Women in Business

Susie Felt - LCRC

Women TWO-THOUSAND THIRTEEN

Carrie Johnston - CHAMBER

IN Business Mary Rotter LAKER PREP PRESCHOOL

Cindy McCullough - BEN FRANKLIN

Erica Zurn- creamy creations

A special section saluting area women for their contributions to the lakes area community.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2013

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Index

6

SUSIE FELT

n LAKES CRISIS & RESOURCE CENTER

16

Erica Zurn

n creamy creations

Cindy McCullough

22

n ben franklin

10

Carrie Johnston

n Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce

18 Mary Rotter

n laker prep preschool

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Supplement to the October 30, 2013 Tribune Published by Detroit Lakes Newspapers 511 Washington Avenue • Detroit Lakes Phone: 218-847-3151 • Fax: 218-847-9409 www.dl-online.com • recordtribune@dlnewspapers.com Publisher: Dennis Winskowski | dennisw@dlnewspapers.com Advertising Manager: Mary Brenk | mbrenk@dlnewspapers.com Women In Business Editor: Pippi Mayfield | pmayfield@dlnewspapers.com Circulation Manager: Viola Anderson | violaa@dlnewspapers.com

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For the love of kids Susie Felt has a passion for helping children in need — STORY BY VICKI GERDES — While she first began her career at Lakes Crisis & Resource Center seven years ago as a crime victim advocate, working mainly with adults, Susie Felt quickly realized that her true passion was working with children.

So when the position of children’s services coordinator opened up at LCRC five years ago, she seized the opportunity.

“I’ve always had an interest in working with kids,” says the Breckenridge native. “As children’s services coordinator, I mainly work with the kids that live in Mary’s Place (the emergency shelter for women and children that LCRC opened two years ago).

“I work with the kids and parents in the shelter while they’re here,” she said, adding that her work involves not only facilitating support groups for kids and parents, but helping them to connect with the resources that can

Susie Felt’s work as children’s services coordinator at Lakes Crisis & Resource Center is all about helping kids — which provided plenty of practice for her role as an expectant mother. She and husband Zach will welcome their first child in mid-November.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2013

We proudly celebrate the achievements of working women. Throughout history and today, female professionals have contributed greatly to our country’s economic, civic and cultural development. Today, women number 66 million in our nation’s workforce and women-owned businesses account for 28 percent of all U.S. businesses.

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best aid them in rebuilding their lives.

She also helps to facilitate support groups at schools throughout Becker County, for kids “whose counselors have identified them as benefitting from a group environment,” and organizes presentations at the schools on topics such as “building healthy relationships, bullying, ‘good touch, bad touch,’ domestic violence and so forth.”

Felt’s job has also recently been expanded to include becoming the director of the new Lakes Area Kinship program, which works to partner kids in need of positive, adult role models with volunteers age 18 and above who have agreed to act as their mentors.

“We’re just getting off the ground,” Felt said of the Kinship program.

Though Perham and Park Rapids both have established Kinship programs, “we didn’t have one here before,” Felt said.

The Kinship advisory board meets once a month; its duties include reviewing mentor applications (all potential mentors are screened before approval to work with the program), and working to pair approved mentors with kids who have been referred to the program by schools, parents, social services, the LCRC or other children’s service agencies in the area.

When she’s not working at LCRC, Felt can be found volunteering with Detroit Lakes Breakfast Rotary, where she has been a member since shortly after moving to the community in 2006.

“I’m the club service chair,” she said, “and I was previously the public

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2013

relations chair.”

Felt said she believes in Rotary’s mission of “service to others” — “a lot of our work is focused on youth literacy, which is important to me.”

Her husband Zach, whom she married four years ago, is also quite active in Rotary, and they both

Since she moved to Detroit Lakes in late 2006, Felt has also been involved in community ed volleyball, which meets once a week during the winter months.

“I’ve met some great friends through that, and it’s fun to be active, to get out and do something during

Felt said she believes in Rotary’s mission of “service to others” — “a lot of our work is focused on youth literacy, which is important to me.”

SUSIE FELT belong to Lakes Area Vineyard Church, which they began attending together in 2008.

“We help with the youth group, the Sunday children’s services and various small groups,” she said.

The couple also works together to coordinate “something we’re both passionate about, Financial Peace University,” Felt said. “That class changed our lives, so now we help promote it.”

Financial Peace University is a step-by-step process taught by bestselling author and financial counselor Dave Ramsey. It is a 9-week program that begins with a video from Ramsey, and then participants break into small groups to discuss the video and any other questions they may have about finances.

“It covers anything to do with financing — budgeting, investing, savings, insurance,” Felt said.

the winter,” she said.

But she and her husband Zach are also quite active outdoors as well, enjoying activities together such as hiking, mountain biking and cross country skiing — “and walking our dog, Diego.”

Diego is of mixe d an ce stry, Sharpei and Rottweiler, and Susie describes him as “our first born, really.”

Soon, however, the couple will be expanding their family even further: Their first child is due in mid-November, and the couple has chosen not to have the child’s sex revealed to them until the birth.

“We’re pretty excited,” Felt said.

Follow Detroit Lakes Newspapers reporter Vicki Gerdes on Twitter at @ VickiLGerdes.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2013

Sweet treats

Erica Zurn bakes up variety of ‘Creamy Creations’ — STORY BY PAULA QUAM AND PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM — thought about

H e a d i n g taking it a big out of Callaway step further. about five miles

“He told me west of town can he never really be quite a “treat” cared for cheeseif you stop at the cake before he Zurn farm. tried mine,” she

“Because said, laughing we don’t have at how she now a storefront, wonders if that we do a lot of was just a line. our business by “But he’s much word of mouth,” more entrepresaid Erica Zurn, neurial minded, whose pun is and he thought pardoned.

I should sell

Zurn is the them.” smiling face

So, she did. and busy hands

Zurn slowly behind the Erica Zurn has baked her way to success beginning with cheesecakes, biscotti and began whipping mouth-watering kuchen. She has since added more than 100 items to her list of baking delights, which up her small cheesecakes and includes oatmeal, caramel, chocolate chip bars. business with a tantalizing desfew customers serts that seem around the area. to be everywhere

The early Creamy Creations you turn at lakes area holiday par- where she works. ties.

Although Zurn started her pro- only offered three items — cheese Zurn not only founded Creamy fessional career in business and cakes (of many flavors), biscotti Creations nine years ago, but she finance, she says she always loved and kuchen (a German-style custard pie). remains the one-woman show that baking.

In 2007, the Zurns had a small runs the entire business.

“And I loved the Olive Garden’s raspberry white chocolate cheese building constructed right on their cake,” said Zurn, who began “mess- farm with a commercial kitchen, From the beginning

Ericka Zurn grew up with a ing around” with different cheese- and Erika was able to ramp up her healthy dose of baking in her blood. cake recipes, tweaking them until baking business in-between time spent on her job in Fargo and tend “My mom’s mom worked in a she had perfected her own.

Family, friends and co-work- ing to their ever-growing family. bakery, and my other grandmoth- Word of Creamy Creations er is no slouch in that department ers benefited sweetly from Zurn’s either,” she said, sitting on the love of cheesecake baking, but it began to spread throughout the front porch of her house, which wasn’t until she met the man who c o m m u n i t y a n d p e o p l e w a n t e d f a c e s t h e c o m m e r c i a l k i t c h e n would become her husband that she more of what Zurn was cookin’ up.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2013

11

any preservatives or any Her biscotti could thing like that,” she said. be found at coffee shops Zurn has lists of her most around the area and more popular flavors of cheeseorders were coming in for cakes, kuchen and biscotti, her cheesecakes. but “basically, we can do

In 2009, Zurn decided to any kind of flavor or size,” quit her other job and just she said. dedicate her time to Creamy Since the Schwan’s experiCreations and her family. ence, Zurn has begun mak(By that time the Zurns had ing cheesecake bites that four little taste-testers.) have exploded in popularity

As business grew, so did around the area. the menu items at Creamy “During the holidays, I easCreations, which exploded ily make 100,000 of the bites to over 100, including dif— in fact, I already have ferent kinds of pies, cakes, orders for 40,000 this year.” cookies, bars, muffins and There does come a point breads. where Zurn is forced to turn

Zurn even came up with people away simply because the idea for a cheesecake on she does not have the abilia stick, similar to that of an ty to store all of the product, ice cream bar, which she as each bite takes about a sent to Schwan’s. week to make from start to

“And they sent reprefinish. sentatives out, and our In addition to individual product went through diforders, Zurn also bakes ferent consumer tests and specialty items for The all that,” said Zurn, who Fireside on a regular basis, says Schwan’s instead wantwhich is an aspect of her ed her to produce somebusiness she really loves. thing similar to her idea, “When they come to me but not on a stick. and say, ‘We’re thinking of

However, said Zurn, it something like this for our became apparent that not menu…’ and I can go home only would their kitchen and experiment and see require a massive overhaul, what I can do for them — but so would their lives, as p rodu ct i o n w o u ld li k e ly When ordering the Sinful Chocolate Tart (top) off The Fireside that’s what I love because keep her far too busy for menu, one will be getting Zurn’s chocolate mousse tart, which it’s a specialty dessert just her already busy family is an Oreo cookie crust, a layer of chocolate mousse, a layer for them on their menu,” of chocolate cake topped with a layer of chocolate gnash. said Zurn. life.

Creamy Creations

“We would have been Above, she also offers oatmeal, caramel, chocolate chip bars. mainly serves customers married to it,” she said of the possible deal with Schwan’s, spends roughly 14 hours a day in within a one-hour radius and can be delivered; Detroit Lakes deliverand out of the kitchen working. “so basically we chose family.”

Zurn says she basically only ies are free.

Now Zurn has what she To find out more on Creamy believes is a good balance between bakes as she gets each order in b a k i ng fo r t h e c o m m u n i t y a n d because she wants each customer Creations and how to order, log on to get their dessert with the longest to www.creamycreations.net or call being there for her family.

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“Especially because I don’t use her in the kitchen though, as she

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2013

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Juggling career and family Helpful tips that will make your hectic day a little easier trips per year. Such events are The days when single typically scheduled months in income households were the advance, so you should have norm are long gone, as nowaample time to arrange a break days both Mom and Dad must from the office without neglectwork in order to make ends ing your professional responsimeet. That reality has left bilities. many women juggling the obligations of motherhood with * Take advantage of the obligations of a successful work-from-home policies. career.

As technology has advanced, Such a juggling act is selmany companies have become dom easy, and many mothers much more lenient with find themselves neglecting More and more women are finding ways to successfully juggle regard to employees workone obligation for the benefit family and career. ing from home. If your comof another. The following are pany allows you to work from a few tips to make balancing home, even if it’s only once work and family a little easier. your health. Women with high stress per week, then take advantage of that * Share the responsibilities. levels are more likely to suffer from offer. This can provide more time with While the days of the single-income depression, anxiety and cardiovascu- your kids, it will likely save you money household may be a thing of the past, lar disease. But the American Psycho- on childcare, and you are certain to many of the conventions of those days logical Association notes the positive appreciate the opportunity to skip your remain. Women may still feel the impact of exercise as a means to alle- daily commute, even if it is only once responsibility to cook family meals, viating stress, citing studies that have a week or a couple of times per month. clean up after the children and make shown that physically active people * Plan ahead. Looking ahead is it to all of their children’s sporting have lower rates of anxiety and depres- another way to make juggling a famevents or other school-related events. sion than people who are sedentary. ily and a career easier. Plan meals But those responsibilities should be It’s easy to become irritable when in advance to cut down on preparashared so women can ensure they’re stressed, and no mother wants to be tion time when it’s your night to cook. giving both their careers and families irritable in the presence of her chil- This can involve placing foods in a the attention each deserves. Devise a dren. Incorporating exercise into your slow cooker in the morning or preparschedule where both parents tackle daily routine is a great way to alleviate ing part of the meal in advance so it’s such responsibilities equally so each the stress of juggling a family and a ready to go in the oven the moment you parent knows when they have some career, and you can even incorporate arrive home. wiggle room. For example, if your hus- your family into your exercise routine, Another way to plan ahead is to look band routinely cooks on Tuesdays, going for nightly walks after dinner or at kids’ school schedules and plan trips then you know you won’t need to rush playing with your children in the yard. during the school year when school home on Tuesday night and you might * Stay involved with your child’s won’t be in session. A three-day weekbe able to stay at the office a little later school. Many mothers find staying end is a perfect opportunity to plan a to work on a project or catch up on active with their children’s school is a getaway to a nearby locale where the work. Such sharing and scheduling can great opportunity for them to bond with whole family can relax and reconnect considerably reduce the stress of jug- their kids and keep abreast of develop- without the pressures of daily life. gling a family and a career.

Juggling a family and career is not ments at their school. Such involvement always easy, but there are ways that can be minimal, such as attending a Exercise daily.

Juggling a fam* ily and a career is often stressful, and monthly luncheon with kids or agreeing today’s mothers can raise a happy famstress can have a very adverse effect on to be a chaperone on one or two class ily and still have a successful career.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2013

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Service with a smile Chamber President Carrie Johnston loves working with people — STORY BY VICKI GERDES — A b o u t s i x y e a r s Though she holds ago, she became the a bachelor’s degree executive director of in mathematics from the Becker County the University of Historical Society & Minnesota-Duluth, Museum, a position most of Carrie Johnshe held for three ston’s career has been years before comfocused on customer ing on board at the service and commuChamber to replace nity relations. retiring president “I worked as a Dave Hochhalter. waitress all the way “In between all that, through high school I spent 10 years as a and college,” says the consultant for TasteFergus Falls native. fully Simple,” John In fact, it was a ston says. “A lot of summer waitressing people know my job at Lakeside Tavface from the home ern that first brought parties and vendor her to Detroit Lakes, shows I did.” back in 1996.

She finds her work “I met my husband at the Chamber to be at the Lakeside, and I “a good blend of what never left,” she says, I love about Detroit adding that she fell Lakes. It’s an opporin love, both with her tunity to promote the husband David, and community not only with Detroit Lakes as as a tourism destiwell. nation, but also as a That love for her good place to live and new hometown evenwork. tually led Johnston to “ I t h i n k w e ’ r e a become the president unique town, with of the Detroit Lakes a blend of strong Regional Chamber of businesses and nonCommerce, a position she has held for the Fergus Falls native Carrie Johnston has been president of the Detroit Lakes profits,” Johnston Regional Chamber of Commerce for three years. She said her favorite part of c o n t i n u e d . “ T h e past three years. the job is getting the chance to work with so many different people. non-profits here are But before that, amazing, and the volyears, first at the Lakeside and then she spent many years expanding her knowledge of the com- the Detroit Country Club before she unteerism… when you need somemunity and its people. Her customer joined Beth Pridday’s business con- thing done, it gets done.”

Johnston’s duties include spendservice career continued for about 10 sulting firm, Solutions.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2013

ing a lot of time working with the Chamber’s 450 members, both in Detroit Lakes and the surrounding area.

“We’re not just about Detroit Lakes,” she said. “We have members within a 45-mile radius of here, including a lot of resorts. About 10 percent of our membership is resorts, hotels and campgrounds.”

Manning the information booth at various community festivals, getting the word out about various downtown business promotions throughout the year, or just generally being a cheerleader for all things Detroit Lakes — it’s all in a day’s work for Johnston.

“I get to work with a lot of different people — no day is ever the same as the last,” she said. “And the peo-

ple I get to work with are passionate about their jobs, and bettering the

“You’ll usually find me with a coffee cup in my hand,” CARRIE JOHNSTON community.”

When she’s not working at the Chamber, Johnston spends her time being a wife and mother to two children: Husband David works as a computer repair and service technician at Radio Shack, while daughter Morgan is a sophomore at Detroit

Lakes High School and son Zane is an eighth grader at Detroit Lakes Middle School.

Johnston is a regular customer at the local coffee shops.

“You’ll usually find me with a coffee cup in my hand,” she says.

She is also active at First Lutheran Church — “I love working with the youth group there,” she says — and was recently elected as the new president of the Detroit Lakes Kiwanis.

“Volunteering is my hobby,” she says — and when she’s not doing that, she’s “running our children to their various activities and back again.”

Follow Detroit Lakes Newspapers reporter Vicki Gerdes on Twitter at @ VickiLGerdes.

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Cindy McCullough has always enjoyed crafting and making projects with her kids when they were young, so it was an easy fit for her to purchase the Ben Franklin stores in Wadena and Detroit Lakes.

A crafty lady

McCullough loves helping with projects, creating her own — STORY BY PIPPI MAYFIELD — Though her training and much of her career revolved around education, Cindy McCullough always had a soft spot for arts and crafts, too.

“I was a big crafter and enjoyed doing crafts with my kids,” she said.

So six and a half years ago, when the Wadena Ben Franklin store was up for sale, she decided to move from education to business owner along with her husband, Gerald.

It was an easy transition though.

Being a teacher, she said, is one of the most creative jobs around. So becom-

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2013

ing a craft store owner, she got to use her creativity there, too.

After a year, the McCulloughs decided it would be more profitable to own another Ben Franklin store because they could buy product in larger quantities and keep costs down for the customer. So they started researching surrounding communities and decided Detroit Lakes would the best location.

“I like being located downtown.

It’s part of small town Minnesota, that’s what makes us different from big cities.”

Not to mention Detroit Lakes had a Ben Franklin business several years before the McCulloughs opened theirs, and it had been a success.

“People are used to shopping at Ben Franklin,” she said.

When they looked at coming to Detroit Lakes, she said the mall and the city were very supportive and enthusiastic to get another downtown business.

And Detroit Lakes is filled with tourists as well.

“It’s a very vibrant community.”

One of the biggest differences

between the start of the Wadena store and the Detroit Lakes store was inventory. When they purchased the Wadena store, it was all set up and they only had to stock-up the inventory. In Detroit Lakes though, it was a clean slate.

The building on Washington Avenue was completely empty – no shelves, no inventory, nothing.

They purchased the space April 15 and opened to the public June 15.

McCullough said it’s been “marvelous” to have the staff she does, and they all contribute a bit to the various departments because of their personal experience.

When it comes to knowing what all to carrying in the store, that’s where it can get overwhelming. McCullough said it’s a mix between keeping up with trends and keeping the tried and true products.

“The hardest part is what 30,000 (products) you’re going to offer,” she said.

“It’s important to get out there, to go see what’s trending in the rest of the world, and then see if it will trend in northern Minnesota.”

CINDY McCULLOUGH She and staff members attend multiple merchandise shows and conferences.

“It’s important to get out there, to go see what’s trending in the rest of the world, and then see if it will trend in northern Minnesota.”

One thing is for sure though: There’s always something new.

“I’m waiting for macramé (to come back). I think I’ll be waiting a while,” she said with a laugh.

She said it’s fun to have customers come back and show her either the projects they have completed or bring

in a picture of the project.

And though she works a few days a week in Detroit Lakes and a couple at the Wadena store, she still finds time to work on her own crafting projects, even learning new trades. She has started quilting just since owning the stores.

She has also learned to knit, and she tried crocheting, but, she said, she got an ‘F’ and needs to work on that more.

“We learn a lot from our customers,” she said.

Follow Pippi Mayfield on Twitter at @PippiMayfield.

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Crowded job market How to get yourself noticed in a competitive workforce Finding a new job is never an easy task. That task grew even more difficult over the last half decade, when a struggling economy forced many companies to lay off workers and institute hiring freezes. As a result, unemployment numbers rose, and many out-of-work men and women found themselves searching for ways to stand out among a crowded pool of applicants.

Standing out in a crowded job market has always been tough, but many professionals find it even more difficult to get noticed now, when many companies request prospective employees apply for job postings via the Internet. That process can be frustrating, as even the most qualified applicants can easily get lost among the myriad of workers all applying for the same position.

But as daunting as finding a new job may seem to those looking for work, there are ways to stand out among the masses. * Go the extra mile when sending your application. Many online job postings provide a link or an email address where applicants can fill out an application or send their resumes. This is a necessary step, and applicants should follow the directions in the posting.

But applicants who really want to get noticed can take the extra step of finding the contact information for the company’s hiring manager and sending their resume directly to that person’s email address. Include the title of the position you’re applying for in the subject line of your email, and cut and paste your cover letter into the body of the email. In

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addition to sending your email to the company’s hiring manager, consider CC’ing the person who might be your boss if you were to get the position. * Tighten things up. Your resume should reflect your work experience, but you want to focus primarily on the experience and skills that are relevant to the position. You can list past positions or internships you’ve had, but keep the synopsis of those positions brief if they bear little relevance to the position for which you’re applying. The main focus of your resume should be the things you have done in the past that make you the best candidate for this job. This might change as you apply for various positions, but tailor each resume to each specific position. * Make your resume download-friendly. Applying for positions but getting little response despite your qualifications? Chances are your resume might not be download-friendly. Bullet points and boxes might look good to you, but if the hiring manager on the receiving end of your resume does not have the same version of the program you’re using, that resume might look like a scrambled mess by the time the it’s downloaded. In such instances your resume is almost certain to end up in the scrap heap, no matter how qualified you might be. When uploading your resume to a company Web site or emailing it to a hiring manager, choose a format they can easily download. A PDF, for example, is a format that’s easy to download and unlikely to scramble.

* Beware of hyperlinks. Adding hyperlinks to a resume can be hit or miss. When it’s a hit, a hiring manager can click on a link in your resume and be taken directly to samples of your work. However, if you’re asked to submit your resume via an online application instead of sending it directly to a hiring manager’s email address, then those same hyperlinks might be relegating your application to the trash bin before it’s ever seen.

That’s because the database may be programmed to associate any documents with hyperlinks as spam, in which case the hiring manager will never see your application or resume.

Hyperlinks can be useful and help you stand out, but only when they’re employed under the right circumstances. * Include social media profiles. More and more companies want employees who are familiar with social media, which can work to an applicants’ advantage or prove detrimental. If you have been responsible regarding your use of social media, conducting yourself in a professional matter and even benefitting your existing employer, by all means share these profiles with potential employers. But if you have traditionally used social media purely as a social tool and not in a professional manner, then it bears little relevance to your job search and likely won’t help you stand out for the right reasons.

Standing out in a crowded job is rarely easy. But savvy professionals can employ a few tricks of the trade to stand out as they search for their next jobs.

Address your financial concerns

Taking control of finances The roles played by women have changed dramatically over the years. Modern women now wear many hats, one of which is money manager. That’s true for women managing their personal finances or those overseeing their family’s finances.

But managing finances can be intimidating for anyone, regardless of gender. Oftentimes, a careful assessment of your attitude toward money is a great way to make the process of managing your finances a lot less stressful.

A great first step when managing your finances is to identify any concerns you have about money. Being able to pinpoint the particulars will help you develop a plan of action. For example, if you want to invest in stocks but don’t know a bull from a bear market, acknowledging this shortcoming can help you learn the necessary facts to get started.

Once such concerns have been addressed, you’re likely to feel more comfortable and confident about managing your money and can start taking steps to do just that.

* Think positively and value your strengths.

Embracing your strengths, even if those strengths have little to do with money management, can help you gain control of your finances. Perhaps you are not a financial whiz but your networking skills have left you with a vast network of friends and family in various professions. You may be able to use those connections to gain access to experts in the financial field who can guide you through the questions you may have. * Know your current financial status. Feigning ignorance is not the way to get started. It is important to honestly assess your financial situation so you can effectively handle those finances going forward. Take stock of your income, expenditures and what you have in savings. Keep abreast of any changes in your accounts and stay current with business news and issues that may play a direct or indirect role on your finances. * Get talking about your concerns. Talk to other women in similar situations. You may find that you share the same concerns. Discussing common concerns or financial strategies can help you in your own endeavors.

* Continue working, even if it’s only part-time. A study by the Women’s Institute For a Secure Retirement found that a college-educated 25-year-old female will earn $500,000 less than a male counterpart in a similar position over her lifetime because of sporadic employment associated with caring for family, including children and aging parents. That worries many young women who have previously thought about taking time off from work to raise families. Even if you may want to scale down your work schedule, you may not want to completely remove yourself from the workforce so you can remain in touch and current. * Consult with an estate planner. The earlier you start the better off you will be with regard to planning for the future. It is not an admission of weakness if you rely on the help of financial experts to guide you in the right direction.

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Laker Prep Preschool owner and operator Mary Rotter enjoys circle time with her students, where they sing songs about counting, do a little dance to wake up from nap time and get to share answers to the question of the day.

Prepping for success

Rotter opened a preschool when she moved back home — STORY BY PIPPI MAYFIELD AND PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM —

After Mary Rotter graduated from Detroit Lakes High School, she moved to the Twin Cities area to attend college. She got married, started a family and taught kindergarten for several years in St. Paul.

Her husband, Eric, worked in education as well, and though she enjoyed her job, Rotter had a desire

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to return to the lakes area as well.

“I told my husband, ‘when you’re ready, I’m ready to come back,’” she said.

And when she came back, she knew exactly what she wanted to do — start a preschool.

“I came back with that plan.”

Now in its third school year,

Laker Prep Preschool is living up to its motto: “Big success starts small.”

The first year, she had eight students in the fall and 12 by spring. Last year she had 14 students, and this year, she’s at 20.

Located at the edge of the Detroit Lakes Industrial Park, Rot-

ter had to answer a few questions about having a preschool near an industrial park when she went before the city, but it’s actually a perfect location, she said.

It’s very easy to get to, and there’s little traffic except for BTD shift changes.

When she purchased the building, it was a “blank canvas,” completely empty.

There was a kitchen area, two bathrooms and lots of open space.

“I could create the ultimate classroom in my eyes,” she said.

And that she did.

Being a large open room, she said the staff can see everyone at all times. There is a space for circle time, tables for working at and snack time, lots of toys in the play area and at the focal center, a huge ship playground.

The backyard of the preschool is also fenced in with a playground.

Rotter works with a Monday through Friday curriculum, though a few of the students go part-time. She said that her time as a kindergarten teacher has shown her the importance of early education and the successful foundation it can provide for a child.

She works with children on literacy, math skills, working together with peers, routines, independence and good learning habits.

Students at Laker Prep Preschool take turns holding a stuffed bunny and answering the question of the day. The day after they visited the fire station, they each talked about their favorite part of the visit. Rotter listens while Jude Houglum, Chay Cunningham, Kodie Seifert, Silas Bly and Aubrey Peters share their favorites.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2013

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After they are excused from circle time, the Laker Prep Preschool kids line up to go outside and play at the end of each day.

Rotter works under the state’s early childhood standards. While she has certain subjects to teach about, it’s really up to the kids how quickly they jump from unit to unit. Last year, the kids were intrigued with space, so they ended up staying on that subject for quite some time.

“It can’t be about you; it’s about them,” she said with a laugh.

Throughout the year, she tracks the students’ progress and performance. She said it’s not required but she finds it’s best practice to do so and can see where students may need a little extra

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help to prepare them for kindergarten.

The assessment she does helps “meet them where they are at and move them forward.”

“I really want to do my job for the kindergarten teachers,” she said.

She has gotten good feedback from parents and teachers.

Since her preschool has grown, Rotter has added staff to help.

Bridget Johnson works with her and Katrina Block, who started out in the School-to-Work program and was hired on as an aide after she finished school while she is get-

ting her post-secondary education.

There is a 1 to 10 ratio of teachers to students at the preschool, and then Block helps out on a part-time basis.

“There’s always the bathroom breaks, Band-Aids, working out conflicts,” she said that require more attention and time away from the rest of the class.

She said the flexibility of having some staff helps when she needs to leave for a family event as well.

With owning her own business, Rotter said she works more hours now than she did while working in

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the St. Paul school district, but it feels like less.

“The fact that I am working for myself, and knowing that I have the freedom to make the best decisions to meet the needs of the children each year, is truly rewarding and satisfactory,” she said.

She said balancing career and family — the Rotters have Cole, 4, who is attending her Laker Prep School, and Etta, 1 — is the same struggle it is for most families with two parents working outside the home.

“I also try to do my best so that when I am home, I am focusing on my family, not work,” she said, “but that doesn’t always work out.”

She said they approach home life and raising their kids as a team to get the best balance of career and family.

“People aren’t kidding that the days fly by when your kids are young. Although, I do get an extra great benefit of teaching preschoolers, and that’s having my own children here with me when they are of age.”

Follow Pippi Mayfield on Twitter at @PippiMayfield.

Above, students Kaja Quam and Ben Buboltz enjoy playtime at Laker Prep Preschool.

Left, Jude Houglum, Silas Bly, Ella Pinsonneault and Jacob Perkerewicz gather around for a story.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2013

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Make the gym work for you a free training session.

Many people aspire to Many fitness clubs offer adopt a healthy lifestyle that a free consultation with includes regular exercise, a personal trainer to new which medical professionals members. Accept this offer have long advised is an essenregardless of your fitness tial element of a healthy life. level or familiarity with the In fact, the Centers for Disfacility. The trainer can help ease Control and Prevention you find your way around recommend adults get at least and tailor your workout to two hours and 30 minutes of meet your goals. You may moderate-intensity aerobic even find working with a peractivity, such as brisk walksonal trainer is something ing, every week and some you want to do, and this can muscle-strengthening activiprove a great introduction ties that focus on all the to a service that many men major muscle groups on two and women find valuable and or more days per week. motivational.

While adhering to such an exercise regimen might * Don’t worry about not appear that difficult on what your fellow memthe surface, many men and bers are doing and women know just how difthinking. One of the bigficult it can be to make the gest mistakes you can make transition from a relatively at the onset of a new fitness inactive lifestyle to one in Enlisting a friend as a workout partner is one way to increase regimen is paying too much which exercise is a signifi- the chances your workout routine will be a success from the attention to what your felcant part of the daily rou- get-go. low members are doing. Just tine. Much of that difficulty because someone working stems from the intimidation out next to you can bench many people feel when visiting a for advice as to where certain equip- press a few hundred pounds does not gym. Walking into a gym for the first ment might be. To avoid a wasted mean you should attempt to follow time can be similar to the first day workout opportunity spent wander- suit. It’s easy to feel as though your of school, when a lack of familiarity ing around the gym, ask a gym rep- fellow gym members are watching with one’s surroundings inspired fear resentative to show you around once you workout and judging your perforand anxiety. But there are ways indi- you’re ready to start exercising. Such mance, but oftentimes nothing could viduals can make their first forays a tour was likely provided when you be further from the truth. They’re into the fitness club a success right signed up for the gym, but the layout likely too locked in on their own from the start. is easily forgotten between that visit workout to notice what you’re doing, * Familiarize yourself with and your first workout. Allow a train- so don’t feel embarrassed if you feel the layout prior to your first er or another gym employee to show like you’re not lifting enough weight workout. It’s easy to feel like an out- you the ropes right before your first or going easy on yourself on the sider when visiting a gym for the first workout so you don’t feel as though treadmill. The more you workout, the time. Your fellow members already you’re lost in a vast sea of dumbbells more comfortable you’ll become and your performance will reflect that know their way around, and you and treadmills. comfort level. What’s more, the more might be hesitant to ask any of them Accept the gym’s offer of *

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comfortable you become the less attention you will pay to your fellow members. * Find a time that works for you. When beginning a new workout routine, it helps to visit the gym at different times to find the time that best fits your schedule and makes you feel most comfortable.

Beginners often prefer to avoid peak hours when fitness clubs tend to be most crowded. Many clubs are most busy during the postwork hours of 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. During these hours, beginners may feel intimidated by other members who appear to be in tip-top shape or frustrated when having to share machines with other members. But some beginners might be motivated by a packed gym. To find the time that’s right for you and your schedule, visit the gym at various times of day over the first couple of weeks of your membership. Once you find a time that fits, commit to visiting the gym at that time several days per week. Establishing a routine is essential to making your exercise regimen a success. * Go with a friend. Enlisting a friend to workout with you on the buddy system is a great way to stay committed to a workout routine. A friend who works out with you can motivate you to go on those days when you really don’t want to, which is a significant hurdle to clear for beginners and veterans alike. When choosing a workout partner, make it known to each other that you both expect to be held accountable to your joint commitment.

Beginning a new workout regimen can be exciting and intimidating. But beginners can employ several strategies to ensure their new lifestyle is a hit right off the bat.

Boost energy levels Simple and healthy solutions

As a day wears on, many men and women find their energy levels steadily decreasing. Some resort to a cup of cof fee, while others prefer a sugary snack to get more pep. Such solutions are not always healthy and rarely provide more than a temporary jolt of energy.

Oftentimes the best way to remedy a dip in energy levels is to prevent it in the first place. There are several simple and healthy ways to boost your energy levels so you don’t find yourself falling flat in the afternoon. * Drink water throughout the day. Water is a versatile beverage that serves many purposes, not the least of which is its ability to make a positive impact on your energy levels. When the body does not get enough water, it can send a variety of signals that are easily misread. The symptoms of thirst or dehydration can easily be confused for hunger, which may cause you to eat more during the day, and that food can make you feel sluggish as the day progresses. Even slight dehydration can make you feel fatigued. If drinking water isn’t a part of your daily routine and you find yourself feeling fatigued on a regular basis, start drinking water and your energy levels will likely increase. Water is an especially good way to boost your energy levels thanks to its availability and affordability. * Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals is robbing your body of the fuel it needs to get through the day. Skipping breakfast is especially harmful, as you will be starting the day off essentially on a fast and your energy levels will suffer as a result. A healthy breakfast that includes whole grain cereals or breads as well as some fruit and lean protein is a great way to start the day off energized. And no matter how busy you are during the day, be sure to eat a healthy lunch, ideally one that includes some protein. Protein is important because it takes the body longer to break down protein than it does carbohydrates, giving you an energy source that lasts longer than a lunch without any protein. * Exercise. Fatigue can be a byproduct of a body that’s overworked but also a side effect of a body that isn’t being worked enough. Daily exercise will increase your energy levels, even if the exercise is minimal. Research conducted at The California State University found that even a brisk 10-minute walk increased energy levels for as much as two hours. If your energy levels tend to start waning in the afternoon, consider a short, mid-afternoon jaunt. The dividends such a walk pays regarding your energy levels may just last until it’s time to call it a day. * Don’t cut too many calories. Men and women fighting fatigue may feel as though their weight is the main culprit behind that lethargy. Though being overweight or obese can have a negative impact on energy levels, it’s important men and women don’t cut too many calories from their diets when attempting to lose weight. Doing so may slow your metabolism, which can cause feelings of fatigue. If you are overweight or obese, you may very well need to cut calories, but don’t do so at the expense of your energy levels.

Many men and women find themselves battling fatigue come the mid- to late-afternoon. Though it’s easy to pour yourself another cup of coffee or lean on an energy drink once the post-lunch listlessness rears its ugly head, there are several alternatives to such remedies that can be more effective at boosting your energy levels over the long haul.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2013

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Improving productivity Use input, upgrades, goals to get the most out of your day Productivity is paramount to a company’s success. A productive staff tends to meet or even exceed its goals, strengthening a company along the way. As a result, business owners often find themselves looking for ways to increase productivity, which could be lagging for a number of reasons.

Though lack of morale is often assumed to be the reason behind a lack of productivity among staff, such an assumption is not always accurate. Poor productivity might be a byproduct of the office environment, which could be suffering. The following are a handful of steps business owners concerned about staff productivity can take to address those concerns and get their organizations back on the right track. * Upgrade hardware. Thanks to the prevalence of technology, men and women have grown accustomed to getting what they need and want a lot faster than the days of yore. For example, the social networking tool Twitter has revolutionized the way many people get their news. Top stories are now broken on Twitter, which has the ability to instantly share newsworthy items that once were relegated to nightly news broadcasts or morning newspapers. Many people have grown accustomed to that immediacy, so a lack of immediacy can be frustrating.

Business owners should keep that in mind when examining their hardware. Older computers, for example, are considerably slower than newer models, and older machinery can compromise productivity and

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frustrate employees. Upgrading employee hardware can help business owners improve efficiency and productivity and make for a happier, less frustrated workforce. * Look into lighting. Lighting can have a significant impact on employee productivity. Adequate lighting helps employees stay alert throughout the workday, while poor lighting can cause fatigue as the day progresses. If the office is dimly lit, upgrade lighting fixtures, even installing more fixtures in areas that are especially dark. * Help employees hone their s k i l l s . Employees who feel as though they have reached a plateau and opportunities to advance their careers have all but dried up are less likely to be productive than those who feel they can continue to move up within a company. In such instances, employee morale needs to be addressed, even if there are no immediate promotions to be had. Business owners may improve that morale by helping employees hone their skills, be it paying for coursework that allows them to improve existing skills or sending them to seminars where they can learn more about their field. Such efforts are relatively inexpensive investments for employers, but they show employees that their companies are willing to invest in them.

Such gestures can improve morale and productivity. * Set targets and follow up on them. A sleepy office environment or low employee morale are not

always behind lower productivity.

In some instances, employees simply need to have goals set for them in order to improve their productivity. Goals should be realistic but not too simple to achieve, as poorly set goals can give employees the wrong impression. When tasked with meeting easy targets, some employees may think their employer does not have much confidence in their abilities, while others may embrace easy goals and use them as an excuse to be unproductive. So while goals should be realistic, they also should inspire employees to do their best. Once targets have been established, don’t forget to follow up and ensure progress is being made. Setting targets but failing to follow up on employee progress can produce an environment in which employees feel as though their efforts are not valued. * Encourage employee input.

Determining why productivity is sagging is not always so easy. But many times employees themselves are a business’ best resource with regard to identifying why things have taken a turn for the worse.

Business owners can create an environment in which employees know their input is valued. If necessary, instruct department managers to conduct monthly meetings with staff to address issues such as work flow, teamwork and responsibility. During these meetings, which can be valuable during periods of low or even exceptional productivity, managers can solicit suggestions from employees about improving productivity and efficiency.

Amy Wideman Director of Sales

Ellayna Hamilton Events Director

Amy hails from the Perham/Ottertail area.

She recently graduated from St. Cloud State University and is very excited to be starting her Hospitality Career at the Holiday Inn on the Lake. What does she love most about her position? “Mostly, meeting new people! I’m here to make sure that their event or special day goes smoothly and… stays on budget”

Ellayna is the Detail Queen! Her checklists have checklists! From start to finish, Ellayna and her staff are ready to make sure every detail for your event or Special Day, is covered. One of Ellayna’s favorite sayings on wedding days… “you better put on your running shoes, we’re going to be rocking”

Brenda Lawrence Asst General Manager

Sheila Jackson Front Desk Manager

Brenda is a familiar face at the Holiday Inn on the Lake. She is from Frazee and has been with the Holiday Inn on the Lake for 22 Years. If ANYONE knows who it is, where it is, what it is, why it is, when it is… at the Holiday Inn, it’s Brenda! What’s the “craziest” thing Brenda’s ever seen in her years here at the Holiday Inn? “Let’s just say it was probably during the 4th of July Weekend, (laughing) there’s always a lot of craziness on the 4th Weekend“.

Sheila is a Minnesota girl on a mission.

“To make sure our Guests experience at the Holiday Inn, is the best it can possibly be from check in to check out”. What does she love best about living in Lakes Country? “The People! I love the people around here”.

PLANNING AN EVENT? Stop and see one of our professional planners for your next meeting, event or wedding.

Enjoy a full tour of this beautiful property and our wide variety of services. Please contact any of our Guest Service Team who will be happy to assist you.

218-847-2121

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1155 Hwy. 10 East, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2013

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THANK YOU for all you contribute to the success of our bank.

Recognizing the women on our outstanding team!

bellbanks.com | 920 Lake Avenue, Detroit Lakes | 218.844.3000 | Member FDIC 5985 982371