Ariana Feygin Ariana and Nancy Dahl Nancy and HERE’S to the EMERGING VOICES, the EMERGING to HERE’S and PIONEERS INNOVATORS, INDUSTRY

ScaleUp! of Healing Two veteran Two The Business The GIVE Your Business Your help grow female- grow help Chain Reaction Women’s Business Women’s canvases to cancer cancer to canvases Circle join to forces owning a franchise WomenVenture and WomenVenture preneurial spirit. 16 spirit. preneurial Health care systems systems care Health can ignite the entre- are adding paints and paints adding are owned companies. 22 companies. owned YOURSELF treatment strategies. franchisors share how 10 A RAISE.

Ariana Feygin Ariana and Nancy Dahl Nancy and HERE’S TO THE EMERGING VOICES, THE EMERGING TO HERE’S AND PIONEERS INNOVATORS, INDUSTRY

WHO ARE PAVING THE WAY WHO ARE PAVING

WHO LEAD WOMEN

MINNESOTA BUSINESS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 VOLUME 28 ISSUE 1 MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM ADVERTISEMENT BIZ PROFILE A Path to Ownership For Perfection Heating and Air Conditioning, the right vehicle was an SBA loan

ordan Hopkins always dreamt of owning his own company. In June 2017, that Jdream became a reality when he purchased his employer of the past 13 years — Perfection Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. – a Maplewood-based heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) business. Hopkins bought the company with the help of a Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan. Guaranteed by the federal agency, an SBA finance,” says Thwing. “But for most lenders, that closing is a shared responsibility,” Thwing loan offers low-interest rates, as well as more it’s not. An SBA loan tends to help the bank says. “In other words, it’s not just the bank. flexible terms than a traditional loan. agree to lending when there’s very little col- Everyone has to do his or her part. Closing lateral and there is a lot of goodwill.” only moves as fast as the weakest link.” The Purchase For Hopkins, the entire process took ap- Hopkins chose the SBA loan after consult- The Partners proximately six months from his initial inquiry ing with John Thwing, a senior SBA business Hopkins had worked at Perfection Heating to final closing. lending officer at Anchor Bank, a division of for more than a decade and had known “The process was remarkably smooth. Old National Bank. For the past 15 years of the owner for more than two. Not only did It went much easier than I expected,” says his nearly 30-year banking career, Thwing Hopkins have a great partner to work with Hopkins. has focused solely on SBA loans, earning him in his former employer, but he also had an Six months into his new purchase, Hopkins the pseudonym “The SBA Guy.” SBA expert on his side in Thwing. Just like notes it’s been a learning experience, but was Thwing says that when securing a loan, anything, more times than not, when you’re absolutely the right move for him. many people go straight to discussing the dealing with an expert, you’re going to have “Thanks to the economy and market, it’s just financing, but he counsels buyers and sellers a better experience. exploded. Our workload is way up,” Hopkins to look at the fundamental health of the “If an SBA loan is a right fit for the situation, says. “I’ve substantially beat every single company first, including its sales trends, you should be partnering with an SBA profes- month of sales since I purchased the business.” profitability and cash flow. sional,” Thwing says. “They’re likely to tell you “When you go to the mechanic and ask if it’s not a fit and may give you different or the mechanic to fix your car, you describe better choices to fund the transaction.” ANCHOR BANK what’s wrong. You don’t tell the mechanic A division of Old National Bank which tools will fix it,” says Thwing. “Always The Process HEADQUARTERS: St. Paul, MN upfront, people want to talk about the loans. In these kinds of transactions, the buyer INCEPTION: 1967 I say ‘Wait a minute. That’s the tool. I need to typically needs working capital to help fund CONTACT: John Thwing, The SBA Guy know what we’re trying to fix.’ ” the business that is not part of the original EMAIL: [email protected] EMPLOYEES: 335 Unlike most business loans, one of the pri- purchase price. Thwing helped Hopkins WEB: anchorlink.com mary assets of an SBA loan used to purchase think through obtaining purchase money a business is goodwill, which is intangible and working capital as part of the funding and has no collateral value. So, for example, package from the bank by building it into a PERFECTION HEATING & if someone is paying a million dollars for a long-term SBA loan. AIR CONDITIONING, INC. company that only has $100,000 worth of Thwing tells clients to plan for 60 days from HEADQUARTERS: Maplewood, MN assets, that additional $900,000 is essen- the signed purchase to the closing. That sched- INCEPTION: 2002 tially goodwill in the business’s established ule can be shorter for highly motivated parties LEADERSHIP: Jordan Hopkins market share and current client base. or longer for more complex circumstances. EMPLOYEES: 15 “For me, goodwill is a normal thing to “The one thing I like to remind people is WEB: perfectionheating.com MEMBER FDIC JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 Publisher’s Note VOLUME 28 ISSUE 1

WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS Providing alamity Jane (née Martha Jane Canary) once C remarked, “I figure if a girl wants to be a exceptional legend, she should just go ahead and be one.” This issue is dedicated to all of the women — the true originals, the forward-thinkers and the up-and-comers service to — who just decided to go ahead and be legendary. There are a lot of these amazing women who grew up, women-owned live and work in our state. This issue is proof positive of that. Take, for example, the five women we interviewed businesses as part of our “Women Who Lead” feature. One is an Em- my-award winner, another a world-renowned explorer. Three more dreamed up, created and now produce the weekly podcast Borrowed Interest, which explores the advertising industry and its portrayal of women and people of color. In addition to those five exceptional individuals, we’ve added 48 well-deserving businesswomen to our “Women Who Lead” alumni. In choosing the women to honor, it was important to us to not only concentrate on those who have been capturing headlines, but also those who quietly and persis- tently lead each day. Our choices were based not only on what they have achieved professionally, but also on how they have empowered others to succeed. They serve as inspirations for future legends — including my daughters Meredith (11) and my own calamity Jane (9). I am honored to help tell these women’s stories. Are you a woman, or do you know a woman, who wants to grow a business? Check out our feature on WomenVenture’s ScaleUp! initiative. You’ll also want to review our Q&As with some remarkable executives, including Liwanag Ojala, Leslie Frécon and Sara Criger. And for those of you who have included “be my own boss” on their lists of New Year’s resolutions, be sure to read our article on franchisors. It’s only appropriate that our Women Who Lead issue was helmed by women: Megan Effertz, Minnesota Business’s new executive editor; Teresa Kenney, our new managing editor; our award- winning art director, Sara Chars; our projects coordinator, Heidi Branes; and our production director, Dianne Talmage — not to mention our event manager, Kelsey Copeland who produced our Women Who Lead networking event to celebrate the businesswomen in this issue. We’re very excited about our new editorial team. It embraces Minnesota Business’s vision to provide “inspiration for growing companies” and is committed to bringing thought-provoking stories to the business community. Teresa has a long and successful history in publishing, and Megan brings an executive perspective to the editorial team and is deeply engaged in Minnesota’s business community. We look forward to Minnesota Business continuing to evolve and thrive — online, in print, and through our networking and educational events — with our dynamic new team. Thank you for sharing your time with us. If you have any news to share or story ideas to offer, be sure to send us a note or news release at [email protected].

Publisher www.sdkcpa.com [email protected] 612.332.5500

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 01 CONTENTS This Issue JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 VOLUME 28 ISSUE 1

From left: Amalia Nicholson, Shareina Chandler and Leeya Jackson of Borrowed Interest

On the Cover Ariana Feygin (standing), founder of Ariana’s Kitchen, and Nancy Dahl, president and COO of Tastefully Simple. 34 PHOTO BY JOEL SCHNELL

STARTUPS FEATURES EXECUTIVE VISION

05 MADE IN MINNESOTA 22 WOMEN’S BUSINESS CIRCLE 54 CLOSE UP Super fabrics and smarter pill boxes. ScaleUp! initiative serves as an accelerator When it comes to real estate, JoAnna Hicks is in her Element. 06 CHAI NEWS & VIEWS for women-owned businesses. Freweini Sium’s inspiring story is told in the mural 27 WOMEN WHO LEAD 56 INSPIRING WOMEN adorning her building. Across industries, women are taking charge Sara Criger is a change-maker in health care. and empowering others. 60 NAVIGATING CHANGE Liwanag Ojala is helping to bridge the communication gap. BUSINESS MATTERS 62 INTERVIEW 09 IN THIS SECTION Investing in women is Leslie Frécon’s business. Franchises by the numbers, chilly introverts and making resolutions (should you or shouldn’t you?). 10 NEGOTIATIONS Executive editor Megan Effertz shares five SNAPSHOTS strategies for getting the raise you deserve. 44 64 WORK REDUX | CARE 12 BUSINESS OF HEALING Mindee Pollen kicks off its Work Redux series with a Medical centers are introducing the arts into Kastelic panel discussion about the intersection of career patient treatments and health care training. and caregiving. 16 FRANCHISES Two successful franchisors share their strategies, CORRECTION: In our November/December 2017 stories and successes. issue, information for Players Health and Vixar was inadvertently omitted from our “Most Likely to Succeed” article. The two were finalists in the technology and manufacturing categories,

respectively. JASTER LISA DAVIS, J. SCHNELL, EMILY JOEL BY PHOTOS

MnBizMag Minnesota Business Magazine [email protected]

02 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 INSPIRATION FOR GROWING COMPANIES

PUBLISHER Matthew Kusilek EDITORIAL EXECUTIVE EDITOR Megan Effertz MANAGING EDITOR Teresa Kenney COPY EDITOR Judy Monn SENIOR WRITERS Kevyn Burger, Brian Martucci CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mark J. Anderson, Ren Braceros, Kolina Cicero, Bruce P. Corrie, Sue Hawkes, Nate Garvis, Edwin Reyes Herrera, Steve LeBeau, Tom Wiese EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Bruce Corrie, Concordia University; Thompson Aderinkomi, Relate; Alberto Monserrate, New Publica; Kirby Sneen, Manufacturer’s Alliance; Ryan Kanne, U.S. Commercial Service Minnesota; Mike Cohen, Gray Plant Mooty; Ted Risdall, Risdall PR; Irene Fernando, Thrivent; Myrna Marofsky, Consultant; Aleesha Webb, Sunrise Banks; Kurt Theriault, Allied Executives; Steve Havig, Lakes Area Realty; Siyad Abdullahi, Language Banc; Uri Camarena, MEDA; Katie T. Gabriel, Salo; Leslie Holman, Pinnacle Performance Group; Larry Abdo, Abdo Market House; Leah Hargett, JOG Associates ART ART DIRECTORS Emily Bretzel, Sara Chars LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Tate Carlson STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Emily J. Davis, Joel Schnell PRODUCTION PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Dianne Talmage PROJECT COORDINATOR Heidi Branes CIRCULATION The Sign of a CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jeremy Wieland CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE Mairone Alemu SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING SPECIALIST Rebekah Gregorich Great Conversation? ADMINISTRATION ACCOUNTING MANAGER Pat Schossow CREDIT MANAGER April McCauley ACCOUNTANT Katie Bodin MARKETING & PROMOTIONS EVENT MANAGER Kelsey Copeland WEB WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Sandy Powell When one cup isn’t enough.

Reprints: For high-quality reprints of 500 or more call 1-800-637-0334 or email [email protected]. We occasionally make our subscriber names available to companies whose products or services should be of interest to you. If you prefer not to be Great business relationships are not born overnight. included, you may request that your name be removed from our special promotions lists. Write to Minnesota Business magazine, Circulation Department, 900 South Third Street, They are built on a level of trust that comes through a mutual Minneapolis, MN, 55415. understanding of goals and objectives. Your CPA firm should TIGER OAK MEDIA know you and your business, provide year-round attention, and 900 SOUTH THIRD STREET • MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55415 • 612.548.3180 adapt to meet your needs. So how do you find that relationship?

PRESIDENT R. Craig Bednar The conversation starts here. GROUP PUBLISHER Richard “Dick” Ausman CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Marcel Gyswyt 651-255-9327 | [email protected]

Minnesota Business (ISSN 15396452) is published monthly by Tiger Oak Media, 900 S. Third St., Minneapolis, MN 55415. Phone: 612-548-3180. Fax: 612-548-3181. Subscription rates $24 for 12 issues, $36 for 24 issues, $45 for 36 issues. Back issues: $5.00. USPS Publication #20375. Periodicals postage paid at Saint Paul, MN 55164-5015 and additional mailing offices. Printed in USA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Minnesota Business, 900 S. Third St., Minneapolis, MN 55415-1209.

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 03 12TH ANNUAL twin cities TECHPULSE APRIL 03, 2018 • ST. PAUL RIVERCENTRE

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The award winning, business & technology conference consisting of over 30 breakout sessions that focus on the following business categories.

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keynote speaker SAM RICHTER Considered the “Modern Day Dale Carnegie” and one of the world’s foremost Sales Intelligence and Social Selling experts, Hall of Fame Speaker and best-selling author Sam Richter takes something you already know, that Knowledge Is Power, and turns it into reality. Made in MN Startups

IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PLANE, IT’S SUPERFABRIC Weaving the future with home-grown technology

SuperFabric’s CEO and founder Young-Hwa Kim’s entry into the textile industry began as a casual conversation between peers. Kim’s colleague was a surgeon by trade and inquired whether it was possible to create a puncture-resistant glove that could be used in surgery. An alumnus of UCLA with a Ph.D. in physics, Kim has innovation sewn into his DNA. So, while at first, he deemed the feat impossible, later, when recalling the question, he felt personally challenged to test his initial response. The result was SuperFabric®, a flexible, adaptable fabric. A product of Oakdale-based Higher Dimension Materials, SuperFabric’s technology is simple: Miniscule, solid plates — referred to as guard plates — are overlaid onto fabric in an arrangement specific to the desired attributes of the material (e.g., breathability, slash-resistant or abrasion-resistant). While the quest for an impenetrable medical glove has yet to be realized, SuperFabric materials have been incorporated into U.S. Army combat and ballistic combat shirts, as well as footwear, vehicle interiors, apparel, luggage, backpacks and outdoor gear. The company also has fans in athletes, such as two-time Olympic Gold skier Ted Ligety — who incorporated SuperFabric materials into the design of his ski gloves — and brands, such as Ferrari, The North Face, Gore-Tex and Under Armour. —Ren Braceros

TAKING IT ONE DOSE AT A TIME Dose Health simplifies prescribed medication with smart pillbox

Necessity, as they say, is the mother of mind for patients and their caregivers. patient has taken — or missed — a dose. In invention. For Paul Hines, it was actually his Currently, the pillbox is covered by all addition, because they are approximately five grandmother’s needs — specifically related Minnesota HCBS waiver programs. inches in diameter, the portable devices are to her difficulty in taking prescriptions Emphasizing ease of use, Dose Dispense travel-friendly. — that spurred Hines’ idea for a smarter pairs the simplicity of the pillbox with Patients rent the dispensers; prices range pillbox. At the time, he was two years intelligent software interface designed to from approximately $30 to $50 per month into medical school. He enlisted the help strengthen adherence. Dose Dispense has depending on if the patient needs one or of three friends, and the company Dose a touchscreen and 14 compartments within two devices. Dose Health has distributed Health was born. “When the idea became a single tray, and can be programmed to hundreds of pillboxes and has tracked more

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUPERFABRIC AND DOSE HEALTH AND DOSE OF SUPERFABRIC COURTESY PHOTOS big enough, we formed a team, began dispense medication up to five times a day. than 40,000 dispenses with a 96% average prototypes and became full- After set-up, the device stores the times rate of adherence. The pillbox also provides time,” says Hines, now medications need to be taken and important tracking data to help caretakers CEO and software dispenses accordingly. and institutions improve care programs. lead for the New The device’s rotating internal tray reveals Future plans involve working with health Brighton–based the correct compartment and sounds organizations directly to study long-term company. an alarm notifying the patient to take effects of adherence and improve health Dose Health’s the scheduled pills. The individual then outcomes with Dose Dispense based on mission is to simply flips the pillbox over to retrieve the those results. lower health medication. After dispensing the pills, Dose “We need to see how much it benefits care costs with Dispense’s tray closes on its own. Minnesota before we spread it nationally. its smarter pillbox, The devices include internet connectivity There are many places in this state we can called Dose Dispense, and can send text messages, emails or reach, which continues to help us grow,” and provide peace of phone notifications to a caregiver when the says Hines. —Edwin Reyes Herrera

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 05 STARTUPS CHAI NEWS

A Picture Worth A Thousand Words Hamline Midway mural tells the story of overcoming challenges BY BRUCE CORRIE

Approximately 20 years ago, on the way to it with the help of her father. Over the years, Sium also faced the challenges of oper- Hamline University's library, Freweini Sium through hard work, numerous setbacks and ating a business. When she couldn’t find felt so unsafe in the neighborhood that she sheer determination, she has transformed the someone to run her beauty salon, she went took a bus on the short stretch on University run-down building into a vibrant address that to school and earned the credentials to do so Avenue. Today, however, she walks the neigh- now houses more than 20 small businesses. herself. Now she operates a thriving business borhood without hesitation, because today, Listening to the tremendous challenges Sium and is a sought-after stylist. Sium owns the block. faced securing capital to renovate the business While visiting Los Angeles, Sium came Sium moved to America from Ethiopia, one is struck by the question: Do minority across a unique ethnic mall and wanted to looking to follow her dream of becoming female entrepreneurs pay a higher premium for bring the concept to Minnesota. Thus began successful and independent. Although she access to capital? Banks and nonprofits told her her next big challenge of creating AJ Interna- began her journey to success studying to be they didn’t fund real estate yet were known to tional Mall. Her vision for the mall is to have an electrical engineer, opportunity turned have given loans to other businesses, and she a mix of complementary businesses that can her into an entrepreneur. Someone showed paid a high premium for some short-term loans. do business with each other. Fifteen of the 17 her the building on the corner of University Finally, after being rejected by area banks, she mini stores currently in the mall are occupied and Snelling, which extends almost the entire secured a loan from Vision Bank with the help by businesses from different cultures, and sell

block, and after much deliberation, she bought of Mohamed Amin, a social entrepreneur. products such as clothing or cell phones, or OF BRUCE CORRIE COURTESY PHOTO

06 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 Online When I started thinking of going M.B.A. Ranked back to school, I wanted to attend a school that I believed in, could trust, was accredited, and most importantly, would allow me by Princeton to get the education and tools Review I needed to reach my goals. The online M.B.A. program through USD’s Beacom School of Business not only met my criteria, it exceeded M.B.A. my expectations. Andi Litton, M.B.A. ‘17 ONLINE COO, Division of Gastroenterology Fully Rapid City Medical Center

Freweini Sium Accredited

offer services such as henna tattoos. The two Nationally new challenges she’s now working on are how Ranked to market the retail stores so that they can be profitable and how to address parking issues, so customers have a pleasant shopping experience. But like the challenges she’s encountered Beacom before, she is facing them straight on. The building Sium owns is part of the Ham- line Midway Murals initiative — a public art School of project that pairs immigrant business owners with artists to create a “gallery” of murals that tell the stories of the Little Africa Business and Business Cultural District. The mural that adorns the exterior of her building embodies the spirit of Sium and provides a warm, vibrant welcome to people entering Snelling Avenue. The mural’s — and Sium’s — message to Online. Accredited. Affordable. Minnesota is this: Dream big, work hard and keep your eye on the prize. Success will come www.usd.edu/onlinemba • [email protected] • 800-233-7937 in beautiful, vibrant ways.

BRUCE CORRIE, PHD, blogs at chai.news and is a professor of economics at Concordia University ‑ Saint Paul. PHOTO BY EMILY J. DAVIS J. EMILY BY PHOTO PHOTO COURTESY OF BRUCE CORRIE COURTESY PHOTO

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 07 Advertisement

CYBERSECURITY TIPS FOR BUSINESS LEADERS

hen developing cybersecurity programs, An example of social engineering is a phone Wmany businesses focus on protecting their call or email where an employee receives a infrastructure perimeters and device endpoints. But message that their computer is sending bad it’s also important to consider what happens when traffic to the internet. To fix this issue, end us- a threat bypasses perimeter defenses and targets ers are asked to call or email a tech-support an employee in the form of a malicious email, text, hotline and prompted to give information that or even a voicemail that might prompt an employee could very likely give the cybercriminal access to respond with confidential company information. to the company’s network. In this article, we explore the need for employees to practice strict and secure cybersecurity habits — Phishing Email Compromises devices. Even in cases where a business does not only to thwart digital attacks, but also to prevent One of the most common forms of social not offer BYOD, end users often find a way to someone from simply walking by their desks (in engineering is email phishing — an attempt log on to business networks on their own. Busi- the office or at home) and picking up devices or to acquire sensitive information such as nesses must now protect endpoint devices that documents that contain sensitive information. usernames, passwords and credit card data are not completely under their control. We also present the key steps small and midsize by masquerading as a trustworthy entity. business (SMB) leaders can take to educate their Phishing is likely the no. 1 primary email threat Top Browser Threats employees to help secure their companies’ data employees need to focus on. Such emails When end users venture out onto the internet, it’s and intellectual property. often spoof the company CEO, a customer or a easy to get tangled up in the vast web of threats business partner so that the victim thinks they lurking on many website pages. Some of them Keep a Clean Desk are responding to a legitimate request. The are readily apparent, but others are well hidden. Employees who keep cluttered desks tend FBI says CEO (or C-level) fraud has increased to leave USB drives and smartphones out in 270% in the past two years, with more than Malvertising — a form of malicious code the open. They also often forget to physically 12,000 reported incidents totaling more than that distributes malware through online secure their desktops and laptops so someone $2 billion dollars in corporate losses. advertising — can be hidden within an ad, can’t simply walk off with them. embedded on a website page, or bundled Low Security with software downloads. This type of threat Encouraging employees to maintain neat desks Account Credentials can be displayed on any website, even those pays off in two ways: Digital and paper assets Although it should be common sense, employ- considered the most trustworthy. are more secure, and employees with clean ees need to avoid the use of passwords that desks are more apt to be productive because are easy for hackers to guess. Among the top To read the full version of this article go to they can quickly — and safely — access the worst passwords are those that use a series of info.thriveon.net/cybersecurity-guidelines. tools and resources they need to do their jobs. numbers in numerical order, such as <123456>. The names of popular sports, such as and , are also on the list, as 855-767-2571 or www.thriveon.net. Inboxes and Voicemail are quirky passwords, such as and Social engineering is non-technical, malicious even the word itself. activity that exploits human interactions to obtain To Your Success, information about internal processes, configura- Mobile Threats Jeopardizing Company Data Sam Bloedow tion and technical security policies in order to CEO and Founder gain access to secure devices and networks. Mobile security is increasingly becoming a big Thriveon Such attacks are carried out when cybercriminals concern as more and more companies adopt pose as credible, trusted authorities to convince bring your own device (BYOD) environments, Thriveon is a Minnesota-based, family-owned their targets to grant access to sensitive data and which allow end users to connect to corporate IT management and security-services provider, high-security locations or networks. networks through their own (often multiple) focused on providing world-class IT for SMBs. Business Matters Negotiations 10 Art & Healing 12 Franchises 16

TOP MINNESOTA FRANCHISES Where are their HQs? By Brian Martucci

35W DAIRY QUEEN: Headquarters: 7505 Metro Blvd., Edina Total number of locations in Minn.: 148

94 SUPERCUTS: 694 Headquarters: 7201 Metro Blvd., Edina Total number of locations in Minn.: 5

394 94 MIRACLE-EAR: Headquarters: 5000 Cheshire Pkwy., Plymouth Total number of locations in Minn.: 36

494 ANYTIME FITNESS: Headquarters: 111 Weir Drive, Woodbury Total number of locations in Minn.: 130 35W GREAT CLIPS: Headquarters: 4400 W. 78th St., #700, Bloomington Total number of locations in Minn.: 155

STAT BITES

THE COLD SHOULDER I RESOLVE TO...... TRY TO RESOLVE Figure on coming cold causing a Most common New Year’s resolutions: How many people actually achieve their massive clam-up: New research Not surprisingly, losing weight resolutions? Less than 10% according published in Nature suggests that being leads the list at over 20%, with self- to Statistic Brain. But despite this dire from a place that’s either too hot or too improvement a distant second. Then outcome, you should maintain resolve cold could make you an introvert. The comes the goal to make better financial to set goals for 2018. People who make researchers’ data shows that 72 degrees decisions. The seventh most-popular resolutions are 10 times more likely to Fahrenheit is the sweet spot. No wonder resolution is to work out more often, attain their goals than people who don’t. Minnesotans tend to be so reserved — which reinforces the goal of losing By Mark J. Anderson, Stat-Ease, Inc. they rarely are in the “Goldilocks” zone pounds being predominant for most for ambient conditions. (Source: “Regional people. (Skinny people get no sympathy ambient temperature is associated with human from us gravity-challenged types.) personality,” Wei, et al., published online on 27 (Source: Statistic.Brain Top 10 New Years

ILLUSTRATION BY PHAT XIONG PHAT BY ILLUSTRATION November 2017.) Resolutions for 2017.)

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 09 BUSINESS MATTERS NEGOTIATIONS

Ask the Editor Five tips for scoring a pay raise BY MEGAN EFFERTZ | PHOTO BY TATE CARLSON

I recently discovered that the person who held my position Q: prior to me was paid substantially more, although I’ve taken on many more responsibilities. How do I approach my supervisor for a raise? Megan Effertz

Negotiating compensation can be a daunting task, A: particularly for women. In a study of Carnegie Mellon Uni- versity graduates, researcher Linda Babcock found that while 57% of men graduating with a masters degree said that they negotiated their salaries when offered a new position, only 7% of women graduating with a masters degree did the same. Those who did found the payoff worth the risk: The recent grads who negotiated received, on average, 7.4% more than their initial offers. So, what steps can you take to ensure your salary matches the value you bring to your position? Here are some tips.

KNOW YOUR WORTH. Learn what the pay range is for your role. Do the research. Rely on concrete data — not heresay — 1 and make sure the information is for your specific position, as salaries can vary in departments based on responsibilities. If you feel comfortable doing so, ask your human resources (HR) department for your role’s salary range. If asking HR isn’t an option, start with an internet search for salary guides listed by positions. Take note: Many of these guides are based on national salaries and have ranges that are higher than those seen in Minnesota. Next, reach out to former colleagues who held similar roles and ask them what a typical pay range was for your position. If you’re asking colleagues at your company, be mindful of your company’s policy on discussing salaries. Recruiters are also excellent sources of information. Find one who specializes in your area.

ANALYZE DATA POINTS. Consider the many 2 factors that influence salaries. • Location: Are you working in the cities, the suburbs or • Perks: Does your job offer perks like employee discounts, greater Minnesota? The farther you get away from the cities, flexible schedules and generous paid time off? Companies that the lower the salary range. can’t afford to pay the high end of salaries compensate with • Industry: Is your area of work growing or shrinking? If you’re other perks. working in a growing industry, your role will command a more • Health care: Is your company offering a health insurance package? substantial salary than in an industry that is shedding jobs. Insurance is factored in as part of compensation.

10 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 “Remove your ego, reflect and think about your contributions.” —Megan Effertz

LAYER IN YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS. your research and how you think your contri- You could be a manager and desire a butions impact the business. If they don’t see 3higher salary, but are you performing it the same way, you are not in a position to at a manager level? Remove your ego, reflect ask for anything more. You need to work with and think about your contributions. Are you them to either understand your contributions doing what is expected of your job title? You or pivot so you are meeting their expectations. may find that you are doing more, or less, If they do agree with your assessment, now is than what your company requires from your the time to state what you want. Megan Effertz current position. Timing is everything. Be aware of your com- How are you performing in the role? pany’s financial position. If sales are dropping Solicit honest feedback about your job and rumors of layoffs are pending, it is prob- performance from others you work with ably not the time to negotiate a pay increase. for a proper perspective. Adjust your salary Some companies only make salary adjust- expectations accordingly. ments during annual performance reviews. That doesn’t mean you have to, or even should, TALK WITH YOUR MANAGER. wait until then to have discussions. You do Before demanding a raise, frame the need to set your expectations that you have to 4conversation and be clear on what you work within set timelines. want, when you want it and, most importantly, why you deserve it. HELP YOUR MANAGER. If you and Angie Wordell The way you ask also makes a difference. your manager agree that you deserve Director of Operations Take the opportunity to have a discussion 5more compensation but your pay is off Graco with your manager about your value to the by $10,000, you aren’t likely to receive your company. Approach the conversation from a increase all at once. Suggest a plan that would logical, not an emotional, perspective. Share get you to an appropriate level over a period of time or an alternative compensation to bridge the difference. Can they offer you more PTO or a bonus? Can you do an increase at review time and mid-year? Perhaps it is time for you to take on more responsibilities so they Kara Sime can promote you, allowing them to provide HR Director DO THE RESEARCH. a more significant increase. Recognize they Agropur, Inc. KNOW YOUR WORTH. have budgets they have to work within, and Want to know the average salary help them help you. in your market for your position? If they can’t or won’t do anything, it may be Here are some online resources to time to look for a new opportunity. The good review. (Please note: Salaries also vary based on industry, location and news is that you’ve done your research and will be size of company.) prepared to negotiate a salary at a new company. Sharing If you’re a manager with an employee NATIONAL: asking for a raise, ask them to go through this payscale.com Education & exercise. Factor in the risk to the business if glassdoor.com they decide to leave and then work with them salary.com to map out a plan to get them to where they Resources LOCAL: deserve to be that will also keep them engaged and motivated. roberthalf.com/salary-guide Peer-to-Peer Have a business question for our editor? Shoot versique.com/salary-guides her an email at [email protected].

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 11 BUSINESS MATTERS ART & HEALING

Art therapy patient Pat Bowe paints as a way to calm her thoughts and express her emotions.

The Business of Healing Health benefits can be found in both making and appreciating art BY KEVYN BURGER | PHOTOS BY EMILY J. DAVIS

lthough it’s been two years since Patti three surgeries, at St. Francis Regional Medical Jensen was diagnosed, she clearly re- Center in Shakopee. An art therapist employed Amembers the head-spinning panic she by the hospital brought her supplies to paint felt when her doctor told her she had cancer. while receiving her care. Jensen recalls the As her treatment began, she couldn’t shake experience as relaxing, taking her mind away the fear that she was going to die. from worrying about her next shot. What helped her cope was a paintbrush Pat Bowe also participated in art therapy and a blank canvas. after receiving a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer “I found out that art, creating something, in the summer of 2017. While resistant to the calms me and grounds me,” says Jensen, who concept at first because, as she says, “I’m not works as a production planner for a manufac- artsy,” she became a fan with the encourage- turing company. “When you’re sitting with the ment of a therapist, her artist daughter and a fear, you need to find ways to express yourself.” paint-by-numbers set. She says that art thera- Jensen was introduced to art therapy as py gave her, “a way to get out of” her head. she underwent treatment, which included It also helped her to express her emotions.

12 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 Membership is “We want to heal the spirit smart. and keep the mind healthy, too.” —Michael Morris, Director of Business Development, St. Francis Regional Medical Center

The first time she created an original piece, she had gotten some disheartening news from her doctor earlier in the day. “I felt my whole day had gone black,” she says. After receiving more promising news later that same day from her oncologist, she picked up the paintbrush. tional movement to bring the arts into health “The black in the picture at the bottom is just care. A 2009 report by the Global Alliance for how oppressed I felt after being told about the Arts & Health found that more than 40% of U.S. cancer,” Bowe says, describing the painting. health care institutions offered arts programs. “Then the rainbows are how I felt after seeing In 2013, the Alliance surveyed 129 veteran med- the oncologist. Below the rainbow, I have the ical centers and found more than half included sun and circles in all different colors. I’m rising arts programming at patients’ bedsides. up in purple streaks — pancreatic cancer is The staff at St. Francis tracks the ripple purple — and the cancer is being dissolved.” effect of all integrative therapies on patients. Art therapy specifically aims to improve overall Whole person care well-being while reducing stress and anxiety Art is one of the integrated therapies woven scores to measure the benefits of their services, into traditional treatment for patients at St. according to Menth. “Mainstream medicine is Francis as part of its effort to provide “whole looking for options for pain relief that do not Maximizing person care,” which focuses on improving involve narcotics,” says Menth. all factors of health: mind, body, spirit and There’s a growing body of research that con- Member Value community. St. Francis is a Catholic hospital firms the arts can provide more than a distraction. co-owned by Allina, HealthPartners/Park A 2010 article in the American Journal of Advocacy Nicollet and Essentia Health, and sponsored Public Health found more than 100 studies Engaging with state and local by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica that scientifically validated the value of arts on elected officials to influence Monastery in Duluth. improving mental and physical health. issues that affect your business. St. Francis also provides acupuncture, Another 200-page document released massage, guided imagery, Korean hand in the U.K. earlier this year offered research Events therapy, acupressure, healing touch, reflexol- demonstrating the healing power of the arts; Delivering vibrant programs ogy and aromatherapy for admitted inpatients the report suggests arts-related interventions to educate, inform and engage or patients undergoing chemotherapy in its could be a valuable method for saving money business professionals. Cancer Center. These amenities and resources for Britain’s National Health Service. are at no cost to the patient because the center This research could explain the long history believes there are many components to health of hanging artwork to make hospital spaces Relationships beyond surgery and pharmaceutical care. feel less threatening. Rochester’s Mayo Clinic Developing strong business “It’s become part of our brand,” says Mi- was an early leader in building a campus-wide relationships with other chael Morris, director of business development art collection to share with patients, visitors members. at St. Francis. “We want to heal the spirit and and staff. Today the famed clinic offers regular keep the mind healthy, too.” art and architecture tours to highlight its do- Marketing “Patients commonly ask for these modali- nated and commissioned works. Promoting your business through ties. They’ve heard about them already,” adds At St. Francis, paintings, framed photo- our online presence or events. Nancy Menth, patient care manager at St. graphs and sculptures chosen with the help Francis’ Cancer Center and Specialty Clinics. of an art consultant contribute to the thera- saintpaulchamber.com/

PHOTO BY JOE TRELEVEN BY PHOTO St. Francis is riding the crest of an interna- peutic environment. membership

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 13 BUSINESS MATTERS ART & HEALING

THE HEALING CURRICULUM

Doctors have traditionally been trained to use their stethoscopes to listen to their patients. Today’s health care professionals are also using the arts to learn how to hear their patients’ concerns and perspectives better. Many University of Minnesota students preparing for hands- on careers in health care will rotate through the University of Minnesota’s Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC) in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis. As part of their training, these future physicians, pharmacists, therapists and social workers connect with a narrative medicine workshop offered in the primary care clinic, which serves a population described as disadvantaged. “The big-picture mission is to transform education to advance health equity,” says education From left: Karen “When people walk in our doors, they’re stressed about a diagnosis specialist and manager EmmaLee Gillespie Haeg, or apprehensive about a loved one’s surgery, but we hear all the time Integrative Health Pallai. “When you talk about equity, Practitioner and that this doesn’t look like a hospital,” says Tamara Severtson, the man- a lot of voices are not part of the Registered Art ager of mission integration at St. Francis. “We can activate the creative conversation.” Therapist; Marti spirit that aids healing. We can be about healing even when we can’t be Pallai, who has a background in Auringer, RN about curing.” creative writing, leads workshops that and Cancer Care pair student providers with patients Coordinator; and to collaborate on writing stories about Pat Bowe Helping the healers the patients’ health journeys. Severtson notes that the hospital’s curated space is targeted at its em- “They sit together without the ployees as well as patients. This includes several healing gardens and a usual hierarchy. It lets the patients meditative art walk for staff to take a few breaths and be renewed. The talk about their health in a different hospital also commissioned art for its conference rooms inspired by its way and helps students see the values: joy, justice, hospitality, respect, stewardship and partnership. whole patient and learn to develop “People working in health care give all day, every day, and it takes a better rapport,” she says. Pallai also works with students physical, emotional and spiritual toll,” Severtson says. “When they can de- on writing and journaling projects stress, it gives them more room for compassion and higher quality care.” during narrative workshops that can For Patti Jensen, the connection to creativity has been life-enhanc- be effective stress-reducers in their ing. Working with the art therapist, she discovered her hidden talent for high burnout profession. She believes painting and continues to use her brush, canvases and adult coloring practicing medicine can become books to keep her spirit calm and her panic at bay. depersonalized at times. CUHCC “The fear will always be there,” she admits. “When you’re fighting looks for ways to integrate the patient’s voice and concerns into their cancer, you learn to look for what makes you happy so that you can fly learning, focusing on their developing away for a little while.” identities as health care providers. Pat Bowe adds that she hopes more people take a chance and try art therapy. “Cancer takes over your spirit — your physical and emotional being — and sucks it in. Somehow you have to find a way to let it go.” PHOTO BY EMILY J. DAVIS J. EMILY BY PHOTO

14 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 Working for Minnesota business owners since 2002.

ASSET LIQUIDATIONS FLEET REDUCTIONS EQUIPMENT TURNOVER EXCESS INVENTORY

763.367.6798 www.K-BID.com/page/sellerMN PHOTO BY EMILY J. DAVIS J. EMILY BY PHOTO

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 15 BUSINESS MATTERS FRANCHISES Chain of Command Franchisees don’t need to sacrifice their entrepreneurial spirit for a winning concept BY BRIAN MARTUCCI | PHOTO BY JOEL SCHNELL

Peter Carlson

ranchise marketing is an earnest, if spend less time vetting concepts; franchi- somewhat corny, trade. One fran- sors expand faster; and Carlson gets 50% of Fchise opportunity promises to “help the franchise fee paid and a percentage of you build a great life.” Another proclaims, the royalty on every new franchise location. “You’re a trailblazer.” Maybe those mes- (Franchisees pay nothing out of pocket.) sages resonate with you. Or maybe you’re “The regional developer is basically the a franchise skeptic. At first, I was. franchisor’s sales agent on the ground,” says Then I connected with two Minnesota- Carlson. “Your success or failure as a con- based entrepreneurs who changed my mind. cept depends on who you have in that role.” Both leveraged the opportunities afforded The regional development model has by the franchise model to build successful, been good to Carlson, but it’s actually pretty fulfilling businesses in their own images — rare. He estimates just 2% to 3% of franchi- without compromising their principles. sors use the model. Many are wary of giving so much power to third parties; others, Peter Carlson: Franchisee guru understandably, balk at losing half of their As former national director of Sunbelt franchise fees. But the approach has some Network’s franchise consulting arm and notable adherents: Subway, Papa John’s and current independent franchise consultant Blockbuster all leveraged regional develop- and regional developer of franchise comers early in their franchise life cycles. panies such as Amazing Lash and OurTown America, Peter Carlson is a franchising guru. Jinell Abernethy: Hometown The former KARE 11 ad sales executive hero, in on the ground floor has been in franchise development since the Jinell Abernethy knew Anytime Fitness found- early 2000s. Franchisors rely on him to sell ers Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen a their concepts to prospective franchisees, decade before the two founded the wildly sparing their lean corporate teams the high- successful gym-on-demand concept. touch trouble. It’s a win-win-win: Franchisees

16 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 FRANCHISOR- FRANCHISEE CONFLICTS: THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY Jinell Abernethy For every franchisee who works hand in glove with his or her franchisor, there’s another who seems determined to butt heads with corporate. Tension between the two parties is understandable, natural, even (at times) productive. Here are some things to consider.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PERKS Jinell Abernethy is among Anytime Fitness’s most active, pro- corporate franchisees. “Things are always changing in this industry, and Anytime Fitness is always evolving,” she says. “I take advantage of all the training opportunities, conferences and training for multi-club owners.” Her advice to newer franchisees: She was an early employee of Health Follow her lead. “The club owners SNAPSHOT OF and Fitness Group, the pair’s pre-Anytime who stay engaged do better than MINNESOTA FRANCHISE venture. When they launched Anytime those who don’t,” she observes. in 2002, she jumped at the opportu- “Do not be afraid to ask for help or OPPORTUNITIES* nity to move back to her native Duluth. reach out to corporate.” ANYTIME FITNESS Her first gym was Anytime’s second. Also: When opportunities arise to test new products or systems, Total Location Count (U.S. Abernethy now owns five Anytime Fit- take them. and Overseas Possessions): 2,263 ness locations in and around Duluth, a Company-owned Locations: 33 relative drop in the concept’s 3,000-gym CREDULITY HAS ITS LIMITS bucket, but that’s fine by her. She gets to Franchise Locations: 2,230 You don’t have to take everything manage a mini-empire devoted to keep- corporate says or does at face Projected Openings (2017): 67 to 263 ing its famously active denizens healthy value. Abernethy encourages throughout the long, cold Lake Superior franchisees to ask questions when SNAP FITNESS they’re perplexed by corporate winter (and spring and…summer). policies. Total Location Count (U.S. “I love the opportunity that Any- “If you need to, question what and Overseas Possessions): 994 time Fitness has given me to grow my [corporate is] doing,” she says. Company-owned Locations: 61 career in the fitness industry,” says Ab- “They are accountable to you, Franchise Locations: 933 ernethy. “I bleed purple” — Anytime’s the franchisee.” primary color — “and I even have the The franchisee-franchisor relationship is inherently WAXING THE CITY** [Anytime] running man [logo] tattoo.” unbalanced, because the latter Thanks to her quarter-century history Total Location Count (U.S. usually has broad latitude to revoke and Overseas Possessions): 38 with Anytime’s founders and her unabashed the former’s operating license advocacy for the brand, Abernethy enjoys under the terms of the franchise Company-owned Locations: 1 perks not afforded just any five-unit franchi- agreement. Still, says Abernethy, Franchise Locations: 37 see. She spent two years on the company’s it’s important that both sides see Franchise Advisory Council as a liaison each other as working toward the *Counts are current as of 2016 between franchisees and corporate. same goal. “You work as a team to grow your business and the brand,” unless otherwise noted. Had Abernethy chosen a different she says. **2015 figures. path, she’d probably be in a senior leader- Data collected using Minnesota Commerce ship role at Anytime corporate right now. Department’s CARDS database: cards. But it’s easy to see why she didn’t. She

PHOTO COURTESY OF JINELL ABERNETHY COURTESY PHOTO commerce.state.mn.us/CARDS/ has a great thing going in Duluth.

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 17 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CBIZ BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES PANELBUSINESS PERSPECTIVES

MANAGING RISK HOW CAN MINNESOTA’S FORWARD-THINKING MANUFACTURERS PROTECT THEMSELVES?

Paul R. Smith Chris Harristhal Susan Tegt

Q: Is litigation stifling innovation Q: How do you protect your The most common business challenge is how to in manufacturing? innovative ideas and products? protect essential information. There are two methods for controlling your data. One is to establish unambigu- Paul R. Smith: If you are looking for a simple answer, Chris Harristhal: There is a tension that exists ous company policies. You need policies that will put it would be the quintessential lawyer’s response: between the free flow of information and protecting employees on notice as to what information is confi- It depends. Of course, it’s that kind of answer that a manufacturer’s rights. The question posed by this dential because you genuinely want your employees to makes lawyers just slightly more popular than symposium is: Is litigation stifling growth? Well, there do the right thing. So, clearly identifying what informa- members of Congress, but, unfortunately, in this are two sides to that coin when it comes to protecting tion the manufacturer believes is confidential is going setting, it’s accurate. Whether or not manufacturers important business information. On the one hand, if to make your employees more likely to protect that in- When it comes to innovation, Minnesota convened a panel of experts to address from a competitive practices, employment allow legal concerns to stifle innovation is a byproduct you want to have a free exchange of information, then formation. Secondly, if it becomes necessary to enforce means business. According to the those issues. Representing a broad range and data security perspective. Tegt, an of management’s willingness to proactively address you can’t have any restrictions on information. You your rights to protect that information, employees need the issues that could lead to litigation. don’t have confidentiality agreements or trade secrets. to have been put on notice. Minnesota has adopted Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s report of experience, the panelists — Chris attorney with extensive in-house counsel The challenge is that issues facing manufacturers You just assume that the spread of information is the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. While virtually all states “Minnesota 2018 Business Benchmarks,” Harristhal, Susan Tegt and Paul R. experience, offered practical insight on the are incredibly diverse. They run the gamut from going to allow people and entities to springboard off have adopted some form of Uniform Trade Secrets Act, Minnesota ranks fourth in the U.S. for both Smith — offered strategies for minimizing importance of good day-to-day decision the protection of trade secrets and confidential that information, resulting in innovation. Minnesota’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act (MUTSA) has information to formalizing long-term relationships Now that’s a very noble thought, but when you’re some unusual components. For example, Minnesota’s patents per capita, and technology and the impact that litigation has on core making in minimizing the risk of litigation. with key employees. They arise in the contractual the party investing the capital and developing the tal- statute states that to protect your information as a science workforce. As the state’s gross business activities. And Smith, chair of Larkin Hoffman’s relationships we forge with customers, suppliers ent, you have a very real interest in making sure that trade secret, one of two things must occur: You have and distributors. They impact the way products are other people are learning on their dime, not yours. So to explicitly notify the employee that the information is domestic product grows, more and more Harristhal, Tegt and Smith are litigation practice, offered thoughts on designed and marketed and how manufacturers it is essential for manufacturers to inhibit the free flow confidential, or the employee must reasonably know manufacturing companies are looking for shareholders in the manufacturing services risk and litigation management and legal manage risk, resolve disputes and interact with our of information in a way that will enable them to maxi- that the information is confidential, thus overriding the guidance in how to protect themselves group of Larkin Hoffman, a Minneapolis- principles impacting the design and insurance partners. The breadth of these issues mize their innovative potential while simultaneously need to provide express notice. is why Larkin Hoffman established a designated limiting exposure to litigation. Thus, it is important Now, having litigated no-express-notice cases, I without impeding innovation. based law ﬁ rm. During the panel, Harristhal manufacture of safe products. Here is a Manufacturing Services Group to provide expertise to to be vigilant about confidentiality agreements, non- can tell you that you are far better off having a clearly Late last year, Minnesota Business discussed manufacturers’ unique challenges summary of the strategies discussed. address this wide range of challenges. competition agreements and trade secret protection. defined policy regarding confidential information,

SPONSORED SPONSORED BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES PANELBUSINESS PERSPECTIVES

Paul R. Smith Chris Harristhal Susan Tegt

Q: Is litigation stifling innovation Q: How do you protect your The most common business challenge is how to in manufacturing? innovative ideas and products? protect essential information. There are two methods for controlling your data. One is to establish unambigu- Paul R. Smith: If you are looking for a simple answer, Chris Harristhal: There is a tension that exists ous company policies. You need policies that will put it would be the quintessential lawyer’s response: between the free flow of information and protecting employees on notice as to what information is confi- It depends. Of course, it’s that kind of answer that a manufacturer’s rights. The question posed by this dential because you genuinely want your employees to makes lawyers just slightly more popular than symposium is: Is litigation stifling growth? Well, there do the right thing. So, clearly identifying what informa- members of Congress, but, unfortunately, in this are two sides to that coin when it comes to protecting tion the manufacturer believes is confidential is going setting, it’s accurate. Whether or not manufacturers important business information. On the one hand, if to make your employees more likely to protect that in- allow legal concerns to stifle innovation is a byproduct you want to have a free exchange of information, then formation. Secondly, if it becomes necessary to enforce of management’s willingness to proactively address you can’t have any restrictions on information. You your rights to protect that information, employees need the issues that could lead to litigation. don’t have confidentiality agreements or trade secrets. to have been put on notice. Minnesota has adopted The challenge is that issues facing manufacturers You just assume that the spread of information is the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. While virtually all states are incredibly diverse. They run the gamut from going to allow people and entities to springboard off have adopted some form of Uniform Trade Secrets Act, the protection of trade secrets and confidential that information, resulting in innovation. Minnesota’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act (MUTSA) has information to formalizing long-term relationships Now that’s a very noble thought, but when you’re some unusual components. For example, Minnesota’s with key employees. They arise in the contractual the party investing the capital and developing the tal- statute states that to protect your information as a relationships we forge with customers, suppliers ent, you have a very real interest in making sure that trade secret, one of two things must occur: You have and distributors. They impact the way products are other people are learning on their dime, not yours. So to explicitly notify the employee that the information is designed and marketed and how manufacturers it is essential for manufacturers to inhibit the free flow confidential, or the employee must reasonably know manage risk, resolve disputes and interact with our of information in a way that will enable them to maxi- that the information is confidential, thus overriding the insurance partners. The breadth of these issues mize their innovative potential while simultaneously need to provide express notice. is why Larkin Hoffman established a designated limiting exposure to litigation. Thus, it is important Now, having litigated no-express-notice cases, I Manufacturing Services Group to provide expertise to to be vigilant about confidentiality agreements, non- can tell you that you are far better off having a clearly address this wide range of challenges. competition agreements and trade secret protection. defined policy regarding confidential information,

SPONSORED “NEVER ASSUME ANY CONTRACTUAL PROVISION IS BOILERPLATE.”

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVESBUSINESS PANEL ~ Susan Tegt

successful sales department. They are the terms that anticipate success, long-term relationships and progress. They are also the terms that unfortunately become the sole focus of any negotiation. The second group of provisions I think of as the protection terms. Unlike the performance terms, the protection terms are my areas of concern. Protection terms often only become important when something has gone wrong. These include: Who will pay for insurance? Are their circumstances when I’ll have to indemnify the other party? How should disputes be strategic plans, financial information, customer lists, Q: What provisions should resolved? Or, where should disputes be resolved? and the formula for the company’s “secret sauce.” my contracts include? These terms are triggered when the relationship Well-written, concise, thoughtful policies are the sours and the once-promising business deal fails. easiest ways to protect confidential information and, Susan Tegt: When it comes to managing contracts, These are the terms that are so often glazed over to a degree, obviate the need for confidentiality or I bring a unique perspective. I spent a significant when the parties are filled with optimism but non-disclosure agreements. part of my career as an in-house attorney. Any become pivotal when the deal needs to be unwound. private practice attorney will undoubtedly tell you So how do you avoid this trap? I recommend Q: Should I require my employees sign to have every single contract reviewed, revised creating a template for whoever will be reviewing confidentiality agreements? If yes, at and renegotiated before it is signed. But the truth contracts. The template can identify your standard what point do I have them sign them? is business simply moves too fast for such a business terms and can serve as a checklist, which protracted process on those everyday contracts. Too will help you determine that all eventualities have Chris Harristhal: It is best to use confidentiality often businesses simply don’t have the time or the been considered. agreements at the inception of employment. The issue budget to involve an attorney in every contractual Protection clauses take many forms. There of consideration is at least reduced, if not eliminated, negotiation. So my goal is to help clients identify are confidentiality clauses in vendor contracts by having the employees sign the confidentiality agree- specific contractual provisions to watch out for and that limit the sharing of information. There are ment at the time of hiring. Again, you want to delineate offer some best practices to pass on to your team. those that protect intellectual property rights and the types of protected information. This is helpful for The biggest takeaway is to never assume establish guidelines for the use of an intellectual purposes of MUTSA and The Defend Trade Secrets Act any contractual provision is boilerplate. People property patent. Contract terms establishing dispute because you can prove beyond doubt that the employee see boilerplate legalese and think, “Oh, that will resolution rules are extremely important. Are you was on notice as to what information was confidential. never affect me.” The unfortunate reality is that going to litigate in court or are you going to arbitrate? One benefit of having a contract is that you can every single provision of these contracts has Are the parties required to mediate before initiating recover not only potential damages but you may also consequences, desired or unwanted. any adversarial process? Where are disputes going secure attorney’s fees as an award. You may even So slow down and take the time to examine and to be litigated or arbitrated? Too often companies be able to obviate the need for a bond. Typically, contemplate the impact of each contract provision. are shocked to learn that they have willingly court rules dictate that a bond is required any time Business contracts can roughly be broken down agreed to have any dispute resolved in a venue an injunction or temporary restraining order is into two key areas. The first relates to performance thousands of miles from home under laws that are issued. By agreeing ahead of time that the employee terms. These are the terms that are near and dear to less than favorable. There will be dramatic financial waives the obligation to post a bond, you eliminate any business. What do I have to do? When do I have implications if you must litigate far from home. that requirement. Whether a court will enforce that to do it? Where do I need to send it? How much am These terms are easily dismissed as unimportant, provision is a separate question, but, absent such a I going to be paid? And when are you going to pay but the reality is that they are critical and will have a waiver, a bond will be required. me? These are the bread-and-butter terms of any significant financial impact if a deal goes bust.

SPONSORED BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES PANELBUSINESS PERSPECTIVES

forgetting that they have a wealth of information earn how your product was being used, how the Q: How can I protect myself from product had been maintained and document what litigation when introducing new at their fi ngertips. They have distributors, call-in centers, help lines and end users who are more than you learn. Within days of an accident the product products to the market? willing to describe how they use the product and will have been moved and perhaps changed, the aul Sith:I spend my time in the fi eld of risk how it is sometime misused. They can describe the incident scene will be cleaned, evidence lost, and management, assessing whether or not products problems they have historically encountered and most importantly, the insight that could have been are properly designed, warnings are properly what errors they made to cause those problems. And gained will be gone forever. It is surprising how often written, and manuals instruct people in a fashion most importantly, they are always willing to describe an immediate examination of the incident scene that is effective. The goal is to head off problems how the product can be improved. Accessing easily will lead to the conclusion that the product had before they occur because resolving them after available information helps design teams identify and nothing whatsoever to do with causing the incident. the accident has happened is far more expensive. resolve problems, clarify typical misunderstandings I suspect that lawyers and engineers have during use and educate the inexperienced. added confusion to the product design process by producing an endless series of papers and Q: If an incident does occur is H TTS protocols in hopes of making the design process there any one thing I can do to foolproof. Some are excellent some are unusable. mitigate risk for the company? INCEPTIN Too often, they are simply confusing. ar too often ATTRNES the religious reliance on these protocols results in aul Sith: I’m convinced that one of the designers abandoning common sense. essential risk management practices is for LCATINS Minneapolis ochester Too often design teams wrack their brains manufacturers to thoroughly investigate an incident EB larkinhoffman.com assessing foreseeable uses and misuses while and the incident scene as quickly as possible.

SPNSRE TO SUCCE SS Two organizations join forces to help grow female-owned businesses

sick dog gave Ali Jarvis her classic accounting of hundreds of restaurants with entrepreneur’s flash: that moment dog-friendly patios, breweries, stores, dog- when she needed a service that friendly events and dog parks where their didn’t exist and figured that, if it best friends are welcome. It also includes

SCALING THE LADDER SCALING wasA something she valued, other people helpful information about pet resources, would, as well. products and rescue nonprofits. “My dog had a rare neuromuscular disease, “Our site is about living your life with your and I needed to give him medication several dog by your side,” Jarvis says. times a day. I was looking for a list of busi- Sidewalk Dog quickly went from Jarvis’s nesses where I could take him while I was side hustle to a full-time job. Today, she running errands, as well as restaurants and works from a co-working space and employs coffee shops where I could hang out with a staff of four, plus a pack of contractors. him and my friends,” explains Jarvis. “When I But Jarvis, 47, who majored in French lit- couldn’t find it, I decided to start it.” erature and has a background in publishing, Today, Sidewalk Dog Media — Jarvis’s knew she needed to bone up on her business digital media platform founded in 2008 skills to continue her growth trajectory. — offers dog owners an expansive online “I wanted to learn how to scale. I needed

by Kevyn Burger | photos by Emily J. Davis

22 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 Ali Jarvis at Inbound BrewCo, one of many local businesses that are dog-friendly. SUCCE SS

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 23 You don’t have to do it alone.

Are you trying to balance Or perhaps you have tried to business, leadership and life? prioritize them.

And you know you just can’t focus on one thing at a time! help analyzing our business model and com- for problem-solving, learning and support. ing up with additional revenue streams,” she According to research from the National says. “ButThere’s most ofa groupall, I was of looking women for who other have yourWomen’s back… Business Council, women who make The Business Women’s Circle brings like minded women together to talk women business owners who were in the strategic use of peer-to-peer networking gain a business, leadership and life. Learn, grow and develop your skills with ourtrenches facilitated like tools, I was.” support and inspiration from other women.distinct Eachadvantage. The study by the nonpar- circle is curatedJarvis found to complement what she wasand seekingchallenge in each membertisan for federalgrowth. advisory board reviewed best ScaleUp!, a new offering fromLet’s WomenVen meet and- talk aboutpractices your goals. for mentoring and found that women ture, the Minneapolis nonprofit that provides benefit most from structured programs that The BWC - because we’re smarter together. resources to female entrepreneurs, 952-905-9442such as | www.thebwc.orguse peers to monitor goals and bring together You don’t have to do it alone. courses, coaching and business loans. business owners who are well matched in the stage of their business development. AreAre you you trying trying to balanceto A Orcommunity perhaps you of havesupport tried to “For each woman, the BWC creates an business,balance leadership business, and life? “When we prioritizeask women them. business owners what accountability piece. The other members in they struggle with the most, it’s finding that the circle can ask about how they’re moving leadership and life? community of support. We know that being forward, what’s holding them back in bringing with like-minded entrepreneurs is a consistent their vision to fruition,” Basa says. “When they You don’t have to do it alone. accelerator for women’s economic develop- come in, they don’t know each other but we ment,” says Elaine Wyatt, WomenVenture dive right in and quickly reach a level of frank- executive director. “That piece is often missing, ness. They find their tribe.” Are you trying to balance Or perhaps you have tried to And you know you just can’t butfocus it can make the difference for these women business, leadership and life? prioritize them. on one thing at a time! on the pathway.” A venture to success Or perhaps you have In its pilot program started in 2016, Typically, business owners pay $1,200 for an You don’t have to dotried it alone.to prioritize them. There’sScaleUp! a group selected of women 22 women who have with yourmidsize back… annual membership to a facilitated Business The Business Women’sbusinesses Circle brings that likehad minded established women track together records to talk Women’s Circle; an alternative program brings business, leadershipand and were life. poised Learn, forgrow exponential and develop growth. your skills The with together women executives and costs $1,400. Are you trying to balance our facilitated tools, support and inspiration from other women. Each Or perhaps you have triedprogram to is funded by the Minnesota Depart- WomenVenture paid the bills for one year for business,And you knowleadership you just and can’t life? focus prioritizecircle is curated them. to complement and challenge each member for growth. on one thing at a time! ment of EmploymentLet’s meet and and Economic talk about yourDevelop goals.- the ScaleUp! class. ment to help boost the participants to the “With Business Women’s Circle, I have a The BWC - because we’re smarter together. next level, with the accompanying 952-905-9442 | www.thebwc.org expansion room full of business coaches,” says Keia Isaa- There’s a group of women who have your back… of jobs and revenue. cson, 39, president and co-owner of Lakeside The Business Women’sAnd Circle you brings know like mindedyou women together to talk business, leadershipjust and can’t life. Learn, focus grow on and develop your skills with As part of the ScaleUp! training, Women- Floor Covering. Her Fridley-based business, our facilitated tools,one support thing and at inspiration a time! from other women. Each Venture contracted with Lani Basa to facilitate which has $2 million in revenues, employs 11 circle is curatedAnd to complementyou know youand challengejust can’t each focus member for growth. a Business Women’s Circle (BWC) with the people in its retail store and as floor installers. Let’s meet and talk about your goals. on one thing at a time! participants. “I needed focus and direction as we prepare

The BWC - because we’re smarter together. 952-905-9442 | www.thebwc.org Basa co-founded the BWC concept with Myrna ourselves for the next stage of growth,” Isaac- The Business There’sWomen’s a group Circle of women who haveMarofsky your in back… 2009, starting with one circle of 12 son adds. “I also get practical help. We network The Business Women’s Circle brings like minded womenwomen, together and toadding talk three additional circles about our banking, accounting and marketing @bwcircles business, leadership and life. Learn, grow and developwithin your six skillsmonths. with The circles bring together relationships. I’ve been through three accoun- thebwc.orgour facilitated tools, support and inspiration from other women. Each circle is curated to complement and challenge each womenmember businessfor growth. owners for monthly gatherings tants, and I got a referral through the circle Let’s meet and talk about your goals.

24 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 The BWC - because we’re smarter together. 952-905-9442 | www.thebwc.org Lani Basa

Hockenberg Search. Executive Career Transition & Outplacement Expert

Contact Marni Hockenberg [email protected] “The members in the [BWC] circle can ask about how 952-500-9542 [each other is] moving forward [and] what’s holding them back in bringing their vision to fruition.”

Please join us at

that has worked out for us.” Circle drew to a close, 10 of the 12 participants Gears & Gadgets The BWC allowed Melissa Lonsky to see decided to continue to stick with the circle February 12th the universal scope of business challenges. concept and fund their BWC memberships. A speech pathologist by training, Lonsky, 41, One of those is Ali Jarvis. 4:00 - 6:30 pm had no formal business background when she “Lani is so gifted at facilitating and help- founded Family Speech & Therapy Services 13 ing us connect the dots and problem-solve,” years ago. Today she operates four outpatient she says. “We all struggle with getting bogged clinics that provide speech, occupational, down in the day-to-day. Through our conver- physical and feeding therapies for children and sation and exercises, this work forces us to Professor King Banaian will also contracts with several Twin Cities–area work on the bigger picture.” school districts to provide therapy services. As she exited the ScaleUp! program, Jarvis present an 2018 economic Experiencing a recent burst of growth, achieved her goal of launching her Sidewalk forecast for manufacturing. Lonsky increased her staff by 50% in the past Dog platform in a second market, adding a Manufacturing business 15 months, growing to 62 employees. Chicago-based website in 2017. owners and their Executive “The huge takeaway has been seeing the ins “When you own a business, you can’t stress team are invited to join us and outs of businesses that are not unique to out to your employees. You don’t want to at this quarterly program. me and seeing how every business has a cycle burden your friends and family with business Contact Marni Hockenberg of growth,” Lonsky says. “Regardless of the issues, so it can get lonely,” Jarvis says. “To me, industry, we have themes in common.” the BWC is like therapy. You pay someone to for an invitation. As the one-year experiment between listen and help you. Not everyone needs that

PHOTO BY TATE CARLSON TATE BY PHOTO WomenVenture and the Business Women’s type of support, but I’ve learned that I do.” www.HockenbergSearch.com

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D A W H O L E

From inspiring influencers and emerging leaders to glass-ceiling-shattering pioneers, these 53 business and community leaders are changing how Minnesota works By Teresa Kenney

WHEN WE SAT DOWN to choose others. These women not only climb the Minnesota Business’s “Women Who ladder of success, they also lend a hand Lead” 2018 honorees, it was important to those coming up behind them. to us to celebrate all women who lead The reason why we selected our hon- — not just those whose names are at the orees is found in the words and phrases top of the company stationery, but also provided by their nominators to describe those you may not have heard of (yet) them — words like compassionate, deci- and those who lead tirelessly every day sive, inspiring and innovative. In short, by example, supporting and empowering the very definition of being a true leader. NON-CREDITED PHOTOS COURTESY OF NOMINEES COURTESY NON-CREDITED PHOTOS

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 27 WOMEN WHO LEAD

Kim Bartmann CEO and Instigator, Bartmann Group

“Creative. Engaged. Generous.”

“Kim believes that well-prepared food made from ethically sourced, sustain- ably farmed ingredients, welcoming Nancy M. Dahl spaces and creative events can bring President & COO, Tastefully Simple people together, support neighborhoods and catalyze a city,” says nomi- FOOD “Daring. Supportive. Magnetic.” nator Christine Weeks. Weeks says Bartmann Group gives equal weight to In addition to being president and COO of Tastefully Simple, Nancy M. Dahl is also an author, people, planet and profits. “Employees having recently published her first book called “Grounded: Leading Your Life with Intention.” have access to health care and benefits. The book was written to spur conversations among young and seasoned professionals about Food is prepared with ingredients real-world challenges. “Nancy is awesome. And I am a better leader, parent, person because of grown on the Bartmann Group organic her. I am not unique. Nancy has fostered strong, smart women into better leaders, better people farm or sourced from local producers all of her career,” says colleague Tammie Lynn. Dahl has served on the nonprofit boards of Great and purveyors. Spaces are built with an Twin Cities United Way and Dunwoody College of Technology, and is a self-described tom- eye toward LEED specifications. And boy, gear-head-in-disguise and outdoor enthusiast, who enjoys hunting and fishing and has a recycling and composting are standard passion for motorcycles. practice,” says Weeks.

Amalia Moreno-Damgaard ship through mentoring and Bilingual Latin Food Culture Consultant, leadership education. “Amalia is Chef and Author, Amalia, LLC a talented chef and a wonderful supporter of women in business “Supportive. and the local community. Ama- Entrepreneurial. consultancy firm specializing lia’s passion for food and nutri- Community-minded.” in Latin and Spanish gourmet tion is exemplified in her work. cuisine and culture, and Women Her success as a chef, author Entrepreneurs of Minnesota, a and bilingual presenter is an Amalia Moreno-Damgaard is nonprofit organization which amazing leadership example,” founder of both Amalia, LLC, a fosters women entrepreneur- says nominator Joni Pierce. PHOTOS BY AMANDA GAHLER (BARTMANN), TODD BUCHANAN TODD GAHLER (BARTMANN), AMANDA BY PHOTOS (MORENO-DOMGAARD)

28 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 Mary Kim Brown President, JNBA Quist-Newins Financial Advisors President and Founder Moneyweave, LLC “Passionate. Strategic. Inspiring.” “Bright. Driven. Inspiring.”

One of Kim Brown’s Mary Quist-Newins’ driving mission, says most notable ac- nominator Mary Nutting, is to improve the complishments is her lives of others, particularly women and commitment to the next women business owners. At The American generation of financial College of Financial Services, “she held advisors, says nomina- the only endowed academic chair in the tor Cärin Viertel. Brown nation dedicated to the study of women formalized JNBA’s and money,” says Nutting. Quist-Newins internship advance- founded the college’s Center for Women and ment track to cultivate Financial Services, enabling groundbreaking tomorrow’s young talent primary research in personal finance. Today, by building a curriculum she serves as chapter president for the and an environment that National Association of Women Business allows them to thrive. Owners, Minnesota. “Over the past decade, this program has gradu-

ated 39 students from FINANCE 12 universities across the U.S. This curriculum has been so successful it set an industry standard for entry-level advisors, and Kim trav- els across the country to share her thought leadership on bringing up today’s students to be tomorrow’s advisors,” says Viertel.

PHOTOS BY BRANDON STENGEL (QUIST-NEWINS), DAN FRANCIS (AUSMAN) DAN (QUIST-NEWINS), BRANDON STENGEL BY PHOTOS Sara Nicole Ausman Middendorf Regional President CEO, Prosperwell Financial Alerus

“Uncompromising. Generous. “Supportive. Intelligent. Savvy.” Compassionate.”

A wealth advisor and certified In addition to serving as regional divorce financial analyst, Nicole president of Alerus, Sara Ausman also Middendorf has authored several leads the bank’s charitable giving books, including “Lipstick on the efforts in the Twin Cities and person- Piggy Bank,” which helps women set ally is active in her community, having up realistic financial strategies to served on the boards of the Juvenile enable a happy and fulfilled life. She Diabetes Foundation and the downtown is a frequent media contributor and Minneapolis YMCA. Ausman has also founder of the Nicole Middendorf volunteered with the Common Bond Foundation, which raises funds for Mentoring Program, the Minneapolis organizations, such as the Domestic Business Partners Mentoring Program, Abuse Project, Habitat for Humanity Ronald McDonald House and Habitat and Dress for Success.

PHOTOS BY AMANDA GAHLER (BARTMANN), TODD BUCHANAN TODD GAHLER (BARTMANN), AMANDA BY PHOTOS (MORENO-DOMGAARD) for Humanity.

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 29 WOMEN WHO LEAD PHOTO BY TATE CARLSON TATE BY PHOTO

30 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 FIRST UP Explorer Ann Bancroft empowers others to follow their passions by Brian Martucci

endota Heights native (and it. We couldn’t help but be adventurous. Do you still consider current Scandia resident) My parents have always been outdoor yourself fearless? Ann Bancroft is a fearless people. Their dinner table narratives, No! I’m terrified on a daily basis. explorer who’s dedicated and their eternal love for the natural her life to educating and Well, I’m not truly afraid when I’m in world fortified my sense of adventure. the outdoors. Others expect me to fear empoweringM the next generation. If she’s They wouldn’t bat an eye when I told not a true “woman who leads,” no one is. what they fear, where they fear it, but the them I’d be camping outside in the places and experiences I’m most afraid Bancroft’s bio is a litany of firsts: first- orchard on a 40-below winter night. of are normal for them. I’ve lost more known woman to cross the ice to the North sleep over my nonprofit than I’ve ever Pole (1986); leader of the first American lost on an expedition. Interacting with women’s east-west crossing of Greenland people [in formal settings] scares the (1992); leader of the first women’s pants off me. If I ever had to go back to a expedition to the South Pole; and first higher education class, I’d be petrified. woman to cross Antarctica (with exploration “The bravest decision partner Liv Arnesen). Her accolades include On an expedition, you do have moments a place in the National Women’s Hall of is often the one that of danger — maybe you punch through Fame and multiple “woman of the year” the ice and you’re hanging over a crevasse honors from the 1980s to the 2000s. takes you off your goal.” — and you’re certainly afraid, but it’s not the sort of paralyzing fear that keeps you In 1991, Bancroft launched her AWE ANN BANCROFT from doing what you were meant to do. Foundation to support the All Women’s Expedition on Antarctica to the South Pole, which was completed two years later. What drives you to seek The curricula developed for the expedition out these adventures? educated and inspired more than 200,000 My nature probably goes back to my students across the U.S. In 1997, when the Describe the most consequential non-traditional upbringing. My parents are AWE Foundation became the Ann Bancroft experience of your childhood. very unusual. (She laughs.) Though I do Foundation, it took on a new mission: After fourth grade, in the mid-1960s, my have great respect for their willingness ensuring that “every girl and woman in family upped and moved to Kenya for to stand up for what’s right. Minnesota who dares to dream [has] the about two-and-a-half years. If there’s Physical discomfort doesn’t bother support, inspiration, and resources that one single experience that led directly me. I will push through uncomfortable will help make their dreams come true.” to what I’m doing today, this was it. situations because I know I’ll end up Bancroft’s latest project with Arnesen Africa is an exotic realm for most somewhere extraordinary. I’m curious is launching Bancroft Arnesen Explore Minnesotans, of course. My parents came enough to stay restless, and I lack Institute to continue blending exploration under a lot of scrutiny from family, friends the mettle for traditional work. and education on a global scale. They also and community members who questioned recently launched Access Water, a 12- their decision to take four little kids half a year education and exploration initiative What did it mean to be the first world away to a potentially dangerous place. set to explore one major body of water woman to reach the North Pole? on every continent. The team journeyed My experience was nothing like that. I In the moment, I felt only great relief and 1,500 miles down India’s Ganges River discovered at an early age that there’s a big physical exhaustion. world out there, not just St. Paul and the in 2015; next up is a paddle down the Coming to terms with it was a process. mighty Mississippi in fall 2018. woods beyond my backyard. It was a heady time in Kenya, a new democracy elected A week before, when we were sure that Bancroft was kind enough to share its first president the year we arrived. I was we’d make it and felt that nothing could her story with us late last year. at the perfect age (10–12 years old) to be deny us, [teammate] Paul Schurke tried able to recall it clearly — the sights, sounds, to get me ready for the inevitable. I just Have you always been smells, people — and to partially understand dismissed it — I couldn’t take it in. All I adventurous? what was unfolding before my eyes. It was knew is that this was a dream I’d been holding in since I was 10 years old. I grew up in what was then the country a fluid time: You could go from Tanzania, just outside St. Paul. Our backyard was through Kenya, all the way to Ethiopia with This was before the internet, so we whatever I wanted it to be — whatever my no papers. And I was naïve enough to go weren’t communicating with the outside siblings and neighbors and I could make of bounding into the bush without fear. world. The day I came back to Clara Barton PHOTO BY TATE CARLSON TATE BY PHOTO

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 31 WOMEN WHO LEAD

Open School [in Minneapolis, then Bancroft’s By then, it was the 1990s, amid a need to be lighter. I’m both fortunate and employer], to share my year away with the resurgence of innovation in education, dismayed to have witnessed such remarkable students, was the first day it really hit me. environmental awareness, women’s changes on our planet in a single lifespan. It’s I call that day my epiphany, but it was really empowerment. Our expedition incorporated sad that the kids I’m teaching today won’t a slower unrolling. Over the previous year, all these themes — we were packing out get to have some of the experiences I had. each of my colleagues had incorporated the our garbage, for instance, and we by that Arctic into their curricula. The math teacher time had an educational component. But Your biggest disappointment? taught lessons on ocean currents affecting our still, nobody from the corporate world One disappointment that sticks with me progress over the floating ice cap, social studies would sponsor us because, they said, occurred in 2005 when we were forced on the cultures of the high Arctic, and so forth. “This has never been done before.” by circumstances beyond our control to All celebrated this teacher on a grand adventure, It was tough to run up against people leave the [Arctic] ice prematurely. We following her dream. I realized then that I who had no problem telling me I couldn’t were on Russian ice at the time, and the could be a teacher outside these four walls. or shouldn’t do something because I was a Russian military demanded that we use woman. People would say truly silly things, Pretty soon I was planning the next them as support or evacuate. We made like “Well, you should at least take one guy,” expedition and the curriculum to accompany contact with two other expeditions by or “Well, your first North Pole expedition it. We could talk about anything: the satellite phone, trying to form an alliance didn’t really count because you were with science of how you can eat 7,000 calories to counter the demands, but ultimately guys.” They minimized our skills, strategy, per day and remain a functioning human decided that it would be too risky. being, the gender barriers we were training, simply because we were women. I often wonder what would have breaking down, anything. I decided that It was both frustrating and exhilarating to happened had we just taken the risk and every expedition going forward would benchmark society by our expeditions — to not allowed ourselves to be strong-armed have an educational component. say, “Okay, this is where we are now” into making a decision in the middle of on gender, environmental issues, and so It’s a huge responsibility to take millions the ocean. The trip was going great, but on. The frustrating part was the glacial of kids with you. Now, with the internet, we felt beholden to all the kids following pace of change. Ultimately I decided that they’re paying attention to every move, along with our curriculum, communicating the best way to hammer away at gender every decision you make. You want to with us every day. You have to look at the inequality was just to go out and do it. honor that and be a role model. But it’s bigger picture; these achievements are hard when you’re sitting in long johns in We’re making progress. Nothing is not worth your life. The bravest decision is a tent on the ice! You don’t always feel more gratifying to me than when an often the one that takes you off your goal. like sharing moments of fear, failure, eighth-grade boy comes up to me and crabbiness, but they reveal your humanity. says, “You’re so cool; I want to do what you’re doing.” They think nothing of it. Describe the work you and your foundation do to What have your other empower young women. ‘firsts’ meant to you? What do you consider your We strive above all else to empower young Every expedition changed me in some way. greatest accomplishment to date? girls — in math, science, robotics, other The shift from the first North Pole expedition Probably finishing college. I don’t want subjects. And more than that, to help them [in 1986], where I was one woman with to diminish my accomplishments and my find their voices. So much is going on in seven men and 49 dogs, to the all-women teams’, but I feel so at home in the natural the world around perceptions of women Greenland expedition and then the all-women environment that it’s easy to take for granted. and girls. It’s a really exciting time. Antarctica expedition, was profound. I’m truly grateful for my colleagues and Still, the outdoor world remains teammates. I remain friends dominated by men; there’s much work still with virtually all of them. to be done. That work continues today, I’m still working with Liv Antarctica, 2001 with Access Water. We’re talking about [Arnesen] going on 20 years water issues, the environment, global now. You read books about warming — but because our group is all expeditions torn apart by women, gender is always present. disputes and big egos. While it certainly hasn’t always been easy, we’ve What advice can you offer overcome our differences. young women harboring I also feel privileged to ambitions of their own? have gotten a chance to I tell young women — all young people — accomplish these things to listen to their hearts. Not many people when I accomplished them. are lucky enough to be able to follow their Due to climate change, it’s dreams and live out their passions. Finding no longer possible to do your voice and your path, whether it’s an what we did in 1986. You avocation or hobby or career, is, in my mind, have to wear a different suit the most rewarding thing on earth. Never because you need to get in underestimate the impact that doing what water at points; your sleds you love has on those around you.

32 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 Jan Lehman Executive Coach, Performance Coach CTC Productivity

“Innovative. Profi- cient. Approachable.”

Lehman was nominated by three of her coaching clients, who all agree that she knows how to get results. “She has a talent for quickly identifying strengths, weaknesses and realistic areas for Alissa Henriksen improvement,” says Principal/Owner Michael Opack. Nomina- PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Grey Search + Strategy tor Douglas Brown says working with Lehman “Fair. Honest. Tenacious.” has increased his firm’s overall efficiency by at At just 35 years old, Alissa Henricksen least 30%, saying “As a re- has founded three successful companies, sult, not only are we more including Grey Search & Strategy, an productive, the work executive search and recruiting firm. environment is more “Alissa battled auditory dyslexia as a child pleasant, and employees and into college, but overcame this dif- are much happier.” Adds ficult disability by teaching herself unique Nicholas Micheletti, “She study habits and concentration tools is exceedingly compe- — along with working extremely hard tent, professional and through extra studying and repetition,” eminently deserving of says nominator Chad Tepley. She now this honor.“ serves on the board of the International Dyslexia Association, and is on the board of the Minnesota State Chamber, as well as a member of its executive group.”

establishing a global mobility program for Lynette Stolarzyk U.S. companies with employees overseas and Principal, Midwest Area creating Baker Tilly’s Center for the Return International Tax Leader | Baker Tilly of Manufacturing, a resource for businesses navigating the changing manufacturing land- “Impactful. Inspiring. Passionate.” scape. She also mentors young women as a troop leader for Girl Scouts. “She has seen Nominator Jeffrey DeYoung says Lynette Sto- firsthand what this organization can do for larzyk was instrumental in implementing two young women as they mature and eventually of the business consulting firm’s priorities: enter the professional world,” says DeYoung. PHOTO BY LEE PROHOFSKY (STOLARZYK) LEE PROHOFSKY BY PHOTO You not only strengthen the economy—you enrich our community—and inspire the next generation to work hard, dream big, and imagine a future defined on their terms. Your impact is immeasurable, and we are exceedingly proud to help you advance.

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Anna Connealy Vice President of Customer Sue Hawkes Experience | FISION CEO | YESS! “Passionate. Driven. “Intentional. Inspiring. Creative.” Maximizing.” A former Division 1 college ath- “Sue Hawkes is a leader who inspires lete at the University of Wiscon- and lifts up others through both sin-Green Bay, Anna Connealy her work and her personal volunteers as a swim coach for example,” says nominator Ali Special Olympics Minnesota Steiglbauer. “She helps busi- and is a creative contributor for nesses maximize their people, The Foundation for the Children purpose and profit so they of Iran (FCI), an organization can have a larger, more posi- that helps arrange life-altering tive impact in the world.” treatment for Iranian children In addition to being CEO who would otherwise face death of YESS!, Hawkes founded or diminished quality of life. the Minnesota chapter of Nominator Jason Mitzo says the Women Presidents’ Connealy is also involved with Organization 15 years Beta.MN, the Minnesota High ago, which has the largest Tech Association and MPLS membership in the world. Madwomen, an organization that aims to bridge the gender gap in the creative community.

SERVICES PROFESSIONAL Aimee Goldberg CEO/Partner Benchmark Reporting Agency

“Focused. Innovative. Determined.”

Having grown up in an entrepreneurial household, Aimee Goldberg was destined to become an entrepreneur herself, says nominator Eva Keiser. “Her entrepreneurial mindset led her to buy the business from her stepfather shortly after joining the firm,” says Keiser. Keiser says Goldberg is one of more than 17,000 individuals in the Twin Cities with multiple sclerosis. “She lives daily with the challenges of the disease that attacks the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve through the immune system and is committed to helping others live with the disease,” spending much of her free time raising money for research.

PHOTOS BY ELIESA JOHNSON (HAWKES), WENDY ZINS (GOLDBERG) TECHNOLOGY

Heather Hoskins company together. She is exceptionally effective Controller | GeoComm, Inc. at her position, managing everything, including accounting, HR, IT, contract management and “Inspiring. Servant Leader. Productive.” overall business administration,” says nominator John Bryant. “She is a key driver of community engagement within the company [and] leads “There is no one within the company who by example on such efforts as raising money for embodies our mission and does more than the United Way, YMCA [and] volunteering at the Heather. Heather is the glue that keeps the Salvation Army.”

Sarah (Hartman) Mixdorf Director, Legal Solutions EPIQ Systems, Inc.

“Authentic. Achieving. Open-handed.”

In addition to her work as director of legal solutions at EPIQ, Sarah Mixdorf, says nominator Cheryl Siemering, is the president of the recently launched Twin Cities chapter of Ellevate, a global network that believes in the Liz Nelson positive impact of women Director of Product Development | Wolfnet Technologies in business. “Sarah, along with fellow officers, is “Smart. Driven. Strategic.” on a mission to create a powerful, connected As the director of product development for Wolfnet Technologies, Liz Nelson’s focus is on local network to provide strategizing for the future of WolfNet’s suite of products. Her role includes project execution, professional resources, resource management, training and process development. “Even with a tremendous amount insight, and support to the of responsibilities on her plate she always has time to help others with their projects and Twin Cities members,”says professional development. She is driven to succeed and to set up others to do the same,” says Siemering. nominator Ryan Nelson. PHOTO BY MICHAEL BECKER (HOSKINS) BY PHOTO HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Sarah Moe

Wendy Wiesman Senior Director, Brand and Engagement Marketing Blue Cross Blue Shield

“Inspiring. Creative. Genuine.”

“Anyone who has ever met Wendy knows what an amazing leader she is,” says nominator Megan Effertz. “She inspires teams, is full of energy, has a genuine interest in people Sarah Moe CEO | Sleep Health Specialists and is never short on ideas.” Case in point: Wiesman also cofounded “Passionate. Caring. Outgoing” DateNiteTC, a business designed to curate personalized experiences “Sarah has spent her career in sleep medicine bringing awareness to the importance of sleep while for groups, couples and friends simultaneously helping our Minnesota business community and workforce be their happiest and interested in upping their “happi- best selves through sleep health education,” says nominator Amee McDonald. Moe is a regular con- ness quotient,” while discovering tributor to WCCO’s “Get Movin’ Monday” and is on the board of directors for the Minnesota Sleep up-and-coming social experiences Society. In addition, she volunteers on the educational products committee for the American As- in Minnesota. Events and app proto- sociation of Sleep Technologists. types are in development.

Kristi Ball Site Operations and Executive “Kind. Decisive. Compassionate.” Director of Nursing | Bethesda Hospital, a member of HealthEast and 450 full-time employees at Bethesda Hospital. “Kristi leverages her education and experience in A St. Olaf College alumni and graduate of the health care and leadership to develop new leaders Carlson Executive MBA program at the University in the industry. She mentors MBA students, as of Minnesota, Kristi Ball is accountable for all well as her subordinate leaders, helping them operations and patient care of more than 115 beds grow professionally,” says nominator Robert Ball. PHOTO BY AIMEE JOBE (WIESMAN) BY PHOTO RETAIL -

Jalteco Jalteco ous nominations from friends and colleagues who are inspired by The first her leadership. in her family to attend also college, Jalteco founded the online retail beauty store Daphne’s As Miss Min- Dollhouse. nesota Latina, she used her platform to promote higher education and donated hundreds of dollars of school in supplies to schools Oaxaca, Mexico. “She is a true inspiration to as teens such many and motivates myself, others to pursue their says nomina- dreams,” Romero. tor Selena Daphne Daphne April Owner Dollhouse Daphne’s “Honest. Beautiful. Determined.” Entrepreneur and former Miss Minnesota Latina Daphne April received numer Jalteco

Diana Owner | Perfect Ash Owner | Perfect Glass Ceiling Trailblazer. East Fourth Street Jewelry | East Fourth and successful lawyer and business owner.” and business lawyer and successful “Susan has taken a leading role as a change-maker as a change-maker role a leading taken has “Susan William nominator says in the jewelry industry,” mem- the useboard of social media, Metz. “Through become a nationally she has berships and activism, the industry in transforming leader recognized from on impact negative an extremely had has one that on the people but all resources natural our not only Metz earth store.” to from chain the supply along with she stands where “Leading from adds that, she ethics, and unimpeachable passion influence, the industry.” moved singlehandedly almost has “Ethical. Passionate. Inspiring.” Owner Susan Crow Hernandez-Hutton ther counseled women, says Hutton “how to compete compete to “how Hutton ther counseled women, says came a pioneer by purchasing the only female-owned female-owned the only purchasing a pioneer by came cigar lounge in the state,” says Lee Hutton. She has fur has She Lee says Hutton. in the state,” lounge cigar while wearing high-heeled shoes. She is a wife, mother, mother, is a wife, while wearing high-heeled shoes. She in a man’s world by learning the art of cigars and scotch the art learning of cigars world by in a man’s “Diana is a former Mexican attorney who immigrated to to who immigrated attorney is a former“Diana Mexican Minnesota obtaining her master’s degree in law. She be- She in law. degree her master’s obtaining Minnesota -

“Driven. Passionate. “Driven. Passionate. Strong.” “Heidi has built an over incredible company the last 20 years. She and pur recently moved Heidi CEO/Owner Lifestyle Gar Heidi’s an existing land- chased scape business. She is with a master gardener a big client list and now has a retail shop, leads classes and workshops, once a is on KARE 11 month and so much nominator says more,” “She Brooks Chandler. has continued to grow the business exponen- the yearstially over with her leadership.” Heiland dens, and GrowHaus PHOTO BY N.KIKU (JALTECO) N.KIKU BY PHOTO WOMEN WHO LEAD Jen Bellmont Partner/Chief Operating Officer Bellmont Partners

“Supportive. Positive. Empowering.”

“PR pro. Chief operating officer. Human resources director. IT manager. Staff accountant. Office manager. Professional pianist. Jen Bellmont wears more hats than the average leader,” says nominator Shelli Lissick. As partner and COO of the public relations firm Bellmont Partners, Bellmont spearheaded the initiative Bell- mont Gives Back. Through the program, employees can dedicate up to five hours per month to help organizations that mean the most to them, from taking time to donate blood and volunteering at their kids’ schools to serving on nonprofit boards. In 2017, Bellmont Partners team members contributed more than 717 volunteer hours.

Tracy Call Founder & Owner Media Bridge Advertising

“Unapologetic. Mastermind. Doer.”

“Tracy has coached and mentored countless young entrepreneurs and small businesses on the road to success, helping several companies achieve

MEDIA/ADVERTISING/PR coveted spots on the Inc. 500/5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. She has also used her signature leadership skills, vast experience and expertise to groom local talent in the Twin Cities,” says nominator Pam Ko- sanke. “Simply put, Tracy is a steadfast leader through and through who cares deeply about using her marketing pow- ers for good, and her clients and team (staff) love her for it.”

Kathleen “Kathleen is one of those able to rally employees to think Carter women who truly solves busi- differently to deliver to clients SVP, Business Development ness problems for her clients products that make meaning- & Client Strategy and in the process of doing so ful impacts.” Carter developed Archway Marketing Services transforms the way businesses Archway’s gift-card-distribution operate,” says one nominator. business line, which distributes “Driven. Strategic. “She’s always pushing the more than half of all the gift Entrepreneurial.” innovation envelope and is cards in North America. PHOTOS BY KRISTI KIENHOLZ (CALL), SARAH PIERCE (CARTER) SARAH KIENHOLZ (CALL), KRISTI BY PHOTOS Beth Miller Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer Magid Kristine Boylan “Creative. Energetic. Wise.” Attorney and Shareholder Briggs and Morgan As chief marketing and strategy officer for research and brand consulting firm, Magid, “Beth is always on the leading edge of her “Accomplished. Intelli- industry. She is constantly sharing her gent. Driven.” knowledge and dragging people into the future with her thinking and vision,” says Kristine Boylan is a share- one nominator. She also volunteers for holder at Briggs and Morgan Feed My Starving Children and Junior and co-chair of the firm’s IP Achievement, and is an advisory board Prosecution group. Practicing member for IdeaGist, a collaborative in the areas of trademark, platform for innovators, entrepreneurs trade dress, licensing, intel- and people who want to bring their ideas lectual property litigation, to reality. copyrights, trade secrets,

patents and related mat- MEDIA / LAW ters, Boylan was named to the 2018 Best Lawyers List, as well as the Top Women Lawyers in Minnesota. Using Singer Carrie her experience to empower Underwood and Shannon Knoepke today’s — and tomorrow’s — female leaders, Kristine was a founding member of WomenVenture’s Circle of Influence networking event and is a Girl Scouts Troop co-leader.

Shannon Knoepke Senior Vice President, Market Manager | CBS Radio/Entercom

“Smart. Funny. Inspirational.’

Shannon Knoepke joined CBS Radio in 2015. Since then, says nominator Vicki Giefer, “Shannon has solidified a heritage radio group that was perceived as stodgy, hired the right staff and made them brand ambassadors to turn the perception upside down. She’s created an environment that

PHOTO BY BRUCE CHALLGREN (BOYLAN) BRUCE CHALLGREN BY PHOTO is collaborative and cohesive.”

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 33 WOMEN WHO LEAD

Shareina Chandler, Leeya Jackson, Amalia Nicholson

although that is definitely worth an hour of your relevant and incorporating it into marketing LISTEN UP! time for its lively, irreverent and entertaining Their podcast’s “About” describes them as Three ad women (if sometimes NSFW) conversations about “three ad women of color, kicking it in the ad the world of advertising. Nicholson, Jackson business and working it all out with thoughtful of color have industry and Chandler — three women of color in an discussions, screams and laughter. We’re your industry not known for its diversity — are workplace wokebaes with something to say, insiders talking true disrupters. They don’t shy away from so listen up.” Okay, you’ve got our attention. those discussions that may be uncomfortable by Teresa Kenney for some but are necessary for all. The three met for happy hour as What are some of the things acquaintances. Over drinks, they became that frustrate you most about friends and came up with the idea for the the advertising industry? podcast — Jackson calls it the perfect cocktail JACKSON: I think the number one thing, emember their names: Amalia of having the right experience and skills and the main reason for our podcast, is the Nicholson, Leeya Jackson and (Chandler’s a writer, Nicholson’s a producer fact that it isn’t a diverse industry. It’s really Shareina Chandler. You’re going and Jackson’s an art director) to make it confusing to me because advertising is to be hearing a lot more from happen. The podcast’s name, “Borrowed something that literally everyone has access them. And I’m not just referring Interest,” comes from an advertising term that to, every demographic is targeted. The fact

Rto their weekly podcast, Borrowed Interest, refers to taking something that is culturally that predominantly white men are making the DAVIS J. EMILY BY PHOTOS

34 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 The assumption NICHOLSON: I can’t remember what the that because actual number is but apparently we’re exposed to about 10,000 ads every day. The fact that I there’s a push get to help make ads that have a diverse cast or treat people with respect within our images for diversity the and our commercials, that’s huge. That has a lasting impact on a lot of people’s lives and quality of the work the way they feel about themselves. Seeing representation is really important. So, if I must suffer is can even help make 30-second commercials dead wrong. that show something different than what’s out there, it’s worth all the hard stuff. Amalia SHAREINA CHANDLER CHANDLER: I like the opportunity to create culture. Since I was a child, I liked ads, so Nicholson the opportunity to make them is cool. I’m not super keen on ever being famous, so it’s cool decisions about what everyone else sees in their to think about making stuff that, like Leeya living rooms is wild to me. We [Jackson, Nicholson said, millions of people can see without my and Chandler] shouldn’t be the exception. There’s personal name being attached to it. Even if no reason why we should stand out, but we do. millions of people love my ad, I can still go to NICHOLSON: Being the only black person the grocery store and be a normal person. in your job isn’t new in Minnesota. There are So it’s the best of both worlds: it’s making a lot of fields that have this problem. It’s like stuff people see, and people care about without this in lots of other cities, as well. My biggest the hassle of having your name out there all the frustration is this “bro” culture that is fostered time ... apart from the podcast, obviously. within advertising communities. It’s a culture that rejects anything that’s “other” and doesn’t What would you like to see create safe spaces to have dialogues about ultimately come from your podcast? Shareina sensitive topics. It can be really exhausting. CHANDLER: I would love for the podcast Chandler That’s what makes it really hard when you are to inspire black and brown babies to get one of the few people of color in your office; it’s into advertising. It’d be great if minorities an uphill battle against a lot of different things. knew that it was an option; that they could CHANDLER: One of my biggest pain points be creative, use their skills to make cool is people’s reluctance to see minority candidates stuff and work in a creative industry. as qualified. I pay attention to industry chatter JACKSON: We’d also love to connect and there are a lot of conversations centered the minorities already working in this around the idea that diversity is consistently industry. We have this platform to start chosen over talent. That’s always annoying conversations. That could eventually to hear because it’s completely possible for start a movement of us connecting. a candidate to be from a minority background and be talented. The assumption that because NICHOLSON: I’m excited about our there’s a push for diversity the quality of opportunity to highlight people who are the work must suffer is dead wrong. doing amazing things in this industry. We can share their stories and their trajectories Leeya because I didn’t have a normal trajectory in Jackson What about the industry advertising, but it’s a viable career path. do you love most? And another part of this is to expand the JACKSON: The reason I’m frustrated is the conversation beyond race. I think there are a same reason that I’m in it. I love that advertising lot of conversations to be had about gender, isn’t a siloed thing. You have access to everyone. physical ability, mental health, religion. All of I come from the fine art world, which is very those things that make us unique that we should siloed: You’re either into art and comfortable be embracing; let’s learn about what it’s like to going into a museum/gallery, or you’re not. So have those identities while being in this industry. the fact that the things I create can have infinite eyeballs on them, that’s what I love about it. Like Amalia said, advertising isn’t the only industry What are some advertising that has a diversity problem, but I feel like out campaigns that frustrate you? of all the industries, advertising definitely has JACKSON: The most obvious example is the a bigger bulk of people within it who want to recent Dove campaign that blew up and went at least try to change that. And so, that’s the insane. [Ed: In the ad, a black woman takes her

PHOTOS BY EMILY J. DAVIS J. EMILY BY PHOTOS biggest thing I love about this industry. shirt off over her head and morphs into a white

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 35 WOMEN WHO LEAD

advertising in general. I think so much of it is mediocre. It’s just forgettable, and that’s almost worse than it pushing buttons. CHANDLER: Like Puppymonkeybaby, which is just bad. JACKSON: Shareina, you gotta let that one go. (laughing) CHANDLER: Never! (laughing) JACKSON: The good is when it’s an ad that gets your attention, holds it. It’s aware. It’s inclusive. It makes a statement that sticks with you and, in some form, is entertaining and then it also sells a product. That’s the pinnacle. The brand is recognized. It’s a cool, interesting ad that actually moves people to have some sort of feelings for that brand. NICHOLSON: I love seeing ads that are inclusive of body size. There have been a few retailers in recent years that have started to feature models who are not all skinny. Sephora’s holiday campaign is also great. It features actual store employees, including men, women, gender- nonconforming people and a woman in a hijab. The message is simple: “Hey guys, anyone can wear makeup. Look at all these amazing people who are in our stores who wear makeup. Come in.” I loved it. woman.] The black woman in the campaign from the Dove ad that comes to mind How would you hope that spoke out on the ad from her perspective is a really terrible Super Bowl ad your platform inspires and [Ed: The actress noted she had a positive from two years ago. It was this really empowers your audience? experience with Dove, which she said bad ad called Puppymonkeybaby, JACKSON: My biggest takeaway is if wanted to portray global beauty and felt which I just absolutely hated. you’re passionate about something, even the message was lost in the edited spots], JACKSON: Yeah, that was creepy. if it’s in an industry that you might be which I totally agreed with her perspective. NICHOLSON: I don’t take advertising uncomfortable in, power through because That said, I’m frustrated with brands and too seriously most of the time because your voice is more important in that industry. creative teams not being cognizant of it’s just here and then it’s gone. One ad The reasons why you are uncomfortable are where we are as a society. In a perfect that kills me is an Ancestry.com ad that also the reasons why you need to be there. world where there aren’t issues with race, came out last summer; it’s so ridiculous CHANDLER: I would like this podcast being stripped of your identity wouldn’t be it’s almost comical. Each spot features to help people feel comfortable about a big deal. But we’re just not in the world people talking about the important American being their authentic selves at work and where you could play with people’s racial figures in their lineage. One of the ads is a leveraging that authenticity. We’ve all identity as a cute little aesthetic thing. black man talking about how he’s related been in places where we’re like we have Look at the history of how beauty to Thomas Jefferson. My thought process to act a certain way or be a certain way products and body wash products, soap watching this ad was “Are we just gonna to fit in. That’s dead wrong! You can especially, have been advertised — since skip over the fact that…Oh, okay. We are. be yourself and still be successful. advertising started. The same trope comes Erm, the only way you’re related to Thomas NICHOLSON: For me, what’s really up again and again, the trope of skin tone Jefferson is through rape and slavery.” It’s important to take away from this podcast, being affected by cleanliness, from dark to interesting to me because it’s an ad that especially if you’re younger, is you’re light. It’s a very loaded trope. And it’s one was probably made through a very white not alone. The goal of this podcast is to of those tropes that I think a lot of people, lens. Their thinking was, “Let’s celebrate highlight and share all these stories of mostly mainstream white people, have this black man being related to someone other people who are doing this work. forgotten because it didn’t affect their own really important.” And they just didn’t think Just because I may not have another psyche, but a lot of black people remember. beyond that. It’s tough. Taking that extra person of color in my office, it doesn’t It sticks out because it’s a cut. We have step means making an ad with a black man mean that there aren’t other people doing a shared responsibility as an industry to saying, “I’m related to Thomas Jefferson. the same work I’ve been doing. And it’s do better. For me, that’s important. The reason why is sad but it’s still cool.” going to feel really good to not feel alone CHANDLER: The only thing apart JACKSON: Another layer is just bad after listening to this podcast, I hope.

36 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 Jessie Houlihan Bingen President Stahl Construction

“Energetic. Passionate. Mariaha Dean President | EDEN Resources Encouraging.” “Professional. Influencer. According to the Occupation- Loyal.” al Safety and Health Services Administration, women make Nominator Laura Karow says up 47% of the overall U.S. that Mariaha Dean has been an workforce but just 9% of advocate for minority-women the construction industry. business owners throughout Included in that 9% is Jessie her career. “She has served as Houlihan Bingen. Under president of the Association of Houlihan Bingen’s direction, Women Contractors, and she is CONSTRUCTION / MANUFACTURING Stahl focuses on evolving the also involved in the MN Minor- built environment to create ity Goods & Services Associa- lasting good. Houlihan Bingen tion,” says Karow. Dean is also is active in several industry involved with her church and organizations and serves on mentors young people in the the Young Leaders Executive minority community. “Mariaha Committee and co-chairs is not only a woman who leads the Resilient Communities professionally, but also leads Product Council for the Urban personally with everyone she Land Institute of Minnesota. encounters,” adds Karow.

Madison Kristin Norris Gaarder Digital Marketing Vice President, Human Specialist | Uponor Resources | Nilfisk

“Driven. Thorough. “Empowering. Poised.” Dynamic. Commanding.” Madison Norris is the type of employee, says nominator Tina Kristin Gaarder, says one Gassman, who is “the first to volunteer nominator, is continually to lend a hand and the last to leave if there’s work left to working toward the best be done. In short, she shatters every negative stereotype interests of her company’s of the millennial.” Norris served as a millennial ambas- employees — both men sador for Uponor at a convention in Amsterdam, and is and women. “I’ve also watched her successfully push the recognition “passionate about elevating women in the workplace,” says of women leaders and contributors in fields that have been histori- Gassman. Norris established the program, Women Uniting cally dominated by men. She has helped countless deserving women People, at Uponor, coordinating networking opportuni- get promotions and financial recognition they otherwise wouldn’t ties and bringing in guest speakers to talk with employees without her leadership support. She has coached and mentored about leadership. women of all ages to perform at their best in all levels of organiza-

PHOTO BY SARAH PIERCE (DEAN) SARAH BY PHOTO tions,” the nominator notes.

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 37 WOMEN WHO LEAD Sarah Edwards Founder | I AM Sarah Edwards

“Inventive. Inspiring. Dynamic.”

Through the company that bears her name, Sarah Edwards creates connected brand experiences through authentic community engagement and marketing solutions. She is also the co-founder and executive of Fashion Week MN — a body-and-gender- inclusive catwalk — and CEO of the I AM Kindness project, a community-driven platform which connects millennials with opportunities to give back. A natural facilitator, she serves as brand ambassador for the dating app Bumble, and holds a seat on the advisory board of the Minnesota chapter of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day.

COMMUNITY Kathy Pyle Business Consultant WomenVenture

“Sharp. Inspiring. Direct.”

As a business consultant for WomenVenture, an Lakeisha Lee organization that helps Collaborative Coordinator women create profitable Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and sustainable businesses, Kathy Pyle consults with “Motivated. Driven.Passionate.” loan clients on accounting and operations. “I can tell “Lakeisha is focused on helping our youth, motivating that Kathy truly loves to them to success by educating them on financial lit- help people starting out eracy,” says nominator Marquita Clardy. “She is a com- with their businesses,” munity volunteer, teaching youth the life skills needed says one nominator. She to survive in our complex society.” Lee also volunteers uses her experience as a at the St. Paul shelter Brittany’s Place, serving as an small-business owner to advocate for youth who are trafficked or exploited, and help women manage their she serves on the Young Professionals committee for financial data effectively the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce. “Lakeisha is very and notes that “Knowing numbers is vital to the success of small passionate about what she is doing. …She is driven and businesses,” as well as a struggle for many small-business owners. wants to help and empower youth,” says Clardy. PHOTOS BY TRISH FOSTER (PYLE), (OPPOSITE) JOEL SCHNELL (FEYGIN) (OPPOSITE) (PYLE), TRISH FOSTER BY PHOTOS

38 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 Ariana Feygin Founder | Ariana’s Kitchen

“Charitable. Inspiring. Boundless.”

A philanthropist, chef and entrepre- Jill neur, Ariana Feygin’s first fundraising project was a lemonade stand. Before Wiedemann-West CEO | People Incorporated long, she was organizing events such as silent auctions and carnivals. To date, “Dedicated. Empathetic. she has raised more than $175,000 Visionary.” for Pinky Swear Foundation’s efforts to support young cancer patients — and she’s just 13 years old. Recently, As CEO of People Incorporated, a Feygin launched her own com- community-based provider of men- pany, Ariana’s Kitchen, and donates a tal health services, Jill Wiedemann- Emily Paul percentage of profits from her culinary West “has played an undeniable role Director of Programs products to philanthropic causes. “Ari- in reshaping how our community The Good Acre anna is an amazing and talented young treats mental health and related con- woman. Seeing what she has done ditions,” says Jim Olson. “In doing “Visionary. Driven. Fearless.” for the community at such a young so, she has inspired her colleagues, age makes me feel very comfortable her community and now the entire Lauren Mehler Pradhan says Emily Paul has the world will be in good hands in the country to approach mental health transformed The Good Acre into “a thought COMMUNITY future,” says Mike Moroz, Pinky Swear treatment in an integrated man- leader in the way that sustainable agriculture Foundation board member. ner to improve outcomes.” Under and serving agricultural communities can Wiedemann-West’s leadership, drive a broader conversation on the food Olson says the organization “has system.” Through Paul’s efforts, The Good not only been able to stay one step Acre boasts a food incubator kitchen serving ahead of the changing health care 20-plus food startups, a 450-member Farm environment, but it’s also been able Share program and warehouse space that sup- to deliver on its mission of support- ports underserved farming communities. She ing mental health and wellness in also created the Maker to Market program in our community through collabora- partnership with LakeWinds Co-op, a first-of- tion and integration of care.” its-kind accelerator that connects farmers to food startups and retail distribution.

Amanda LaGrange CEO | Tech Dump

“Bold. Impactful. Courageous.”

Amanda Lagrange is one of the youngest leaders in the electronics recycling industry nationally and locally. “In her first year as CEO, she corrected Tech Dump’s business model from a net loss to a $100,000 annual surplus,” says nominator Christine Weeks. Lagrange employs an underrepresented and marginalized workforce, the previously incarcerated, to provide work and a chance for economic growth while tackling responsible consumption and production. “She is someone who’s changing the face of the previously incarcerated, creating a pathway to independence for our program participants,” adds a second nominator, Adriana Alejandro-Osiro. PHOTOS BY TRISH FOSTER (PYLE), (OPPOSITE) JOEL SCHNELL (FEYGIN) (OPPOSITE) (PYLE), TRISH FOSTER BY PHOTOS

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 39 WOMEN WHO LEAD

FROM HIGHLAND PARK TO HOLLYWOOD Minnesota is still home in the heart of Emmy–nominated Cindy Mori by Sue Hawkes

rowing up in the Highland Park escalator, and they had me going down the the job, so I moved to New York City and area of St. Paul, Cindy Mori opposite escalator, so we passed by each worked for “Good Morning America”’s always knew what she wanted to other. So for a couple years, I was in the weekend edition. Then I went out to Los be when she grew up. In junior background of this promo for WCCO. Angeles to do the entertainment booking high, Mori would watch the for “Good Morning America.” I started local morning news programs before school by covering the O. J. Simpson trial, and I G Hawkes: Foreshadowing! and fell in love with broadcast journalism. stayed there booking all kinds of stories and She followed her passion with a tremendous Mori: Who knew? But I sort of did know. jumping on planes at a moment’s notice to drive. Whether it was moving to Washington, I knew that I had a real interest in this. I cover breaking news. It was an extraordinary D.C., with no job and barely enough money in studied journalism in college, and the summer experience, but it became grueling after six her pocket for one month’s rent, or creating a before my junior year I did an internship with years. The last story I did was the Columbine fundraiser as an intern in order to attend the the WCCO investigative team. I loved every shooting, and it was really heartbreaking. 1988 Democratic National Convention, she second of it; I was in my element. Then the was singularly motivated to achieve her goals. following summer before my senior year, I went to Washington, D.C., and worked at Hawkes: What gave you the courage to This determination eventually led to her a news bureau called Cox Broadcasting, follow your gut and strive for this career dream job at “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” covering Capitol Hill as an intern. I even with such perseverance and drive? and her Emmy nomination for her work remember being at a Rose Garden ceremony Mori: It wouldn’t have occurred to me not on “Oprah Presents: Master Class.” Mori when Ronald Reagan was president. to. Also, the things that normally hold people started working for “The Oprah Winfrey back from doing that, whether it’s being Show” in 1999 and has continued working afraid of leaving home, or lack of resources, for Oprah’s production company HARPO Hawkes: Wow! Did you feel or not even having the right clothing to wear Productions since “The Oprah Winfrey like you won the lottery? on Capitol Hill, didn’t hold me back. I don’t Show” stopped running in 2011. She is now Mori: I wouldn’t say that I felt like I won know what I did, but I powered through it. vice president of talent development and the lottery because I really worked for it. I It was like that old-school way when your production for the Oprah Winfrey Network knocked on doors. I worked on my resume. mom would say, “Well, you’re gonna have to and is also an adjunct professor at the I called everyone I could think of. I opened figure it out.” I just figured it out. I followed University of Southern California (USC). phone books. I went through Capitol guides my intuition, and every day in my work I felt Throughout her success, however, Mori to try to find people who would take my like a kid in a candy store. But I always knew fondly refers to Minnesota as “home.” Her call or take a meeting. I was very tenacious. I was supposed to be in the candy store. Midwestern values keep her grounded as I was clear about what field I wanted to she enjoys using her talent to impact her go into, and I think that was a gift. work with the Minnesota Vikings and other Hawkes: I love it. What was your high-profile events in the Twin Cities. path to “The Oprah Winfrey Show”? Hawkes: How did your career start? Mori: From seventh grade, Mori: In 1995 I had applied for a job for I knew that I wanted to Mori: After graduation, I went back to “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” And I got a do something in the Washington, D.C., and I knocked on doors rejection letter. And I was overjoyed that world of television. and eventually landed a job at CNN. I worked I got a piece of stationery that said “The It all started by a different job for a news bureau Monday Oprah Winfrey Show.” And I kept it. I have watching the through Friday, and I worked for free at CNN it still. In 1999, I decided it was time to do morning news, every Saturday. And after about 10 months of something new. Oprah had always been and I met a working for free, I said, “I can’t work for free the crown jewel, and I loved what she was local WCCO anymore, but I really want to work here, will doing on television. I reapplied, feeling like reporter, Ann you hire me?” Over the course of a couple I had four more years of experience under Rubenstein, of months we worked it out, and I started my belt, interviewed and then received an in eighth officially as an associate producer at CNN. offer to be an associate producer. I had to grade. WCCO After a few years, I applied for a segment make the transition to working for Oprah as was filming producer job at “Good Morning America opposed to just being a fan. I’m still both. a promo with Sunday,” which meant I booked high-profile If I wasn’t a fan, or if I didn’t believe in the her going up the guests for the television segments. I got mission, then that job wouldn’t have lasted

40 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 “Change is happening around you, and you can either be stagnant in the middle and be left behind, or you can figure out how to change with it.” CINDY MORI

for me. Believing in the work that I’m doing has been critical to my success.

Hawkes: What was the mission and how did it drive you? Mori: At a certain point during the course of all of those seasons, it became clear that this was bigger than a show, and Oprah asked the staff to write an intention for every show. When we would pitch a show idea, we would start with the intention. A lot of decisions about what we put on the air were made because of that, and we infused intention into everything we did. It made everything make sense. Since the end of “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” I’ve been doing talent relations, guest bookings and special projects, and I still use intention for everything. It’s also gone along with being authentic all the time and being upfront about what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. This goes over well with people; intention and authenticity will win every time.

Hawkes: So what brings you back to Minnesota, and what keeps you anchored to both places? Mori: Well, most of my family are still in Minneapolis and St. Paul; it’s my home in my heart. When I say I’m going home, I mean I’m going to Minnesota. I left Minnesota after high school at 17, and I’ve never lived here again, but the pull of the people and the pull of the place have kept me very grounded. People will say to me, “You’re so down to earth. You’ve worked in entertainment and Hollywood or New York all these years, and you’re so real.” I attribute that 100% to being born and raised in Minnesota. My best friends to this day are from junior high and high school. We call ourselves the St. Pauli girls, and these are

PHOTO BY TATE CARLSON TATE BY PHOTO friendships I’ve had for up to 35–40 years.

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 41 WOMEN WHO LEAD

Hawkes: Who inspires you? Mori: My students inspire me. I started co-teaching a class at USC last year called “Host and Produce in Studio A.” It was and continues to be one of the great joys of my life. These students blow me away. They’ve started businesses in college and don’t think twice about interning while taking a full load of coursework. They work jobs. They drive Uber. I just don’t remember being a student and being that smart. To be able to go back to school and act as a mentor to these students was the most unexpected gift. I’d love to do something at the University of Minnesota, too.

Hawkes: What big changes are happening in your industry? Mori: Streaming services changed the game for everybody. The cable industry has to figure out how to reinvent itself with the onset of Netflix, Hulu and Crackle. But at the end of the day, I still think this business is built on relationships are primarily part of the Fortune 500. The idea Hawkes: Can you share about and great content. If you have both of is to bring these thought leaders and their your work with the Vikings? those, you will be successful regardless partners together for a day to learn, share and Mori: I love the Vikings, and I’m a lifelong of what platform you’re using. fan, and I wanted to use my skills to give thoughtfully connect on business topics of the back to my hometown team. The new U.S. day in an intimate setting utilizing the backdrop Hawkes: How about for you personally? Bank Stadium was opening, and I wanted of each Super Bowl to add unique elements to play a small part in what that opening of fun to the experience. My role was to find Mori: I’ve learned to really live in the game was going to look like. I reached out former NFL legends and current NFL players moment. Every single twist and turn has to the Vikings through one of my St. Pauli to join the CEOs for dinner conversation taken me to a place I am supposed to be, girls, and they took a meeting with me, and a program to illustrate the business of even if I didn’t know I wanted to be there. which was really exciting and flattering. football, the NFL and the Super Bowl. It is a I don’t have a long-term plan or goal; I Eventually, I worked with their production bonus that the first event is in my home state just keep doing what I love doing. I have team to help them find someone to sing featuring the hospitality of the Bold North. complete trust. I’m doing the work, but I also the National Anthem, and we landed believe the universe is working for me and Jordin Sparks. She opened U.S. Bank and Hawkes: What inspires you? is a catalyst to take me to the next place. I’m at a point in my life where I am open and killed it. It was just a beautiful moment. Learning inspires me. In my industry, Mori: excited about not knowing what’s next. Jordin sang her heart out, and we beat there are always new things I’m learning the Packers! It was a career highlight about it. There are new approaches, new for me, and I would always welcome ways to frame things, and new ways to Hawkes: What’s one piece of advice that the opportunity to work with them. present something. As a booker, it’s not you’d give to women or people in general? just smiling and dialing, it’s relationship Mori: Everything changes, so the more Hawkes: You are also working on a high- building and connecting. Every day is flexible and open you can be to the change, profile event leading up to Super Bowl LII, right? different. I welcome the curve balls the easier it’s going to be and the more Mori: I helped do some of the guest bookings because those are my opportunities to successful you will become. Change is for The Abbay, which is an exclusive education challenge myself and learn from them. I happening around you, and you can either be event for 25 active and 10 retired CEOs who hone this as my craft, and when I’m not stagnant in the middle and be left behind, or learning anymore, I think I’m done. you can figure out how to change with it. PHOTO BY TATE CARLSON TATE BY PHOTO

42 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 Julie Kimble Founder | KimbleCo

“Visionary. Pioneering. Inspiring.”

Julie Kimble launched KimbleCo in 2014. Before that she was vice president/general manager at Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions and served as vice president at the commercial real estate development firm Opus. She is also a planning commissioner for the city of Roseville, has served on the board of directors for Feed My Starving Children and was past national chair of the CREW Foundation.

Sharry Schmid President | Edina Realty

“Strategic. Responsive. Dedicated.” REAL ESTATE

As president of Edina Realty Home Services, Sharry Schmid provides guidance, mentorship and direction to the company’s 75 sales offices and more than 2,400 realty agents. Says nominator Gena Henrich, “Sharry sees how complex today’s real estate business is, and she is passionate about making sure Edina Realty agents are empowered with the tools and resources they need to navigate it. …Her experience has given her unique insight into the demands on real estate agents to provide technology, expertise and round-the-clock support to their clients in an increasingly complex and competitive industry.”

of them. In her work, Gillette has established a Kate Gillette practice working with nonprofits, many of them Vice President and Commercial benefiting women. Also, Gillette has a long Real Estate Advisor | Avison Young history of volunteering in the community. She “Smart. Outgoing. Caring.” has served as a graduation coach for Achieve Minneapolis and founded the Women’s Com- Nominator Christine Weeks notes that only mittee at the Minneapolis Club to bring together about one-third of commercial real estate women of all ages to share, learn, inspire and executives are female and Kate Gillette is one build a community within the organization. PHOTO BY GENA HENRICH (SCHMID) BY PHOTO PHOTO BY TATE CARLSON TATE BY PHOTO

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 43 WOMEN WHO LEAD

Alyssa Siems Roberson Mindee Communications Emma Corrie Director, Office of Director of Strategic Kastelic Senate Minority Leader and Workforce Initiatives Vice President State of Minnesota Governor’s Office of Strategic Development Saint Paul Chamber “Industrious. Whip- “Collaborative. of Commerce smart. Determined.” Result-oriented. Empowering.” “Smart. Dynamic. At the Office of Senate Supportive.” Minority Leader, Alyssa While at the Department Siems Roberson’s ability of Transportation, Emma Mindee Kastelic is vice presi- to communicate clearly Corrie organized a col- dent of strategic development and respond quickly un- laborative of community for the St. Paul Chamber der pressure are keys to leaders to increase diversity of Commerce, and for the her success. Nominator goals. “Under her leader- Ilhan better part of 2017, she was Amelia Cerling Hennes ship, MNDOT was able to also its interim president. says Roberson also increase its percentage of Omar She is a board member of “serves as a mentor to workforce diversity. Emma State Representative the American Lung Associa- countless people from is definitely a mentor in the Minnesota House tion of Minnesota, a steering interns to full-time staff, sense of opening doors for of Representatives committee member of St. Paul and is willing to take the people to access oppor-

GOVERNMENT Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, concerns of many subor- tunities,” says Hyon Kim. “Genuine. Brave. Fearless.” and a member of Team- dinates and bring them to “Her passion for diversity WomenMN, an organization leadership to address.” in our life together, to offer When Ilhan Omar was elected that mentors and leads methods for transforming to the Minnesota House of other women to success. systems, is central to her.” Representatives, she became the highest-elected Somali- American public official in the U.S. Omar fled Somalia’s civil war as a child and spent four Jennifer Carnahan years in a refugee camp in Ke- Chairman | Republican Party of Minnesota nya before immigrating to the U.S. with her family. “Ilhan is “Strategic. Collaborative. Creative.” a hard-charging, glass-ceiling- breaking, fearless leader. She Jennifer Carnahan began her career in the corporate has been a beacon of hope world, working in marketing for corporations such as during an especially tumultu- General Mills and Swarovski before leaving to launch ous time. She stands ready, in a string of specialty retail boutiques in Minneapolis. In front of the community, when- addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, she ran for ever our values come under at- the Minnesota Senate and was elected as Republican tack. She has inspired so many State Party Chairman for Minnesota in 2017. Carnahan up-and-coming young leaders helped found the National Association of Asian MBA’s to aspire to be something big- Twin Cities Chapter, founded the Asian Employee ger, to dream bigger and reach Network at Ecolab and has volunteered for Big Broth- for the sky,” says nominator ers Big Sisters, the Junior League of Minneapolis and

Koshin Jimcali. Salvation Army. (KASTELIC) JASTER LISA (OMAR), KAY AMAL FLOWER BY PHOTO

44 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 Advertisement

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN MARKETING A NICHE PRODUCT

hile no product or service can be a good fit • What are their needs? “Test market your product...your unique selling Wfor everyone, niche products have an even • What are their expectations in terms of proposition...your customer value to confirm your narrower market than most. quality, price, speed of delivery, etc.? assumptions and validate your marketing assess- If your business is focused on meeting a ment,” advises Burgurn. “Although you can never be • Where can you find them (virtually specialized need in a specialized market (for 100 percent certain about your conclusions, don’t be and physically)? example, wholesale vegan spa products), the a victim of paralysis by analysis. Learn what you need strategies and tactics others use to market their • How do they shop for products and to in order to minimize risks...and then go!” products and services may or may not be as services like yours? effective for you. Marketing a niche product starts If you need guidance in marketing a niche product, with creating a marketing plan that’s in step with Answering these and other questions will help you consider reaching out to your local SCORE chapter your business plan. determine the ways to most effectively attract the to speak with a mentor who can provide ideas and According to SCORE mentor Torn Burgum, attention of potential customers. Some possibilities feedback. “Begin with rigorous market research. Resources might include: like Reference USA and RMA financial profiles can • Networking at events and industry provide valuable information.” conferences that draw your target market Since 1964, SCORE “Mentors to America’s Small • Targeted social media advertising (online Business” has helped more than 10 million aspiring Burgum suggests finding answers social networking sites like Twitter. Facebook, entrepreneurs and small business owners through to these questions: etc. offer pay-per click and pay-per-impression mentoring and business Workshops. More than 11,000 • Is the product new to the world, or are others opportunities to present ads to customers volunteer business mentors in over 320 chapters like it already available for sale? who are in specific geographic areas, who fit serve their communities through entrepreneur • How can you differentiate your product from certain demographic criteria, who have specific education dedicated to the formation, growth and those that are similar? interests, etc.) success of small businesses. For more information • How large is the niche, is it growing, • Editorials in industry and trade magazines about starting or operating a small business, call and at what pace? • Radio spots during a program that draws 1-800 634- 0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you. Visit SCORE at www.score.org • What’s the buying process? listeners from your target market • Guest posts on well-respected blogs that When you’re targeting a niche market, having a customers in your target market follow. detailed profile of the customers to whom you’re selling is also essential. Niche product marketing can be very cost-effective because you don’t waste time and money on people For starters, ask yourself these questions about who have no interest in or need for your product in the customers in your niche market: the process of reaching those that do. PHOTO BY AMAL FLOWER KAY (OMAR), LISA JASTER (KASTELIC) JASTER LISA (OMAR), KAY AMAL FLOWER BY PHOTO MEETINGS IN MINNESOTA

MEETINGS IN

FACILITIES AND AMENITIES TO MAKE YOUR MEETINGS MEMORABLE

EVENT SPACE Surly Brewing Company 520 Malcolm Ave SE • Minneapolis, MN 55414 763-999-4065 • surlybrewing.com/destination- brewery/event-spaces/ Surly’s Scheid Hall is built to host wedding receptions, corporate events, private parties and more. You’ll have access to catering from our nationally renowned restaurant, a bar with 20-plus Surly taps (flagships, seasonals, some surprises) and nonalcoholic options, indoor spaces overlooking our brewhouse and Beer Hall and a balcony with a full view of our Beer Garden. Let Surly handle the prep, the party and the cleanup. FACILITY & AMENITIES BAR FACILITIES: 40-tap bar with a huge selection, beer SITE FEE: Based on your event needs, see website cocktails and housemade nonalcoholic beverages for details CAPACITY: Scheid Hall is perfect for groups from 50 to TERMS & AVAILABILITY: Surly’s event spaces are available 175 guests 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to close; specifics available EVENTS: Meetings, happy hours, awards dinners, ex- on the website pos and team outings all have a home at Surly PARKING: Free parking on-site

SPECIAL ADVERTISING 46 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 SECTION MEETINGS IN MINNESOTA PHOTOS BY NOAH WOLF; JUDD SATHER WOLF; NOAH BY PHOTOS

EVENT VENUE D’Amico Catering at the Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom 5418 Wayzata Blvd • Golden Valley, MN 55416 FACILITY & AMENITIES 612-238-4444 • damicocatering.com/cateringvenues/metropolitan.aspx FOOD & BEVERAGE: On-site CAPACITY: 700 The award-winning Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom was expertly designed and crafted for the sole purpose of hosting memorable meetings and events. Accommodating EVENTS: Meetings and events groups from 20 to 700, the space easily transforms to fit the unique needs of each PARKING: Free group. A built-in stage combined with superior sound and lighting systems, adds high- tech appeal to the dramatic setting. With a central location and ample free parking, the SITE FEE: Varies Metropolitan is the perfect choice for any event. TERMS & AVAILABILITY: Contact us!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 47 MEETINGS IN MINNESOTA

EVENT VENUE Earle Brown Heritage Center 6155 Earle Brown Dr • Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 FACILITY & AMENITIES 763-333-2382 • earlebrown.com BAR FACILITIES: Available Wow your coworkers at an intimate meeting of less than a dozen or woo a CAPACITY: 20–1,000 room of a thousand industry contacts. It’s simple with the top-of-the-line on-site audio visual technology and beautiful space options at Earle Brown. EVENTS: Corporate meetings, galas Best of all, our Wi-Fi is free and always reliable! and tradeshows PARKING: Free Earle Brown is a convenient location for any Twin Cities event. From the Varies food and drinks to the decorations, our expert staff will ensure your event is SITE FEE: perfect down to the last detail. TERMS & AVAILABILITY: Contract with deposit

HOTEL | EVENT SPACE Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge FACILITY & AMENITIES 25039 Tame Fish Lake Rd • Deerwood, MN 56431 BAR FACILITIES: 3 ACTIVITIES: Golf (27 218-838-9110 • ruttgers.com restaurants on-site holes), Bay Lake, with full bar full marina, 7 bonfire Located on the quiet side of the Brainerd Lakes area. FUNCTION SPACE/ pits CAPACITY: 10,000 SF; SPECIAL OFFER: Beautiful facilities, delicious food and a friendly staff will make 400 guests Free meeting space; your event a success. The smell of a bonfire, a picturesque round LODGING: 165 rooms discounted rates of golf, a day on the water and spectacular sunsets will make it available for multiple unforgettable. A traditional, up-north retreat with a wide array of EVENTS: Conventions, programs outdoor team-building opportunities. Simply one of the most scenic, meetings, retreats Minnesota corporate event or meeting destinations. and team-building

SPECIAL ADVERTISING 48 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 SECTION MEETINGS IN MINNESOTA

EVENT VENUE FACILITY & AMENITIES ARIA FOOD & BEVERAGE: On-site 105 North First St • Minneapolis, MN 55401 612-342-2742 • ariampls.com CAPACITY: 500 banquet | 1,000 reception CATERING: Approved catering list ARIA is a unique historic venue in the Minneapolis North Loop that mixes EVENTS: Galas, meetings, conferences, old world elegance and new world chic. Stunning architectural elements, fundraisers, weddings, holiday parties, trade exposed brick, crystal chandeliers and pop art accents provide an shows, concerts extraordinary backdrop for an unforgettable event. The open and flexible PARKING: Self-parking and valet services floor plan, soaring 30-foot ceilings, amazing acoustics, and plentiful rigging points for décor and lighting ensure that logistics are never in the way of SEATING: Included bringing event dreams to life. SERVERS: Provided by caterer

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 49 MEETINGS IN MINNESOTA

EVENTS & GOLF VENUE Royal Golf Club FACILITY & AMENITIES 11455 20th St N • Lake Elmo, MN 55042 BAR FACILITIES: On-site 612-505-9050 • royalclubmn.com CAPACITY: Up to 300 CATERING: Food and beverage Royal Golf Club, located in Lake Elmo, Minnesota and set in the beautiful rolling hills of the St. Croix River Valley, is a new, 18-hole championship golf course for EVENTS: Business meetings, weddings, golf enthusiasts of all ages. Designed by legendary golfers Arnold Palmer and groom’s dinners, baby showers and more Annika Sörenstam, the course is anchored by Arnie’s — a full-service restaurant PARKING: On-site (valet can be contracted) — a 26,000-square-foot clubhouse, and a 291-home golf community. SERVERS: Included Visit royalclubmn.com to learn more. LINENS, CHINA: Included

SPECIAL ADVERTISING 50 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 SECTION MEETINGS IN MINNESOTA

EVENTS & SPORTS VENUE FACILITY & AMENITIES Minnesota Twins/Target Field FOOD & BEVERAGE: Full-service catering 1 Twins Way • Minneapolis, MN 55403 BAR FACILITIES: On-site 651-659-3870 • TargetFieldEvents.com CAPACITY: 600 banquet / 2,500+ reception Home of the Minnesota Twins, Target Field offers a completely unique, EVENTS: Corporate meetings, receptions, one-of-a-kind event experience. Boasting spectacular views, first-class weddings, galas, trade shows, Bar/Bat amenities and award-winning cuisine, Target Field is a venue unlike Mitzvahs, proms, formals, holiday parties any other in the Twin Cities. Whether it’s an upscale banquet for 600 or PARKING: Limited on-site reception for 2,500, Target Field has the perfect space for you. AVAILABILITY: Call 612-659-3870 So for your next event, call or email [email protected]. RATES: TargetFieldEvents.com / 612-659-3870

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 51 YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS Minnesota Business is more than a magazine. It’s a digital resource, an invaluable marketing tool and a professional development company. Join us throughout the year for networking and educational forums. Here are a few to add to your calendar:

The 2018 Community Impact Awards honor businesses, social enterprise organizations, nonprofits, initiatives and individuals making a significant impact on Minnesota communities. EVENT DETAILS: February 22, 2018 | Aria Minneapolis 2019 NOMINATIONS OPEN: August 2018

Members of The (Real) Power 50 are the linchpins in their companies. The connectors in their industries. The remarkable players in the Minnesota business community with a knack for getting things done — and being helpful along the way. EVENT DETAILS: April 26, 2018

Our state is known for being a great place to live and work — just look at all of the top-notch companies across industries that are headquartered here. Each year, these businesses submit nominations for Minnesota Business’s 100 Best Companies to Work For Awards. These awards recognize Minnesota’s most sought-after employers, and, time after time, help winners attract additional top talent who continue to add to the companies’ attractive corporate culture. EVENT DETAILS: June 2018 2019 NOMINATIONS OPEN: September 2018

Minnesota’s manufacturing industry has a long history of excellence. Each year, Minnesota Business recognizes the outstanding achievements of this vital, and often behind-the-scenes, industry and its leaders. EVENT DETAILS: September 2018 NOMINATIONS OPEN: March 2018

Join us for Minnesota Business magazine’s annual Women Who Lead event featuring women have been shattering glass ceilings, taking the lead in their respective industries and introducing new voices to our business community. EVENT DETAILS: January 2019 2019 NOMINATIONS OPEN: October 2018

Also: Be sure to also check our website and social media for information on our new quarterly Executive Forums! These strategic events will address our business community’s most pressing topics and feature some of our state’s most sought-after experts in areas, such as human resources, insurance, law and finance.

minnesotabusiness.com Executive Vision Close-Up 54 Inspiring Women 56 Navigating Change 60 Interview 62 Snapshots 64

Attendees mingle at Pollen’s kickoff event, Work Redux | CARE. The event featured a panel of women leaders discussing how to balance caregiving and career. PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY COURTNEY BY PHOTO

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 53 EXECUTIVE VISION CLOSE-UP

JoAnna Hicks & Kevin Kuppe

All the Right Elements A commercial real estate pro ditches the blue blazer to blaze trails BY BRIAN MARTUCCI

n undersized “Edina Realty” marquee according to the building brochure. Where others won’t bother adorns the otherwise nondescript Pacific Flats tenants owe their industrial- Tales of the North Loop’s resurgence typi- APacific Flats building, a three-story chic surroundings to Element Commer- cally focus on new construction: single-tenant red-brick slab in Minneapolis’s trendy North cial Real Estate, a boutique commercial office buildings like Be the Match’s stun- Loop district. From Washington Avenue, real estate advisory firm based just across ning new headquarters, innovative office- Pacific Flats is just another 19th-century the Mississippi River in Minneapolis’s retail developments like T3, and the upscale warehouse — one of dozens within walking St. Anthony Main neighborhood. apartment blocks sprouting like weeds distance. Sure, it’s one of the North Loop’s old- “We create spaces where people can con- between Hennepin and Plymouth Avenues. est standing buildings, but that’s not particu- nect in vibrant, walkable neighborhoods,” But it’s buildings like Pacific Flats that larly compelling to the average commuter. says Element co-founder JoAnna Hicks — supply the district’s distinctive character. Next Inside, it’s another story. The ground one of the few woman principals in a noto- door, Element recently turned over the North- floor is home to Filson and Shinola, argu- riously male-dominated field. Beyond the western Building. They’re presently at work ably the two hottest retailers in the area. North Loop, Hicks and Element co-founder on the nearby Lowry-Morrison Building, the (Sorry, MartinPatrick3.) Following a wall- Kevin Kuppe work in urban neighborhoods North Loop’s third-oldest. It has 10,000 square to-wall renovation, floor three boasts 10,000 such as Northeast Minneapolis and St. Paul’s feet of space on the second floor and down- square feet of “light and airy” creative office Cathedral Hill, and built-up pockets of older town views from the third. When complete, space with “stunning downtown views,” suburbs, such as Hopkins and Edina. it, like Pacific Flats, will also include retail.

54 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 WHERE TO BUY & LEASE ELEMENT PROPERTIES AROUND MSP BIZ BRIEFING Hicks and Kuppe founded Element in ELEMENT COMMERCIAL December 2015. By then, they’d collabo- FOR SALE REAL ESTATE rated for five solid years at Ackerberg, where • 525 3rd St N, Tract G, Hicks ran a four-person team responsible Minneapolis: 0.4 acres HEADQUARTERS: Minneapolis for some $200 million in completed projects, of prime downtown INCEPTION: 2015 including MoZaic West, a 240,000-square- commercial-zoned land (no LEADERSHIP: JoAnna Hicks & Kevin Kuppe, residential permitted) foot Class A office building in the heart of co-founders & principals Minneapolis’s Uptown neighborhood. • 2301 California St NE & 78 EMPLOYEES: ~5 23rd St NE, Minneapolis: For Hicks, the MoZaic West triumph REVENUE: Not disclosed 2.63 acres of light industrial- capped a successful decade in corporate zoned land, possible rezone DESCRIPTION: A boutique commercial real real estate. Before Ackerberg, she held to urban neighborhood in estate developer focusing on bespoke mixed- positions of escalating responsibility at future; two parcels can be use properties and conversions. United Properties and Ryan Companies, purchased separately or WEB: elementmn.com where she ran point on Two MarketPointe, together a major Bloomington office development. • 1914 Washington Avenue It wasn’t always comfortable. If solo North: 6,900 SF mixed- use building with retail and practice never spoke to Hicks, neither did the apartments conformity of big-time development offices. Unlike bigger developers, Hicks and “I didn’t play golf, and I didn’t own FOR LEASE Kuppe present themselves as partners many blue blazers,” she recalls. “There • 314 6th St N, Minneapolis: to curious property owners willing to was no blueprint for me to follow.” 1,500–14,500 SF poke at convention and expand the uni- In other words: Hicks was not one of the ground-floor retail in new verse of possibilities in any given site. guys. And she followed a pretty lonely path. construction “We work with property owners open to The relatively few women commercial real • 218 Washington Ave N, exploring ‘what if’ questions,” says Hicks. estate veterans she encountered over the Minneapolis (Pacific Flats): Those owners tend to be smaller, family- years expressed disappointment, she says, Up to 10,000 SF creative led enterprises, like Element’s North Loop with the industry’s static gender ratio. office on the third floor clients. The agency does consult with “The commercial real estate industry • 219 2nd St N, Minneapolis larger firms chasing new perspectives, has struggled to diversify,” says Hicks. (Northwestern Building): 13,000+ SF on the says Hicks; she declines to name names. She admits that she probably wouldn’t basement, second and third Kuppe and Hicks work as active leasing be where she is today were she not raised floors agents for landlords and tenants pursuing lon- to “believe I could do anything.” She en- • 200 Washington Ave ger-term lease arrangements, typically five to 10 courages aspiring women developers N, Minneapolis (Lowry years. They’re willing to take the time to bridge to find the same belief, to focus on hon- Building): Up to 10,000 SF the landlord-tenant gap and “get everyone to ing skills and building networks, and to office and 5,000 SF retail yes,” says Hicks. And they’re not intimidated have faith that “talent always wins out.” • 212 2nd Ave N, Minneapolis by unexpected design hurdles, like concealed And if it doesn’t, at least not in corpo- (Coiner Building): 10,000+ wall bolts from some long-forgotten use. rate commercial real estate? Then do as SF warehouse; one of the few warehouse spaces left in No matter the client or project, Ele- Hicks did and strike out on your own. the area ment hews to a simple mantra: Avoid “Entrepreneurship has given me the oppor- • 219 Main St NE, Minneapolis boring, uninspiring results. tunity to distill what I’m passionate about and (Prince Street Building): 950 “The answer isn’t always ‘retail on the ground the space to spend time on what’s important SF office on the second floor floor and housing on top,’” says Hicks. “That’s to me,” she says. • 165 Western Ave, St. not how you create a dynamic neighborhood.” Sounds much better than golf and Paul (Blair Arcarde): Up blue blazers. to 8,000 SF of historic Ditching the blue blazer creative office and 7,000 Hicks and Kuppe work well together; both SF of retail space in the bring clear strengths to Element. Kuppe has Cathedral Hill neighborhood a detail-oriented “engineering mindset,” says • 323 First Ave N: Up to Hicks, and fantastic project management 10,000 SF of creative office or retail in a restored historic acumen. Hicks, a naturally outgoing big- building in the Warehouse picture person, masterfully handles business District development and other client-facing work. BRIAN MARTUCCI has been • 308 E Hennepin Ave, They’re bound by devotion to collabora- a Minnesota Business magazine Minneapolis: 9,200 SF tion — between themselves, and among contributor since 2015. He loves sharing stories from small business of neighborhood retail/ the landlords and tenants they represent. owners who make Minnesota such restaurant space and 8,300 “Solo practice never spoke to me,” says Hicks. a great place to live, work and play. SF of historic office space

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 55 EXECUTIVE VISION INSPIRING WOMEN

Making Change Mercy Hospital’s Sara Criger is reshaping the delivery of health care BY SUE HAWKES

ara Criger, president of Allina’s Mercy Hospital, is a serial change agent. Her leadership has impacted a number of Shospitals in the metro area, including Fairview Ridges Hospital, the University of Minnesota Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Hospital. Criger grew up planning to become a nurse like her mother, and while attending college, worked full time to pay for school. To gain experience in the medical field, she began working as a certified medical assistant. She soon realized she was interested in the leadership side of health care, switching her education focus from nursing to management. The move paid off. Early on, the president of the practice she was working for recognized her leadership potential and promoted her to operations manager and subsequently chief administrative officer. Despite this early Sara Criger success, it was difficult for Criger to establish a clear career path because her husband’s job at General Motors required that they relocate every few years. She would find a new job in each new location, and, it seemed, just as her career was gaining traction they would need to move again. Eventually, Criger and her family settled in Minnesota, where her career has flourished. She credits her success to her commitment to, “help make things go better for patients, as well as for the staff and physicians who are trying to fulfill their callings every day.” This commitment stems from her earlier experiences as a medical assistant, where, she says, she was, “seeing people receive bad news about their diagnosis, having them heal or sometimes ship was valued. In fact, the man who would later become her mentor wrote die. I knew what it was like to experience care on the frontline. “I believe in Sara Criger” on the interview form. I know there are people here that I need to support, and they’re “That statement was a defining moment for me, and as I look back, it was counting on me.” probably the first time somebody had said that specifically,” she reflects. “But I Criger shares how she’s become the leader she is today by accept- look back at the actions and opportunities other leaders gave me and see they ing input and support, learning from others and managing change. had believed in me as well.” Criger now strives to display this type of leadership. “You take people who have that potential, support and stretch them, let Gaining confidence through support them be in the limelight and give them the opportunity to shine, and you sit Criger believes much of her success can be attributed to the sup- back and smile. You feel rewarded by what they are able to do.” port of others, and this influences her leadership style. She men- She has also learned the importance of looking for support as a woman in tions battling “Imposter Syndrome” early in her career, wondering, business. “My mentor Joel Suzuki used to say, ‘when you believe it, you’ll see “When will they figure out I don’t know what the hell I’m doing?” it.’ I decided to focus on inclusiveness and openness, not gender bias. That She says what helped most “were people who believed in me even worked for me.” when I maybe didn’t believe in myself.” Criger remembers when the Fairview Ridges Hospital president position became available, Learning from others and a number of people encouraged her to apply. “I thought, Sara sought out teachers and mentors throughout her career, as well. “I think ‘Who, me? Are they talking to me?’ ” When she was offered the everybody’s a role model in different ways,” she shares. “So I often look to

position, she was “shocked” but pleased to know that her leader- multiple people and say, ‘I value how they do this.’ It might not be every- HANNAH LYNCH BY PHOTO

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MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 57 EXECUTIVE VISION INSPIRING WOMEN

MORE INSIGHTS thing about them, but if you take advantage of WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST looking at the strengths of various people, you “We have to improve our systems LESSON? “The power of believing: can find a lot of different role model behaviors, believing in yourself, believing in others, related to health and wellness while believing in others’ good intentions, competencies and skills in multiple people.” continuing to make sure we serve believing in what’s possible and then Seeking out role models was especially those who are ill and injured.” leaning into it. If you believe something is important when Criger became CEO of St. —Sara Criger possible, you’ve got to go for it.” Joseph’s, a Catholic hospital. She is Lutheran, but says, her religion “didn’t matter at all to the HOW HAS FAILURE SHAPED YOUR LIFE? nuns.” In fact, the nuns became her commu- zation. So, face the brutal facts and figure out “I think it was the pressure of failure that nity “board,” and she found a mentor in Sister what you need to do with it,” she says. shaped my life. I was so afraid to let other Marie de Paul Rochester, who sent her a con- Part of change is also identifying what’s people down that I just instantly thought, ‘I’ve got to figure this out.’ Today, failure is gratulatory note for becoming the first female working. “You have to start with asking, ‘what more about learning. I’ve learned that it’s chief executive officer since 1978 — a position about this is workable, and how do we work success or learn; it’s not success or fail.” Sister Rochester held herself before retiring 30 on the good things about this?’ so people can years ago. “Sister Marie mentored me through begin to assimilate and handle the change in BEST GO-TO SOURCE OF INSPIRATION? being the CEO of a Catholic hospital and all of pieces.” While the health care system is too big “My source of inspiration is the staff and the cultural and religious practices and norms. to revolutionize all at once, she is committed physicians who come to fulfill a calling It was a really special place.” to evolving it. every day, who impact patients’ lives. Then Criger also enjoyed building a team she She also works hard to make sure her team there are the patient heroes who endure could rely on and learn from during her tenure does not fall into the “victim mentality” she so much. Sometimes you see their dreams at Fairview Ridges Hospital. “One of the things says is common with change. “Saying, I’m dashed in a moment and then what they do to push back from something that’s I was most proud of was the team of leaders sorry, I know this is really hard, is not going to devastating. I mean, holy buckets.” that came together there, and that has been help. My message became telling them how true in each of my executive teams since.” courageous I think they are (because they are) WHAT IS A SERVICE YOU VALUE? for hanging in there and going through this “I value the interaction I get with the Leading through change and for leaning into it while saying, ‘We’re people who are providing the service. I Criger’s role as Mercy Hospital’s president going to be a part of what is necessary change love seeing how people are either into their requires her to evolve the health care system and we’re going to stick it out.’ That’s my motto work or not. People who you see and say, ‘Wow, they love their job. They are making proactively. She recently led the bold decision right now: ‘I’m proud of you for leaning into the most of who they are in that role, no to merge Mercy and Unity hospital campuses it and being an important part of how health matter what it is.’” into a single entity, to strengthen the programs care has to change.’ ” of each and allow much-needed growth in Criger has become the incredible change WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT? “I start mental health care on the Unity campus. She agent she is today by learning from others every day with exercise. I have a home has always embraced change and is an expe- and supporting her staff the way she has been gym and get up every morning at 4:30 a.m.; it has to be a habit. I’m afraid to not riential learner by nature. “I do like to throw supported throughout her career. She thrives get up at 4:30 one morning and not work myself into something completely different on driving change, not just for the challenge, out, because I’m afraid that will feel good, and say, you know, let’s see what I can do with but to create a positive impact on how patients and the next day I won’t do it. I’m not this,” she says. are cared for and staff and physicians practice going to let myself off the hook.” To lead change, Criger notes, “You’ve got to their calling to save lives. It’s her humility, believe in it. Then you can see how it will work. strong belief and desire to help others that WHAT CHANGES FOR HEALTH CARE And then you’ve got to be able to articulate it have created her success. “My husband laughs ARE ON THE HORIZON? “We have to to a whole lot of other people to help them feel when he sees the technical college commer- improve our systems related to health and the same level of confidence and possibility.” cials on TV for medical assistant trainings. He wellness while continuing to make sure we serve those who are ill and injured. I She acknowledges that change is hard and always says, ‘You can be a medical assistant, think it’s going to take more personal and even painful at times. “If you’re not feeling a and then you can be a hospital president societal responsibility. I’ve heard 80% certain amount of discomfort, you’re probably someday!’ ” of health care costs can be attributed to not doing enough,” she says. five behaviors: unhealthy eating, lack of It also requires standing strong in the face exercise, smoking, use of alcohol or other of those who are not yet on board with the substances, and risky driving. Another change. Criger has acknowledged that she has SUE HAWKES, CEO of YESS!, is a statistic is that 10% of health relates to the Certified EOS Implementer, Certified health care system, 20% to genetics, and experienced this. “If you initiate change before Business Coach, WPO Chapter Chair, 70% to lifestyle and personal choices. For others see the need for it, they may blame you bestselling author and award-winning entrepreneur. She has been helping most of us, a lot of it is in our control.” for the problems. But making difficult deci- entrepreneurs and leadership teams succeed for the sions is the burden leaders bear for the organi- past 20-plus years.

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in sponsoring the 8th Annual MN Entrepreneur Kick-off! EXECUTIVE VISION NAVIGATING CHANGE The Original Social Network Liwanag Ojala bridges gaps of communication BY NATE GARVIS, TOM WIESE AND KOLINA CICERO PHOTO BY TATE CARLSON

hen you hear the words “social network,” platforms like Instagram and Facebook may come to mind. But a social network that predates them Wall is right here in the Twin Cities: CaringBridge, a platform focused on health journeys. Residing at the unique juncture of digital, health care and nonprofit, Caring- Bridge isn’t where CEO Liwanag Ojala saw her career taking her, but the organization quickly became something special to her. Approximately 215,000 people visit a CaringBridge website daily. A new site is created every six minutes, and around 30 million unique visitors come to a CaringBridge site annually. This social network isn’t merely a nice-to-have. For many, it’s a need-to-have, and that gives Ojala her fiery fuel as the platform’s intrepid CEO. In the short time we spent with Ojala, she shared with us difficulties she faced rising to the top, the importance of enrolling your family into your journey and how we can all make the workplace better for women.

STUDIO/E: You’ve held many leadership roles. What’s something you’ve learned from leading? OJALA: Sometimes you have to take a moment to digest before you respond. There are times when it’s easy to quickly react, but sometimes the best thing to do is pause, digest and think before acting. It’s a good tip for personal life, too.

: STUDIO/E You said you didn’t envision yourself at a Liwanag Ojala nonprofit given your experience. What has surprised you about this role? OJALA: When I started with CaringBridge, I was clear on the need for the service and was excited about the opportunity to use a digital experience to adjust human behavior around a health issue. What I didn’t expect was the connectivity between business and humanities. Knowing that I’m helping people every single day is personally fulfilling. It’s a constant reminder of myself as a human being, not just a leader or businessperson. I just have such a cool job.

STUDIO/E: You refer to your team as “small but mighty.” How does your 40-person team successfully manage a social network? OJALA: We have a good combination of skill, will and the desire to be here. We have to have great people and be very focused on the capabilities we bring, because we can’t do everything. It’s important to build a dynamic with your team that propels success. You can’t build a culture by saying it has to be built; you have to build it by driving and nurturing it. If CaringBridge is about activating communities, then

60 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 we have to mirror that internally. We have to NAME: Liwanag Ojala, CEO, have a healthy community here. CaringBridge 2018

STUDIO/E: What does CaringBridge DESCRIPTION: A nonprofit social UPCOMING EVENTS mean to you? network dedicated to helping family and OJALA: Last year was CaringBridge’s 20th friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey. anniversary, and 20 years ago last year my YOUNG mom passed away. When I think about what INCEPTION: 1997 we did when she was in the hospital, then PROFESSIONALS in a coma, then subsequently passed — that looked very different from what I’d be able NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 40 February 1 to do today. It was isolating and lonely, and I WhirlyBall didn’t know how to activate the community HEADQUARTERS: Eagan in a meaningful way. Sometimes I think about May 3 where I was 20 years ago and how cool it is that LIWANAG’S DESIRE: Inspiring others to CaringBridge was created at that same time. lead and give. Eat Street Social Mixology Event STUDIO/E: Have you had any STUDIO/E COMPETENCY: Enrollment difficulties getting where you – The art of inviting another to combine July are today? their ideas with yours. Saints Game OJALA: Oh yeah. Many times in my career WEBSITE: caringbridge.org I was the only woman or the youngest woman in the room. What that did was fuel within me a high standard for my own behavior and how I show up. If you’re competent and you show Put yourself first sometimes. There are WOMEN’S up well, you have a better chance of getting things I like to do that my husband doesn’t, EVENTS through the tough situations. Other people’s and I’m not going to not do them because he behavior isn’t going to define who you are. It’s doesn’t like them. An example is modern art. February 7 what you do that defines who you are. We love art, but he goes crazy when we go see Anne Spaeth, modern art. So sometimes I say, “This is a love The Lynhall STUDIO/E: How do you think we I have that I’m going to nurture because it’s can make things better for women part of who I am. I’ll do it without you, and March 8 in the workplace? that’s okay.” OJALA: Men have to be part of the solu- Take people along for the ride. When I AIM: tion. Women aren’t going to solve some of think about my journeys — personal and Action, Information, the workplace issues on their own. They need professional — what stands out is that it takes Motivation, a Women’s strong men who are willing to create spaces for your family, friends, spouse and kids being Leadership Conference women to be successful. If you’re a business- supportive of what you do. You can’t do these person, you might think about it in terms of things alone. You need someone walking along nurturing your assets: Women will not stand with you to do things well. for poor treatment. They will leave your organi- To register zation, go start their own business, and they acg.org/minnesota are fully empowered to do that these days. If you want to nurture your assets, you have to Questions? set the stage for what kind of behavior is okay [email protected] or and not okay. 612-590-1041 STUDIO/E: What advice do you have for women in business? Sponsored by: OJALA: Be present when you’re there, forgive yourself when you’re not. Early on in NATE GARVIS, TOM WIESE AND KOLINA CICERO my career as a mom and wife, so much of my Nate Garvis and Tom Wiese are founding partners of Studio/E, a membership community that helps people and energy was focused on what I missed that I organizations create the future they desire. They are both was sucking the energy away from the things I senior fellows at the Lewis Institute’s Social Innovation Lab at Babson College. Kolina Cicero runs creative and wasn’t missing. Don’t beat yourself up; just be editorial at Studio/E, serving as the company’s storyteller deliberate about being fully present. and brand champion.

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 61 EXECUTIVE VISION INTERVIEW

Investing in Women After shattering glass ceilings throughout her career, Leslie Frécon now is helping other women do the same BY STEVE LEBEAU PHOTO BY TATE CARLSON

eslie Frécon is managing partner and founder of LFE Capital, a Minneapolis- area growth equity firm that provides Leslie Frécon L capital for health and wellness companies. As a glass-ceiling-shattering pioneer, she founded the company in 2000 after having served as senior vice president of corporate finance at General Mills (GMI), where she was both the youngest and first female executive in the company’s history. As a community and arts supporter, Frécon has served as a trustee and executive committee member of the Greater Twin Cities United Way, the MacPhail Center for Music, Breck School and the Minnesota Opera. And as a strong advocate for women, she has sat on the advisory boards of Women- Venture and the Minnesota Women’s Econom- ic Roundtable. Steve LeBeau sat down with Frécon to learn more about her journey into the male-dominated world of investment firms, including the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned. Here is what she shared.

On best-laid plans gone awry My Shakespeare professor at Stanford Univer- sity was having an end-of-graduation party for the English majors. …We were talking about next steps, and I just assumed, being passionate about English literature, that I would go to graduate school. And he kind of took me aside, and he said, “Leslie, why don’t you go to business school?” I was actually kind of offended

62 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 that he thought I didn’t have the intellect to be the idea of private equity into my head. He On supporting a professor of English. He said, “No, you have said, “You have the perfect background with women-owned businesses very good judgment. You speak well. You write your combination of finance, business opera- We have developed a reputation as a pre- well. You present yourself well. Go get an MBA. tions, strategy, business acumen, your board ferred partner for women-owned and -led There are hardly any women getting their experience.” I also had another important businesses, and they proactively seek us out. MBAs. It would be a competitive advantage for mentor who’s since become a dear friend, Dick They know about us from the networks we’ve you, and that is my advice.” That is what I did Clarke, who worked with me and helped me built and by reputation. That’s a competitive ultimately. I worked for a year, and then I went develop a business plan to launch my firm, advantage in the marketplace, and most savvy to business school. LFE Capital. investors understand that. We believe today, more than ever, it is an attractive segment On being true to yourself that offers good returns and one that is ridicu- I don’t think of myself as being particularly lously underserved by traditional private eq- aggressive, but [when I started my career], as- uity. There are numerous studies that validate sertiveness from women wasn’t that common, “Everybody has to find their that businesses with female leaders, owners shall we say, or a lot of men didn’t have that voice, and that’s an important part and founders produce higher returns and much experience being around women with it. of developing trust in yourself and have higher success rates. And by the way, I got feedback that I had to soften [my approach]. confidence which is an important we are providing them with more than just In retrospect, while I think everybody gets part of being successful.” capital. We are also bringing expertise and coached in corporate roles today, I don’t think resources to help them scale their businesses that was particularly helpful in my case. To the — Leslie Frécon and achieve liquidity events; they value that contrary, it kind of ate away at my confidence, as much as the capital. This involves work- and it caused me to second-guess myself and ing closely with the management teams and my natural style. I don’t think that’s a good boards, including mentoring. thing. I think people in management, while they need to learn to tune into their audi- On trusting her gut On work/life balance ence, should not be discouraged from being It was the most difficult thing I have ever I’ve never been a big fan of the word “balance” themselves. Everybody has to find their voice, done, raising that first fund. I had gotten tons because balance implies you do more of one and that’s an important part of developing of advice not to do this, that it would be very thing and less of another. I look at it more in confidence and trust in yourself, which is an difficult, which obviously I did not follow. I terms of how you integrate your personal and important part of being successful. pursued it because I really believed in the mar- your work lives. And technology has enabled ket opportunity, that businesses with women us to do that to a large extent. The challenge is On taking the leap and starting owners and leaders were a large, growing and finding a way to integrate that makes sense for her own company underserved market and that I could lever- you on a personal level. It means constantly I was in my mid-40s at the time. I had always age my network of relationships to find good problem-solving and adjusting one’s life when wanted to do something entrepreneurial, and companies. Believe me, at the time, that was necessary. It’s an ebb and a flow. I thought if I waited too long I would run out not a concept that was widely understood by of time. I figured it would take me at least a the male-dominated investment community. On being a pioneer decade, if I was going to start something, to My timing wasn’t the best; I launched LFE I believe that we are the longest-in-existence build it. And I had some financial flexibility to right after the internet blowup in the early women-owned, private equity firm investing in be able to jump off like that, because I really 2000s, the dot-com bust, plus I didn’t have a the female segment. I guess you could say we was jumping off into an abyss, in terms of the partner. I built the team as the business grew. are pioneers, because we were among the first uncertainty. I come from an entrepreneurial Fortunately, I had a network of relationships and have been in business for 16-plus years. family. It’s always been a value that was rein- from my business and personal lives who were We have learned a lot about investing in this forced in my family, and it was just something people willing to back me and write checks. market to get to where we are today, which is I wanted to do. Wells Fargo was an early supporter, the only very exciting because now we can leverage that institutional investor in that first fund. We are knowledge to really grow. While it is still a very On forging strong networks now organizing our fourth fund. Our cur- underserved market, more investors are inter- When I left [GMI], I consulted with a lot of rent investor base is primarily large banks, ested in participating in it. Where I used to get people. I was fortunate to have a great network endowments and family offices that value what a blank stare 15 years ago when I explained the of relationships, and one of them is still a we’re doing to provide access to capital, create rationale for targeting the female segment, I friend and a mentor, Leonard Harlan, who’s jobs through small business growth and find now get nods and recognition of the capability the cofounder of Castle Harlan, a large buy-out solutions to help people lead healthier lives, in that LFE Capital has developed to capitalize on fund based in New York. Leonard actually put addition to getting solid returns. an amazing opportunity.

MINNESOTABUSINESS.COM 63 COURTNEY PERRY SNAPSHOTS COURTNEYPERRY.PHOTOSHELTER.COM At The Intersection of Career and Caregiving Digital networking group Pollen kicked off its Work Redux series this past fall with the event, Work Redux | CARE. A panel of women leaders discussed balancing work with caring for family, friends and coworkers. pollenmidwest.org

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(1) Jamie Millard (2) Melanie Stovall, Heather Olson, Jessica Huang and Lisa HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE CONSIDERED Troutman (3) Sarah Clyne (4) Mase & Moemma Santos (5) Liz Gre and Sarah FOR SNAPSHOTS? Send us event information and M. Greer (not pictured) performed from the opera Mother King (6) Sahra Noor, a link to photos, along with photo credit and the names Venessa Fuentes, Jennifer Alstad, Meghan McInerny and Jamie Millard of featured guests, to [email protected]. (7) Maren & Megan Leafblad (8) Maryama Dahir (9) Gillian McLaughlin from The Bitter Buffalo (10) Illustration by Allegra Lockstad, tissues by Melanie Stovall, and art directed by Mónica Nadal and Megan Murphy

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