After years of varied business experiences in his own professional life, Joe Paulsen was ready to help others. Partnering with his wife, Rita a CPA, he opened Pinnacle Business Solutions in 2016 with a mission of enriching the lives of entrepreneurs by enhancing their business experience.
“My experience with music has alternated between educational and real-life training throughout the years,” says Stacy K. “It was after my time playing in the Johnny Holm Band that I attended McNally Smith College of Music.”
David Schooff grew up in a small-business environment, learning from those around him at an early age. That fostered a drive in him to pursue his own ventures. He leveraged that early foundation in his numerous business and real estate investments in hospitality, commercial property and workforce housing.
A building, remodeling and home improvement business, Design Home Center prides itself on its motto “Your Home is Our Business.” Since its inception in 1954, the tight-knit group of employees work with each customer to help bring their visions to reality.
“We were examining every aspect of agriculture in search of potential improvements, both with equipment and processes. We always ask, “Is there a better way?” And if there is, we will find a way to get it to the farmers that deserve it,” says Ben Wenner.
“When I returned to Mankato, I first worked for another chiropractor as an associate,” says Dr. Prybylla. “But in February of 2016 I decided to open my own practice. I started in Lake Crystal, but in January 2017 relocated to Mankato.”
When a business partner and supplier for Sign Pro in Mankato decided to sell its engraving equipment, the owners of Sign Pro saw an opportunity.
“We enjoyed working with each other in the beginning of our careers and we knew it would be a good fit,” says Steiner. “Our desire is to maintain the excellent reputation of our two firms and build on the groundwork for our new firm.”
Business Person of the Year 2017
There is a well-worn path between MTU Onsite Energy CEO Todd Riemann’s big, windowed office to the production floor on the other side of the building. “Todd is a very humble leader and remembers where he started,” says John Haack, a former colleague who nominated Riemann for Business Person of the Year.
