HOT STARTZ

MANKATO Knutson Construction

After working in the Mankato community for more than fifteen years, Knutson Construction is making it official and just opened an office in the City Center.

“The Mankato community has a great, diverse economy and shares the same values we do. We have been involved with Mankato Greater Growth, Partners for Affordable Housing, Mankato Area Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Mankato—just to name a few,” says Heidi Carrozzella, VP of strategic marketing.

Knutson Construction has also been involved in many notable projects, such as the Eide Bailly Center, including their own office space, St. Paul Lutheran School remodel and expansion, Mankato East High School renovation, Prairie Winds Middle School, and the Julie A. Sears Residence Hall, Minnesota State University-Mankato.

Carrozzella says Knutson is thrilled to have an established presence in Mankato. “We are excited to bring our services to the Mankato market, specifically our pre-construction and virtual design and technology offerings. We believe these services ensure your project gets off to the right start and allows you to envision the full potential of your project, helping you make key decisions that save time and money. We pride ourselves on delivering The Knutson Experience, which means we guide you through the process every step of the way no matter the size of your project.”

Knutson Construction is a wholly owned subsidiary of Knutson Holdings, Inc. Knutson Construction has been in business for 109 years and became officially incorporated on May 28, 1985. The company is owned by the Curry family, with Steve Curry serving as chairman of the board. His son, John Curry, serves as director of customer experience and represents the third generation of the Curry family to work for Knutson since it was purchased by his grandfather in 1985. Knutson Construction 111 South Second Street, Suite 410 Phone: (507) 280-9788 Web: knutsonconstruction.com

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KEYC News 12 and Connect Business Magazine bring you the stories of area local businesses and how they impact Southern Minnesota.

First Wednesday of the month on KEYC News 12 at 6 Repeats Thursday on KEYC News 12 Midday See all previous episodes on keyc.com

KASOTA True Connections Canine Academy

Patricia Linehan and Terry Clodfelter spent their lives in education ... of people. Now, they are turning those teaching talents to the four-legged species. The former college professors opened True Connections Canine Academy (TCCA) on six acres of fully fenced property about two miles off Highway 22 between Mankato and St. Peter in August of 2019.

TCCA is a dog training business focused on teaching humans how to train their own dogs. This gives dog owners training independence because they have built their own skills to clearly and kindly communicate to their dog what they want the dog to do.

“We opened TCCA to fulfill a long-held dream of helping people and dogs understand one another better and do amazing, fun things together. Although we own the business and are responsible for it financially, it was designed and is operated quite nontraditionally. TCCA is truly a group effort, run by pooling good ideas from a small group of devoted dog trainers, then discussing them from every direction possible, and acting on the best. Without the group, there would be no business. This group of trainers keeps the business fresh with the latest ideas in training science and offers a creative energy, kindness and enthusiasm which permeate everything we do,” explains Linehan.

TCCA got off to a great start, but as with so many other small, locally-owned businesses, COVID-19 proved to be a challenge they are still trying to conquer.

“We had full classes when the pandemic hit and we chose to close and refund for the safety of everyone. We do not know exactly when we will open yet. This has been hard on all of us because we miss our students, the comradery, and of course all the funny, silly, sweet, or challenging dogs who make us all think hard and/or laugh,” she says.

The best part of her businesses is the people she meets along the way.

“Here at TCCA we get to see the best of people. We see them struggle at times with learning how to train, and then getting it. Light bulbs go off right in front of us! We see them touch their pups gently, with love. We see new owners of rescue dogs come for training so the relationship will work out. That’s commitment. It fills us with joy. I didn’t know this would make me smile so much!”

True Connections Canine Academy 32247 480th Street Phone: (507) 441-1582 Web: trueconnectionscanineacademy.com

BANKING THE WAY IT SHOULD BE At your service. On your side.

MANKATO Plumb-Rite Plumbing

Love of family, love of community and love of his career brought Brandon Schmidt to Mankato a number of years ago. Let’s work backwards from that, starting with his career. Brandon began his plumbing career in 2001.

“Brandon always wanted to do something in the trade industry as he loves building things and working with his hands,” explains his wife and co-owner of Plumb-Rite, Jen Schmidt.

Brandon adds, “I guess plumbing just fell into my lap and I decided to go for it.”

Originally from St. Paul, that’s where Brandon and Jen met in 2008 and that’s how he came to move his career to Mankato.

“I have a strong love for this community and that’s how Brandon ended up here. We love the small town feel with the metropolis amenities ... so he moved from St. Paul to Mankato to be with me and my daughter, he is the best stepdad ever, and hasn’t looked back since,” explains Jen.

The couple started Plumb-Rite a little over a year ago, when they saw a need in the area.

“We started Plumb-Rite as we saw a need for more trustworthy and honest plumbers who are knowledgeable and put the customer first. We started this company as a family and want each of our customers to feel like they are part of that family too. Watching how many service companies treat customers just left a bad taste in our mouths, by starting our own company, we feel we have the ability to change that in the industry and hope to make a positive impact within the community,” she says.

That said, like with any newcomer to a market, the Schmidts admit there have been challenges.

“Our biggest challenge is breaking into an already saturated market and showing people why we are different than other plumbing companies out there. Also, of course COVID-19 has been a challenge as we aren’t able to get out there and meet people face to face at local events or even sponsor them, as we love to give back when we can.”

The Schmidt’s understand Mankato was the best spot to start their business and raise their family; Jade, 15 and Dominic, 9.

“Honestly, the best surprise has been our repeat customers and referrals from our customers that we get. Our customer loyalty has been amazing which is truly special to us —we are incredibly thankful for every single one of them.”

Plumb-Rite Plumbing 308 Ledlie Lane Phone: (507) 720-6007 Web: plumbriteplumbing.biz Facebook: Plumb-Rite Plumbing

THE VOICE Of MANKATO

Radio ads influence search and retail traffic.

When radio spots come on, they have been proven to drive:

29% lift in search in activity.

(Source: RAB: Radio Drives Search, Sequent Partners, Media Monitors & In4mation Insights, 2017)

29%

22% in store trac.

22% (Source: RAB: Radio Drives Store Trac, TagStation, 2018) Visit RadioMankato.com and learn how to start.