Impact - 2023

IMPACT

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2023

Local businesses that have been passed down from one generation to the next is the theme of this year’s Impact magazine. It focuses on businesses that have remained in the same family for years and who have made their mark – and impact – on the economy and community of Douglas County.

It features businesses that have been in the family for just a couple decades to businesses that have been around for more than 100 years. Businesses that last for generations lend a sense of continuity and stability to a community especially during times of change.

Forum Communications, the parent company of the Echo Press, was started in 1917 by the great-great-grandfather of Bill Marcil, Jr., our company’s president and CEO. He is the fifth generation to run this business. He, along with the rest of the Echo Press staff, is honored to celebrate all the other generational businesses in our community.

We know there are many, many more that we would have loved to include, but we narrowed it down to the 16 that are featured within the pages of this magazine.

Generational businesses have roots in a community. They are connected. They have seen growth and they helped to fuel that growth.

Generational businesses in the Douglas County community are definitely not an anomaly, which as one business owner said, “That right there tells you how much our community and businesses support each other, because we are all still here –working and supporting each other.”

Our hope is that the community not only embraces and supports these generational businesses, but all businesses within our community. Who knows, that business that just opened may end up being just like these featured businesses – passed down from generation to generation.

Celeste Edenloff, Impact Editor

Now a three-generation owned business, Carlson Music Center in downtown Alexandria is owned and operated by Kathryn Carlson. She has owned the business for a couple of years, purchasing it in 2020 from her father, Ron Carlson, who purchased it from his father, Sid Carlson.

QWho started the business and what year did it begin?

AMy grandfather, Sidney Carlson, started the business in 1948. He saw the need for a place to provide musical instruments to Alexandria and the surrounding communities.

QWho are all the previous owners of the business and what are the relationships between the owners?

AMy grandfather, Sidney Carlson, started the business, and then in 1988, my father, Ron, took over, and then I was able to take ownership in 2020.

QAs the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going?

AI’m very proud of how my dad and grandpa were able to serve the musical community, whether it be a school, church, band or individual with instruments, service, education, repairs and support. So it is very important to me to keep that service to the musical community going for future generations.

QHow has the business changed over the years? Any new locations, etc.?

ACarlson Music Center has had many locations over the years as well

GOODS & SERVICES

CARLSON MUSIC

as different music focuses as some locations have been geared toward pianos only. Our main focus is on pianos, digital pianos, guitars, used band instruments and accessories.

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

ABusinesses that are generational show me that those businesses are able to provide an important service and do so well for their community. We are lucky in the Alexandria area to have so many!

QWhat are the biggest challenges/ rewards of owning a generational business?

AOne of the biggest rewards is to have customers come in with stories about how they bought their first instrument(s) from my grandfather and are still continuing on their musical journey. Or, stories about how my dad once sold them four trombones in the 90s and they still play! One of the reasons I love owning Carlson Music Center is because it is so fun to watch people when they begin playing an instrument and then being able to watch and support them as they advance in their skills. Hearing and seeing these stories is very rewarding.

Kathryn Carlson is the owner of Carlson Music Center in downtown Alexandria.

Sid Carlson, who started Carlson Music Center in 1948, stands next to his first delivery vehicle.

Contributed photo

Groundbreaking healthcare.

OnFriday, September30,2022, AlomereHealthanditsguests bravedtheautumndrizzle to hold agroundbreaking event tocelebratethe constructionof anew outpatient Rehabilitation Center.Thenewfacilityispart of aplanand commitment to significantly expand rehabilitation

services—includingspecialized outpatient rehabilitationtherapy services.

Asthe region’smost-comprehensiveproviderofinpatientand outpatient rehabilitationtherapy services,Alomerecontinuously seeksinnovativeways to meet theneedsofpatientslocally.

WiththesupportofAlomere Health’saward-winningtherapy team,alongwithinvestments inadditionaltrainingand recruitment,thisnewfacilitywill allowAlomeretoaccommodate futureexpansionintosome much-neededareasoftherapy specialization.

Overthenextseveralyears, Alomere’steamofphysical, occupational,andspeechtherapists,isprojected to grow from 25 to 37—doublingourcapacity to serve. Inaddition to caring forpatientsinthenewfacility, ourincreasedoutpatientcapacity meanspeople won’tneed to drivesofar(up to 3hours)to receivespecialized rehabilitationservices.

Theconstructionofthenew facilityisalreadyunderway in theemployeeparkinglot (just southofthehospital,behind theDairyQueen),andwillbe completedneartheendof 2023. Thefirstfloorofthenew facilitywillmorethandouble thesizeofthecurrent rehab spacefromapproximately 6000sq/ft to 16,000sq/ft.

Morespacemeansbetter accessforpatients,decreased appointment waittimes,and additional rehabilitationservices to patients. Theexpansionwill alsoinclude12,000sq/ftonthe secondfloor to accommodate futuregrowth.

“I wouldliketothank everyone whohasbeeninvolvedinthe planninganddevelopmentthat led to thisdecision,andthe BoardofDirectors forallowing thisvision to come to fruition,” Vaagenes stated.Headded, “I’m confidentthat withthe supportofourhighlyqualified staff,AlomereHealthwill continue to providethe most comprehensiverehabilitation services—inthebestenvironment—fordecades tocome.”

“Whilethenew facility iscritical to ourability to offer valuableservices, ourpeoplewill always be the real key to our ability to grow andmeetthe patientneeds.”

—Carl Vaagenes, AlomereHealthCEO

Architecutural rendering of the new Alomere Health Rehabilitation Center opening in late 2023

GOODS & SERVICES

Roers Equipment Inc., located two miles north of Millerville, specializes in new and used farm equipment. They also have an extensive inventory of both new and used parts for all types of farm machinery.

ROERS EQUIPMENT, INC.

QWho are the current owners and how long have they been in business?

ARodney and Glenn Roers, brothers, own and operate Roers Equipment, Inc. We took over ownership of the family business back in 1987, but worked in the business since we were teenagers.

QWho started the business and what year did it begin?

AOur father, Roman Roers, was a young man when he took over his family’s very rocky farm. Early on, he knew he needed a way to supplement the limited income that farming in rocks would provide for his family. After buying and using a threshing machine to harvest his crops, he quickly resold it. He bought several more the next year and the business just kept going and growing. In 1946, with the help of his wife, Ruth, Roers Equipment was founded and specialized in the sale of tractors, farm equipment and parts.

QWho are all the previous owners of the business and what are the relationships between the owners?

AGlenn and Rodney are the second generation to own and operate Roers Equipment after taking over from our parents and company founders, Roman and Ruth Roers. Throughout the years, it has been a pleasure to have several of Roman and Ruth’s grandchildren work for the company while attending school.

QAs the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going? A

It is an honor to take over our mom and dad’s business, but it’s also a sense of duty to the people that have been

coming here for years. After 77 years in business, people have relied on us for their farm equipment and repair part needs. That is a responsibility that we don’t take lightly.

QHow has the business changed over the years? Any new locations, etc.?

AFarming and agriculture have changed so very much in the past 77 years. Farms have gotten larger, as well as the equipment used to farm them. Our market focus has continued to be on the small family farms and organic farming. We have however, seen a large share of our business shift to providing equipment and information to individuals to use in establishing wildlife habitat on their recreational properties.

Technology, specifically our company website, www.roersequipment.com, has made it possible for us to be of assistance to farmers on a national and international scale bringing customers to our business from as far off as Florida, California, Canada and even Ethiopia.

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

Glenn Roers and Rodney Roers, brothers, own and operate Roers Equipment, a business started by their father in 1946. Contributed photo

AOur parents emphasized responsibility and duty not only to our customers but also to our community. We are active in our church and local government, as well as participating in service organizations. More specifically, we are proud to serve on the Millerville Fire and Rescue in which we volunteer and help friends, family and our community when they most need help.

QWhat are the biggest challenges/ rewards of owning a generational business?

AWhat is very rewarding to us is that we are often dealing with the grandchildren and great grandchildren of customers that our dad dealt with in his early years. We appreciate their loyalty and in return, offer our loyalty to be here assisting with their needs. We are so lucky to be working with farmers. Farmers as a whole are such good people

Wehelpplan,supplyanddeliverdreams!

and a farmer’s word means something. Farming has certainly changed throughout our 77 years of continuous family operation as has the type of equipment used. Roers Equipment is pleased to be here today to help with the agricultural needs of today’s farmers and hobbyists. In a world full of changes, our commitment to farmers and farm equipment enthusiasts has remained the same as it was going back to the sale of that first threshing machine sold so many years ago.

HilltopLumberis afamily owned andoperatedcompanyfounded in 1988inGlenwood,MN. We offer afull rangeofbuildingsupplies andhomeimprovementproducts. Forany sizeproject,wehelpplan, supplyand deliver dreams!

Roman Roers delivering farm equipment. Contributed photos

Roman Roers pictured sitting on his Farmall “M” tractor in 1947.

Contributed photo

Rodney Roers and Glenn Roers, brothers, stand next to an International tractor. The brothers specialize in new and used farm equipment. Contributed photo

GOODS & SERVICES

HENSLEY TRUCKING

Established in 1975, Hensley Trucking began with a handful of trucks and a dream. Headquartered in Osakis, Hensley provides versatile transportation services for the refrigeration sector as well as the specialized van sector. The company runs both locally and nationally across the lower 48 states.

QWho are the current owners and how long have they been in business?

ADarrin and Becky Hensley became owners in 2000.

QWho started the business and what year did it begin?

AChub and Jan Hensley started it in 1975.

QWho are all the previous owners of the business and what are the relationships between the owners?

AChub and Jan Hensley were the founding owners who sold it to their son, Darrin. Darrin and his wife, Becky, hope to ensure the integrity of the business before selling it to their daughters, Kiara and Jayden.

QAs the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going?

ATwo very important reasons. 1. Our daughters wish to continue the family business – they wish to carry on the legacy that Chub started, and their parents continue to carry out and develop. 2. Our employees – they are our family.

Darrin and Becky Hensley with their daughters, Kiara and Jayden. Contributed photo

QHow has the business changed over the years? Any new locations, etc.?

AThe business started with just Chub driving, running the business out of their home in rural Osakis. Growing and adapting the business to changing needs of our customers, we now have three locations in Osakis (main truck shop, pallet shop and office) and one new location in Long Prairie – 30 trucks and more than 100 trailers.

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

AI believe it provides a significant impact to our communities. It shows that we have deep roots in our community, that we are invested and reliable members for not only sustaining but growing our communities to be better places to work and raise our children.

QWhat are the biggest challenges/rewards of owning a generational business?

AWorking with family can be the biggest reward, but also the biggest challenge. Statistics tell us the longer that generational businesses continue, the greater chances of success decline. The challenge is to change these statistics.

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Top: The daughters of Darrin and Becky Hensley, Kiara and Jayden, pose on a Hensley truck when they were little.

Bottom left: This is the first truck owned by Chub Hensley, who started Hensley Trucking in 1975.

Bottom right: Kiara and Jayden, daughters of Darrin and Becky Hensley, sit inside the cab of a Hensley truck when they were little. Contributed photos

GOOD & SERVICES

CULLEN’S HOME CENTER

Nearly 47 years ago, in the basement of Tim Cullen’s home, the creation of Cullen’s Home Center began. In 1976, when Tim and his wife, Kathie, moved to town, they founded Alex Insulation. Tim, a school teacher at the time, began insulating homes and buildings after school, on weekends and in the summer months. In 1988, Tim purchased a building on North Nokomis, which consisted of three small offices, storage garages and a church. At that point, he and Kathie expanded the business to Alex Insulation and Exteriors.

Shortly after, in early 1990, Tim hired his first employee, Larry Gabrielson, who is still with Cullen’s today. The next expansion, in 1991, was to include appliances and electronics and operated under a new name of Cullen’s Appliance and TV. The business continued to grow and soon after, in 1993,

became Cullen’s Home Center. Most recently, in 2020, Cullen’s Furniture Gallery was introduced.After numerous remodels and additions, Cullen’s Home Center now operates on 44,000 square feet of showroom and warehouse space. It currently offers appliances, furniture, electronics, mattresses, cabinets, countertops, fireplaces, grills, windows, doors and other building products. It employs over 45 employees and works with numerous subcontractors on a daily basis.

QWho are the current owners and how long have they been in business?

ACullen’s Home Center currently is a second-generation business which includes three of Tim and Kathie’s four children, and one son-in-law – Jon Cullen, Jeff and Sherri Doherty, Shelly Rohrer and Jana Horstman. Jeff and Sherri have been involved in the business since 1998, and both Jon and Jana started working at CHC in 2006.

QAs the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going?

AWe are so grateful for this community and all it has provided for us over the years. The entire Cullen family realize how amazing this community is. The amount of local support through the community and businesses is frankly unheard of. We all feel beyond blessed to work and live in this community while raising our families here. Our family has always been a very close-knit family and throughout the years has grown to appreciate how amazing it is to work together to operate a business that was founded by their father. When we all began working at CHC, we likely weren’t looking ahead 20 years and envisioning what it was going to be like to operate the entire company. But as we worked into the business and learned from two of the best coaches, we knew this was what God had planned for Cullen’s Home Center.

320.859.2297 ■ www.hensleyincorporated.com

QHow has the business changed over the years? Any new locations, etc.?

Cullen’s Home Center in Alexandria is owned and operated by Jeff and Sherri Doherty, left, and Jon Cullen and Jana Horstman.

Truck Drivers are the Silent Heroes that Keep America Moving.

AIt doesn’t seem normal to us or our employees if we aren’t changing something – whether it’s a change to the structure or a change to a department due to a vendor or a supplier. As a matter of fact, we just finished up a full kitchen remodel in house for all of us at Cullen’s to use and gather in. A few years back, we sold our shares to the partners of our two other Minnesota locations. It’s been so fun to see them flourish and succeed in the communities they love as much as we do. Back in 2016, we purchased Alex Carpet One, which Sherri is currently overseeing. By doing this, we were able to move our entire flooring showroom and the flooring staff over to that location. They have doubled the showroom space at that location, which allows Sherri to carry even more product and inventory than we had when flooring was at Cullen’s. The move of the flooring department allowed for our most recent renovation at CHC, Cullen’s Furniture Gallery.

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

ABecause CHC has been a part of this community for so long, the majority of our database are previous customers. We believe we have gained trust, both from our community and customers, because of the foundation our parents established and worked so hard on maintaining. For this reason, we are able to grow and continue to find success in the second generation. And, we hope the Alexandria area realizes we aren’t going anywhere real soon. There are many businesses in our community that are second generation; we certainly aren’t the anomaly. That right there tells you how much our community and businesses support each other, because we are all still here – working and supporting each other. The Alexandria area continues to grow and we believe

that many of the community businesses are to thank. People want to live in Alexandria and work for businesses who have longevity and can be trusted.

QWhat are the biggest challenges/rewards of owning a generational business?

AChallenges with any business are going to be there. We don’t think there are any greater challenges with us because we are a second-generation business. All businesses have their issues whether it be supply chain, staffing, inflation, budgets, etc. But with any challenge comes reward. Our people most definitely are our greatest reward and blessing. We truly believe we have some of the most amazing staff here at Cullen’s and Carpet One. Some of our employees have been with us for upward of 20 to 30 years, and that is a huge gift to us. We may be family by “blood,” but ALL of our employees are our family, hands down.

GOODS & SERVICES

AMERICAN CLEANERS & LAUNDERERS

American Cleaners and Launderers is a professional laundry and drycleaner located in downtown Alexandria. Since 1928, it has been a familiar site on Broadway Street. Additionally, it has a satellite store in Sauk Center and partner sites in Brandon and Elbow Lake.

QAs the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going?

AI went to business school at Colorado State University, graduating in 1995. After college, my wife and I were still living in Colorado when we had our first child but wanted to raise our family in Alexandria where we both grew up. Working in the family business as a child, we gave it a shot to move back and take over the family business.

Q

Who are the current owners and how long have they been in business?

A

Nathan Hansen has been the owner since 1998.

QWho started the business and what year did it begin?

AThe business began in 1928, but it is unknown who started it.

QWho are all the previous owners of the business and what are the relationships between the owners?

APaul and Joyce Hansen bought it in 1979. They are my grandparents. I bought it from them.

QHow has the business changed over the years? Any new locations, etc.?

ABusiness has its challenges, but we have been fortunate to keep up with new technologies thus far. But with the change to casual to work from home, the level of dress code has continued to decline. To offset that decline we have diversified into alterations, commercial laundry and disaster restoration.

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

AI would like to think it creates loyalty. Both the business with its community and the community with their businesses.

QWhat are the biggest challenges/ rewards of owning a generational business?

AI think small business is becoming a dinosaur. In referring to my industry, many communities have lost their dry cleaners, like Fergus Falls in 2020. I would like to think that Alexandria will continue to have one. The biggest reward for me is my employees. Going through life with them, through the good and the bad times. Also, the relationships I’ve had over the years with my regular customers. The best part of my day is my conversations with them at the front counter and at the drive thru.

Nathan Hansen, left, owner of American Cleaners and Launderers in Alexandria, stands next to his son, Holden, who also works at the business.

Paul and Joyce Hansen

GOOD & SERVICES

PAFFRATH JEWELRY

For 97 years – and four generations of family – Paffrath Diamond Jewelers has been serving the Alexandria lakes area. The store sells diamonds, gold and platinum jewelry, watches, precious gems and custom jewelry. They also have on-site repair and two goldsmiths.

QWho are the current owners and how long have they been in business?

APaffrath Diamond Jewelers is currently owned by Joel Paffrath and managed by Joel’s son, Jacob Paffrath.

QWho started the business and what year did it begin?

AJacob’s great-grandfather, Rudy Paffrath, started the business in 1926. The original location was the Willmar store.

QWho are all the previous owners of the business and what are the relationships between the owners?

AOriginal owners of the first store, Paffrath and Son Jewelers, were Rudy (father) and Lowell (son) Paffrath. Lowell Paffrath purchased the store from his mother, Katherine Paffrath, after Rudy passed away. The first owner of the Alexandria store, Paffrath Diamond Jewelers, was Lowell’s son, Joel Paffrath. Joel’s son, Jacob, would make the fourth generation of Paffrath jewelry store owners.

Q

As the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going?

AIt is important to keep the family business going because we want to honor the hard work and time that the previous family members have put into building the business. We follow their example while, at the same time, adapting the business to the changes of the current time.

QHow has the business changed over the years? Any new locations, etc.?

AOver the years, the business has changed with new technology, modern tools and updated equipment yet we still rely on the hands-on artisan skills of talented in-house bench jewelers/goldsmiths to set diamonds and gemstones and to create and repair jewelry.

The addition of CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing) and 3-D wax printing has opened a beautiful door to creating even more custom jewelry than previously possible. The ever-changing modes of advertising and communication, like social media and detailed websites, allow us to interact instantly and easily with the public. Although communication has dramatically changed over the years, we feel the tradition of working face to face with our customers builds relationships that last longer than one lifetime.

Paffrath continued on Page 19

Paffrath Diamond Jewelers in Alexandria is owned by Joel Paffrath, left, and managed by his son, Jacob.

GOODS

& SERVICES

ARNQUIST CARPETS PLUS

Arnquist Carpets Plus, a fourth-generation business, is celebrating 93 years – a feat, says the owners, made possible by the company’s willingness to reinvent itself.

Arnquist Carpets Plus is under the leadership of Tom and Adam Arnquist, a father and son duo who are the third and fourth generations to run the business. They have not only relocated, but have also transitioned methodically yet radically through several different product categories – hardware, furniture, flooring – to see its tenure last to the fourth generation.

The Arnquist family opened a hardware store in Hoffman in 1930. This was Tom’s grandpa and grandma. Tom’s father, Bud Arnquist, managed the business until his early death in 1979.

At this time, their product line was furniture and flooring. After 75 years of business on Hoffman’s main street, they moved their company to Alexandria. They have been at their current location, 805 1st Ave. E., for 10 years. They have 12 employees.

Tom had this to say about his family business: “This is the career I’ve always wanted. I’m proud of our business and know how much work it takes. The bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you forget to turn. We have made lots of turns in 93 years, sometimes on two wheels. But a company that’s standing still is dying and not growing.”

Arnquists’ roots as a small business in an intimate community, drives its culture and approach.

“When you’re a fourth generation retailer in a small community, you can focus on relationships,” said Adam.

Ultimately, Adam says he believes that today’s customers aren’t seeking a sleek sales pitch but instead a well-informed

Arnquist Carpets Plus in Alexandria is owned and operated by Tom Arnquist, left, and his son, Adam.

sales counselor. Eight out of 10 customers who walk through their door have already been online, he said.

“Customers already know what they want,” said Adam. “They just need our support. Our sales team members are trained to educate.”

Tom says Alexandria has been a great place for their company. He said that there are many multigenerational businesses in the community.

“From Main Street to the manufacturing sector, these families throw everything they have 365 days to keep on their legacy,” Tom said. “You are dealing with people you know and they work hard.”

Four years ago, the business expanded its commercial flooring division to become a regional flooring provider.

A few of the projects the commercial division worked on in 2022 were the Douglas County courthouse expansion, Church of the Harvest, Discovery and Woodland schools, Crosby Ironton schools, McGregor schools, Shakopee schools and several other schools around the state.

Adam attended Alexandria Technical and Community College’s sales program and then started his career. He worked in the wholesale sales area, ultimately serving as district sales manager for Dixie Flooring in over five midwestern states.

Adam and his wife, Jill, have three daughters – Lilly, Emma and Ava, who all attend Alexandria schools. Jill is a designer, who owns a second business called Bord, which manufactures custom furniture.

Ryan Blakesley, Greg Steele, Matt Gilbertson, Mark Grandgenett & Doug Houska

All of our decisions are made right here in Alexandria so your money stays local.

Ollie’s Service began in 1955 when it was Ray and Ollie’s automobile repair. It was owned by Ray Schultz and Ollie Anderson. Ollie became the sole owner until about 1972, when his son, Earl, became a partner.

In 1983, Ollie retired and Earl and his wife, Sonya, purchased the business. In 2001, it became Ollie’s Service Inc. and Earl and Sonya’s son, Jayme, joined the business as an owner and manager. He continues to own the business today.

QAs the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going?

AI have four children of my own, three of which currently work here at Ollie’s! I’m hoping one day they will want to take over. All of us here at Ollie’s have a lot of pride providing service to the Alex area.

QHow has the business changed over the years? Any new locations, etc.?

AOllie’s started at 1213 Broadway and grew at that location. In 2019, we expanded to our current location at 111 Donna Ave. behind Fleet Farm.

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

AWe have so many generational customers that it’s just plain amazing! Here at Ollie’s, it is very important to stay connected to the community and provide personal service.

GOODS & SERVICES

OLLIE’S SERVICE

QWhat are the biggest challenges/ rewards of owning a generational business?

AMaking sure you don’t make too many mistakes and damage the reputation and hard work your family has put into making it a great business. The greatest reward is seeing all the returning customers year after year! We have such a dedicated and passionate staff.

My great-great-grandfather started our family business in 1917. Daily, I am reminded of the responsibility, and the blessing, I have in being the 5th generation to lead Forum Communications Company and making sure it is passed on to the 6th. In today’s world of huge internet companies eating up small family businesses, I encourage everyone in the communities that are part of our company, including Alexandria, to do business with a family business. These are the people that are paying taxes, voting and making our communities vibrant and whole.

– Bill Marcil, Jr. President, Chief Executive Officer, Forum Communications Company

OUR MISSION

To connect and inform communities through quality journalism, entertainment and business solutions.

Jayme Anderson is the owner and manager of Ollie’s Service in Alexandria.

Paffrath from Page 15

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

AA generational business has many benefits for the community. Leaving a legacy of trust, experience and responsibility, previous generations set down the foundation we can build upon. The knowledge and expertise that each generation has gained is passed down to the next generations. That makes us better able to serve our customers and give them what they are looking for when they come to us to purchase or repair their jewelry right in our store. We can best help them maintain the jewelry that has been handed down to them and to design and create new jewelry that will be passed down to their children as well.

QWhat are the biggest challenges/rewards of owning a generational business?

AOne of the biggest challenges of owning a generational business is keeping the next generation interested, curious, passionate and challenged. Growing up in the business could make the next generation too comfortable but it does create a knowledgeable and relaxed atmosphere for our customers. The next family member has learned from the previous one how to overcome obstacles and manage the business for the benefit of the community they serve.

Rudy Paffrath

GOODS & SERVICES

Founded in 1872 by Oscar George Robards and John Cowing, Cowing Robards was a general store serving Alexandria with horseshoeing and pioneer and settlement merchandise. Cowing Robards was a hardware store for about 100 years. Now, it has 70 years in various sporting goods and 30 years in custom trophies and garment decorating. It has had as few as four employees and as many as 54. It is currently holding stable at 36, and it is looking to hire.

COWING ROBARDS

QWho are all the previous owners of the business and what are the relationships between the owners?

AOwnership had been either a Cowing or Robards until the mid 1960s. It was at that time that Ed Rooney became an owner. Hugh Robards had no children of his own, but Ed became like a son to Hugh. Current ownership is with myself, (Dan Rooney), and my brother, Mike Rooney, and my son, Aaron Rooney, has started to enter the picture.

QAs the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going?

AIt has been such a longstanding and well-known business in the area, keeping it going is important for proof of longevity. Alexandria has really come into its own over the last 50 years where jobs and careers are possible now more so than ever. Cowing Robards may not be the largest in our town but we are able to provide a living for many people. We have a responsibility to our employees and our customers to continue to keep the lights on so we can provide our services.

QHow has the business changed over the years? Any new locations, etc.?

AAdaptability and willingness to change is likely the greatest attribute to Cowing Robards’ success over the years. We started humbly as a hardware store aiming to serve the community needs. That evolved to outdoor sporting goods, home decorating and the garment personalization many know us as today. Within that garment personalization avenue, the expansion of online sales has been a huge change in the past few years. Our customers and community members’ needs have changed and become more digital so we too have updated things to stay with the times. What has really been unique is that our central location at 514 Broadway St. has never changed. There are a few different business locations that fall under the Cowing Robards umbrella, but our physical address has remained the same since 1872. It’s sometimes surreal to think of all that has changed within the walls and yet the walls are still the same.

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

A

Our community impact is hard to pinpoint and measure. If I were to fantasize and say it has a great impact, of course that feels tremendous to be a part of something special. I suppose in a way, Cowing Robards acts to show and inspire others that a longstanding family business can be done. With a generational business you make

Three generations of the Rooney family. In the middle is Ed Rooney and on the right is his son, Dan and on the left is Dan’s son, Ed’s grandson, Aaron.

decisions with your family. Sometimes those decisions can hinder a relationship but they can also make families stronger when faced with difficulties. It has been fun to see how each generation sees problems and comes up with solutions in different ways. We may not do it right all the time and that is why it is so hard to really pinpoint the community impact. We are continually thankful to have a community like Alexandria that supports what we do. Our goal has always been to serve the community in the best way we can.

QWhat are the biggest challenges/rewards of owning a generational business?

AIn a word, people. Challenges like not meeting a customer’s needs, not meeting a deadline, trying to solve employee issues, even supply chain shortcomings that have a downstream effect on projects. Everything comes back to the people who are involved. On the flip side, when we fulfill an order for a 100th birthday on short notice, or complete an online order for a swimming team in Georgia, or simply get everything done for the Christmas holiday, it all comes back to the people involved. The people are the best part of what we do. We would not be here without the incredible staff and people behind the scenes. From the order takers to the order makers, the hockey moms and business owners, we are thankful for the people who keep this place running.

Left: Paintings of how Cowing Robards has looked over the years hangs inside the store. Above: Celebration sign.

Contributed photos

GOODS & SERVICES

Juettner Motors is an Alexandria dealership that sells new and pre-owned vehicles under the brands of Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram.

JUETTNER MOTORS

Mark Juettner, a second-generation owner, now owns the business with his two sons, Joe Juettner and Jake Juettner, and his son-in-law, Adam Downing.

Mark’s father, Jack Juettner, was the original owner. He purchased the business in 1976. Eventually, Jack sold the business to Mark, along with Mark’s sister and brother-in-law, Cathy Juettner and Bruce Wiitanen.

Cathy and Bruce were then bought out by Joe, Jake and Adam. And eventually, Mark said, those three will buy him out and his boys will become third-generation owners.

Mark said he enjoys the business, which is why it is important to keep it going.

“I love the people and I love the business,” he said. “The business wasn’t pushed on the boys. They enjoy it.”

Juettner Motors in Alexandria is owned by Mark Juettner, front, along with Adam Downing, back from left, Joe Juettner and Jake Juettner.

Mark said it is a unique situation to be able to work alongside family members and that it is enjoyable. He said there are of course trials and tribulations, but overall it is “very enjoyable and very rewarding.”

He said the challenge lies in making sure you respect each other, although the respect may be different at work versus at home. He said business is business and home is home.

Just as the world has changed, Mark said Juettners has had to make changes, too, including where it was located. It used to sit at the corner of Third and Nokomis, where Casey’s Convenience Store is located across from Elden’s Fresh Foods. But everything was moved to its current location in 1982.

It also was also a Chrysler dealer first, but has since added Ford, Lincoln, Dodge, Jeep and Ram.

As for impact on the community, Mark said their business is really no different than any other.

“We have an obligation to our community and people who work with us,” he said.

There are many rewards of owning a generational business, said Mark.

“To see it work for all of us is pretty rewarding,” he said. “I’ve done this now going on 46 years. It’s rewarding to see how the community has accepted us and how we’ve grown because of it.”

DINING/ ENTERTAINMENT

THE DEPOT SMOKEHOUSE AND TAVERN

The Depot Smokehouse and Tavern has been a long-standing restaurant in the Alexandria area. Originally a train depot, the restaurant has been serving patrons for nearly 40 years.

QWho are the current owners and how long have they been in business? A

Michael and Sammi Lindemann purchased the business in April 2022.

QWho started the business and what year did it begin? A

It was started by Ken Neumann and Bill Seycora in 1985.

QWho are all the previous owners of the business and what are the relationships between the owners?

AThe previous owner, Ken Neumann, who is Sammi’s father.

QAs the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going?

A(Sammi) My entire life I have watched my dad grow this business into what it is today. He’s taught me how to work hard and invest in our community. He made The Depot a landmark in our small town and built a family amongst the employees and the customers. It’s exciting for me to carry on what he started while incorporating our own vision for the business. It has been a part of my family’s life for a long time and there is a sense of pride and obligation to keep it going for another generation.

QHow has the business changed over the years? Any new locations, etc.?

A(Mike) There will always be only one Depot. The building, business and location is so unique that it cannot be recreated. Over the years, there have been a few additions and remodels, especially recently as we work to bring back more of the history of the building

and railroad. We’ve also made major investments in the kitchen and food by upgrading most of our equipment including a new smoker, changing the menu and training staff.

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

A(Sammi) Not only does this business have generational owners, but it also has generational clients. Countless people have shared their memories of this place as a restaurant and even before. Grandparents have brought their grandchildren here and point out where they used to board the train. The building and business have made memories for thousands of people, and we plan on making thousands more in the years to come.

QWhat are the biggest challenges/ rewards of owning a generational business?

A(Mike) Who would have thought that a realtor and software engineer could run a successful bar and restaurant? Purchasing this business has definitely provided challenges that our backgrounds did not prepare us for, but over the last several months we’ve adapted and grown. We have an incredible staff, many of whom have

Depot continued on Page 32

The Depot Smokehouse and Tavern in Alexandria is owned by Sammi and Michael Lindemann.

Great Northern Depot

DINING/ ENTERTAINMENT

GARDEN CENTER LANES

Garden Center Lanes, along with Fat Daddy’s Bar and Grill and Broadway Ballroom Event Center, is a family entertainment center. It offers 34 lanes of bowling, one of the largest arcades in the area, axe throwing, a golf simulator, a full-service bar

QWho are the current owners and how long have they been in business?

ACurrent business owners are Charlie Meyer, Susan Brede and myself (Chad Meyer). Charlie has been involved for over 45 years, Susan for 40 years and Chad for 25 years. I do not have exact ownership times, but the number of years involved is pretty close to how long we have been involved at a fulltime capacity.

and restaurant that also services the bowling center, and an event center that hosts business meetings, wedding receptions, reunions, parties and many other social gatherings. The center currently employs about 50 people, who sell fun, so come on down and “Let’s have fun!”

QWho started the business and what year did it begin?

AThe original Garden Center, which was downtown Alexandria, was built in 1938 and opened in 1939 by Paul Noonan. For the Meyer family, LeRoy purchased it in May 1957 and it has been in the family ever since.

QWho are all the previous owners of the business and what are the relationships between the owners?

ALeRoy and Elinor Meyer started it. Then it went to their children: Charlie, Bill and Susan. And then it continued with Charlie’s children Chad and Matt.

businesses have to be successful so there is something to pass down to the next generation. There are a lot of fond memories we have made as a family in both our former location and our current location. Wanting the next generations of our family to have the opportunity to make their own memories is something that is very important to us.

QHow has the business changed over the years? Any new locations, etc.?

Q

As the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going?

ASeeing what our family has built over the years is intriguing. No matter what type of business it is, generational

AWhen LeRoy bought Garden Center in 1957, it was eight lanes. He then expanded to 10, then to 16, next to 20, then 28 and finally in 1984, 34 lanes. Due to running out of purchasable land, that was the biggest number of lanes we could have. In 2003, the family made the decision that it was time to make a major change and decided to relocate and expand to our current location which opened in 2005. Along with 34 lanes, we added a bar/restaurant, Fat

Garden Center Lanes and Fat Daddy’s Bar and Grill in Alexandria are owned by Charlie Meyer, left, Chad Meyer, center, and Susan Brede.

Daddy’s Bar and Grill, and a large event center, Broadway Ballroom Event Center. Since opening in 2005, we have added entertainment options including outdoor volleyball, axe throwing and a golf simulator, and have expanded our arcade.

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

AYou really have a strong tie to the community and are vested in the community. The family has been a part of the community for four generations and not only has our business grown during that time, we have seen the amazing growth of our community as well. Generational businesses want businesses to thrive, which means our community needs to thrive as well. They reinvest in the community, give back to the community and call this community home. They have done this for years with the hopes that the following generations will want to do the same.

QWhat are the biggest challenges/rewards of owning a generational business?

AWorking with family is both a challenge and reward of owning a generational business. Rewarding with the time you are able to spend together, the growth you share together and you get to share the pride and success you have together. Challenging with being able to separate work/ business time and family time. It can be very difficult to have a work disagreement and not bring it to a family dinner sometimes!

Another challenge is being able to make changes. When things are working or going good it is hard to look at changes that should be made to or within the business.

One of the biggest rewards is the sense of pride. Seeing what your family has done and built and being able to contribute to that leaves a great deal of pride. Knowing that you are a part of something that has been successful for many years and being able to one day pass that along is a great feeling.

Miltona:

Above: Garden Center Lanes was once located in downtown Alexandria. This picture is from about 2005 at the downtown location. Below: The entrance to Garden Center Lanes, which is located at 115 30th Avenue E. in Alexandria. Contributed photos

DINING/ ENTERTAINMENT

BOLD NORTH CELLARS

Bold North Cellars is a family of brands that blend passion with purpose to inspire connection. On the Bold North Cellars property, guests can experience award-winning craft wine at Carlos Creek Winery; traditional and experimental brews at 22 Northmen Brewing Company; handmade pizzas at Stoke Wood-Fired Pizza Kitchen; or a custom event experience at The Grand Hall. Bold North Cellars consists of a full-time management team of 16 plus an additional 100 part-time employees throughout the year.

QWho are the current owners and how long have they been in business?

ATyler and Michelle Bredeson are the current owners of Bold North Cellars. The transition of ownership from Kim and Tami Bredeson to Tyler and Michelle took place on Dec. 31, 2021.

QWho started the business and what year did it begin?

AThe business began with Carlos Creek Winery in 1999 with Bob and Deb Johnson. Kim and Tami Bredeson purchased the winery in 2008.

QWho are all the previous owners of the business and what are the relationships between the owners?

continued on Page 32

Michelle and Tyler Bredeson are the owners of Bold North Cellars near Alexandria, which also includes Carlos Creek Winery and 22 Northmen Brewing Company.

Bold North Cellars from Page 30

AKim and Tami Bredeson are the parents of Tyler Bredeson. After Kim and Tami purchased the winery in 2008, Tyler graduated from the University of North Dakota and proceeded to move to Alexandria and join his parents through their first year. It was Tyler’s plan to go to law school after the first year, but he liked the business and the community and decided to stay. Michelle Bredeson joined the winery team in 2009 after graduating from the University of North Dakota (where Tyler and Michelle met and began their relationship).

QAs the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going?

AThe passion we have for the space and products we create for our customers as well as working alongside our amazing employees is something that we could not leave. We have been working with Kim and Tami since they first purchased the winery and what they created was also something

that we created alongside them. We have so many ideas and visions for what we want Bold North Cellars to be – you can’t leave when there is so much more potential and when you are having fun!

QHow has the business changed over the years? Any new locations, etc.?

AWhen the Bredesons purchased the property it was only a winery and tasting room with two full-time employees. Since then, they have added a wedding and event center, a brewery and tap room, a wood-fired pizza kitchen and a food truck.

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

AA generational business keeps our community connected with continuing relationships established by each generation. This helps keep dollars spent at the businesses in our community. It also helps keep consistency for employees and customers while allowing for incremental adjustments to offerings based on generational changes.

QWhat are the biggest challenges/ rewards of owning a generational business?

AWhen transitioning to a new generation of ownership, we have to be careful to not make changes too quickly. We know how the business operates, our offerings, our employees, what customers expect,

but we also have new ideas and goals of where we see the business going. We want to make sure that we stay true to who we are as a company – what Kim and Tami built – and put our spin on it in a way that feels exciting and comfortable for our employees and customers.

There are so many rewards! The feeling of keeping the business going and the possibilities that lie ahead while honoring where we came from is so energizing. Sharing our vision with Kim and Tami and having their support along the way is priceless. Continuing to support the passions of our employees and help them with their development and growth is truly one of the best parts of owning Bold North Cellars!

Depot from Page 26

been with the business for a long time, that have helped us along the way. It’s exciting to look at the growth that we have achieved in such a short amount of time, and the overwhelming amount of positive feedback that we have received has been extremely rewarding.

Tami and Kim Bredeson, middle, stand with their son and daughter-in-law, Tyler and Michelle Bredeson, the current owners.

We specialize in parts and repair of mediumand heavy-duty trucks and trailers. Our full-service parts department stocks a huge inventory of OEM and aftermarket parts and includes free delivery as well as online ordering. We are Rapid Check™ certified and have

12 service bays that provide factory-authorized service for Cummins, MX and Allison. It is Allstate Peterbilt Group’s commitment to go the extra mile to keep you on the road. WE ARE THE UPPER MIDWEST’S LARGEST TRUCK DEALER GROUP.

7:00am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday

DINING/ ENTERTAINMENT

TRAVELERS INN

Amainstay in downtown Alexandria, Travelers Inn has been open since 1926. Travelers Inn offers down-home cooking with unforgettable breakfast options, scratch soups, deluxe sandwiches, slow-cooked meats, world-class salad bar, famous caramel and cinnamon rolls and so much more.

QWho are the current owners and how long have they been in business?

ATravelers Inn is currently owned by Patrick Sieve. I bought it Jan. 1, 2022, from my father Jonathan Sieve.

QWho started the business and what year did it begin?

And who are all the previous owners of the business and what are the relationships between the owners?

ABack in 1924, a man by the name of Thomas Rose purchased Travelers Inn and was described as “an experienced restaurant man” having been in the business for the past 25 years. He and his wife, Magdalena, ran the restaurant until the mid 1940s when they sold it to Harold and Lorna Anderson. The Andersons ran it until the mid 1960s when it was sold to my grandparents, Ben and Helen Sieve, in 1967. They were already running The Grill Cafe in Long Prairie at the time. It remained in the family when Jon, my father, and Kurt, my uncle, took it over in 1972. They had many remodels and expansions and they both had about 100 boys and they shaped the Travelers Inn that we see today into what it is. I moved back from San Diego in 2014 to settle in and call Alexandria home once again.

QAs the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going?

AAs the current owner, it is important to be a steward of those people and all of the hard work that has come in

the many years before I took over. This place has provided so much to so many. It means so much to so many. It’s versatile. There can be five ladies from the class of ‘57 eating right next to an intense business meeting eating next to a prayer group eating next to the high school hockey team. It’s remarkable.

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

AThe impact generational businesses have, especially in our community, is tremendous. There is a trust factor when you’re dealing with family businesses in a city of our size. In our case, we didn’t survive all of these years by putting out substandard food and with a big price tag. It’s the exact opposite in fact. We’ve developed such a trust factor with our guests that they know when they come here, the food is gonna be delicious and the bill is gonna be very reasonable. If you look across this community and see businesses that are transitioning to future generations, it’s very comforting, as a citizen, that the familiarity factor will be around for years to come. Our community is growing by leaps and bounds BUT preserving long-standing businesses through generations will ensure we keep the hometown feel we all love about Alexandria.

Patrick Sieve, left, purchased Travelers Inn from his father, Jonathan, in January of 2022.

QWhat are the biggest challenges/rewards of owning a generational business?

AOne of the biggest challenges facing this particular family business going forward is changing with the ever-changing dietary wants and needs. We continue to offer new and exciting dishes and are pushing the envelope every year. Another challenge is the changing of the guard. As my father did before me, shifting business models to pave the way for future generations of eaters was priority No. 1.

The rewarding parts of being at Travelers Inn will always be

the people. I know everyone says it but we literally have the best staff in America. Locking arms and kicking ass with this group brings me much joy and pride. It’s also very rewarding that the community is so invested in not only the restaurant, but my life personally. I field so many questions about my children and even bring them down here sometimes to set tables and the look on our guests’ faces is a sense of pride. They are as proud of this place as I am that it’s in OUR community and will remain so for many years to come.

AGRICULTURE

Last year at the Douglas County Fair, the Hausmann Farm was recognized as a Century Farm. The Alexandria farm is owned by Jan and Joyce Hausmann.

HAUSMANN FARM

QWho are the current owners and how long have they been in business?

AJan and Joyce Hausmann have three children, two boys and a daughter. They had another son, but he died at the age of one and a half. In 2018, they started Hausmann Farms, LLC to include our two sons, Karl and Benjamin.

Jan started milking cows for his dad when he was 14 years old. Jan milked for 46 years. We sold our dairy cattle in 2018. We kept the beef cattle until Dec. 19, 2022. Now, there is no livestock on the farm. Our boys enjoy working the land, becoming agronomists of the land, harvesting and plowing. This is an educational occupation in many ways.

QWho started the business and what year did it begin?

AJohann and Louise Wussow arrived in the United States with their family in 1881. They had six children, one of which was Franz Wussow.

Franz was 18 years old when he arrived in the United States. He married Ernestine (Schoeneck) in 1886. Franz purchased land in the Leaf Valley area of around 600 acres. This included the present site of the Hausmann Farms in Ida Township. Franz was known as the Potato King along with other crops that he raised.

Franz purchased this homestead in 1909. Franz and Ernestine had six children. Alfred Wussow, one of Franz’s sons, received 111 acres of land from Franz in 1924. Alfred and his

wife Laura (Fritz) began farming. They raised cows, pigs and chickens, along with their crops. They purchased another 40 acres of land in 1939.

They farmed until 1950 and then sold the farm to their daughter and husband, Werner and Virginia Hausmann, who had two sons, Kevin and Jan.

Besides the land crops, they also raised cows, pigs and chickens. Over the years, they sold the pigs and the chickens. Just the dairy cattle were left on the farm.

In 1971, Werner and Virginia purchased another 71 acres and in 1978, they purchased another 55 acres of land.

They farmed until 1991, when they sold it to their son, Jan, and his wife, Joyce (Zach).

QAs the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going?

AKeeping the farming business going continues to be important to raise the commodities that are needed in the United States instead of purchasing these same commodities from other countries.

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

AAs a farmer, it is very sad to hear others say, “What do you need farmers for? Just go to the grocery store and get what you need.”

People need to know why farming is so important. It is part of our national food chain. As farmers, we work long hours to

Above: Hausmann family farm. Right: Hausmann Farms, LLC, is owned by Jan and Joyce Hausmann, center, and their sons, Benjamin, left, and Karl, right.

produce crops to be manufactured into food items that arrive on the store shelves. Without farmers, you wouldn’t have food to eat. Does farming impact our community? Absolutely and in so many ways! Providing food to eat is number one. Providing jobs at the elevators to receive commodities, manufacturing employees to produce the food products, freight deliverers to bring the food to the stores and needing the grocery associates to sell consumers the product. Farmers produce many employment opportunities that people are unaware of all being part of the food chain. People don’t realize what a farmer must go through to provide you food to eat.

Farming is tough work. Farmers do an overwhelming amount of physical work. Not everything is done by machine. Over the years, the cost of input production has risen so dramatically, that it is hard to make a living just with farming. Our whole family needs to work off the farm to survive. It wasn’t that way many, many years ago. Farmers way back when were able to make an honest living by what they raised, whether it was crops, commodities or animals. It is a way different story today.

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QWhat are the biggest challenges/rewards of owning a generational business?

AA huge struggle for generational farming is having the children or relatives wanting to continue with farming. It is a huge commitment on their part. Many companies currently are struggling to find enough workers to keep their business running. It isn’t any different for farming. Finding people who want to take on that large of a commitment is overwhelming to them and they will quit and find something else that isn’t so hard to do.

Hausmann continued on Page 38

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Joyce and Jan Hausmann were recognized as Century Farmers at the 2022 Douglas County Fair.

Echo Press file photo

Hausmann from Page 37

Being a dairy farmer is so huge. Being there every day, 365 days a year, twice a day to milk the cattle is a huge commitment. Another struggle is safety issues. Farming is in the top ten for dangerous occupations in the United States. There are many fatalities in the farming occupation because of the consistent use of large machinery. However, the rewards of being a farmer outweighs the hardships. As farmers, we tend to rely on the Lord to help produce the crops we need for another year. This also humbles us in our work. It is also a great place to raise children. They learn a lot of values and morals for life that will take them far into their future. We have heard many times; we’ll hire someone raised on a farm because companies know farm hands have a great work ethic. Being raised on a farm has many more rewards.

Alfred and Laura Wussow family.

Laura Wussow, left, and Alfred Wussow, right.

The Franz family.

Franz and Ernestine Wussow