The MinnWest Podcast

Introduction to Scott Norling and MinnWest Technology Campus

• Joanna introduces Scott Norling, highlighting his pivotal role as President of MinnWest Technology Campus and his involvement with Life Science Innovations (LSI).
• Scott shares an overview of his responsibilities, managing both day-to-day operations and long-term planning for the campus, as well as his leadership within the Norling and Eisinger family of companies.

Family Legacy in Agriculture and Innovation

• Scott reflects on his family's century-old history in Minnesota, beginning with his grandfather’s early farm acquisitions during the Great Depression.
• Discussion of how his family transitioned from traditional farming to pioneering the local poultry industry and later developing the MinnWest Technology Campus.

Origins of the MinnWest Technology Campus

• Joanna and Scott discuss the origins of the MinnWest Technology Campus, created as a research hub and a space to expand operations when existing facilities became insufficient.
• Scott recounts the collaboration between Norling and Eisinger family companies with leaders from Novatech to purchase and renovate the former state hospital property into what is now MinnWest.
• The vision for the campus as a collaborative environment for technology, research, and manufacturing.

Growth and Impact of Life Science Innovations (LSI)

• Insights into LSI's purpose as an umbrella organization that provides essential services like HR, IT, and accounting for affiliates, supporting around a dozen active businesses.
• Discussion of LSI’s research initiatives, particularly in poultry research, which led to the establishment of a new hatchery in Willmar, creating significant employment opportunities.

The Unique Culture and Collaborative Environment at MinnWest

• How the MinnWest Technology Campus fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration among tenants from diverse fields, including research, development, technology, and general office functions.
• Description of on-campus amenities such as a fitness center, pool, cafeteria, and daycare center that support employee wellness and satisfaction.

Future Vision and Development Goals

• Scott shares his perspective on the campus’s future, emphasizing the importance of filling remaining vacant buildings and attracting more technology-oriented businesses.
• Insights on expansion plans, including upcoming renovations and continued efforts to position MinnWest as a regional innovation hub.

Managing and Maintaining a Historic Campus

• Joanna and Scott discuss the logistical challenges of maintaining the century-old campus buildings, balancing historical preservation with modern functionality.
• Insights into the extensive renovations and investments required to preserve the facility’s character while supporting a modern, high-tech campus environment.

Multi-Generational Family Business Dynamics

• Scott provides advice for managing a multi-generational family business, emphasizing the importance of communication, inclusivity, and adaptability.
• The role of structured family councils in strategic planning, ensuring alignment across generations while welcoming fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

Closing Reflections on Community and Legacy

• Scott reflects on the MinnWest Technology Campus’s impact on the community, noting the campus as a quiet, collaborative space that supports a family-like atmosphere for employees and tenants.
• Joanna and Scott conclude with thoughts on the importance of fostering a unique work environment and community feel, making MinnWest a welcoming and productive space for companies and families alike.

Episode Title: A Journey of Success with Jon Schmidt of Data Success

Episode Summary: In this episode of the MinnWEST Technology Campus Podcast, we sit down with Jon Schmidt, the manager of the Willmar branch of Data Success. Jon shares his journey from the Air Force to managing a successful IT business, discussing his experiences, challenges, and the importance of community involvement.

Guest: Jon Schmidt, Manager of Data Success Wilmer Branch

Key Topics Discussed:

Jon's Background:

• Originally from Buffalo, graduated in 1988 as a Buffalo Bison.
• Joined the Air Force, serving 12 and a half years, split between active duty and reserves.
• Developed an interest in electronics and computers, leading to a career in IT.

Career Path:

• Worked for Entel and then Hutchinson Telephone Company in IT.
• Transitioned to maintaining emergency services call centers, managing 75% of 911 call centers in the state.
• Founded the Wilmer branch of Data Success in March 2012 with encouragement from long-time friend Kevin Thompson.

Data Success Overview:

• Provides IT services for small businesses that don’t need a full-time IT person.
• Services include computer setups, networking, security, and backups.
• Focuses on personalized IT solutions, emphasizing understanding customer needs and future growth.

Starting and Growing the Business:

• Jon shared the challenges of starting the Wilmar branch, including building a customer base and joining local networking groups like the Chamber of Commerce and BNI.
• Highlighted the importance of persistence and community involvement in growing the business.

Community Involvement:

• Jon's involvement in local singing groups like the West Central Connection Chorus.
• Participation in community events like Celebrate the Light of the World at Robbins Island.
• Emphasis on the importance of giving back to the community and building strong local connections.

Looking Ahead:

• Plans for expanding the Willmar branch by potentially hiring additional staff.
• Jon’s vision for maintaining the personalized, small-business approach while growing the company.

Favorite Quotes:

• "We do sit down and listen; we don't just say, 'okay, you need a computer, here's one for you.' We ask questions to understand what you need and where you want to be in the next few years."
• "It's an honor to work with small businesses and be invited into their world. It's very humbling that folks put that kind of trust in you."

Joanna traveled to Perham, MN and met Doug at The Nest, a cute coffeeshop / gift store located off of State Highway 10.

Perham's Goose Group, Inc. traces its roots back to 1997 when Sue Huebsch opened The Wild Goose, a gift and coffee shop. Over the years, the company expanded its presence, incorporating in 2001 and introducing stores like Goose Gang and Nest. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Goose Group demonstrated resilience, adapting its offerings and even adding Disgruntled Brewing to its portfolio in 2022. The company continued to grow with ventures in New London, MN, acquiring Lucky Duck and Happy Sol. In 2022, the group established the Goose Market and Outlet Store, emphasizing a commitment to community needs and providing unique shopping experiences.  In the summer of 2023, The Goose Group purchased Mr. B's Chocolates from Brian Bollig and are excited to get the sweet treats out into their other locations! Currently employing around 100 people, Goose Group remains open to future expansions aligned with community demands.

On today's episode, Joanna sits down with campus tenant, Kristine Fladeboe Duinick - Co-Owner of Fladeboe Land. Fladeboe Land (formerly known as Fladeboe Auctions) has been a staple auctioneering business of the Willmar Lakes Area for the past 40+ years. Kristine and her brother Glen took over the business about 20 years ago and have continued to build upon in success in a variety of ways, including adding a non-profit focused sector called Fladeboe Advancement.

Kristine and her team have had an office on the Minnwest Campus for nearly 10 years. So it's about time we dig a little deeper into the Fladeboe story and learn more about what makes them so special! 

Discussion Topics:

• The dynamics of family business.
• Business lessons Kristine learned from her Mom and Dad.
• The evolution of the auction world.
• The psychology of sales + selling land.
• Operating a business with integrity and compassion.
• A few big highlights of Kristine's auctioning career - 1 involving an auction in the Philippines!

Like + Follow Fladeboe Land: facebook.com/fladeboefamilyauctions

Connect with Kristine Fladeboe: fladeboeland.com/contact/

Learn more about MinnWest Campus: mnwesttechnology.com

Connect with Joanna on Linkedin!

On today's episode, we sit down to chat with Pastor Justin Ask + Chris Cortez from Vinje Lutheran Church about an exciting new amenity opening on campus very soon - Discovery Hill Child Care!! We are thrilled about this partnership with the awesome folks at Vinje and wanted to share more about the story behind how this idea came to life. Listen in to get the full scoop!

We look forward to their campus grand opening in the near future.

Discussion Topics:

• State of childcare in Kandiyohi County
• Childcare shortage in MN + potential solutions
• Creative ideas for campus childcare
• Facility upgrades + DH occupancy numbers
• Phases of opening a childcare center

Like + Follow Discovery Hill Child Care: facebook.com/discoveryhill

Apply to become a DH Team Member: vinjechurch.com/loving-arms-child-care-center/

Learn more about MinnWest Campus: mnwesttechnology.com

Connect with Joanna on Linkedin!

On today's episode, we are joined by Landon Fries - current head of Product Development at Nova-Tech Engineering. Landon is also the incoming President of the company. Landon shared the story behind NTE, which spoiler, was founded by his uncle Marc Gorans in the late 1980's. Since the beginning, Nova Tech has been driven by their mission of "creating revolutionary solutions to advance their customers ability to feed the world." They have taken the turkey world by storm and most recently found a new foothold in the shrimp industry. We were thrilled to get some of Landon's time to talk about where things are headed for this progressive engineering company.

Discussion Topics:

• The history of Nova-tech Engineering + the farm problem that started it all
• Landon's background + how he got involved with the family business
• How NTE became a global business with a revolutionary business model
• The connection between Landon + the founder of NTE, Marc Gorans
• From turkeys to shrimp... who knows what's next!
• Leadership transitions + future goals of the company

Learn more about NovaTech Engineering: nteglobal.com

Learn more about MinnWest Campus: www.mnwesttechnology.com

Connect with Landon or Joanna on Linkedin!

Discussion Topics:

• Sara's professional background + a little about her event planning business - Stark Group
• A breakdown of the 2022 Partners in Ag Innovation
• Benefits of working with a speaker's bureau
• The role + importance of conference sponsors
• How to stay calm while executing a large business conference ;-)

Learn more about Stark Group, Inc: starkgroupinc.com

Register for MWTC's Partners in Ag Innovation Conference: partnersinag.com/v2/page/WelcomePage

Learn more about MinnWest Campus: www.mnwesttechnology.com

Connect with Sara or Joanna or on Linkedin!

Discussion Topics:

• An overview of SWIF + some of the big ways they help rural communities
• The childcare crisis post-pandemic
• SWIF's history + partnership with MinnWest Technology Campus
• What is a site selector? What do they do for our region?
• Gap financing + loan opportunities for small businesses

Learn more about the Southwest Initiative Foundation: swifoundation.org

Learn more about MinnWest Campus: www.mnwesttechnology.com

Connect with Scott or Joanna or on Linkedin

Discussion Topics:

• Luke's longtime love of economics + finance
• Valuable tools that DEED can provide businesses looking to hire + retain employees
• An overview of MN's current labor market + the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Interpreting unemployment + labor force participation rates
• The impact of childcare on the job market
• Expectations of the Gen Z workforce

Learn more about DEED:  mn.gov/deed/

Learn more about MinnWest Campus: www.mnwesttechnology.com

Connect with Luke or Joanna or on Linkedin!

Discussion Topics:

• Tyler's career path thus far - from chemist to customer support...
• How PROCORE found its home on MinnWest Campus
• The three values that drive the company culture at PROCORE
• How to attract + retain talent
• What is means to be a unicorn company
• How the pandemic changed PROCORE
• The next steps for this growing company!

Learn more about PROCORE:  www.procore.com/

Learn more about MinnWest Campus: www.mnwesttechnology.com

Connect with Tyler or Joanna or on Linkedin!