Minnesota Made Podcast

The Nelson family started Foam Industries Inc. back in 2001 and today I interviewed Jack Nelson, the son of the founders. When it comes to foam, Foam Industries Inc. has you covered. Check them out at foam-industries.com for more information.

Mickman Brothers in Ham Lake Minnesota, When it comes to plants they got you covered. They grow it sell it install it maintain it and it doesn’t matter if you’re John Doe or Target Field, they got you covered. Check out this interview with Jeff Sutter president of Mickman Brothers. www.mickman.com

Transitioning to JL Cook Construction.

Ryan Latham, the President of Aerospace Welding, grew up in Virginia Beach, part of a large church-going family, played basketball in college on scholarship, majored in economics, became a high school teacher (hated it), joined the Army, became an officer, started working as a team lead in manufacturing, promoted to manager at Pratt and Whitney, continued to excel, and is now President! Way to go, Ryan, you're living proof that hard work pays off.

Jessie M. Otto, the President, of Brush Masters and Painterati takes us on a journey of her childhood, past careers, working in the family business, and eventually becoming president. Jessie did a great job articulating how people, not profit, are the most important thing to her. Whether it's clients, partners, vendors, employees, or her own family, doing the right thing and treating people right, is something she's very passionate about.

American Pressure Inc, began in 1976 by Dave and Marlene Speltz, was later sold to Gary and Becky Hagemann in 1996, and then sold to their two sons Ben and Josiah, in 2015. American Pressure is the expert source for rugged, industrial, pressure washer equipment and Artic Steamer ice dam solutions. Whether you need a small pressure washer for home use or a big beast of a pressure washer for your business, they got ya covered. Service, sales, parts, or engineered custom solutions. From washing potato conveyors in Brazil, to custom cleaning equipment for the Lowry Tunnel in Minneapolis, or removing ice dams from your home with a gentle cloud of steam, these guys can do it all.

Listen as Dian Mullis with Pro Concrete Countertops talks about her story and how she got where she is today!

Hill Hiker® Inclined Elevators help customers all over the world traverse the most hard-to-reach incline, hillside & waterfront properties. Listen as Bill MacLachlan, Founder & President, explains how the idea for Hill Hiker® came to him when working for a handicap accessibility company, seeing the need that they weren’t willing to fill, then taking the leap of faith in 1997, starting Hill Hiker®, with the help of his father-in-law, who was an MIT graduate in electrical engineering. Hill Hiker, Inc has completed numerous luxury installations, won numerous awards, and continues to expand into commercial applications and vertical lifts.

Tony Ross, the president of Astro Metal Craft, bought and took over the business right in the middle of Covid 19. Listen to this episode as Tony describes how the business has done since the buyout, and his belief on how working ON the business, rather than IN, is vitally important. Check them out at www.astrometalcraft.com

By the Yard Inc. was started by Debbie and Roger back in 1995 with the goal of being able to more generously give back to the community. Debbie saw a need in the marketplace for better / higher-quality outdoor furniture, Roger had some experience in manufacturing so off they went. Listen to this episode as Leah Steidl, takes on the journey, from Roger and Debbie’s garage to the Minnesota State Fair, to now having 4 showrooms and 100+ employees Check them out at www.bytheyard.net