Mankato Career Solutions
In November 2013, 44-year-old Mary Beth Sinclair began Mankato Career Solutions at 515 North Riverfront Drive.
Farm Bureau Financial Services
Sister and brother team Randi and Mike Wise, ages 26 and 33, respectively, became Farm Bureau Financial Services agents at 135 Main Street West in October 2013.
Kyle Smith, Tailwind Group
Loquacious and mentally quick Kyle Smith is only 34 and at such a young age already co-owns the in-progress seven-story Profinium Place in Downtown Mankato, a 60-unit student housing apartment complex in Rochester, retail projects in Owatonna, two General Nutrition Centers, 65-house RentMSU, …
Hot Startz!, New Business, News, Profiles
Blue Earth Drug
Co-owners Gina Zierke and Ryan Milbrandt doubled floor space at Blue Earth Drug when opening up a new retail building on US 169 about a year ago. Zierke had co-owned the business since 2000 with another pharmacist. Milbrandt bought in more recently.
Cover Story, Covers, News, Profiles
Mike Pinske
Business Person of the Year 2014
Some people probably regard Mike Pinske’s business as being akin to a school child’s silly playground song during recess—as simple and fun. After all, how difficult could transporting adults around southern Minnesota be?
Hot Startz!, New Business, News, Profiles
Kitchenmaster, Klooster & Begalka, CPAs
Jill Klooster and Kelly Begalka in October 2013 bought in as majority owners with what had been called Kitchenmaster & Co. Klooster joked in a telephone interview, “We’ve saved the Kitchenmaster name because of Bob’s (Kitchenmaster) longevity in this area, and have added our own names to let people know we don’t have anything to do with kitchen remodeling or appliances.”
Feature Story, Features, News, Profiles
Julie Schmillen
Our second place finisher for Business Person of the Year, Julie Schmillen, executive director of Habitat for Humanity South Central Minnesota, grew up in St. James, Minnesota, and spent her early years learning to work and serving others. Her father and uncle owned Schmidt’s Bakery, a special stop for serious sugarphiles pining for deep-fried doughnuts, delicious desserts, and doughy breads. She began working for the family small business about age 11.
Editor's Letter, Insights, Publisher Perspective
Drum Roll, Please!
Pinske owns Mankato-based AmeriCare Mobility Van, and has been president of the Minnesota R-80 Medical Transportation Coalition and the R-80 representative on the governor-sponsored Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Advisory Council. His employees transport people to and from medical-related appointments in 14 southern Minnesota counties.
Insights, Off-The-Cuff, Opinion
OFF-THE-CUFF
Our January 2014 issue means another Business Person of the Year award winner. The professors at the Minnesota State College of Business have done yeoman’s work the last ten years objectively judging our awards from nominees sent in by readers in September.