Just a quick glance at the outside of the Madelia Lumber Company shows what values drive owner Matt Gunderson’s personal life and business philosophy. Placed right underneath the store’s name is a giant Marine Corps emblem, a testament to Gunderson’s four years in the Marines—as well as the military service of many of his employees.
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In 1984, Ken Wilmes was at a crossroads. At the time, the 30-year-old Mankato native was working at JMF Manufacturing, a manufacturing business formerly located in Lake Crystal. There, he was a project manager, overseeing work on everything from feed mills to grain elevators. While he was successful in his work, the overall business was not, shutting its doors that year.
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St. Peter artist and business owner Bob Vogel travels the world to find inspiration for his unique artwork. “Just show up.” That’s Bob Vogel’s philosophy for reaching a goal. “To start anything, you first have to show up, and good things will usually follow.”
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n 1999, 23-year-old Chad Lyons thought he had his life all planned out. The Fairmont native was married with a young son, was working as a manager at a hog farm in Truman and was also serving in the Minnesota National Guard. He planned on going the full 20 years so he could earn a complete retirement package from the military.
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When one thinks of wine, a few locations come to mind: France with its champagnes, Italy with its Sangiovese, California with its Cabernet Sauvignon. In other words, one does not usually think of Minnesota. Yet, hidden in an unassuming southeast corner of a state better known for hot dishes and lutefisk, the Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery has started making quite a name of itself in the world of wine.
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For nearly 70 years, the Ankeny family business has served the Blue Earth community in the same building, located at 230 Main Street. Started by Clayton Ankeny in 1946, it was passed on to Wayne Ankeny and eventually Bruce Ankeny, who still runs it today.
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When Mark Beito decided to open his own funeral supply business—Mark Thomas Co.—in 1990, he had no idea it would spring to life as quickly as it did. In fact, by 1993, he had outgrown his rented quarters in the back of the local bank and needed to expand—fast.
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Jeff Traxler glanced out of the lodge window and his eyes lit up as he saw two young hunters posing with their grandfather outside of the Club House. “Families frequently pose for pictures,” he said, “several generations, each person holding a pheasant.”
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If you heard Tim Schwanke’s life story, you would probably sum up his career in one word: evolution. The Springfield auto shop owner entered the automotive industry 36 years ago straight out of college, offering diesel and transmission services to local customers out of an old Oldsmobile dealer shop he rented for $200 a month.
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