September, 2018 - Connect Business Magazine

September 4, 2018February 1, 2019 Lisa Cownie

Mayo Clinic’s Dr. James Hebl

For James Hebl, medicine and a positive patient experience are not only professional pursuits, but are very personal as well. “When I was a sophomore in high school, my youngest brother was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus at age 5. I saw the impact diabetes had on not only my brother – but the entire family. The pediatrician caring for my brother was so kind, patient and knowledgeable when describing the condition and what we needed to do as a family. This life event, in addition to my passion for pharmacology and the biologic sciences, played a major role in my decision to enter medicine,” he reflects.

Connect TV Feature Story

September 4, 2018February 1, 2019 Mike Lagerquist

Franklin Rogers Park & Mankato MoonDogs

During the 2018 season, the renovated Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato has made nearly as many headlines as the final scores of Moondogs games. The team has been playing over .500 baseball, but the ballpark is hitting a homerun with each home game played. Lost somewhere in the box scores is the fact that new ownership took over the Northwoods League team in the off-season, giving the 19-year-old collegiate summer baseball team something it has never had before: local ownership.

Connect TV Feature Story

September 4, 2018February 1, 2019 Lisa Cownie

LinguaOne

Business no longer takes place in a monolinguistic world. “The United States is sorely behind all other countries when it comes to linguistic advancement,” explains Tessa Donato, founder of Mankato-based LinguaOne. “Approximately 60-75% of the world’s population speaks, at least, two languages. Throughout Europe, it is not uncommon for people to know four to six languages.”

Hot Startz!

September 4, 2018August 30, 2018 Lisa Cownie

ARTifact

Emily Green has a Bachelor’s of Science in History. Kim Ruby has a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. So it makes sense then, that the two friends would open up a unique art shop in the heart of Old Town Mankato. “Neither of us have any training in art or ceramics,” says Emily smiling. “But Kim is from Southern California and they have these type of studios everywhere out there.”

Hot Startz!

September 4, 2018August 30, 2018 Lisa Cownie

Mogwai Collaborative

The space is cool, the enthusiasm of the director is infectious and the concept behind Mogwai Collaborative is starting to catch on. “We are not your run of the mill rentable office. We are a cool and inspiring atmosphere that you can use to come and work from for a day or monthly fee,” explains Stephanie Braun, director of Mogwai.

Business Snapshot (Sponsored)

September 4, 2018August 30, 2018 Connect Business Magazine

AmericInn Hotel and Conference Center – Mankato, MN

Many businesses have come and gone on Stadium Road, but the AmericInn Hotel and Conference Center has managed to thrive for 21 years at its campus location in Mankato. Over the years, the hotel has grown and changed several times. In 1999, twenty rooms were added, and in 2008 a Conference & Event Center was created, along with four extended-stay suites with kitchenettes. Most recently, the AmericInn underwent a million dollar renovation. General Manager Ashley Sprenger is thrilled with the upgrades, and appreciates the positive feedback from guests and the local community. “It’s a lot more modern than the typical AmericInn that has the lodge feel to it.”

Connect TV Entrepreneurial Insight

September 4, 2018February 1, 2019 Lisa Cownie

Jon Jamieson – Owner, JP Fitness in Mankato

Out of college at the University of Minnesota, Pemberton native Jon Jamieson had not only a passion for personal training, but a passion to establish his own brand in the field and break the mold of what a gym could be in a city like Mankato. He took a few years to develop his skills and learn about the business end of the industry as an assistant manager at a Lifetime Fitness in the Twin Cities.

A Day in the Life

September 4, 2018August 30, 2018 Lisa Cownie

Sarah Warmka

There are self-help books, motivational blogs and leadership symposiums to help the business and entrepreneurial-minded make the most of each day to maximize productivity. Connect Business Magazine, though, recognizes we have great resources right in our own communities.

Special Reports

September 4, 2018August 30, 2018 Lisa Cownie

Truman’s China House Cafe is a New Model for Collaborative Economic Development

The local café has been a staple of the small town landscape as far back as anyone can remember. But with all of the challenges facing small town rural America, keeping these institutions operating or finding people willing and able to invest in these businesses is becoming more and more difficult.