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CONTENTS

January | February 2022

12 COVER INTERVIEW

COMPANY PROFILE

C&N Sales

Southern Minnesota Orthdontics

Midwest Knifemakers Supply

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

HOT STARTZ!

Gaylord

Brick House Meats Lake Crystal

The Business of Fun

GreenSeam Collaboration

Arnold Companies

Industry Insight

Minnesota nICE

Transforming Smiles

Business Snapshot

Red Baron Arena & Expo

A Knifemaker’s Paradise

Rising Star

Arcadium Tattoo

Ashley Hanley

Connecting Back

Mountain Lake

Press Releases

Connecting Southern Minnesota Business People Since 1994

Botanist

Connect Business Magazine www.ConnectBiz.com

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

CIRCULATION

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Editor: Jane Laskey Art/Photography: Jonathan Smith

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Contributing Writers: Ashley Hanley, Anna Vangsness, Nancy Zallek

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January | February 2022

ABOUT CONNECT Locally owned Connect Business Magazine has ‘connected’ southern Minnesota businesses since 1994 through features, interviews, news and advertising. Connect Business Magazine is a publication of Concept & Design Incorporated, a graphic design firm offering print design, brand design, illustration and photography. Learn more at conceptanddesign.com. Copyright 2022. Printed in U.S.A.

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Happy New Year!

Jane Laskey EDITOR

Here’s hoping 2022 delivers new opportunities and an end to supply chain and pandemic woes. What better way to begin the new year than with a focus on the business of fun? That’s why employee-owned C&N Sales is our January cover story. If you’ve enjoyed an evening of pool, darts or arcade games in our area, chances are good C&N made it possible. Our January profile stories feature Southern Minnesota Orthodontics and Midwest Knifemakers Supply. SMO has been transforming smiles and changing lives across our region for over 60 years. Mankato-based MKS is an online supplier of knifemaking tools and materials for professionals and hobbyists around the globe. While it’s a quiet season for agricultural producers, things are hopping at the Arnold Companies’ seven Case IH dealership locations as it helps farmers gear up for the season to come. That’s why this family-owned business is this issue’s Groundbreaker story. Starting with this issue, you’ll also find some new content sections in Connect. Check out the new Rising Star column, which will showcase standout young professionals. Ashley Hanley will be taking the lead on this column, so it seemed only fitting to feature her in our first Rising Star interview. As always, we wrap up with introductions to three exciting new HotStartz: Arcadium Tattoo in Lake Crystal; the Botanist, a new cocktail bar in Mountain Lake; and Brick House Meats in Gaylord. Until next time, Jane Laskey

January | February 2022

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January | February 2022

CONNECT Business Magazine

Business Snapshot Sponsored Content

By Anna Vangsness

Red Baron Arena & Expo

Provides Much-Needed Entertainment Space for Marshall The Red Baron Arena & Expo in Marshall may be in full hockey mode right now, but thanks to a busy five years since opening its doors, it’s proving itself to be anything but just a hockey rink. Visit Marshall director Cassi Weiss, along with communication coordinator Adri DeBoer, facilitates the use of the space which has seen, on average, 19 large events (renting of the Expo Floor) during the event season of March through October. “We can host everything from weddings and home shows to craft shows, concerts, hockey games and meetings,” Weiss said. “I like to call the arena a blank space to make it your own.” With enough room to host a wedding for 800 guests or a concert for 1,300 partygoers, the Red Baron Arena is situated off of Highway 23 in Marshall. It is a one-of-akind facility in this area, which adds to its popularity, Weiss said. “Before the Red Baron, we didn’t have a 10

January | February 2022

space that could fit more than 400 people for a wedding or a banquet; that’s why we built it,” she said. “We also needed a new hockey rink with an additional sheet of ice. It just made sense to combine spaces. We were just trying to provide a new space that we didn’t have here.” With a downstairs meeting room that has the capability to be split into two separate meeting rooms, the Red Baron also offers the Vast Club Room that overlooks the Reinhart Rink/expo floor. The entire space is equipped with electrical hookups in the ceiling and floors, white boards, ceiling projectors and access to a 24-by-14-foot Daktronic’s videoboard. “I think what we can do with the space we have is pretty incredible,” Weiss said. “What we can do with the video cameras and microphones is the best part of our facility. Marshall is a regional hub in the area, so to offer a location like this to individuals an hour around us is a huge selling point.” “Since opening five years ago, word of

mouth marketing has led to most events at the facility,” Weiss said. Getting people through the door to check out all that the Red Baron offers has worked in their favor. “We really have just been trying to get people coming in the doors to see the space,” she said. “As more people have come in, more people have been realizing that, ‘Wow, I could really host a wedding or work event here.’ We really have just been trying to get as many people coming to events as possible – that’s how most leads came. What’s worked the best is people sharing their experiences when they visited.” Events at the Red Baron have been filling up fast and include hosted games by the NAHL Fairbanks Ice Dogs, along with four upcoming hockey tournaments. The addition of the second sheet of ice, which has largely increased the footprint of the arena and expo area, has been a big economic booster for the City of Marshall, Weiss said. “Every tournament we host fills up

“The Hanger” concessions area.

because of the capacity to host 16 teams at a time,” she said. “From an event side, when we host weddings and such, that means people are staying in town. Every wedding probably fills up at least 100-150 hotel rooms. Even if people aren’t staying in one of our hotels, they’re likely filling up with gas, eating at our restaurants or shopping downtown. The Red Baron has helped immensely with getting people to come to Marshall.” Weiss said she’s looking forward to the future of the Red Baron Arena & Expo and hopes that people have begun to see the building’s offering as more than just a hockey rink. She has been busy filling up the calendar with a multitude of events for 2022, including World Fest, which will be hosted by Southwest Minnesota State University.

Visit redbaronarena.com for more information. Visit Marshall

1651 Victory Drive Marshall, MN 56258 Phone: (507) 537-1865

With a variety of spaces, the facility accommodates events and gatherings of all sizes, including tradeshows, expos, weddings, concerts and meetings. CONNECT Business Magazine

By Jane Laskey • Photos by Jonathan Smith

Bringing Pool, Darts and Arcade Games to a Game Room Near You! C&N Sales has been in the business of fun for almost a century. Headquartered in North Mankato, Minnesota, the company also has regional offices in Marshall, Minnesota, and Okoboji, Iowa. You'll find C&N pool tables, dartboards, shuffleboard tables, pinball machines and video games in family basements, recreation venues and local bars across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Its jukeboxes provide the music that keeps patrons’ toes tapping and set the mood for many a fun night out. If you play in a pool or dart league in our region, chances are good C&N made it possible. Its league systems for pool and darts serve over 126 taverns, 1,190 teams and 5,000 league players. It also hosts numerous multiday dart and pool tournaments every year that draw hundreds of players to its chosen venues. 12

January | February 2022

Of course, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the past two years have been anything but fun for the bar and restaurant industry. As a result, league play and tournaments came to a screeching halt. "We had a very short league season last year, but they're starting to come back. Many bars that were forced to close their doors are now reopening either under the same or new ownership. So we just have to roll with it," Christine Phinney said. "Things are coming back. Our numbers are still down a little bit, but people are getting vaccinated ... and people aren't quite as afraid to be out." Continues

CONNECT Business Magazine

The Business of Fun Chris Phinney is one of 20 employeeowners at C&N Sales as part of the company’s employee stock ownership plan. She said C&N had to stay nimble during the pandemic, shifting its energy to providing more equipment to residents investing in their home entertainment areas and providing more services, such as ATMs, to businesses that had transitioned to more takeout food sales. “The ATMs go mostly into the bars because we’re making sure our bar customers have everything they want,” Chris Phinney said. “That’s going well. Even during COVID, ATMs still continued to get used because people would go in, and they’d get cash to pay for the food they were buying and taking out.” Today Chris Phinney is happy to report positive signs in the entertainment sector; at C&N, league play and tournaments are back on the calendar. “We’re social by nature. We’ve got to get out and do something. So hopefully, things always come back around,” Chris Phinney said.

January | February 2022

Transition To Employee Ownership C&N Sales was founded in 1928 and remained a family business for three generations. In 2000, C&N’s third-generation CEO was relocating to another state and needed on-site leadership. He hired Mark Phinney, his banker at the time, to be his new president. In 2010, Mark Phinney organized the company’s employees to form an ESOP and purchase the business for themselves, moving C&N Sales into a new era of employee ownership. Chris Phinney joined the C&N team in 2006 just to “help out” with bookkeeping and the retail store. She has been with the company ever since. Today she serves as the office and retail manager in the company’s North Mankato location. C&N has 20 employees between its three locations. But, like many businesses, C&N is experiencing staffing shortages and could use a few more hands on deck. According to Chris Phinney, those who join the C&N team can expect a relaxed, casual work environment.

“We’re very laid back. Nobody’s too uptight about anything. Everybody gets along with everybody,” Chris Phinney said. “Yes, you’ve got to get your stuff done, and it gets a little more hectic at the beginning of the league season and when we’re getting these tournaments together. But everybody chips in to get the work done. The thing about an employee-owned company is the harder and more efficiently you work, the better the rewards are.” Coin-Operated Games and Services C&N has multiple revenue streams that complement and support each other. The foundation of the business is providing coin-operated games, jukeboxes and other equipment to taverns and other commercial entertainment venues. The next layer is selling game room equipment, furniture, lighting and accessories. Then there are services, such as repair, reconditioning, transportation and installation services for pool tables and other gaming equipment. Finally, C&N’s dart and pool league systems,

C&N Sales | Mankato which culminate in annual tournaments, keep customers happy and demand for its services high. The company’s primary focus is its partnership with neighborhood bars, restaurants, resorts and other venues. C&N provides coin-operated pool tables, dartboards, jukeboxes and other amusement games on a shared-revenue basis. The business provides the space, and C&N delivers the equipment, parts, supplies and service. “The equipment in all the bars is owned by C&N Sales,” Chris Phinney said. “Basically, we rent the space by giving them a percentage of the money that the equipment earns.” C&N also provides ATMs to its commercial customers, supplying the machine, the cash, and any necessary service and parts. Other popular vending equipment includes plush cranes and ticketing machines. For all of its coin-operated partnerships, C&N’s goal is to make it easy for the venue and fun for its patrons. If you need to move a pool table and are wondering how the heck you’re going to

get it done, C&N has you covered there, as well. C&N’s staff will transport, set up and level home pool tables for people that are moving, installing new carpet or purchasing a table from a previous owner. If your pool table is looking a little worn or you’re just ready for a new color, the service team can also recover it with new cloth and bumpers. C&N Game Room Outlet The C&N Game Room Outlet sells game room equipment, including foosball, air hockey, video games, pinball, pingpong tables, card tables, bar furniture, lighting and décor. You name it, C&N’s got it — or will happily order it. A quick tour of the North Mankato showroom reveals the stars of the show are pool tables, dartboards and related accessories. Displays of darts and pool cues for all levels of players are available for customers to try so they can determine which of the latest and greatest options suit them best. “The Game Room Outlet serves our league players with all the supplies they

need to play. I do my best to have the latest in technology and style that our players want,” Chris Phinney said. “Darts players appreciate the opportunity to handle and even play with the darts before buying. If you buy them online, you can’t touch or try them out before buying. So when they come in here to purchase darts, they’re able to play with the darts and to see how they handle.” The Game Room Outlet is also an excellent stop for anyone seeking advice. Whether you’re in the market for a new pool cue or a set of new darts, or you’re designing a new home and need help determining space requirements for a recreation room, the C&N sales team has the experience to help. “If you’re going to build a game room and you need to talk to somebody about what you want to have in your space and the dimensions you need, we can help,” Chris Phinney said. Customers who want commercial-caliber equipment at a bargain price will want to keep an eye on the outlet, as well. When-

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The Business of Fun

C&N’s Game Room displays pool tables, foosball, air hockey, pinball machines, bar furniture, lighting, décor and more.

January | February 2022

C&N Sales | Mankato ever C&N upgrades its equipment in the field, the retired systems are reconditioned and sold at the outlet. They don’t stay there very long. The opportunity to buy used, commercial-grade equipment at a great price draws in residential customers eager to scoop them up for basement rec rooms and garage man caves. “We recently upgraded our dartboards to a newer version. Like most electronics, upgrades are necessary to keep up with the latest technology. So we bring the old ones to the shop and fix them up for sale,” Chris Phinney said. “We were able to quickly sell most of the used dartboards that we switched out. People just snatched them up. There are still a few left, which will be available as we have time to get them ready for sale.” Staying Ahead of Inventory Issues Supply chain issues have had an impact on the business. Orders that once took a couple of weeks to arrive now require three- to six-month lead times. Chris Phinney said she’s trying to stay ahead, anticipating delays so she can keep the showroom stocked and ready to meet demand. “I ordered my pinball machines in March, and I just got them at the beginning of October,” Chris Phinney said. “It used to be if a customer came into the store and I didn’t have what they wanted, I could get it in two weeks. I’ve got to have inventory on hand because people expect that kind of service. So, it’s a matter of ordering what I think people will like and want. I am keeping more inventory than usual because of the long wait times and have to hope I have what customers want.” Chris Phinney speaks from experience. The 2020 holiday season

was hectic, as families splurged on recreational equipment to make their time at home more fun. As a result, by the time New Year’s Day rolled around, offerings in the C&N showroom were sparse. “Last year was above average, mostly because everybody was stuck at home and willing to purchase the bigger ticket items in order to have something to do at home,” Chris Phinney said. “There were also many basements and game rooms being completed that needed to be filled. By the time Christmas was over, I didn’t have much inventory of pool tables left. I had to sell off the floor models because lead times were three months and customers didn’t want to wait.” Despite its long history and loyal customers, many people don’t realize the C&N Game Room Outlet is open for both commercial and residential customers to browse through. The North Mankato and Marshall locations are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Okoboji store has more limited hours, but is always available by appointment. “I get people coming in at least once a week that tell me, ‘I drive by here all the time, and I’ve just never stopped. I had no idea you were here.’ So a lot of people have no idea what our store is and what we can do for them,” Chris Phinney said. For anyone who drives by one of the C&N Game Room Outlet locations, the staff extends an open invitation to stop by and say hello. “We’re here, we’re open and we’d love to help,” Chris Phinney said. The Game of Kings Billiard-style games, such as carom billiards, snooker and pool, are

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played on a table with balls and a cue stick. Although the contemporary versions of these games have different rules and tables, they all date back to 14th century Europe. Billiards was originally a lawn game similar to croquet. However, the game eventually moved indoors and was played on a wooden table with a green cloth covering it to imitate grass. The first record of an indoor billiard table was in the palace of King Louis XI of France, who made the game popular with the French nobility. Soon it was popular with the masses throughout Europe. It is mentioned in William Shakespeare’s plays and was a popular pastime for many historical figures, including Mozart, Napoleon and Charles Dickens. The game was brought to America by the colonists, and soon billiard rooms were popping up across the new world. As the country gained its independence and grew, the passion for billiards grew along with it and different versions of the game emerged. Four-ball billiards gave way to 15-ball billiards, which eventually evolved into eight-ball and nine-ball in the 1900s. Those games remain the standard today. The game eventually became known as pool in America because it was frequently played in betting parlors for horse races where collective bets, or “pools,” were made. Interest in the game of pool waned after World War II, only to be revived again in 1961 by the movie “The Hustler,” starring Paul Newman. The game got a second shot in the arm with the 1986 sequel to that movie, “The Color of Money,” with Newman and Tom Cruise. Enthusiasm for the game remains strong today. According to Statista.com, the pool and billiard hall sector in the United States was estimated at approximately $861.8 million in 2019. Top-of-the-line Pool Tables Supplying equipment to pool enthusiasts is C&N’s forte. It is an authorized dealer for Olhausen, Brunswick, and Plank & Hide pool tables. These beautiful, professionally made tables take up much of the real estate on C&N’s showroom floors. There are classic billiard styles that would look at home in any game room; there are rustic styles complete with Buffalo Nickel sights; and there are contemporary styles, including sleek metal tables. “We are the only dealers of these three

January | February 2022

C&N Sales | Mankato table brands in the area, so you would have to drive to the cities to find the same tables,” Chris Phinney said. “Olhausen and Brunswick are the top two selling brands. Plank & Hide I kind of fell into because a gentleman wanted a particular table. So, I became a Plank & Hide dealer. It’s a great complement to the other two brands, and they’re all quality tables. It’s high-end equipment that’s going to last you a lifetime.” Competition-level pool tables are constructed with three pieces of slate. It’s the best substrate for pool tables, as they require a completely level playing surface. Slate naturally splits into large, level pieces that are ground and polished to create a flawless flat surface. “The tables are made with three pieces of slate to make them easier to install, which is professionally done by our experienced staff,” Chris Phinney said. While more expensive than wood, slate won’t warp or buckle, ensuring the playing surface remains smooth and level. On the downside, slate makes pool tables very heavy. For example, a 9-foot tournament-length slate table weighs about 1,000 pounds. That is why professional installation and setup are critical. C&N’s staff is well versed in this process. Every pool table it sells includes installation, leveling and a package containing everything needed to play. When the installers leave the customer’s home, the table is ready to play. The slate pool table substrate is covered with fabric made with a combination of wool and nylon or wool and polyester. The type of fabric selected affects the look, feel, performance and durability of the table. It also impacts play. Pool fabrics are available in recreational-, intermediate- and professional-grade cloths. Recreational-grade fabrics have a higher nap, which feels softer and slows play. It’s great for amateur players. Intermediate-grade fabrics offer faster play and better durability, a good choice for players with intermediate skills. As the name implies, professional-grade fabrics are the preferred choice for experienced players. Its tightly woven fabric and high wool content make it incredibly smooth, allowing for very rapid play. “The different types of cloths really affect play. A fast cloth has very little nap, so the ball rolls much faster and farther. It makes

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The Business of Fun the game much harder because you have to learn how to control your ball,” Chris Phinney said. “We use the fast cloth on most of our tournament tables.” The Right Pool Tools Once you’ve found the perfect pool table, you’ll need the right tools for the game. It’s a personal choice and will vary from person to person, depending on their experience and personal preferences. It’s impossible to ignore the polished wood and gorgeous colors in the showroom’s cue stick displays. The average cue stick weighs 18 to 21 ounces and is 57 inches long. For a beginner, the important thing is to find a cue stick that is easy to handle, durable and weighted correctly. Things get interesting once you move beyond the basics. That’s when different materials and technology are integrated into the cue shafts to improve control and accuracy. “Pool is all about angles and geometry, but it’s also about hitting the ball in the correct spot. You want to know that it’s

January | February 2022

going to go exactly where you are aiming,” Chris Phinney said. “If you hit a ball with a wooden cue, the wood’s going to vibrate. That creates a little vibrational deflection in that wood. So cue technology nowadays is designed to lower that deflection so that when the ball is hit, it’s going to go where the player wants it to go.” To reduce deflection, wooden cues are bonded with other materials, including graphite, carbon fiber and fiberglass. Some cue shafts dispense with wood entirely. “These cues all use special shaft technologies. This cue is not just black; it’s actually made out of carbon fiber. So some shafts are no longer made of wood, and the deflection is very low. That is what really good players are after, a lower deflection. When you hit the ball with this cue, there’s only precision,” Chris Phinney said. C&N carries a variety of cues for players from beginner to master levels, with options from Viking, McDermott, Cuetec, Lucasi and J. Pechauer. In addition to high-tech materials and designs, these

professional cue sticks look good. Really good. Their handles are covered with intricate and unique patterns in vivid colors. “The second part of what you’re paying for is pretty. Cue designers use a variety of woods and beautiful inlays that add to the allure and price of the cues,” Chris Phinney said. “Some of these cues can cost up to $1,000 or more, depending on the detail, but most are between $300 and $700. These are what competitive players use.” Top-of-the-line pool cues can exceed these prices, with some costing up to $4,000. In fact, the world’s most expensive pool cue, the McDermott Intimidator, is made of stainless steel and inlaid with gold and other precious metals. Its designers started with an 82-pound piece of stainless steel and spent over 1,860 hours hand engraving, etching and machining it to create the final 9.5-pound cue stick. It tops the pack at $150,000. But don’t bother adding it to your wish list; it’s already been sold. Getting the right tools for the game also means paying attention to the cue tip. The

C&N Sales | Mankato tip transfers energy from the cue shaft to the cue ball, resulting in accuracy, speed and spin. The average tip is 11 to 14 millimeters in diameter. Pool tips are made from soft, medium and hard materials. Soft materials, such as leather or rubber, absorb more impact, allowing the cue tip to stay in contact with the cue ball for a split second longer than harder tips. When correctly aimed, this can create more cue ball spin. The downside of a soft tip is it requires more maintenance and needs to be replaced frequently. A hard tip offers less spin; however, it will last longer and require less maintenance. The hardest cue tip is a phenolic tip, made of phenolic resin, and is as hard as a cue ball. These make excellent tips for break cues. Most pool players rely on medium tips that combine the best elements of soft and hard tips, allowing for good ball control and consistent play. The Ancient Game of Darts Darts is another game that has been played for centuries – seven centuries, to

be exact. It originated in medieval England, where it was a favorite military pastime. Historians believe bored soldiers devised the game, throwing arrowheads or spearheads at the round, flat bottom of an empty wine cask. It was a fun distraction that also helped soldiers simultaneously improve their aim and throwing skills. Eventually, wine casks were set aside in favor of cross sections of tree trunks whose growth rings and radial cracks created the first sections for competitive scoring. Next, carved wooden flechettes with feathered tails and metal tips replaced spearheads. But it wasn’t until the 1800s that point-scoring and rules became standardized and darts began to resemble the game we know today. Although darts was always a popular game in British and Welsh pubs, it took WWII to bring the game to America. The British Navy, Army and Air Force brought dart sets with them wherever they were stationed. Soon they were playing the game with their U.S. allies. The popularity of darts has grown tre-

mendously in America, and dartboards are now a common feature in many bars and family game rooms. According to Statista. com, in 2014 almost 17 million Americans were dart players. Choosing the Right Dartboard Modern dartboards are available in bristle and electronic boards. Bristle boards are made of sisal or hemp, which fixes itself after a dart hits it. Used for professional and tournament play, they range in price from $50 to $200. The darts used with bristle boards have steel tips and brass or tungsten bodies. They range in weight from 16 to 20 ounces, the maximum weight allowed for league play. The world’s most expensive dart set is solid gold and costs more than $4,000. “Brass darts or other kinds of cheap metal darts cost about $25, but they work just fine. A higher-grade metal like tungsten is going to help your grips to last longer. They can run anywhere from $50 to $250. Different sets suit different shooters. Many

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The Business of Fun

C&N offers a wide range of darts and accessories.

of our dart players have five or six sets of darts. “Darts can at times be kind of a mind game. If you’re shooting darts one day and they are not going where you are aiming, many players will put them in their case and get out something different. Suddenly you’re shooting great,” Chris Phinney said. Electronic dartboards have become very popular. They are made of plastic or nylon, which is covered in tiny holes. The darts stick in the holes and an internal computer calculates the score. Electronic boards can also be made of synthetic E-Bristle, which simulates a natural bristle board. These boards may include various modern features, such as helpful prompts, various game options, computer play or handicap modes that allow players of different skill levels to compete together. Electronic boards come with plastic-tipped darts. Recreational models cost between $100 and $300. Commercial-grade electronic models range from $1,500 to $6,000. There are specific requirements for dartboard setup. Regulations stipulate the bull’s-eye must be placed at the height of 5 feet, 8 inches from the floor for both soft tip and steel tip darts. The player’s distance from the dartboard face varies depending on the type of dart used. For steel tip darts, the proper distance is 7 feet, 9 ¼ inches. For soft tip darts, the correct distance is 8 feet. League Players Wanted The best tools in the world won’t improve your skills unless you play consistently. That’s where leagues come in. It’s a fun way to gather with friends for some competitive play that is sure to improve your game. C&N Sales has been running large, sanctioned pool leagues since 1982 and dart leagues since 1990. It’s a win-win-win strategy that provides recreational fun for players, brings hundreds of patrons to bars that host league play and creates a steady stream of customers for C&N. “We have a good relationship with our bars. Sponsoring leagues puts customers ... that eat and drink (in their bars). League matches are usually played on nights that the sponsoring bars are historically less busy with nonleague customers, such as Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights,” Chris Phinney said. League play begins in October and runs for about 20 weeks through May each year. There is also an abbreviated summer season. Teams range from two to five players for pool leagues and two to four players for dart leagues. The cost is $20 per person for the league season. Each team is also sponsored by an area bar. “All you need to do is get four or five friends together to form a 22

January | February 2022

C&N Sales | Mankato team, ask your favorite bar to sponsor you, then go to the C&N website and sign up. Some bars will even pay for your player fees and some of your tournament entry fees to entice you to play at their business,” Chris Phinney said. Participants can be at any skill level, and sign-up is simple on C&N’s website, cnnsales.com. C&N then creates a schedule for all participating bars and players and tracks player standings. “Craig (Dumdei) is the league director and, along with the league staff in all three offices, he gets the leagues set up,” Chris Phinney said. “This process used to be done by hand, which Craig is very good at, but it did take some time. Now we have a computer program that the player names can be put in for each team, night and location and then it’ll drop the players into brackets. It works nicely for the tournaments, too.” Many C&N staff members play in dart and pool leagues themselves, including the Phinneys. It keeps them in tune with their customers and provides a fun outlet. “Mark and I play both darts and pool at home for fun. He’s in a dart league, and I’m in a pool league,” Chris Phinney said. “It’s a fun night, and it gets you out of the house.” Tournament Fun Although pool and dart leagues are C&N’s biggest promotions, it also partners with bars to organize other types of competitions. Its two full-time promotions directors work with customers to set up in-house foosball, video games and Megatouch tournaments. Anyone who plays in C&Ns leagues is also eligible to play in its pool and dart tournaments. Tournament brackets are based on league play results. Its 2022 calendar, available on its website, lists five dart and eight pool tournaments. Chris Phinney said the tournaments are staged at fun locations like the Mayo Event Center in Mankato and Jackpot Junction in Morton, Minnesota. These venues are equipped to handle large crowds and provide plenty of room for play, an important consideration, since tournaments draw hundreds of players and require lots of equipment. Chris Phinney said for their largest tournaments, they typically set up 139 dartboards for dart tournaments and 90 pool tables for pool tournaments. “It’s a process because you’ve got to move them all to the location, place them the correct distance apart, level the tables and get the darts hooked to the power and the internet,” Chris Phinney said. “I pack up my store, and I put up a booth there where they can find me and hope I didn’t forget anything the players need. It’s fun.” Tournaments run Thursday through Sunday, with plenty of side competitions for players who don’t make it to the finals level. “We do our big year-end one in downtown Mankato in April. We have a big darts tournament and a big pool tournament,” Chris Phinney said. “Anybody is welcome to come down and check them out.”

THE ESSENTIALS

C&N Sales

1840 Commerce Drive North Mankato, MN 56003 Phone: (507) 387-7086 Web: cnnsales.com CONNECT Business Magazine

Ashley Hanley is the news director for Radio Mankato, where she writes and delivers the news daily for seven stations across southern Minnesota. She also cohosts “The Morning Blend” on KTOE and works as a freelance writer for numerous publications in the Mankato area.

January | February 2022

Sharing the stories of the next generation, and exploring the dreams that motivate them.

What steps did you take to get to your current position?

What personal strengths do you bring to the job?

I grew up in Mankato. I went to West High School and then on to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where I played softball and majored in journalism. Literally two days after graduation I started at KEYC in Mankato as a general assignment reporter and I loved it. That was my dream job. I stayed at KEYC for five years, but then my oldest son was born. He rolled over for the first time while I was doing a newscast, and I didn’t want to miss any more. I love my job, but I love being a mom more, so I decided to be a stay-at-home mom. That lasted all of two weeks. Then KTOE asked me to be their part-time reporter. It was perfect. I could do a few stories a day for radio and still be a mom. After we found out we were expecting baby No. 2, the news director position at KTOE opened up. Babies are expensive and it was a cool opportunity, so I decided to apply. I got it and I’ve been in this position for almost two years now. I love every single moment of it.

Passion is my first strength. No matter what I do, I try to give it 110 percent. I think another strength is being from this area and my love of community. Growing up here, I’m familiar with the people and the values and the things that we take pride in. I want to tell the best stories and keep the community informed.

What drew you to journalism? I love writing, I love current events and I love history. I remember watching the news after Sept. 11. I was 10 years old, and I remember just staring at the TV. I was fascinated by how they were telling the stories. I decided then that I wanted to be a reporter. Then in college, I took some journalism classes and just absolutely fell in love with it.

What is your favorite part of your job? It’s getting to tell the stories of amazing people. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some cool people: covering President Donald Trump’s trip to Mankato, sitting in courtrooms during murder trials and honoring the memory of a fallen Marine from Waseca. I also got to go into the Vikings’ locker room after a game during training camp.

What inspires you? Family. I want my boys to be proud of their mom: proud that she can provide for them, have a job that she loves, yet still be there for them. Every day I work hard to set an example for them. Journalism gives you that opportunity because no two days are the same. You have to strive to be good each day. You can’t say, “Oh, I was good yesterday, so I can kind of slack off today.” Every day is a new opportunity to be better.

Do you have any advice for anyone who is just starting their career? Go after it and make your own opportunities. I first got acquainted with KEYC through an internship. They weren’t advertising for it

anywhere … I literally went in and said, “I want to intern with you guys, what do I need to do?” Within the day, I was hired as an intern. I didn’t get paid, but that led to my first job. Another example was at Radio Mankato. Last year the Derek Chauvin trial was up in Minneapolis and the whole world was watching. I said, “Hey, can I go up there and cover it?” And they said yes. If I hadn’t asked, I wouldn’t have gotten that opportunity. So, go after it. Create your own opportunities and don’t be afraid to dream.

Looking back, is there anything you wish you’d known before? It’s OK to say no. As a reporter in a small market, you’re always short staffed. There were times I was working 50 to 60 hours a week. Usually that meant there were big stories going on and (I) wanted to be the one to cover the big stuff. But I’ll be honest, I got burned out. Now I prioritize. I’d rather do less things better instead of doing more things kind of mediocre. It’s OK to say no, and it’s OK to put yourself and your family first.

Take out your crystal ball. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Right here. I love this community. I love my job and I love the people I work with. I love that I can be close to my family. I picture myself sitting in the bleachers, watching my little guys play football or on the robotics team.

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PRESENTED BY:

ST R ATEGI C PARTN ERS HI PS S ERI ES

Civil Engineering Seniors Explore Innovative Transportation Solutions

agreements, HyperloopTT is bringing the world to the forefront of the future of transportation. The civil engineering capstone course is designed to emulate real-world experiences students will encounter following graduation and in their careers. Students spend the first semester conducting feasibility studies, before presenting to the community in a town hall-style meeting. “It’s a pretty cool process,” shared Dr. Stephen Druschel, instructor of the capstone course and facilitator for the community projects. “This is civil engineering. These are the style of projects our graduates will work on.” Family, alumni, and community members are invited to sit in on the presentations and provide feedback for the student teams to consider. Druschel emphasized, “The students need to be challenged as if the audience is the community. Is this a good project to have in our neighborhood? Is this project going to help us? Is it worth the investment?”

As civil engineers, we are not only responsible to the client, but we are responsible for creating ideal solutions for the residents of the communities involved.” - Colton Corcoran

isualize a world where you could travel as fast as an airplane, without ever having to leave the ground. A world where two cities were interconnected like neighborhoods, and a trip from Rochester to Minneapolis was similar to that of Mankato to Saint Peter. All of this can be accomplished with a hyperloop system, and Minnesota State University, Mankato civil engineering students are studying how to bring this technology to reality in Minnesota.

Each year, Minnesota State, Mankato civil engineering seniors are tasked with tackling real-world client projects for their capstone course. This semester, one student team had the opportunity to conduct a feasibility test for a hyperloop system connecting Rochester International Airport to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. At a base level, a hyperloop is a mode of transport that includes a capsule inside a tube, moving people and objects more quickly and more safely than airplanes. Hyperloop Transportation Technologies served as the host for this student team and Maverick Engineering Hyperloop Solutions was born. With over 800 contributors, 50 corporate partners and 10 global

The capstone projects have a community focus, encouraging students to take the knowledge they have gained inside the classroom and apply it to real-life challenges. Colton Corcoran, student team lead for Maverick Engineering Hyperloop Solutions, emphasized the impact that this project has had on the learning experiences of the civil engineering seniors. “The Hyperloop project provided a unique opportunity to both use the tools and knowledge gained from coursework, as well as dive into innovative construction and transportation methods. As civil engineers, we are not only responsible to the client, but we are responsible for creating ideal solutions for the residents of the communities involved.” The student teams are looking forward to next semester, when they will present the design phase of their projects. The community is invited to participate in the presentations on April 12 and 13 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Ostrander Auditorium. Individuals are encouraged to bring their questions. If you would like more information on the Civil Engineering program or are looking to get involved with the capstone projects, please contact Druschel (Stephen.druschel@mnsu.edu).

LEARN MORE: https://link.mnsu.edu/maverickacademy 26

January | February 2022

UPCOMING TRAINING EVENTS

Trauma Across Generations: The Impact of Historical Trauma on Healthcare This training presented by Samuel Simmons and the College of Allied Health and Nursing will provide an opportunity for participants to explore the link between historical trauma and current disparities impacting health, engagement, and supportive collaboration with communities of color.

DATE: February 11th, 9:00am-12:00pm

COST: $49

Mental Health is Health: The 2022 Health and Biomedical Sciences Summit Individuals across their lifespan have experienced a range of mental health challenges that were exacerbated by the pandemic. The purpose of this Summit is to recognize the need for greater supports for mental health and provide educators and practitioners with the tools needed to improve the mental health of our communities.

DATE: March 30th, 8:30am-4:30pm

COST: $150

Thank you for trusting us to be your premier training provider over the past year. We are looking forward to providing more customized training and professional development opportunities in 2022!

DEVELOPING LEADERS | MEETING INDUSTRY NEEDS

TO SIGN UP, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://link.mnsu.edu/courses-and-programs Sessions are offered in virtual and in-person settings. Please visit our registration site for details on a specific program. 424 North Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN Phone: 507-389-1094

By Ashley Hanley Photos by Jonathan Smith

“It changes peoples’ lives,” Dr. Christopher Vaubel said. “It is incredible to see that massive transformation for a lot of our teen patients. It's an incredible boost to their self-esteem. The smile that people have as they get their braces off is what keeps us going.” Vaubel is one of three orthodontists at SMO. He co-owns the practice with Dr. Tim Swanson. Rounding out the team is Dr. Mitchell Hemann and a well-trained staff of 33 employees, who combined have more than 500 years of orthodontic experience. The doctors at SMO pride themselves on their patient-centered, science-based approach to treatment. It’s earned them a reputation for individualized care that gets results. SMO now has five offices in southern Minnesota: its original Mankato office, plus Fairmont, New Ulm, St. Peter and Waseca. Continues

January | February 2022

Dr. Timothy Swanson, Dr. Mitchell Hemann, and Dr. Christopher Vaubel.

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Transforming Southern Minnesota Smiles

Chelsey Schmidt, business owner and community volunteer. She’s a satisfied Jensen Motors customer, with a 2018 GMC Terrain.

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January | February 2022

A History of Dedicated Service The SMO story began with founder Dr. Bernie Powers in 1958. Powers established the original Mankato office and was joined by Drs. Owen Germundson and John Kanyusik. As the practice matured, it went through a series of transitions. In the early 1980s, Powers retired and Dr. Carlin Wiemers took his place. Germundson retired next and was replaced by Dr. Lisa Runk. As the second wave of doctors ended their tenures, SMO’s current orthodontists joined the practice. Runk’s retirement made way for Swanson to join the business. Then Kanyusik retired and Vaubel took his spot. The last change in the practice was Weimers’ August 2021 retirement, which allowed SMO to welcome its newest member, Hemann. “The history is important,” Vaubel said. “I meet many new patients and mom or dad will often tell me, ‘I had braces with Dr. Germundson,’ or, ‘I had braces with Dr. Kanyusik.’ Some young patients will come with their grandparents, who were patients with Dr. Powers. It’s really cool to meet people who are third-generation patients at our office.” Both Swanson and Vaubel agree their road to success was paved by the dedication and long service of those who came before them. They credit their predecessors with creating a unique culture and a reputation for excellence that remains a key part of the business today. Vaubel believes it’s the secret of SMO’s long-standing success. “It’s the culture of the office and the patients that we have. They really built the reputation of taking excellent care of their patients and (doing) quality work. These doctors set the foundation for us,” Vaubel said. SMO’s current owners took somewhat unorthodox paths to becoming orthodontists. Vaubel’s first encounter with SMO was as a teenage patient. He’s now come full circle, making the journey from patient to orthodontist and business owner. “I never planned to go to dental school. I actually started in a different career, and I realized that a lot of my friends were doing more interesting things,” Vaubel said. “So, I switched my career and I applied to dental school at the University of Minnesota, and I did dental training there. But I always knew that I wanted to come back to southern Minnesota. I grew up here. I farm with my dad in Mapleton, and I wanted to do that, too. So it just happened to work out that I was able to join them (SMO) at the time as a doctor.” Vaubel’s career choices have earned him a unique title: orthodontist and farmer. Swanson also followed a nontraditional path that took him around the world, then back to Minnesota. “I am originally from Austin, Minnesota, but my parents moved when I was in middle school to the central valley of California,” Swanson said. “So I went to dental school at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, and then I joined the military to help pay for my education. I was an Army Dental Corps officer, and I did specialty training with the military at Wilford Hall Medical Center, which at the time was the Air Force’s flagship hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Then I worked in Germany. Ultimately, when I looked at options after the military, I saw options back in Minnesota, so I guess I kind of came full circle, too.” Both men enjoy the work-life balance that comes with their chosen

Southern Minnesota Orthodontics | Mankato profession and life in southern Minnesota. “I became interested in dentistry because I thought it would be a great profession: work with your hands, work with people,” Swanson said. “It seemed like a good quality of life, free time and family time balance. So I said, ‘Yeah, I’m going to try for dentistry.’ I hadn’t even thought about orthodontics until I spent a little more time as a general dentist and had some opportunities to do some orthodontics in my military experience. The rest, as they say, is history.” Hemann, the third orthodontist in SMO’s trio, is a native of Kasson, Minnesota. He attended the University of Minnesota, then went on to do specialty training at the University of Iowa. It was his Iowa education that provided a connection to Weimers and drew him to SMO. While the three doctors took different paths to SMO, they now share the common dream and privilege of working in a place that has created thousands of beautiful smiles. Evidence-Based, Personalized Care While SMO provides personal and professional care to a wide audience, its services are as unique as the patients themselves. No matter the time frame, no matter the patient, Swanson said the mission remains the same. “It is that personalized, individualized treatment for every single patient,” Swanson said. “We spend a lot of time making sure our treatment is appropriate, and we utilize the most advanced technology.

We have 3D imaging and intraoral scanners. It’s ultimately based on years and years and years of science and research in the profession. It’s evidence-based care.” SMO is dedicated to making the orthodontic experience comfortable, stress free and rewarding for its patients. As a result, the perception and acceptance of the orthodontic experience has improved for even some of its toughest patients. “Modern technology has improved the braces experience for sure,” Swanson said. “They’re definitely way more accessible for people than they were, you know, 30 years ago.” SMO’s approach to oral health is grounded in evidence-based science and research. The doctors strive to stay at the forefront of changes in the orthodontics industry. New techniques and technologies are evaluated carefully before they are adopted. Sometimes this means combatting the allure of quick fixes. “The new challenge for us is educating our patients on the specialty care that we provide — in that we have an individualized, specialized, personalized treatment for every patient — and then educating them on the differences (between) what we do versus this do-ityourself kit that people can buy online or at mall kiosks,” Swanson said. “That message is that we are providing the best individualized care — and (we need) to get that message to people.” Another challenge is motivating patients to help themselves. Orthodontics work is a two-way street that relies on the patient’s effort. Patient diligence really pays off, so providing motivation is critical.

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Transforming Southern Minnesota Smiles “It’s different for each patient,” Swanson said. “We look into things like, ‘What motivates that little guy or that little girl or that older guy or that older girl?’ We have adults and adolescents in treatment, and it has to be a team effort. That can be challenging, but (it can) also be rewarding, too, when you figure out a way. Like you’ve got this kid who is brushing better, he’s wearing his rubber bands, that’s great. “What sets us apart is that specialized treatment for every patient we see.” A Focus on Specialty Care Orthodontic work is highly skilled, specialized treatment. It requires four years of dental school to earn a doctor of dental surgery degree, then an additional two to three years of specialty training in orthodontics. The learning never stops, with continuing education courses in leading-edge technologies and treatment techniques required throughout their careers. “We chose to limit our practice to specialty care and really focus on that training,” Vaubel said. “It took 10 years of education beyond high school. So many people don’t realize that there is a difference between regular dental care and specialty care. It’s a service that we can provide.” While orthodontists are trained in general dental practice, as well as their specialty training for orthodontics, they know healthy teeth require a collaborative effort between all dental professionals. “Our general dental colleagues do a great job,” Swanson said. “In this region and in the United States, we set the standard for the world. I don’t think anywhere else is as high as it is in the United States.” “We are very fortunate in this area that we have such good oral care. Mankato is really the regional center for specialty dental care. We provide our treatment along with all of the other dental specialists in the area when our patients need that extra care,” Vaubel said. SMO’s signature services include traditional braces and clear aligner treatments to straighten the teeth of children, teen and adult patients. It also works closely with oral surgeons to provide surgical orthodontic care to correct misaligned jaw structure to improve function. Many of its patients are referred for treatment by their primary care dentists; however, a referral is not required to see SMO’s orthodontists for a smile evaluation. The orthodontic process typically takes between one and three years to complete. “The final result is super rewarding. I still just love to see that. Patients, when they start, they’ve got this crowding. Then you start to see those teeth moving,” Swanson said. “It’s so rewarding to see that transformation. Sometimes it is hard to get kids to open up and smile or buy into the work that we’re trying to do. But once they see that final result, it is extremely rewarding. And they can see those results since we take a before and after picture.” “Seeing the results that people get the day they get their braces off is such an experience. When we take the braces off and they look at it for the first time, (it) is such an amazing experience for them,” Vaubel said. But the results at the end of the road aren’t the only things keeping smiles on the doctors’ faces. “I also like the interaction with patients all throughout their 32

January | February 2022

Dental assistant, Jessie, making a digital scan of the patient’s teeth to create a virtual 3D model.

treatment and learning about what they’re doing and what’s going on in their lives and just meeting all of the interesting patients and people along the way,” Vaubel said. SMO’s clients come in all ages. The doctors believe it’s never too late to invest in your smile. After all, the results of orthodontic care last a lifetime. Though it is considered specialty care, it is available and accessible to everyone. To ensure that, SMO offers family-friendly financing. “Orthodontics can be affordable for most people,” Vaubel said. “Anyone is welcomed for a free visual exam at any time.” Navigating the Pandemic SMO’s strong foundation, large client base and loyal employees helped it navigate the unanticipated challenges of the last two pandemic years. Dental services for the most part were not considered essential during this time. Vaubel said the team had to overcome a lot, both as individuals and as a business. This was especially true when government mandates forced dental offices in Minnesota to close for approximately eight weeks during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “For us, what became essential was if we had a patient that had something that was poking, or sticking through and causing discomfort,” Vaubel said. “In those situations, we could see them. Otherwise, we were mandated to close our doors by the government.” The SMO team made the most of the situation, using the closure period to stay on top of the latest medical advice and requirements. “The way we survived it was by reading as much information as possible. It was continually changing,” Swanson said. “A lot of my friends said, ‘Wow, you must have loved your eight weeks off.’ I told them they were actually the worst eight weeks ever. Also, when we were shut down, they told us: ‘Make sure you give all of your personal protective equipment to the local hospitals, because they need it.’ So one big hurdle for us and the dental community at large was how to reopen at short notice with limited PPE supply.” Though SMO was temporarily closed, it needed to remain constantly prepared to reopen so staff would be ready when it received the green light to open once again. The preparation paid off.

Southern Minnesota Orthodontics | Mankato “The next challenge was when the governor said on a Friday that we could open on a Monday,” Vaubel said. “How quickly could we reopen for our patients that needed us? Fortunately, we had tried to plan so we could open our doors in a timely manner, see our patients and get them back going.” From a business standpoint, the doctors also had concerns about how to keep themselves, their employees and their patients safe when they returned to work with a virus raging. “Would my family get sick? Would I get sick from looking into my patients’ mouths?” Vaubel said. “None of that was clear to us at the time, and fortunately none of that was true. So, I was trying to stay informed and on top of information and forecast what was going to happen next. That’s what kept us going. And thankfully we were able to open in a timely fashion as soon as the governor said we could.” Fortunately, many of the safety measures and other pandemic best practices that were new to other industries were already a standard part of SMO’s business; the dental industry has always made disease control a priority. “In our lifetime, the dental industry learned to control diseases like HIV and AIDS. That was in the late ‘80s, early ‘90s of dentistry,” Swanson said. “Fortunately, that worked out well, and we’ve been able to continue to provide the best care possible for our patients during a pandemic.” These disease control measures kept COVID infections low at dental practices throughout the U.S. “As far as infection control goes, the dental industry has been great,” Vaubel said. “There have really been very little documented cases of COVID transmission in the dental industry. So many of the infection control measures were things we were already doing, so we didn’t need to change as far as that goes. Dentists have been experts at managing infection control.” Today SMO is open but still navigating the effects of the pandemic. “Even heading into winter 2021, our patients’ lives were so inconsistent and chaotic, especially with our school-aged patients,” Swanson said. “We did the best we could to be flexible and accommodating for people that needed to reschedule appointments at the last minute or if we have patients who had to cancel appointments or quarantine. We’re still affected by that today.” Despite facing unprecedented challenges, the SMO orthodontists are grateful for the many positives that have arisen out of these tough times. “Our patients have been awesome and very understanding. I would say it is about as positive experience as you can get,” Vaubel said.

WISHING YOU SUCCESS

IN 2022

FROM THE WEALTH MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS TEAM

(507) 625 - 9050 1930 Premier Drive Mankato, MN 56001

THE ESSENTIALS

Southern Minnesota Orthodontics 1545 Adams St. Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: (507) 388-2989 Web: smnortho.com

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WORKFORCE EDUCATION THAT WORKS FOR YOU

a wide selection of online courses and non-credit certificates to meet individual needs.

According to an IBM CEO study, 100% of today’s jobs will change. Yes, 100%. And half of those jobs will be automated within five years, according to the World Economic Forum. That will radically change who does (and how they do) the work. Add to that an Australian study that estimates the average professional worker will have 17 jobs across five industries over their careers, and it becomes clear that continuing education and upskilling throughout one’s career is not only beneficial – it’s necessary to keep up with today’s rapidly evolving workplace. Enter South Central College (SCC) Customized Workforce Education, formerly known as the Center for Business & Industry. The new name embodies what the department offers – continuing education and industry certifications, customized training for businesses, employee skills training, and personal and professional development for individuals in the community. With today’s fast-paced world in mind, SCC Customized Workforce Education offers a variety of training options to fit the needs of working professionals. One such option is a live online course, which utilizes Zoom and high-quality expert instructors to facilitate live trainings in a virtual classroom. Although the recent pandemic has generated what some refer to as “Zoom fatigue,” SCC has been offering live online workforce education courses since well before the Zoom boom. Starting in 2016, SCC established a cohort of Minnesota State colleges to collaboratively develop and offer live online skills courses in order to make

Dani, an employee at Wyoming Machine in Stacy, MN, attends a live online class from the shop floor through SCC’s statewide collaboration.

training convenient, affordable, and efficient for employers and professionals across the state. Through this partnership, more than 1,000 employees from hundreds of Minnesota-based companies have been trained in skills related to their industry, from manufacturing and trades to data analysis and leadership. MnDOT District 7 is a prime example of how employers can utilize SCC’s non-credit live online courses to train their workforce. “Working with SCC during COVID has been so advantageous,” said Kristin Underwood, MnDOT Training & Development Specialist. “In District 7, we have 300+ employees all over southwestern Minnesota. SCC offering virtual classes has been great for meeting both our learning and geographical needs during such an uncertain time. Our employees are even starting to prefer the flexibility of live online classes—which is a huge culture shift for us and opens up so many possibilities in the future!” In addition to live online courses, SCC Customized Workforce Education offers

One exciting new online offering that’s rolling out this spring semester is a non-credit to credit pathway in the Office Administration and Technology (OTEC) program at South Central College. Companies can register employees or individuals can register themselves as non-degree seeking students through SCC Customized Workforce Education to take online OTEC courses, starting with computer technology and/or Microsoft Excel. Students who complete the course will earn credit for prior learning for each 16-week course they take, meaning they’ll already have three to four credits per course under their belt if they ever decide to apply to SCC and work toward the 17-credit Administrative Office Specialist Business Software certificate. Another recent addition to SCC’s continuing education online offerings stems from a partnership with the Learning Resources Network (LERN), the world’s largest association in continuing education and lifelong learning. LERN online certificates and courses are developed and taught by industry experts in high-demand fields like business, marketing, management, data science, and technology. The skills training provided through these non-credit certificates not only leads to more opportunities and career advancement for the learners, but it can also increase efficiency and productivity for their employers. SCC Customized Workforce Education welcomes all professionals and adult learners in southern Minnesota to learn a new skill or advance their career through continuing education courses.

Learn more:

southcentral.edu/workforce

Customized Workforce Education UPCOMING WORKFORCE TRAININGS New Supervisor Skills Workshop Develop the leadership skills you need to transition into a supervisor role in this 16-hour live online training workshop. Whether you've recently moved into a supervisor role, you've been in the role for a while and want to improve your skills, or you want to prepare for a future supervisor role, this training is for you. Learn how to transition from peer to supervisor, set expectations, assign and delegate work, resolve conflict and provide feedback in a way that supports and motivates your team to be their best. You'll also discover and build on your personal strengths, influence, and leadership style through assessments and activities.

4 weeks – Wednesdays, February 2-23, 8am-Noon Live Online (Zoom) | Cost: $349

MN All License Boiler Operator Exam Prep Learn everything you need to know to pass your boiler license exam from an expert instructor with 30+ years of experience, without leaving home or the workplace! Our live online Boiler Operator Exam Prep class will ensure your success on the licensing exam required by the Department of Labor – no matter which license you’re working toward. Downloadable study materials and practice tests will be provided during class to ensure your success.

Saturday, February 19, 8:30am-3:30pm Live Online (Zoom) | Cost: $225

Online Certificate in Data Analysis Data Analysis is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after skills in the workplace. Companies have vast amounts of data, but it is rare to have someone with the ability to analyze that data to see trends and make predictions. Add a whole new skill set to your portfolio and make a big difference in the success of your organization by acquiring data analysis skills. Whether your business is home based or a large company, this online certificate will take you to the next level where important decision-making is concerned.

February 27 – April 29 Online (24/7 Access) | Cost: $495

Customized Workforce Education to Meet Industry Needs 1920 Lee Blvd., North Mankato, MN | 507-389-7203 Learn more and sign up: southcentral.edu/workforce An affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator. This material can be made available in alternative formats by contacting the Academic Support Center at 507-389-7222 or ds@southcentral.edu.

southcentral.edu/workforce

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CONNECTING BACK 5 YEARS AGO

JAN/FEB 2017 Todd Riemann, CEO of MTU Onsite Energy, was Connect Business Magazine Business Person of the Year five years ago. Runners-up were Andy Nessler, of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Mankato, and Dr. Cuong Huynh, of Discover Chiropractic in Mankato.

10 YEARS AGO

JAN/FEB 2012 In 2012, Dan and Angie Bastian shared the title of Connect Business Magazine Business Person of the Year. Runners-up that year were Brian Maciej, of Lime Valley Advertising, and Brian Eckles, of Blue Earthbased BEVCOMM.

15 YEARS AGO

JAN/FEB 2007 Roxie Mell-Brandts, co-owner of Jensen Transport, graced our cover as the 2007 Business Person of the Year. Runners-up were Tom Fallenstein of what was then known as Costumes Galore, but a company now known worldwide as Fun.com, and Todd Snell, of Snell Motors.

20 YEARS AGO

JAN/FEB 2002 Deb Flemming, of The Free Press, was the cover story this issue. Also featured were United Spray Systems of Le Sueur and Fairmont Artificial Breeders of Fairmont. 36

January | February 2022

HOT STARTZ! GAYLORD

DEVELOP YOUR WORKFORCE

WITH GREATER MANKATO GROWTH PROGRAMS

Brick House Meats Will Sampson and Jacob Brandt are dairy farmers, fast friends and business partners, running Five Star Dairy and Sunrise Dairy in Gaylord together. They recently pooled their resources to start a whole new business venture: Brick House Meats. “Last year during the pandemic, everyone was calling us for hamburger and we said, well, we can’t really do that. But then we got a weird idea: Hey, we should buy the meat market!” Sampson said. Brick House Meats opened in Gaylord in December 2020, and Sampson and Brandt set to work learning the butcher shop business. “It’s been going good,” Sampson said. “We’ve kept the old clientele and are drawing in new customers with new products, and different types of brats and summer sausages.” In addition to standard cuts of fresh beef, pork and poultry, Brick House Meats’ specialties include the popular Pinske burger, sausages and pepper sticks. Crowd pleasers include hot sandwich options, such as pulled pork, and meat and cheese trays. They also offer full-service custom processing and smoking. The Gaylord meat shop is a community institution, operating for decades as Pinske’s Meat Market and then as Lang’s Meat Market before Sampson and Brandt stepped in. “It was the oldest and longest-running business in Gaylord,” Sampson said. “We knew going into it the facility was old, and we wanted to upgrade it aesthetically so we started remodeling with the retail section, and we’re just going to keep working our way through remodeling the whole facility. Eventually, we’d like to expand.” The pair felt the city needed an independent meat market, especially with many meat markets no longer processing meats for farmers. The community agrees and keeps the store, and its four-person staff, busy as customers pour in from Sibley County and beyond. “Everyone has just been tickled pink that the meat market stayed open and the old Pinske recipes are coming back. ...The community outreach has been great,” Sampson said. Brick House Meats 409 Sibley Ave. Phone: (507) 237-2350 Facebook: @brickhousemeats

This program provides professionals (age 21 to 40) with opportunities to make new connections and get familiarized with the amenities available in Greater Mankato. With its one social and one professional development event each month, this is a great way for employers to attract and retain talent.

For nearly 40 years, this has been the premier leadership development training program in Greater Mankato. From September to May each year, in 1 to 2 full-day monthly sessions, including an overnight in St. Paul, attendees are presented with a variety of opportunities to further develop their leadership skills necessary to take their career and organization to the next level.

A Community Navigator is a super-connector with a robust network and knowledge of Greater Mankato. As a personal guide, they help new community members meet people with similar interests and get plugged into Greater Mankato. The program was developed to contribute to to the success of attracting and retaining newcomers to the area.

This program provides a professionally-facilitated, confidential and trusting two-hour environment for executive-level leaders to give and receive the benefit of their experiences to help resolve business challenges. Monthly participation allows leaders to make better strategic decisions, focus on the right things, improve communication, and build long-term relationships.

Professional Development Series is an opportunity for the business community to participate in a series of workshops focusing on leadership training. Each series typically consists of 3 - 4 workshops focusing on topics necessary to build upon one’s leadership skills as they boost their career to a whole new level.

greatermankato.com/programs

HOT STARTZ!

LAKE CRYSTAL

Arcadium Tattoo Patrick Marshall and Cynthia Marshall have lived in more places than many people visit in a lifetime. Both children of military families, they met in high school in England, then continued on their independent orbits to other foreign places — only to find each other once more in Minnesota. “The tattoo on my knuckles says homesick. I never had anywhere I really truly called home,” Patrick Marshall said. “I’ve been in Minnesota for 12 years, so I think I’m a Minnesotan now.” The Marshalls married in 2020 and found the perfect place to call home in Lake Crystal. “We fell in love with a Victorian house and couldn’t not have it,” Cynthia Marshall said. In June 2021 they opened Arcadium Tattoo on Lake Crystal’s Main Street, where they provide custom tattoo work in a friendly, welcoming environment. Cynthia Marshall manages the shop’s bookings and business details while Patrick Marshall provides experience, vision and artistic talent. “Patrick does the heavy lifting with the tattooing and I chat with people when they come in, book their appointments and help them suss out ideas,” Cynthia Marshall said. Patrick Marshall is an award-winning tattooist with more than 10 years of experience. He said most of his customers come armed with photos and ideas, which he converts into a design, sometimes drawing them on his clients’ arms with Sharpies to give them a feel for how the finished work might look. “I’m a contract artist and I do custom work ... I’ve tattooed people

from ages 18 to 90. The oldest client I’ve had was 90, and he got a portrait of his wife and a portrait of his dog,” Patrick Marshall said. “The biggest thing for me is I want the customer to leave happy. And I’m willing to work with them until they do.” It didn’t take long for word of the new business to get out. Arcadium Tattoo is now booking appointments six months in advance. As Patrick Marshall observed: “When you make one person happy, they tell a lot more.” Arcadium Tattoo 125 S. Main St. Phone: (507) 726-2036 Web: arcadiumtattoo.com

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January | February 2022

HotStartz, To be considered for Hot Startz,tell tellus usabout aboutaanew newbusiness businessor ornew newprofessional professionalin inthe thearea areaby byemailing emailingeditor@connectbiz.com. editor@connectbiz.com.

MOUNTAIN LAKE

Botanist When the pandemic shut down the Twin Cities and remote work became an option, Adam Bryant and Karina Bryant moved to Mountain Lake, Karina Bryant’s hometown. There was just one problem. “There are two things that we really like,” Karina Bryant said. “I love craft beer and Adam loves fresh cocktails. So, we found ourselves consistently driving to Sioux Falls and Minneapolis to get libations.” To solve their dilemma, the Bryants opened the Botanist in July 2021. Built in a beautifully restored old bank building in downtown Mountain Lake, the Botanist celebrates the science and art of mixology. Karina Bryant is the bar’s owner, while Adam Bryant is her self-described and willing slave and chief mixologist. “I’m more of a chemist mixologist, so I view every drink as an equation in balance,” Adam Bryant said. “What you want is a cocktail that’s nuanced and complex, that not only looks great, but tastes great. It’s a balancing act.” Adam Bryant’s passion for a well-made cocktail inspires the Botanist’s cocktail menu and monthly specials. It contains a mix of classic, pre-prohibition cocktails and seasonally inspired concoctions. The Botanist also serves excellent local beers, mocktails and milkshakes. Milkshakes? Yes, indeed. Milkshakes that will satisfy your every childhood dream, with flavors that include strawberry unicorn, Snickers chocolate and vanilla supreme. “I wanted a nonalcoholic option that not only tasted wonderful but looked beautiful when I set it in front of you,” Karina Bryant said. The Botanist’s food menu features a selection of small plates and

appetizers made with locally and internationally sourced ingredients, such as Bavarian pretzels, woodfired pizza and chocolate truffles. Although it’s only open on Friday and Saturday evenings and for special events, the Botanist has already attracted quite a following. “It is going incredibly well,” Karina Bryant said. “We’ve been really, really, really busy and at least one night a weekend we’re standing room only.” Stay tuned. The Bryants have big plans for the Botanist’s future, including adding a wine cellar and a basement speakeasy. Botanist 302 10th St. N. Phone: (970) 235-0250 Web: thebotanistbar.com

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GREENSEAM: SOLVING COMPLEX ISSUES IN THE REGION What does it mean to be a part of the GreenSeam?

The GreenSeam region, made up of counties in southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa, is the home to many innovators on the farm, factories, and educational institutions all solving food and fiber production challenges. Their combined effort supplies the rest of the world with these life support materials.

What is unique about the GreenSeam region? Many years ago, early in my career providing automation solutions to the agriculture industry and before GreenSeam was formed, I was at an agronomy trade show in Dallas, TX. As I browsed the floor map consisting of over 100 booths, I realized that over 70% of them represented companies based in Minnesota! These companies were mainly innovators and solution providers for this important part of the agricultural inputs industry. I find this to be very unique about this region and it is also true for other sectors of our diverse agriculture industry that is constantly growing in the GreenSeam.

How does GreenSeam, the organization, shape the future of agriculture, businesses, and communities in the region? GreenSeam connects all the different ag innovators, industry sectors, communities, educational institutions, government departments, investors, and food production companies into a unified organization. GreenSeam works on the challenges facing the agriculture industry and its efforts benefit everyone who lives and works in the GreenSeam region. These challenges can be overcome only through collaboration and GreenSeam is the catalyst for those interactions.

Wayne Kahler

Kahler Automation

What brings you and Kahler Automation to the GreenSeam table?

Wayne Kahler, Founder and Chairman of the Board for Kahler Automation Corporation, is a life-time resident of Fairmont, Minnesota. He has spent his life’s work supplying electrical and automation solutions to agricultural operations in rural America.

As a company that provides automation solutions to the agriculture industry, Kahler Automation is honored to be a part of the GreenSeam organization and we appreciate the work being done to solve issues facing agriculture, food production, and our unique rural life style we all enjoy here in the GreenSeam.

As a volunteer on GreenSeam’s Board of Governors, Kahler is very excited about projects and campaigns in the educational field, helping students become more aware of the interesting ag industry career opportunities and many high-tech employment positions constantly opening in the GreenSeam region.

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE, BUSINESS, AND COMMUNITIES IN THE REGION.

ELEVATING OUR REGION

AS THE WORLD-CLASS FOOD AND AGRIBUSINESS EPICENTER

GreenSeam is committed to the long-term prosperity of southern Minnesota and northern Iowa by strengthening collaborations and partnerships, growing businesses and their workforces, as well as the communities they call home.

You are GreenSeam. Connect with us to find out how we can help support the growth of your idea, business, or workforce.

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GROUNDBREAKER

Highlighting our region’s Ag and Food Production Industries

Pictured from left to right: John Arnold, Brent Mueller, Patrick Arnold and Peter Arnold

The Arnold Companies Providing Precision Farm Equipment, Premium Service to the GreenSeam The Arnold Companies, through all its incarnations, has always been a family business. Its story spans four generations and begins in 1904 with Francis Dingman. Dingman owned two businesses in Kimball, Minnesota. One was a hardware store that also sold farm equipment for the International Harvester Company. The other was a mortuary. Dingman’s nephews – Eugene, Cyril and Philip Arnold – were all trained funeral directors. When the three brothers returned from service following World War II, they joined their uncle’s business.

But eventually the business proved too small to support four growing families and they parted ways. The Dingman family continued in the mortuary business, evolving to become Williams Dingman Family Funeral Homes, which is still going strong today. The Arnold brothers all stayed in the farm implement business, opening independent locations in Kimball, St. Cloud and Janesville. Their sons and grandsons followed them into the business. Three generations and 117 years later, Arnold Companies has changed in many ways. With 260 employees and seven locations, it’s now a dominant force in central Minnesota’s agricultural sector. Its footprint stretches across 12 counties and 6 million acres of farmland, with facilities in Alden, Glencoe, Kimball, North Mankato, St. Martin, St. Cloud and Willmar. The equipment that fills the Arnold lots are high-tech machines that help farmers achieve crop yields the original Arnold brothers

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GROUNDBREAKER

Highlighting our region’s Ag and Food Production Industries

could only have dreamed of. While it’s still a Case IH (International Harvester) dealer, it’s added other brands like CLAAS and Kubota to its offerings, and expanded its customer base to include the light construction and consumer markets. But much remains the same. Arnold’s is still very much a family business. It’s currently owned by John Arnold and Peter Arnold. Patrick Arnold, Sean Arnold and Philip Arnold represent the third Arnold generation in the business. “It’s a family legacy and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Patrick Arnold said. “I’m very lucky to have this opportunity.” Patrick Arnold is an assistant sales director at Arnold’s of Mankato. He works hand in hand with sales director Brent Mueller. Both share a passion for the ag equipment industry. “My passion is agriculture. I like supporting farmers. I like the industry. I like the fact that every day is different,” Mueller said. “We view these farmers as business partners. Because if they are not successful, we don’t exist. So our job is to partner with them and make them more successful. The reward, hopefully, is that we’ll be successful, too.” Bigger, Faster, Better One of the agriculture trends that impacts Arnold’s business is the ongoing consolidation of farms. The USDA surveyed producers who sold more than $1,000 worth of goods in 2017. It included farms of all sizes and types. The results show the number of Minnesota farms is dwindling, with an estimated 68,822 in 2017, a 15 percent decrease from 80,992 farms in 2007. At the same time, the average size of farms is on the rise. The same survey revealed a 10 percent increase in farm size over the previous decade. “It’s all about economies of scale,” Mueller said. “In order to keep pace, farmers almost have to get bigger from an equipment and footprint standpoint because the input costs, whether it’s the price of land, seed or fuel, continue to rise. The only way to mitigate that is to try to get more efficient.” Arnold’s own consolidation mirrors those trends. By pooling the resources and experience of its seven locations into one 42

January | February 2022

corporate entity, it serves its customers better while remaining easily accessible throughout Minnesota’s GreenSeam. “We’re a locally owned, family business,” Mueller said. “We’re large, so we are able to use economies of scale to service the whole spectrum from consumer products all the way through to the very large ag producers. We’re also able to be nimble and reach fast decisions with just a quick phone call to ownership. I think that sets us apart.” Of course, fewer farms translate to fewer equipment sales for Arnold’s. Fortunately, it also means a growing demand for larger, more complex systems that are designed to increase productivity and efficiency. To provide some perspective, Mueller says it would require 10 combines from the ‘70s to equal the capacity of just one of today’s combines. They may be expensive (most start at $500,000), but they’re a must for large farm operations. “We’re feeding more people with less and less. A lot of that is technology driven,” Mueller said. “The vast majority of farmers are utilizing some form of precision agriculture. You can plant 90 feet of corn at a time going 10 mph at an accurate depth of plus or minus ¼ inch and put three different forms of fertilizer on at the same time. That was unheard of even 10 years ago. Backpedal to the ‘90s, when you were only covering 30 feet at 3 mph and typically all

you were doing was planting seed. So yes, we’re getting more efficient.” With Minnesota’s short planting and harvest windows, efficiency is essential. That’s where Arnold’s comes in. It specializes in high-tech equipment that can perform multiple functions fast. Precision farming has also become a critical component in farm efficiency over the last decade. It’s a strategic approach to farming that optimizes planting, harvesting and soil management to improve crop performance. “They take a prescription map and they load it for the farmer. And then the machine does it all on its own based on GPS. If I’m planting corn, over the hills we’ll plant less seeds, but in the valleys we’ll plant more. It can also vary the rate of the fertilizer,” Mueller said. The key ingredient in precision farming is data collection and management, a common feature in modern agricultural equipment. Arnold’s has seven precision farming specialists on staff. They partner with customers and agronomists to develop a customized plan that fits each farm’s unique requirements. “Farmers are asked to do a lot on the technology side. They track a ton of data,” Patrick Arnold said. “It’s not just yields. They’re tracking how much fertilizer they’re using, soil moisture and other data. They have to be able to understand and interpret

Modern agriculture takes advantage of all of the latest technologies.

Jane Laskey EDITOR

all that data to help them grow a good crop every year. Their data management skills and technology skills are very impressive.” At harvest time, precision farming methods allow the farmer to gather precise yield data, which will be used the following season to customize their planting prescription. “It will calculate yield per square all the way down the field. They take that, analyze it and then the next spring they can tweak their plan,” Mueller said. “All of this is stored in the Cloud, and it’s accessible by the farmer.” Once its customers are in the field, Arnold’s concentrates on keeping them there. Its parts and service team keeps equipment well maintained and running smoothly. If problems arise, service personnel are available when farmers need them. Each location also maintains a large parts inventory, with several million dollars’ worth of parts in its Mankato location alone. This helps reduce wait time when equipment is being serviced and gets customers up and running quickly. “We provide premium support,” Mueller said. “Whether that’s maintaining millions of dollars of parts or having enough technicians to support our customers at critical times and attempt to keep our people from burning out. We have 50 employees in Mankato alone.” Arnold’s philosophy has kept it growing for more than a century; Mueller said plans for a future expansion are in the works. “We’re committed to remaining a family business,” Patrick Arnold said. “We love the industry we’re in and we’re not going anywhere.”

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Arnold’s of Mankato 1715 Howard Drive Mankato, MN 56003 Phone: (507) 387-5515 Web: arnoldsinc.com

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Luke Hoff and Tracy Mickley.

January | February 2022

By Jane Laskey Photos by Jonathan Smith

At first glance, Midwest Knifemakers Supply appears to be just another industrial building, one of many manufacturing facilities that fill Mankato's Third Avenue industrial park. But to passionate knifemakers all around the world, it might as well be Santa's toy shop, filled to the brim with materials, tools and inspiration. "We don't make knives here, and we don't sell completed knives. We sell raw materials, semifinished parts and finished parts that would go into a knife or cutlery of literally any kind you can think of," Tracy Mickley said. Mickley is the founder and co-owner of Midwest Knifemakers Supply along with his wife, Lora Mickley. He started MKS 16 years ago, working out of the garage of their family home. In a few years, his part-time hobby became a booming online business. It serves a growing population of blademakers around the globe. Continues

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A Knifemaker’s Paradise WHERE YOUR POLICY COMES WITH AN AGENT

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“My best guess is there are 20,000 full-time knifemakers in the U.S. alone,” Mickley said. “All they do is make custom knives. They sell it any way they can, whether it’s through social media, a knife show, word of mouth, or at a farmers market. There are people that earn $100 a knife and people that earn $20,000 a knife. It is a very hidden, unique market that you wouldn’t know anything about unless you are really into knife collecting. It’s a real niche.” Today MKS is one of the top suppliers of knifemaking materials in the world. Although based in the U.S., its customer base is global. The passion for crafting blades knows no boundaries, and demand is high in Italy, Brazil, South Africa and many other countries. “We ship anywhere from 75 to 100 boxes out every day, five days a week, and we sell all over the world,” Mickley said. Business is Up, Up, Up Business has only increased in the past two years as the pandemic left people looking for ways to fill their time at home or a side hustle to earn extra income. “Demand exploded. The more the sanctions and mandates came on, the busier we got,” Mickley said. “We were so busy a year ago; it was hard to keep up. It’s still hard to keep up. It should be phenomenally difficult to match last year’s numbers, but we are. We’re having literally the best year we’ve ever had this year.” The popular TV show “Forged in Fire” has inspired a whole new generation of knifemaking enthusiasts and positively impacted MKS’ performance. The program first aired in 2015 and is now in its eighth season on the History Channel. In each episode, four top-notch bladesmiths compete to build a bladed weapon. “When ‘Forged in Fire’ started, we could track when they showed something on the show because the next day, we would get phone calls related to whatever it was they showed,” Mickley said. “With the popularity of that show, things just really took off.” MKS supplies many of the knifemaking materials used on the show. “When they send the knifemakers off to get materials, half that stuff is ours that we sold to them,” Mickley said. “One of the judges is a friend of mine, and I know many people that have been on that show.

Midwest Knifemakers Supply | Mankato I’ve had three phone calls asking me to be on the show, but that’s not what I want to do. I just want to come in and enjoy what I do and go home.” The “Forged in Fire” program has proven to be the gift that keeps on giving to MKS— providing a steady stream of new knifemakers and customers to the company. “It was cable’s No. 1 show for a long time, and it’s still on. Then Netflix picked it up two years ago, and we saw a whole new crowd of people coming in from watching the old shows on Netflix. That exposure coupled with COVID keeping people at home resulted in 20 to 30 percent increases in business year –over year,” Mickley said. “We’re a 15-year-old business that would typically see a 3 percent increase. But we’re running 20, 30, 40 percent higher year over year.”

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A gnarly stump’s wood grain patterns will be turned into beautiful knife handles.

From Hobby to Startup Mickley started making knives over 30 years ago. He was looking for a hobby when an article in Popular Mechanics magazine caught his eye. “I started with a hand file, sandpaper, and a piece of steel and a place to clamp it down. I had no idea what I was doing. So, I started researching, and I got ahold of some knifemakers who gave me some pointers,” Mickley said. “YouTube wasn’t developed back then. So you just have to knuckle down, buckle up and start. You make lots and lots of horrible, terrible knives, and you learn.” At that time, Mickley’s career was in middle management at Walmart. When a company reorganization came along, he realized it was time for a change. “I was interviewing for the job that I’d held for 25 years, a job I’d won an award CONNECT Business Magazine

A Knifemaker’s Paradise

for as the single best district manager in the company,” Mickley said. “I decided right then I would start my own business.” He explored a number of business options, looking for the right product and path. At the same time, he continued to pursue his knifemaking hobby. Then one day, Mickley realized there were thousands of other knifemakers out there who needed to get their supplies somewhere. “I really liked this particular sandpaper, so I bought a big bunch of it thinking I would just sell the extra and then I’d have some free sandpaper. One thing led to another and I started selling supplies online,” Mickley said. Those early years were busy. Mickley continued to work at Walmart by day, then devoted his evenings and weekends to packaging, shipping and promoting his knifemaking products. “I did all that for five years,” Mickley said. “My wife, Lora, saw how busy I was. She stepped in and started helping. By then, we’d taken over two garage stalls plus a

room in the basement. Then we hired some help and I had employees in my house, running from room to room.” The business soon outgrew the Mickley home, so they bought a 4,000-square-foot warehouse in North Mankato. It was bursting at the seams within a year and a half, so they purchased a new space. MKS’ current space is 12,000 square feet and is home to over 9,000 product SKUs. “We’re full, but we’re not adding anything else,” Mickley said. “We’ve put a cap on the maximum number of employees that we’re going to have here. We’ll never have more than 15. I’d rather stay small. It’s not about money at this point. It’s just about taking care of people as best we can and enjoying what we do.” Mickley’s wife and son have worked at MKS. His daughter is currently the company’s customer service manager and his son-in-law, Luke Hoff, is its general manager. “I’m fortunate that Luke came and brought Chelsea. I get to see my grand-

daughter all the time, and he’s taken over all the hard parts of the business,” Mickley said. “He’s doing a great job, and it allows me to come in and do product development and enjoy what I do.” When Hoff joined the business, one of Mickley’s requirements was that he learn knifemaking. MKS was founded on an intimate knowledge of the craft. Experience and product know-how are still what set it apart from its competitors today. “I talk to at least eight to 12 people a day asking real questions about how to make a knife. We are the face of our business. So that’s a big part of our job, making sure that we know what we’re talking about,” Hoff said. The Process MKS sells everything you need to make a knife from start to finish. This includes materials, tools, equipment and learning materials. It also manufactures some materials and equipment. “We do manufacture some products here.

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January | February 2022

Midwest Knifemakers Supply | Mankato

For example, we make different styles of quench tanks. We process tons of wood, and we make something called a mosaic for knife handles. We also make some leather sheaths,” Mickley said. “But most things we just purchase and resell. We’re a distributor. We buy in bulk, and we sell retail.” For those customers who wish to shape, forge, grind and polish their blades, MKS offers a variety of metals ranging from brass to copper to steel to titanium. “We have 30-plus different types of metal,” Mickley said. “One might be very tough and able to handle a camping environment. Another metal might hold an edge; it’s very strong but delicate, like a Japanese sushi knife. The different types of steel have different properties, and a knifemaker that knows what they’re doing will pick out the right kind of steel that matches the knife’s intended use.” Other customers may skip the time-intensive forging process, purchasing premade blanks instead. “We sell knife blades that are ground and

heat-treated already. So all you do is put a handle on it, make it look pretty and then give it away or sell it,” Mickley said. Blanks are available in dozens of shapes and sizes. There are various forms of kitchen cutlery, including standard knife sets, oyster knives and cake knives. For outdoor use, there are camping, hunting, filleting and skinning knives. Then there are the fighting blades: dirks, daggers and even fantasy combat weapons. Once the blade is completed, the focus shifts to the knife’s handle. MKS carries a wide variety of materials, colors and textures. Options include wood, carbon fiber, resin, stone, bone and metal. Various types of horns or antlers are also popular, including red stag and sambar stag. MKS is also the leading U.S. supplier of micarta, a resin laminate. New Ideas Welcome Mickley keeps his product lineup fresh, staying ahead of trends and even starting a few himself. As a result, there are always

new materials, tools and techniques to be showcased. “A lot of this stuff we just stumbled into and said, ‘Man, there’s an opportunity. We’d better jump on that.’ That’s the fun part,” Mickley said. “The entrepreneurial side of building a business is 10 times more fun than the maintenance, day-to-day operations of the business.” “That’s why I get that side,” Hoff said with a laugh. Mickley agrees: “That’s why he gets that side, and I get the entrepreneurial side. He gets to make my dreams come true.” Mickley and Hoff keep an eye on trends, and an ear open to feedback from their customers and fellow knifemaking enthusiasts. In addition, they attend knife shows to see the latest knife designs and products. “When we’re at these shows, that’s where our heads are at. We’re looking for trends, for what’s on the tables and on the knives,” Hoff said. Mickley’s focus is now on product research

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A Knifemaker’s Paradise and development. One of MKS’ success stories is a clip-on thumb stud product developed for the Buck 110 folding knife. It has sold tens of thousands of this wholesale product alone. In 2021 he added new CNC plasma grinder products. “Tracy’s always got a new idea on the horizon. If you don’t figure out what’s next, you fall behind,” Hoff said. “We both learned in retail – Tracy did it for 40 years, and I did it for 13. We’re not going to sell the same things today as we will in 10 years. We won’t be in business if we do.” Currently, Mickley is exploring wood carving knives and chisels as he considers adding them to MKS’ offerings. “I’d say it’s the next wave,” Mickley said. “There’s some whittling and carving knives on my bench that I’m experimenting with right now.” New Opportunities As A Third-Party Supplier MKS’ website, usaknifemaker.com, is its primary online store. But the business

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is venturing further and further into third-party supplier relationships. “A couple of years ago, we started legging into third-party resellers, specifically with Amazon. It’s now anywhere from 10 to 15 percent of our daily business,” Mickley said. “I never saw that coming.” Third-party supplier sales are a growing part of the company’s business model, and MKS is exploring other platforms. “We have several hundred products now on Amazon. We’re now leveraging into Etsy, and we’re also starting to leg into Walmart. com,” Mickley said. “The whole third-party reseller thing is appealing. In five to 10 years, I expect we may be 100 percent third-party reseller and our website will disappear. That takes all that technology support off our hands because the website is unbelievably expensive to operate.” Still, Mickley remains cautious. He acknowledges an inherent risk in moving sales from MKS’ online store to other platforms that it can’t control. “The downside is Amazon could change

Todd Smith stitching leather sheaths.

their philosophy tomorrow and boot everyone, and then you’re destroyed,” Mickley said. “So you have to be very careful. That’s why we’re legging into being a third-party reseller slowly and pursuing a variety of platforms. We want to have at least two or three. If we lose one support platform, we have another. You’ve got to have redundancy

Midwest Knifemakers Supply in multiple channels. The business today that sticks with one channel is going to fail.” A Culture of Shared Knowledge Mickley said the culture of knifemaking is one of shared knowledge. It’s a tradition he works hard to continue, sharing knifemaking lessons on YouTube, spreading the word through social media, and building community through MKS’ online forum and guild. He’s also been published in numerous industry magazines, including Blade, Knives Illustrated, Knife World and Wood Illustrated. The Knifedogs Forum provides a place for knifemakers to ask questions, join in discussions and share project pictures. A classified section also allows forum members to buy, sell and trade materials, equipment and knives. Find it online at knifedogs.com. USA Knifemakers’ YouTube channel reaches a broader audience, teaching different techniques and skills to knifemakers of all skill levels. It has almost 8,000 subscribers and over 90 videos in its library. For those who live within driving distance of Mankato, there’s the Midwest Knifemakers Guild. It provides a space for area knifemakers to gather together and learn. MKS hosts its quarterly meetings and invites experts in various aspects of knifemaking to share their knowledge with guild members. “We helped found the guild, where guys get together and share knowledge. We have training sessions here once a quarter. So we’ll have anywhere from 30 to 60 knifemakers show up here for the weekend, and we’ll have instructors and show them different aspects of knifemaking,” Mickley said. The guild recently invited a professional forge maker, etcher and knife sharpener to lead sessions. “All of those people come in and share their knowledge, and that’s the culture of knifemaking,” Mickley said.

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Midwest Knifemakers Supply 2650 9th Ave. Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: (507) 720-6063 Web: usaknifemaker.com

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Minnesota nICE It is common to hear whistles blowing and fans cheering at MNSU’s Blakeslee Stadium, the home of Maverick Football. But in the middle of January? Now that’s a first. Such will be the case when the puck drops for Hockey Day Minnesota 2022 at the temporary outdoor ice rink sitting atop Blakeslee Field. Hockey players and fans from across the state will gather to watch, cheer, and play during the State of Hockey’s annual celebration of their favorite sport. “I love the game of hockey, and I think this is an amazing opportunity for the greater Mankato community,” said Missy Bradley, treasurer of the executive committee for the Hockey Day Minnesota Local Organizing Committee. “That’s why I got involved. What better way to showcase our community,

its people and its businesses than to attract over 15,000 spectators in one week?” You read that correctly—one week. Hockey Day Minnesota, developed in 2007 by the Minnesota Wild, was intended to be a one-day annual celebration of the sport, located in a different Minnesota city every year. In 2019, Bemidji raised the bar by hosting it as a two-day event. As the first-ever host city south of Minneapolis, Mankato will break multiple traditions by having Hockey “Day” extend from Jan. 16 to the 23. “We thought to ourselves, ‘Wouldn’t it be amazing to have every player from the local high schools and the Mankato Area Hockey Association play a game on this outdoor rink?’” Bradley said. “Since we are investing all of these resources into this event, why not involve as many community members as possible?” It costs a lot to build an outdoor 85-by200-foot ice rink, two smaller rinks, locker rooms, bleachers, heated warming areas, a jumbotron, and much more. In order to

“What better way to showcase our community, its people and its businesses than to attract over 15,000 spectators in one week?”– Missy Bradley

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