Minnesota Made Podcast

Amcon is a full-service design-build, construction management and general contracting firm founded in 1971 upon a concept of complete construction services – a concept of coordinating the entire building process into a cost effective, time efficient and seamless project. Amcon's greatest asset is client satisfaction. Amcon's method of delivery and approach to fulfilling the objectives of every project is accomplished through a collaborative team approach. Project management professionals, architects, engineers, and subcontractors, focusing on cost control, schedule adherence, quality control and job site safety. We work together to develop the client's vision and see it to its final form. Our commitment to building excellence and customer service is the foremost reason that clients place their trust in Amcon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since 1946 Steiner Construction ensures clients get the results they expect. They find the three most important parts of the construction process that all clients value the most. They are quality, maintaining budget and completing the project on-time. They consistently meet or exceed these goals on all projects. https://steinerconstruction.com/

Listen as Doug Schroder explains on the how the local Bricklayers Union operates and the function it serves.  https://www.bac1mn-nd.org/

Light Duty Pathway® creates a positive impact by providing turnkey modified job duty options which reduce worker's compensation costs by keeping employees engaged in the workplace. You will effortlessly start helping employees quickly improve safety behavior and choices.

Minnesota Workers' Compensation Attorneys Who Are Experienced, Effective, And Caring.

W.A. Campion Co., P.C. is more than the typical accounting firm, we are trusted advisors. While we do provide traditional accounting services and tax preparation, we also offer other business advisory and executive financial services to our clients helping them with the financial decisions crucial to the success of their businesses.

Daniel will make custom clothes buying fun and easy with a result that is, well…You will have to see for yourself. Exceptional taste level that helps translate beautiful fabrics for your individualized needs.

Started in 2015 by local residents Edward and Melissa Arens, E&M Outdoor Services has evolved into one of the fastest-growing lawn care providers in the Wright County area. Built on communication and customer service, this is "Where Lawn Care Meets Excellence." Professionalism. Excellence. Timeliness. If you're looking for a qualified, fully insured company that prides itself on customer service and satisfaction; then look no further.

Dynamic. Efficient. Responsive. A Law Firm—Evolved. MJB Law Firm, PLLC is a Minnesota-based law firm focusing on the areas of Banking and Commercial Law. The firm's clientele includes small to multi-billion-dollar financial institutions and businesses. The professionals at MJB Law Firm, PLLC offer the best of big-firm knowledge and skill combined with the individualized attention and service of a boutique law firm.

DELIVERING VALUE THROUGH QUALITY AND INNOVATION. PEOPLE, PASSION, ENERGY. " YOU NEED IT? WE'LL MAKE IT." check them out at gosuburban.com

"OUR PEOPLE who provide an unmatched experience because we are FAMILY. We are ENERGIZED. We provide OPPORTUNITIES. And most importantly, we G.S.D. OUR PROMISE TO OUR PEOPLE – CUSTOMERS, EMPLOYEES, AND THEIR FAMILIES – IS TO ALWAYS PUT THEM FIRST AND TO ALWAYS LEAD BY THE KEWAY BASED ON OUR FOUR CORE VALUES.  1. WE PUT OUR PEOPLE FIRST with a strong focus on family, fun, positive attitude, energy, teamwork & knowledge. 2. WE LEAD WITH OUR PASSION for learning, mentoring, and inspiring others. 3. WE ARE DEDICATED TO OUR PERFORMANCE by planning, communicating, and G.S.D. 4. WE PRIORITIZE OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY to ensure our people go home safe. We are Knobelsdorff, and this is the KEway. We are dedicated to providing excellent work and meeting the needs of our customers by living through this core value statement every day."

Well Drilling, Water Conditioning, System Upgrades, Pump Installations, and Much More! "We're proud to be family-owned and operated since 1916 and have the best service in the greater Twin Cities area. From our office team to our expert field technicians, we're here for you."

Concrete Science is Minnesota's most versatile decorative concrete coatings contractor. Their experienced technicians turn cracked and aging concrete into works of functional art! They specialize in high-end concrete finishes and resurfacing services in the Twin Cities, MN, and the surrounding areas—bringing your vision to life with endless colors, patterns, textures, and styles.

Allisa Song, CEO of NanoDropper, Medical Student and 2021 Winner of the MN Cup, along with Jessica Berg, Director of MN Cup, tells us all about the experience of entering and winning the MN Cup, $80,000 in prize money, and benefits of entering the competition.   The MN Cup is a Startup Competition. Seed Funding. Mentorship. Pitch Coaching. Exposure. Connection to experts. For all Minnesotans. From any industry. For free. They are here to help people with big ideas and want those ideas to become viable startups, and for those startups to change our state. Nanodropper has developed a patient-centered adaptor for eyedrop bottles to reduce the volume of currently oversized eyedrops by more than 60%. This will help reduce cost, decrease waste, and minimize the potential side effects of vision-saving treatments.

The Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota (CPAM) was established in 1959 as a non-profit trade association of businesses with an interest in concrete paving.

Bell Labs will partner with you in product research and production. They are the experts in formulating and manufacturing high-quality products, including sun care, skincare, and consumer health products.

Store it offers the most advanced technology in storage solutions featuring our cloud-based keyless entry system allowing you access to your storage unit directly from your smartphone, video surveillance, moving solutions, easy indoor loading, unloading, reserve and pay online, coffee bar, and FREE WiFi.

When they are looking at placing a client's assets in a certain position, Sandvold Financial spends a lot of time talking about value. They continually analyze your investments to make sure they are properly valued relative to their long-term growth potential.

King Technology not only empowers its employees as individuals, but it also fosters success for the company as a whole. The ripple effect of this spreads throughout to their distributors, deals, suppliers, and customers. FROG, New Water, Sani King, and Oxi King are their current brands on the market

Good lawn and landscaping services are about more than keeping the hedges trimmed and lawn mowed — it is about making a good first impression. For over 40 years, Greenside Inc has helped clients transform their outdoor spaces by blending ideas and dreams into beautiful and functional landscapes. Greenside is a full-service, year-round commercial and residential land care company based in Savage, MN, and serving clients throughout the greater Twin Cities area.

Holy Angels and Minnesota State University, Mankato alum starts a construction business during the 2008 recession, and continues to succeed, and grow. Check out this episode of Chuck Zierhut, VP / Co-Founder of Versacon as he describes what it was like in the early days.

The Mathiowetz Construction Company is proud to be one of Minnesota's premier earthwork and construction management contractors. Their staff of professionals deliver earthwork projects of all sizes and scopes from small railroad sidings and farm tiling to large grain loading sites, dairy barns, and industrial sites. There is no project they can't handle.

Stillwell is a company with one goal, to provide its customers with the very best quality and innovative hydraulic jacks for their industry. Guests Drew Stillwell, President, and Taylor Mandrinich, Director of Operations explain how Grit and Passion have really set them apart. Drew is as authentic and real as they get. Time flew by while recording this podcast, as they say, “Time flys when…”. Stillwell is positioned for massive growth and looking for world domination. I believe these guys can do it.

When it comes to making the things, that make the cheese, Advanced Process Technologies (APT) is the Big Cheese! We have a full house during this podcast: Craig Campbell, President; Dan Lechelt, CFO; Tom Russell, VP of Project Engineering; and Jared Brandt, VP of Operations. A special thanks to Jamie Ries for setting this up. APT headquarters is in Cokato, MN, the homeland for my family. Listen to Craig describe the early days of APT, owning the Blue Note in Winsted, MN for 10 years prior to APT, and the expansion of APT into 2 more states and 120 employees!

Brian Bayer, the owner, and CEO at Bayer interior woods speaks about the early days, how he and his brother started Bayer Built in the corner of his brother's pole shed, kept adding onto the pole shed, and then buying a building in Saux Center which later became home base for Bayer Interior Woods. Brian is a great guy, with an interesting story.

Mike Harris, the president of Rollx Vans, speaks about the early days and the beginnings of the company. This is the first time I became emotional during a podcast when Mike explained the motivation behind the company and how it got its start. 

If you have a vision for a business and a commercial building but don't know where to start, APX construction should be your first call.  APX construction is the integrator of your vision, they can make your dream a reality.

When I entered the building where fabrication took place, turned right, and took a look down the long tall structure cutting huge stone blocks with an 11 1/2 foot sawblade... my jaw dropped. Taking a tour at Vetterstone is a memorable experience, to say the least. Being able to see where glaciers gouged out a strip of land 3 miles wide and 100 feet deep to help make the limestone more easily accessible is a cool thing to see. Ron Vetter and Ben Kaus talk about the history of Vetterstone, the prestigious projects they have completed, and working all over the world.

Keith Johnson, the president & owner of Columbia Precision Machine Corp tells us about his experience in the military, becoming a welder, and working as a machinist, Working at Columbia Precision for two years as its general manager before purchasing the company in 2019. Since taking ownership, the company's growth has exploded.

This is one of my top three all-time favorite podcast interviews so far. Mike Bauer is a man who means what he says and says what he means, he is a man of integrity, a hard-working son of a gun, and a true inspiration. I promise you you will not be disappointed with this episode of Minnesota Made.

If you have a problem with your commercial building and are not sure where to turn, call RSI. They will investigate and diagnose the issue, then consult with you to design a solution, manage the bidding process, and provide quality assurance to ensure the work is complete as expected.

When Sterling Black purchased LS Black from his father, he had a big plan to take the company to the next level, and boy did he ever. Our guest, Brandon Davis, speaks about the growth they've been experiencing at LS Black, expanding into new markets, the EOS process, the Davis-Bacon Act, working in his grandfather's sheet-metal business and his role as the VP of the Federal Division at LS Black.

Two dudes, back in '98, had an idea and decided to start a business out of their garage. CurbSide Landscape & Irrigation now employes between 100 to 450 people, depending on the season. Just goes to show what guts and lots of hard work can do.  

If you're looking for a fishfinder or underwater camera MarCum needs to be your go-to. In this episode, Jeremiah Cich and Alec Beigle explain the history of MarCum Technologies and how they revolutionized the ice fishing industry. 

Lucas Gaughan, the co-founder of Torin Construction has a very interesting story, starting way back while working at his father's company. Lucas tells his story of working in the apartment business, as a real estate broker, going to St. Thomas University and completing their Entrepreneur Program, starting a fine cigar company, working as a financial advisor, to starting Torin Construction with a long-time friend, to now employing 20 people. Lucas goes on to explain how he truly invests in his employees, how he wants to set a new standard in the construction trades, not only in the finished product but also in how tradesmen are viewed by the public. Oh, and by the way, Lucas is only 28 years old! I got a feeling, this guy is going to do great things!

I felt like a little kid again, stepping out of a time machine and back to the 18th century. If you haven't seen the inside of a foundry before, I highly recommend it. Reg Zeller, President of Ermack (and several other companies) is on the cusp of creating a legacy for his family.  I was amazed and motivated by his story. One of his missions is to bring more jobs back to the United States and by the look of things, he's succeeding. You need to check this one out!

BCS I started in Granny's basement, and now they employ 70+ people. Listen to this episode as Tom Marchessault, COO describes the rich history of Business Card Services Inc.

Steve Hentges of S.M. Hentges & Sons started this business from the kitchen table and a $10,000 loan from his friend and now employs 350 employees while completing some of the largest projects in the country for his industry class. S.M. Hentges & Sons is a family-run business consisting of Steve, Jeanette, Jeremy, Nate, Johnny, and Krystal, listen to this episode as the family takes us on the journey to greatness.

The Nelson family started Foam Industries Inc. back in 2001 and today I interviewed Jack Nelson, the son of the founders. When it comes to foam, Foam Industries Inc. has you covered. Check them out at foam-industries.com for more information.

Mickman Brothers in Ham Lake Minnesota, When it comes to plants they got you covered. They grow it sell it install it maintain it and it doesn't matter if you're John Doe or Target Field, they got you covered. Check out this interview with Jeff Sutter president of Mickman Brothers. www.mickman.com

Transitioning to JL Cook Construction.

Ryan Latham, the President of Aerospace Welding, grew up in Virginia Beach, part of a large church-going family, played basketball in college on scholarship, majored in economics, became a high school teacher (hated it), joined the Army, became an officer, started working as a team lead in manufacturing, promoted to manager at Pratt and Whitney, continued to excel, and is now President! Way to go, Ryan, you're living proof that hard work pays off.

Jessie M. Otto, the President, of Brush Masters and Painterati takes us on a journey of her childhood, past careers, working in the family business, and eventually becoming president. Jessie did a great job articulating how people, not profit, are the most important thing to her. Whether it's clients, partners, vendors, employees, or her own family, doing the right thing and treating people right, is something she's very passionate about.

American Pressure Inc, began in 1976 by Dave and Marlene Speltz, was later sold to Gary and Becky Hagemann in 1996, and then sold to their two sons Ben and Josiah, in 2015. American Pressure is the expert source for rugged, industrial, pressure washer equipment and Artic Steamer ice dam solutions. Whether you need a small pressure washer for home use or a big beast of a pressure washer for your business, they got ya covered. Service, sales, parts, or engineered custom solutions. From washing potato conveyors in Brazil, to custom cleaning equipment for the Lowry Tunnel in Minneapolis, or removing ice dams from your home with a gentle cloud of steam, these guys can do it all.

Listen as Dian Mullis with Pro Concrete Countertops talks about her story and how she got where she is today!

Hill Hiker® Inclined Elevators help customers all over the world traverse the most hard-to-reach incline, hillside & waterfront properties. Listen as Bill MacLachlan, Founder & President, explains how the idea for Hill Hiker® came to him when working for a handicap accessibility company, seeing the need that they weren't willing to fill, then taking the leap of faith in 1997, starting Hill Hiker®, with the help of his father-in-law, who was an MIT graduate in electrical engineering. Hill Hiker, Inc has completed numerous luxury installations, won numerous awards, and continues to expand into commercial applications and vertical lifts.

Tony Ross, the president of Astro Metal Craft, bought and took over the business right in the middle of Covid 19. Listen to this episode as Tony describes how the business has done since the buyout, and his belief on how working ON the business, rather than IN, is vitally important. Check them out at www.astrometalcraft.com

By the Yard Inc. was started by Debbie and Roger back in 1995 with the goal of being able to more generously give back to the community. Debbie saw a need in the marketplace for better / higher-quality outdoor furniture, Roger had some experience in manufacturing so off they went. Listen to this episode as Leah Steidl, takes on the journey, from Roger and Debbie's garage to the Minnesota State Fair, to now having 4 showrooms and 100+ employees Check them out at www.bytheyard.net

Like many business owners, Jim was a bit of a rebel growing up. Not afraid of risk and preferring to do his own thing, Jim and his buddy started mowing yards at age 15, by 18 he had 8 employees and ended up selling the business so he could attend college. Having a close family and a love for this mother Mary, Jim started Mom's Design Build, originally as a landscape company, but his clients wanted more, so they expanded, and now complete beautiful interior design and remodels. Check them out at www.momsdesignbuild.com

I had the honor of interviewing, Brad Ahlm, President of Conductive Containers, Inc.  Listen to this, when you rub your feet on the carpet, then touch someone, and give them a “shock”, it took about 5,000 volts of static electricity to generate that “shock”. Now picture this, your company makes something like computer microchips, and if your microchip is exposed to even 10 volts of static electricity, it will ruin your microchip, but you need to ship your microchips across the county… now what? I'll tell you, “what”, you call Conductive Containers Inc because when it comes to protecting products from an electrical charge, they have the answer. They can make a custom container for your microchips or anything else you might need shipped, stored, or displayed. Check them out at www.CorStat.com

P & F Machining stated in 1983 by Floyd and Patsy Pawlak in New Hope, MN. Floyd spent his nights and weekends operating a small manual lathe in the corner of a warehouse until he was able to quit his day job and be self-employed. Today they have a BEAUTIFUL facility in Otsego, with a waiting list of people who want to work there. P & F Machining, Inc. specializes in precision machining for the medical device industry and by the looks of things, they're definitely doing something right! Check them out at www.PFMachining.com