Fairmont Raceway
Al and Becky Thoreson became co-owners of Fairmont Raceway this February after making a successful presentation to the Race Committee at Martin County Fairground and later, the Fair Board. The Thoresons lease the raceway.
New Business
Your Time Fitness
While growing up in Frost and attending Blue Earth Area schools, Kris Krause had far more energy than most children. Her mother tried channeling her endless enthusiasm—first into dance classes and then gymnastics.
Bright Pixel Design
Matt Borowy opened Bright Pixel Design in his St. Peter home within the last year. He spends half his time designing homes and home renovations, and the other half doing 3D illustrations for developers and corporate architects in Iowa and Minnesota.
The Branch & Dandelion Rose
The Branch owner Bernie Ingersoll and Dandelion Rose owner Mary Sasse joined forces last May and now share the same building at 207 South Main.
Inspire Bridal Boutique
Within the last year, Julie Larson began Inspire Bridal Boutique at 204 South Minnesota after finding the perfect building on high-traffic US 169, falling in love with St. Peter’s artsy atmosphere, and getting help from Russ Wille of the local EDA, she said. In addition, St. Peter needed a bridal shop and Larson could get her sewing needs done across the street at newly opened Sew Boutique.
Precision Carpet & Upholstery
John Elbert’s grandparents owned an eye clinic, his father a transmission business, his uncle a law practice, and now Elbert (right, in photo) has started Precision Carpet & Upholstery at 310 North State. His family hails from Dunnell, which is about as far west as anyone can go in Martin County without being in Jackson County.
A To Zinnia Floral & Gifts
Said 35-year-old Heather Hacker Hammer in a telephone interview, “My parents own Hacker’s Tree Farm Nursery and Greenhouse. I began working at the business at 12, and grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. My brothers own Hacker Construction. In the spring, at age 12, I would be planting, watering, and weeding. In the summer, we had a landscape business.
Fore Seasons Golf
Brothers Josh and Kyle Blackman virtually grew up on the fairways and greens of Mankato Golf Club. In August 2012, they purchased Tee 2 Green, and renamed the full-service golf store “Fore Seasons Golf.”
Heritage Place
This community-owned, nonprofit business opened in January 2012 as a significant expansion to Mapleton Community Home. “(Heritage Place) is a combination of independent living and assisted living services in one building,” said 50-year-old administrator RoxAnne Gosson.