James Kuettner’s path to becoming an attorney is a unique one. “Prior to law school, I managed bars and restaurants for about 11 years. I encountered customers with various legal issues. I felt compelled to do something to help, so I went to undergrad and then law school,” Kuettner explains.
It’s just been a year since they started, but the him and her behind Him and Her Design Studio are already expanding their services. Retail products will be a big push for the duo in 2018. The design team of Brandon Reibeling and Michelle Isebrand opened their doors in North Mankato in Spring of 2017.
Waseca city leaders are planning for the future, by studying the past. Waseca, like many rural cities, has had many notable entrepreneurs such as EF Johnson (EF Johnson Company), Bumps Brown (Brown Printing), and George Herter (Herter’s Outdoor Goods). As they grew their companies, they spawned many other ventures in Waseca many of which are still around.
“Failure is not an option.” At the time NASA flight controller Jerry Bostick uttered that phrase, I can see his point. After all, he was on a mission to bring home the damaged Apollo 13. A fitting phrase, given the circumstances. However, it’s a phrase that has been repeated so many times that it seems it is a part of our psyche, and sometimes makes us so focused on just not failing…that we don’t aim for success.
I often consider myself lucky that I have the chance to pursue my passions. The awesomeness of that is not lost on me. As I put together this issue of Connect, it hit me how all of our profiles this issue also have the good fortune of living out their passions every day.
Business Person of the Year 2018
Forty plus years farming the land near Eagle Lake taught Dennis Terrell a thing or two. He learned if you plant a seed and nurture it, it will grow to reap good reward. He learned that cultivating the land with care will keep it productive for many years. And he learned that there are ups and downs due to circumstances out of his control.
Runner-Up: Business Person of the Year 2018
Springfield, Minnesota sits quietly on the edge of Brown County in the southern part of the state, surrounded by prime agricultural land. It is a rural community, population of 2,200…give or take. But in the heart of this small town is a giant talent, David Milbrath of Prairie Plans Asset Management. Milbrath founded the company in 1992 and today it manages $500 million for households throughout the country.
“My business journey began in the travel industry then moved into owning a retail store and finally landed on where my passion lies, interior design,” says Fasnacht. “ After going back to school and earning my interior design degree, I started as a commercial interior designer for a local architectural firm 10 years ago.
Although Sue Carrigan had a good job, more and more she found corporate America dull and unfulfilling. Her partner Jamie Streett, who is an entrepreneur himself, told her “Maybe we should think about owning our own business. There’s nothing like being your own boss. When you are ready, I’ll help you.”
