heels W Mid-Minnesota
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
sound
It’s all about that
Hoeschen known for custom exhaust, muffler work The underside of this classic truck custom exhaust job was done by Hoeschen Auto Repair in Freeport. The exhaust tubing is visible.
This single outlet exhaust exits in the same location as the factory exhaust tip and the bumper has a cutout specially for the tip to exit.
ST R
BY SARAH COLBURN STAFF WRITER
D
“
“A lot of it is just motor heads who like to hear the engine, like to hear the exhaust.” - Dan Hoeschen
Publications The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.
Sides y b e d i S page 4
an Hoeschen has spent a lifetime perfecting his craft. From the age of 10, he spent time sweeping the floors at Hoeschen Auto Repair in Freeport; he worked side by side with his dad, Ted, who opened the business in 1980. His dad taught him how to change oil and tires and fix exhaust systems; then, he went on to study auto mechanics in college and learn about new technologies. Today, he’s the owner of the business and known for his custom exhaust and muffler work in addition to the vehicle maintenance and repair work his shop provides. No matter the type of work, Hoeschen said, the focus is on doing things right. Anytime his team performs maintenance work on a vehicle, they also inspect the vehicle, looking things over and letting the customer know what’s due for service and what may be wearing out. “It’s important people know what kind of condition their vehicle is in safety wise and reliability wise,” he said. When it comes to custom exhaust work, he said he describes his work ethic as “fussy.” He takes extra care to ensure things are symmetrical, looking great and sounding great.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Mary Hoeschen (from left), Ted Hoeschen, Dan Hoeschen, Ben Holmquist who has been working at the shop for 20 years and Brian Reyes (three years) are pictured along with Billy the dog at Hoeschen Auto Repair in Freeport.
Though many custom exhaust work clients know what they want before they get to the shop, Hoeschen said he can help people go over various options for their vehicle. He works with collector cars as well as modern-day vehicles. Each have their own challenges, such as the spacing of pipes on modern vehicles which don’t offer much room – he ensures they’re bent in the right place and far enough from the fuel tank. Collector cars have other challenges, often coming in with some rusty bits that have to be worked over.
ow CarpaSgeh8
Some of his customers bring their vehicles to car shows where looks are important while others, he said, just want the fun of the sound. Hoeschen has customized each of his own vehicles and said he gravitates toward the sound of a V-8. In a four-cylinder car he customized, he put in just the right parts in order to hear the engine notes while avoiding an overpowering, loud sound. Because getting just the right sound is so important to vehicle enthusi-
asts, he allows customers to do a pre-check for the sound by temporarily affixing different muffler styles to their vehicles. This gives owners a pretty good idea of what they’ll have when the job is complete. The higher-performance mufflers do have some performance benefits, especially in turbocharged vehicles or diesel turbo-charged but many times, he said, it’s all about the sound.
Hoeschen page 2
y Brenn ation ort Transppage 10
Page 2 | Mid-MN Wheels | Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Hoeschen from front “A lot of it is just motor heads who like to hear the engine, like to hear the exhaust,” he said. He carries high-flow mufflers from MagnaFlow, Flowmaster, Thrush and Cherry Bomb, among others. When it comes to exhaust, he said, some customers are just looking for a factory replacement exhaust system while others are looking for high performance. They do a lot of factory brand parts from AP Exhaust and Walker Exhaust. When it comes to tips, Hoeschen offers everything from stainless steel to chrome and customers can choose exactly how many they want as well as the placement. Some of the tips come out the back, some at a 90-degree angle out the side behind the tires while some opt for it to exit in front of the passenger rear wheel.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
The underside of a classic truck custom exhaust job done by Hoeschen Auto Repair in Freeport. The exhaust tubing is visible. (Left) A dual exhaust tip on a truck, placed by Hoeschen Auto Repair in Freeport.
in the bumper for tip placement. Tips come in variSome ous diameters depending vehicles, depending on the model, on the look the customer he said, will have cutouts prefers, and Hoeschen
has quite a few in stock so customers can get a feel for them in-person. In addition, he has many more models available for special order. Some, he said, are extravagant and double-wall while others are for the more budgetconscious.
While some of the improvements, like the muffler, aren’t often visible beyond the tips, Hoeschen said, the key is quality installation. He takes care to properly mount the systems and ensure there are no leaks. “We make sure to
put on plenty of exhaust hangers so it’s good and solid and (you) get a good system that lasts,” he said. When it comes to amped-up systems in commuter and family vehicles, he said there’s a
Hoeschen page 3
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Page 4 | Mid-MN Wheels | Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Side-by-sides
Recreation, utility, or the best of both BY CHRISTINE BEHNEN | STAFF WRITER
Minnesotans can boast a mix of beautiful countryside and land which has worked for their benefit. The side-by-side can be a tool, a toy, or simultaneous companion in work or play. To some, it may remind them of an ATV, a Jeep, a golf cart or a dune buggy. It is not any of them, but surely its design is influenced by many of them. On a fine fall day when the leaves were falling, Scott Paggen of Jim’s Snowmobile and Marine Inc. in Holdingford shared more about what these machines are for, what they can do, and the current business conditions. “Polaris got into side-by-sides around 1999, but they were not popular at first. Around 2002 or so, design changes led to a more modern machine with unique features like bench seating. There has been a steady rise in sales and popularity over the years.” Paggen explained that the term “side-byside” literally means that, instead of riding in the style of a motorcycle like the ATV, the passengers can sit next to each other, hold conversations and even have a second row of seating. Side-by-sides are UTVs (utility terrain vehicles).
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JOEL BENOLKEN
Melissa and Matt Feehan are pictured on an outing with friends to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan in October October.
Side-by-sides page 5
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Wednesday, November 17, 2021 | Mid-MN Wheels | Page 5
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Side-bysides from page 4 They are more like cars than ATVs. They have steering wheels and foot pedals. The roll cage structure can be minimally open to the air, or serve as protection against Minnesota weather. Higherend models include heating, air conditioning and a sound system, and accessorizing has nearly limitless possibilities. Seatbelts are a safety feature, but air bags are not. They are designed to go off road, but this could mean off-road fixing fences as readily as it could suggest a mud run. A dump box in the back offers the utility of a pickup. Some of the examples in Paggen’s store are rated to carry Comfortable bench seating in a side-by-side allows a
Side-by-sides page 7
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Page 6 | Mid-MN Wheels | Wednesday, November 17, 2021
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Wednesday, November 17, 2021 | Mid-MN Wheels | Page 7
Side-bysides
Side-by-sides may have many of the luxuries of a car, as seen in this 2021 Ranger 1000XP North Star Ultimate, Nov. 2 at Jim’s Snowmobile & Marine in Holdingford.
from page 5 1,000 pounds and tow up to 2,000 pounds. Although they can drive at speeds of 45-65 miles per hour, their passage over roadways and land is regulated differently than a car. They are considered d Class 2 ATVs, and are legal to drive on the shoulder der on county y and township roads, with local variations depending upon city ordinances. They cannot be driven on n state or interrstate roads and many trails such as the Wobegon gon Trail do not allow motorized vehicles either; great care must be taken to only drive where permitted and to do so safely and responsibly. The Minnesota DNR maintains a map of allowed trails throughout the state, for example, on the Soo Line in Morrison County, the Spider Lakes area and additional trails farther north. Frozen lakes and state forest roads are allowed places to drive for licensed indi-
PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE BEHNEN PH
This 2022 RZR 1000XP Premium is an example of a Prem performance-oriented sideperfor by-side. (Left) Side-by-sides are by-side designed for rugged terrain and conditions.
viduals, but local regulations should be followed. The DNR offers further guidance and considerations for use side-by-sides which are specifically Class 2 vehicles. While a license is not needed for driving on private property or state ATV trails, one is needed for use on roads. Children under 15 are not permitted to drive; children under 18 must wear a hel-
met, and a seatbelt if one is provided. Headlights and taillights are to be lit during operation. A safety course is recommended and is required for children under 18 and recommended for adults. Drivers should study all Minnesota regulations and safety recommendations, as they may vary by situation. Side-by-sides are in common use on farms
and properties where the box in the back and the machine’s agile size allow work to be done where it needs to be done, with the tools and materials needed. Hunters can more readily drive to their location, throwing a cooler in the back. With winter coming, ice-fishers may find them useful to drive out and even set up a pop-up icehouse. Performance-oriented models are chosen by those looking for a powerful machine for racing, mudrunning or exploring wild terrain. Campsites can be sometimes better accessed if driving in, as permitted,
with tent and materials in the dump box. Still, even with a milder sense of adventure, a grocery run, or an outing with the grandkids are within the range of desirable uses for these handy vehicles. Paggen does have some advice for those who are interested in acquiring a side-by-side: expect to wait. The effect of COVID times upon the supply chain and shipping conditions has been profound. At his store, he has gone from having an inventory ready for immediate purchase to taking orders which may entail a two- to six-month wait
for arrival. The demand is high, but the supply is quite short. Manufacturers are currently moving to a system of allocation by which vendors are allowed to submit a limited number of purchase orders for customers. This means if buyers are hoping to buy a side-by-side, they had best plan to either hurry up on their order and wait, or search the classifieds. Even parts ordering may be backed up. Side-by-sides are great, multi-use vehicles, and staying ahead of the delays with foresight is essential.
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Page 8 | Mid-MN Wheels | Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Back in
force PHOTO BY BEN SONNEK
A 1968 Chevrolet Camaro joins the Sinclair Lewis Days car show July 17 on Sinclair Lewis Avenue in Sauk Centre.
Car show shines on Sauk Centre’s Sinclair Lewis Avenue BY BEN SONNEK | STAFF WRITER
After Sinclair Lewis Days was put on hold in 2020, a larger-than-usual fleet of cars from various individuals and car clubs descended on Sauk Centre for the 2021 Sinclair Lewis Days car show July 17, extending beyond the single block on Sinclair Lewis Avenue and even parking on Oak Street. The vehicles came from area towns including Sauk Centre, Alexandria, Waite Park, Miltona, Avon, Glenwood, Brooten, Long Prairie, New London, Osakis and St. Martin; the cars themselves ranged from new to classic and modified, a treat for the eyes of visitors whether they came for the car show itself or other Sinclair Lewis Days activities.
RAMLER: HAULING THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE Ramler Trucking covers the entire Midwest region hauling poultry, cheese, beef and precast cement buildings. With 50 owner-operators, 15 Ramler Trucking company drivers, 12 broker trucks, more than a dozen office personnel and 14 people working in the accompanying Ramler Truck and Trailer Repair, the company is poised to meet the needs of clients near and far. “Without truck drivers, the world would definitely be a different place,” said Chelsea Buerman, of Ramler Trucking. “They haul all the necessities of life.” The company touts an experienced workforce. One owner-operator has been with Ramler Trucking since 1997; the longestrunning company employee has been there since 1992, and the majority of the workforce there has been with the company more than five years. The number of employees with longevity with the company is truly something that sets it apart, she said. Ramler prides itself on treating its employees well so they in turn can treat the company’s suppliers well. Employees work
SUBMITTED PHOTO
These four trucks are a part of the Ramler Trucking fleet. with suppliers to transport their goods and receive bonuses for safe driving. “We appreciate all our employees,” Buerman said. “We wouldn’t be the business we are today without them.” The company is employee-owned since 2009 which means each employee has shares of the company and Buerman said that gives them ownership and an ongoing sense of loyalty.
“Truck drivers sacrifice a lot of their holidays and family time to deliver products America needs,” she said. The company’s drivers, dispatchers and mechanics put in extra time to make sure everyone is happy in the end. “It ties back to the hard work we do … and it makes us unique,” Buerman said. The hard work comes on and off the road. The company’s on-site repair center offers 22 repair bays and a whole host of services. The repair center is open to the public and is used by a lot of owner/operators
and companies that need to get their trucks serviced without travelling long distances. Ramler’s offers DOT inspections, trailer washouts to get trucks ready and sanitized for their next load, and semi-truck tire rim polishing. Rim polishing, Buerman said, not only makes a pitted rim look new and shiny again, it allows the driver to more easily assess the structural integrity of the rim. In addition to servicing owner/operator vehicles and semi-trucks for companies, Ramler can also do repairs for the public including those looking to make repairs to their motorhomes and utility vehicles. The company was founded in 1954 and is currently led by President Chris Ramler and Vice President Eric Ramler. The Ramler fleet is 20 company-trucks strong and includes refrigerated reefers, tankers, stretch trailers, and flatbed trailers. They work directly with businesses and farmers throughout the Midwest, transporting their goods on schedule and on time. The company is looking to add drivers, owner operators and company. Ramler Trucking hires people 22 years of age and older who have at least two years driving experience. A class A CDL is required and applicants can apply on the company’s website at www.ramlertrucking.com.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Ramler Trucking and Ramler Truck and Trailer Repair Shop.
Truck & Trailer Repair | 400 13th St., Albany, MN 56307 | 320-845-4500 | 1-800-732-8958 | Fax 320-845-7245
Wednesday, November 17, 2021 | Mid-MN Wheels | Page 9
PHOTOS BY BEN SONNEK
Guys gather around a pair of classic Desoto cars at the Sinclair Lewis Days car show July 17 on Sinclair Lewis Avenue in Sauk Centre.
Farther down the block, a custom 1956 Ford F100 from Waite Park (front) and a 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS from Alexandria are on display.
(Center) A couple of the older entries in the Sinclair Lewis Days car show – a 1930 Ford Model A sport coupe from Sauk Centre (front) and a Willys Jeep – attract visitors.
In a contrast of classic and modern, a 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport from Alexandria (front) and a 1937 four-door Plymouth from Glenwood park on the intersection of Oak Street South and Sinclair Lewis Avenue.
A wide range of years, styles and horsepower levels – (from front) a 2019 Dodge Commanding its end of Sinclair Lewis Avenue, a 1948 Buick Super from Osakis shows Challenger, a 1960 Studebaker Hawk from New London and a 1971 Chevrolet Longhorn from New London – are side-by-side at the Sinclair Lewis Days car show. its engine under a side-opening hood.
Page 10 | Mid-MN Wheels | Wednesday, November 17, 2021
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
times
Brenny Transportation Inc. and Brenny Specialized Inc. celebrates 25 years in business. The company’s focus on its team members and customers stems from its long-held experience in the trucking industry.
Unprecedented Brenny stands by 25-year successful business plan BY SARAH COLBURN STAFF WRITER
As the trucking industry faces unprecedented demand from consumers and suppliers, Brenny Transportation Inc. and Brenny Specialized, Inc. is sticking to the plan that’s kept the company successful for more than 25 years.
Brenny page 11
OPEN 24 HOURS ALWAYS
Brenny Transportation Inc. and Brenny Specialized Inc. celebrates a quarter century in business. Pictured are behind-the-scenes team members including office team members, shop team members and a few of their drivers.
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Wednesday, November 17, 2021 | Mid-MN Wheels | Page 11
Brenny
rently hiring drivers and office team members, has prided itself on from page 10 always training and considers it to be an ongoing part of The Brenny team fo- the business. cuses on what’s in their Sarah Wischnefski is control and what’s inside the public relations directhe walls of Brenny. tor and safety support for “We get the company. to know our “It’s not drivers so we just when they understand first start here what it is that but it’s continuthey need to ous coaching “We put do their job and guiding people first the best that during their enand we are they can,” tire career,” she very team/ said Bonnie said. Supan, vice family focused. At Brenny, president of When you put new drivers operations others first, are paired with and finance mentors who you will get with the com- back ten-fold.” have similar pany. personalities, The driv- - Henry Kuperus giving them a er shortage peer to go to has given the for advice and company the assistance both opportunity personally and to strengthen its training professionally. program for younger drivAdditionally, everyers. Brenny is involved one within the company with many schools, help- is cross-trained. The ing to educate younger drivers go into the ofgenerations on the career fice to learn about opportunities in trucking. all the behindHenry Kuperus is an the-scenes roles Owner Operator with the there and the company. personnel in the “In order to keep the office go for a trucking industry alive, ride in a truck we need to start getting and help the them interested in truck- driver secure the ing at an earlier age and load. show them how important trucking is to our country,” he said. Brenny page 12 Brenny, which is cur-
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Joyce and Todd Brenny, owners of Brenny Transportation Inc. and Brenny Specialized Inc., launched their own business 25 years ago. (Left) Brenny Specialized Inc. hauls a large tank for a customer from Minnesota to California. Brenny offers over-dimensional hauling and has hauled large tanks that companies use for everything from brewing beer to storing ketchup, milk and even evaporated cheese for macaroni and cheese.
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Page 14 | Mid-MN Wheels | Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Brenny from page 12
They send handwritten cards on birthdays and anniversaries of their customers and there’s no automated phone system when someone calls the company – a real human answers the phone and any one of its team members can work to find the answer to a question when they come in. “We put people first and we are very team/ family focused,” Kuperus said. “When you put others first, you will get back ten-fold.” The company’s focus on its team members and its customers stems from its long-held experience in the trucking industry. Brenny Transportation Inc. and Brenny Specialized Inc. were borne out of frustration with the way drivers weren’t treated like business professionals. Both founders, Joyce and Todd Brenny, drove truck and know the ins and outs of the business. Brenny has been built
around the idea that drivers are important, should be respected and that their company should serve as not only a place to welcome them, but to advocate for them and their rights. “We are very involved in many different organizations in order to make the trucking industry better for all and stand up for drivers’ rights,” Kuperus said. The company also works to educate the public on how to drive safely around big trucks in order to keep the road safe for everyone. The recent vaccine mandates have been a challenge for Brenny, as the mandates have been for all trucking companies. Staff have to manage vaccine mandates and implement time-consuming policies and procedures that are new for the industry and its human resources team. “It’s all about keeping a positive attitude and having each other’s backs as well as creating an environment that supports both,” St. Pierre said. A supportive and
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Owner Joyce Brenny, like her co-owner husband, Todd Brenny, both drove trucks and know the ins and outs of the business.
nurturing environment has been top of mind for Brenny since the company’s inception. It’s been involved with the
broader community, raising money and providing support to non-profits that help with everything from children’s cancer research to Truckers Against Trafficking to Christmas toy drives and the Jacob Wet-
terling Resource Center. “We strive to do what we can to support local businesses in order to keep money in our community,” Wischnefski said. “We feel that is our purpose in life, to help
and serve others in need. We especially focus on our own community and help those around us. Our team has really stepped up and is even more generous with their donations since the pandemic.”
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