AMPI’s Sheryl Meshke and Donn DeVelder
Co-CEOs Donn DeVelder and Sheryl Meshke in their New Ulm headquarters with an AMPI logo sculpture created and donated by […]
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Farmamerica
Jessica Rollins is executive director of Farmamerica near Waseca. (Photo by Kris Kathmann) Growing Ag Awareness Farmamerica is telling the
Aqualogical Resources
Photo by Kris Kathmann Aqua Man Seth Yokum takes care of business, by taking care of the environment. Seth Yocum
Local Hemp Farmers Take the Lead
Matt Little has some definite plans for an uncertain industry. Along with partners Garth Carson, an entrepreneur and business owner, and Mike Drummer of Mankato, Little is creating a vertically integrated hemp business that strives to, as he puts it, “take our crop from seed to soil to products.” But with an industry that is fighting 80 years of a marijuana hangover, of sorts, they’re literally starting from the ground up. “Right now, if anybody tells you they have it figured out, they’re lying,” Little says.
Maggie Knier, 2True Headbands
Even though she has not yet graduated college, Minnesota State University, Mankato student Maggie Knier is a veteran business owner. She started 2True Headbands when she was just 14 years old. Now a junior in college she has had some success in online sales of her headbands. But, with college graduation looming, she feels ready to take the next step. “I’ve had a desire to make it big and be successful since I was young, but always felt like it was unachievable from my current position. I would dream these big dreams, but then just wait for them to happen on their own instead of making them happen.” says Maggie Knier.
Blue Skye Mercantile
One of the latest additions to the landscape along Belgrade Avenue in lower North Mankato is Blue Skye Mercantile, formerly known as Arizona Olive Oil Co. “We changed the name in January. It is just an extension of our brand Blue Skye Farms and Blue Skye Shared Commercial Kitchen. We sell the produce we grow right in the store, as well as baked goods from our kitchen. You can still get the great oils and vinegars that AZOO sold,” explains Lisa Phillips, who owns the store with her husband Marty.
Data Noir, LLC
Market research may be a business tool many companies don’t have the time or expertise to undertake. Mat Willner hopes to fill that niche with his new business Data Noir, LLC. “Through market research I deliver new clients, investment opportunities, or employees. I qualify them, speak with them, and then facilitate meetings,” explains Data Noir owner Mat Willner.
VÄXA Marketing
Angie Schimek launched VÄXA Marketing in March 2018 to combine her passion for marketing with her desire to help small businesses and the hardworking people behind them. VÄXA is Swedish for grow, and the business name combines Schimek’s Scandinavian heritage with the ultimate goal of VÄXA Marketing; to help your business grow.
Lorin Krueger – Sailor Plastics
When Mankato native Lorin Krueger drives across southwest Minnesota, he sees more than small towns dotting the map. He sees opportunities.“It’s amazing, isn’t it? I have lived here my whole life, but as I’ve gotten out and around more in southwest Minnesota I find there are a lot of really neat businesses. Last month Connect talked about River City Eatery in Windom. That is a neat business. The Worthington area is really starting to pick up.