in their child’s development and are provided opportunities to strengthen the family unit and give the family and the YMCA the opportunity to work, play, learn and thrive together. To help achieve these goals, the Brainerd Family YMCA collaborates with other organizations committed to serving the needs of all children and families. It’s through these collaborations and a strong youth development focus and assessment the Y delivers consistent quality programs. The transformative results for youth are that they are more confident and capable and ready to become the next generation of leaders in our community. By focusing on achievement, relationships and belonging, the Y can influence these goals and help us become the community we want to become.
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S56 • Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, September 2, 2019
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, September 5, 2019 Advertorial
Nor-Son: A Study in Craftsmanship, Passion and Excellence By Susan Smith-Grier
There was a time when craftsmen would leave their mark on their finished product. Pride in creating a thing of beauty and excellent workmanship was something they wanted to be known for. Nor-Son Construction and NorSon Custom Builders have that same pride in creating structures of excellence and beauty. Since 1978 the company has been known for producing beautiful homes and commercial buildings in the Brainerd lakes area. Their passion for exceptional craftsmanship shows in the finished products. From humble beginnings under the leadership of the late Ed Northway, over the last 41 years Nor-Son has experienced continued growth and expansion and as a result they provide that same level of excellence throughout the state of Minnesota and neighboring states as well. NorSon residential and commercial constructions can be seen in eastern North and South Dakota, northern Iowa and western Wisconsin. “We’ve developed a wonderful reputation based on our ability to provide quality construction and more importantly our people. I believe very strongly the success an organization is built around the people in the organization and we have top-notch people that really produce a wonderful product.” CEO and president of Nor-Son, Andy Anderson has nothing but good things to say about the employees of the company.
When you are consistently delivering good work, it shows. This is the second year in a row Nor-Son has received the award for Best Home Builder in the Brainerd lakes area. Community members voted for the businesses they felt most reflected excellence. Andy credits the employees of Nor-Son for their stellar contributions to the company’s success. “I’m very, very proud of the people that have worked for Nor-Son for many years and the work that they do. You’re only as good as the team you’ve got and, in my opinion, we’ve got the best team in the area. The people at Nor-Son take pride in their work. From idea conception working with the client to that last finishing touch on the new construction, passion for the work and excellence in execution is unmistakable. “Particularly on the residential side, our finish work is tremendous,” said Anderson, “It takes a special talent to do that.”
Many of the employees at Nor-Son have been on the job for years. The company seeks the best of the best when they are hiring and because of its reputation for quality, those with excellent skills gravitate to the company. This explains how Nor-Son has been able to expand and maintain their reputation for exemplary construction. Another unique trait of the company is the humility of the workers. They possess extraordinary talent but take it all in stride. They are excellent at what they do, but at the end of the day, it’s just part of who they are. Nor-Son has two main offices -- one in Brainerd and one in Wayzata. This has allowed the company to expand its reach. Many of the homes built in the Brainerd lakes area are second homes for city dwellers. Though they plan to retire in the area, they currently live in the cities. The Wayzata office allows these clients the convenience of staying in touch with the designers and builders of their lake homes without having to make the trek up north. Additionally, it has resulted in Nor-Son building more primary homes in the metro area. When you have a passion for your work, perform with excellence, and take pride in the work you do, the results can be extraordinary. This is the lesson taught by the leadership and craftspeople of NorSon.
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