Connect Business Magazine

Since 1994: The Magazine for Growing Businesses in Southern Minnesota

Archives for the ‘Feature Story’ Category

Jones Metal Products

May 2011 • Category: Feature Story

“Aw, you’re a girl.” The chagrin was evident in the coach’s words when 10-year-old Sarah Richards was drafted to play baseball the first year Little League went co-ed. She didn’t let the coach’s response to her gender deter her. Her parents’ advice—now that she took seriously.



Russell Associates

May 2011 • Category: Feature Story

Most young Minnesotans simply don’t aspire to having a career caring for dairy animals 7-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year for years. Jerry Van Oort lived that hard life early on. It would teach him nearly everything necessary for later business success, including the art of surviving change and adversity, of which he would have plenty.



Sleepy Eye Stained Glass

Mar 2011 • Category: Feature Story

Despite declaring himself “shade blind,” Mike Mason, the 71-year-old founder and owner of Sleepy Eye Stained Glass, has spent the last 30 years working with architects, interior designers and individual customers on churches, commercial buildings and private homes.



Le Pre Chel Salon & Spa

Mar 2011 • Category: Feature Story

The 1982-93 feel-good sitcom Cheers with know-it-all Cliff, athlete Sam, psychiatrist Frasier and perfectionist Diane was set in a Boston neighborhood bar “where everybody knows your name.” The bar patrons gathered as family.



Warren P. Smith

Jan 2011 • Category: Feature Story

Business Person of the Year 2011 – Runner Up

Imagine 63-year-old Warren P. Smith right now as a household appliance plugged into a home electrical outlet. His talkative mouth whirrs like a Sunbeam Blender set on “puree” and his leg and arm appendages gyrate with nervous energy not unlike a Maytag clothes washer on spin cycle.



Darwin Anthony

Jan 2011 • Category: Feature Story

Business Person of the Year 2011 – Runner-Up

Imagine creating an official account of Trimont, Minn. movers and shakers. Darwin Anthony’s name will be on the first page. There will be mention of his long career in banking and insurance, his agricultural pursuits, his hands-on leadership…