#45 Jim Sweeney with Mom’s Design Build- Rebel to CEO

Like many business owners, Jim was a bit of a rebel growing up. Not afraid of risk and preferring to do his own thing, Jim and his buddy started mowing yards at age 15, by 18 he had 8 employees and ended up selling the business so he could attend college. Having a close family and a love for this mother Mary, Jim started Mom’s Design Build, originally as a landscape company, but his clients wanted more, so they expanded, and now complete beautiful interior design and remodels. Check them out at www.momsdesignbuild.com

#44 Brad Ahlm with Conductive Containers- The RULER of Static Electricity!

I had the honor of interviewing, Brad Ahlm, President of Conductive Containers, Inc.  Listen to this, when you rub your feet on the carpet, then touch someone, and give them a “shock”, it took about 5,000 volts of static electricity to generate that “shock”. Now picture this, your company makes something like computer microchips, and if your microchip is exposed to even 10 volts of static electricity, it will ruin your microchip, but you need to ship your microchips across the county… now what? I’ll tell you, “what”, you call Conductive Containers Inc because when it comes to protecting products from an electrical charge, they have the answer. They can make a custom container for your microchips or anything else you might need shipped, stored, or displayed. Check them out at www.CorStat.com

#43 Debbie Galvan & Nathan Dills with P & F Machining- A Place Where Everyone Wants to Work

P & F Machining stated in 1983 by Floyd and Patsy Pawlak in New Hope, MN. Floyd spent his nights and weekends operating a small manual lathe in the corner of a warehouse until he was able to quit his day job and be self-employed. Today they have a BEAUTIFUL facility in Otsego, with a waiting list of people who want to work there. P & F Machining, Inc. specializes in precision machining for the medical device industry and by the looks of things, they’re definitely doing something right! Check them out at www.PFMachining.com

#42 Chris Maxson with Acucraft Fireplace Systems- Taking Fire to the Next Level!

If you can dream it, Acucraft can build it. There is no fireplace took complex, or request too unique. For, example how about a fireplace that makes ice? Yes, ice! Take a listen as Chris Maxon, CEO of Acucraft Fireplace Systems tells the story of an electrical fire that literally burns his company to the ground, and like a Pheonix, comes back from the ashes bigger, better, and stronger! Check them out at www.acucraft.com

#40 Minnesota Senator Eric Pratt

Eric Pratt, Minnesota Senator, is my new favorite politician, and here’s why.  Eric walked on to the Division 1 football team, Colorado University, as a linebacker. Of the 24 players who tried out as a walk-on, 23 were cut and Eric was the last man standing. At this time his coach asked him, “why do you want to play football here?,” and Eric’s reply was because “I like to hit people.” My MAN! How can you not love that?  Website: ericprattmn.com

#37 Bart Anderson with US Site Work- Patriot CEO

Bart Anderson is a fellow patriot and the CEO of US Site Work based out of Elk River MN. They are an earthwork, demolition, and utilities contractor. I am amazed how quickly they have grown, opening in 2013 and already employing about 70 people!

#34 Nick Bailey with Two Men and a Truck- More than a Moving Company!

Nick Bailey and this team at Two Men and a Truck are more than just a moving company. Pack, unpack, move something to another room or across America, crates, storage, residential, commercial, and junk removal… they do it all. Nick got his start in his dad’s furniture business, as a kid, and later purchased a Two Men And A Truck franchise with his dad in 1999. Check them out at https://twomenandatruck.com/movers/mn/minneapolis/south

#32 Dave Neville with Infinity Robotics- Robots making Robots!

As a little boy, Dave was fascinated with Robots. Starting with his first Erector Set, to winning the State Championship in Robotics in high school, to now helping companies become more efficient, reduce injuries, and providing alternative solutions for the labor shortage, Dave Neville has a ton of experience and knowledge in robotics. Whether you’re interested in leasing a robot for your manufacturing company, supporting his power storage program, or finding out more about Robots making Robots (WTH!), this episode is for you. Check them out at https://www.infinityrobotics.com/

#28 Gary Kraemer with John Kraemer and Sons- Builder of “Sweet Ass Homes”

Gary contributes his success to treating people right. All people, not only his clients but also the subs, vendors, and everyone else in between. It’s a 3rd generation business started by Gary and this father John back in 1978, but building decks and whatever else they could find to stay busy. Today, Gary and this two sons, John and Jeff, are building some of the most beautiful custom homes in the state of Minnesota. John Kraemer and Sons have received many awards, including four-time winner of the Housing First MN ‘Builder of the Year’ award. Check them out at www.JKandSons.com