Connect Business Magazine

Since 1994: The Magazine for Growing Businesses in Southern Minnesota

Archives for the ‘Hot Startz!’ Category

Jiffy Lube

Jan 2012 • Category: Hot Startz!

The new owner of Jiffy Lube franchises in Mankato and Rochester, Tony Chahine (pronounced Shuh-HEE-nee), was raised in a close-knit, middle-class family in Los Angeles where dad had a security-related job and mom stayed at home.



Java Lava

Jan 2012 • Category: Hot Startz!

Owner Kay Prescher said in a telephone interview, “I was always the person that wanted to be around everyone and make them feel happy.” The 38-year-old Wells native’s business, Lava Java, opened within the last year in the downtown Mankato Mall.



Little Giant Fudge

Jan 2012 • Category: Hot Startz!

Little Giant Fudge, which operates inside Shell Food Mart at I-90 and US 169, has fast become a regional magnet for attracting I-90 travelers, said 45-year-old Kitchen Manager Patti Arends in a Connect Business Magazine telephone interview.



Old West Country Store

Nov 2011 • Category: Hot Startz!

Recently, Tammy Lillo began part-time taking over her father’s metalworking business, Timeless Images in Metal, and opened a metal work retail store at the site, called Old West Country Store.



Emily Labes Music Therapy

Nov 2011 • Category: Hot Startz!

Starting a music therapy business was Emily Labes’ answer to marrying her love for music and her yearning to help people. After growing up in a musical family, and taking piano lessons, choir, and band throughout high school, she had a tough decision to make after graduating from Fairmont High.



4 The Team

Nov 2011 • Category: Hot Startz!

If not for a well-rounded education from her mother, 1978 St. Peter High graduate Bridget Blaido never would have begun 4 The Team within the last year in St. Peter.