MARL Today Blog

The March, 2025 seminar of MARL Class 13 provided time for class members to divide into regional groups, make their own itineraries, and explore themes of leadership in a community of their choosing. The MARL Blogs have featured a report from each of the seven regional groups over the past, present & future few weeks.

The northwest regional group of MARL Class 13 traveled to “Hockeytown USA” in mid-March to explore themes of leadership and community vitality. The town of Warroad, Minnesota is–infact–known for youth hockey, as well as the home and headquarters of Marvin, a premium manufacturer of windows.

The town of 1,800 people sits on the southern edge of Lake of the Woods, and just six miles from the Canadian border. For such a small town, we were impressed by the beautiful buildings that make up its downtown area and the number of amenities the town has to offer. It is clear just by driving through that the people of Warroad include some incredible visionaries who take pride in their town.   We began our visit by meeting with the town’s recently installed Community Development Director, Sarah Carling. Having only been on the job for a little over two months, Sarah has a solid background in community development work and already has made a strong start in the community of Warroad. Her focus is on collaboration, and the theme of collaboration was strong in the stories of the people and businesses we toured with her throughout the day. A quick history lesson: George Marvin first moved to Warroad in 1904 to take a job as a grain elevator manager. In 1912, he started the Marvin Lumber and Cedar Company. In 1939, his son Bill expanded the company to manufacturing windows and doors. The company now has locations throughout the United States, and employs 1,300 people at its flagship location in Warroad. No doubt, Marvin is THE major employer of this town. It became evident throughout the day that both the Marvin company, as well as Marvin family members value community and contributing to its development.

 We saw quite a bit of new development during our visit. Warroad RiverPlace arts, culture and events center just held its first concert in March 2025 (tickets sold out), and is truly a state-of-the-art building. Every aspect of the $23 million project was carefully thought through before the construction crew broke ground. The non-profit features a rotating gallery space, an indoor and outdoor classroom, and an auditorium where the seating and stage can be altered within mere minutes to accommodate different performances and events. Executive Director, John Davis, has already collaborated with the Warroad school district to ensure local students fully benefit from the space.  Another new business in town that also opened within the past year is Warroad Community Childcare Center. When a study revealed that Warroad has 200 more young children than active childcare slots, movers and shakers got to work on a $5 million fundraising campaign to build a non-profit childcare center. Putting together support from local businesses and donors as well as state and federal grants, resulted in a beautiful facility with about 100 active slots with plans to grow as more preschool and school-aged programs are added. Center director, Katie Kalbrener invisions her role as creating a space for children to learn and grow, for families to have reliable and quality care, and for the community to have a valuable asset for generations to come.

With a population of 1,800 and a major employer with 1,300 onsite roles to fill, Warroad has felt housing constraints for years as new residents are needed to fill vacancies at Marvin and other employers in the region. Marvin took a leading role in filling this need with an initiative to build apartments, townhouses and single family homes. The apartment projects have been clearly successful with two 65-unit buildings completed since 2022, with a vacancy rate around 5%. The other home building projects have not been as smooth. In recent years, 24 homes have been built and six sold, leaving 19 available homes remaining ranging in price from $209,000 – $400,000. Though empty housing is not ideal, it offers an opportunity if folks can transition from renting into homeownership. One seemingly insurmountable hurdle that Warroad faces is the ample space for housing in outlying areas beyond city limits. Space that allows for a home with more privacy and greater access to recreation. With visionary city leadership and gumption on the part of Marvin, we can see more successful projects like the full apartment buildings in the future.  A bootstraps mentality seems to pervade Warroad, largely emanating from the Marvin company, that rather than wait for another entity to come in and solve a problem, it is better if we roll up our sleeves, write the necessary check, and get it done. The Advanced Resource Center for Innovation and Education (ARC) is representative of this mentality. A joint initiative between Marvin and Northland Community and Technical College, it is a first-of-its-kind Mechatronics program, designed for every kind of learner. The program offers training for current and future professionals to succeed in the fastest-growing industry in the Roseau county region. While the instructors are Northland faculty, Kim Hruba, the program manager is an employee of Marvin. It is hard to overstate the value of this program in a remote region like this where the nearest technical college is 85 miles away.

While not located in Warroad, we visited Habstritt Seed Co., a turf seed processing facility near Roseau, MN. Approximately 50,000 acres of perennial ryegrass are grown in NW Minnesota, making it an economically important cash crop for the region. Scott Habstritt welcomed our MARL team and showcased their family business. The farm’s primary crops are perennial ryegrass, canola, sunflowers, and Hard Red Spring Wheat. They also clean and condition perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and small grains like wheat and Kernza®.  Their pure turf seed is sold across the US, with southern golf courses using perennial ryegrass to keep fairways green in winter as the Bermuda grass becomes dormant. Each golf course requires about three semi loads for overseeding! In addition, Habstritt Seed Co. collaborates with the University of Minnesota to evaluate and produce Kernza®, a low-gluten grain used in baked goods and brewing industries.

Experienced and posted by Rachel Arneson, Gregg Muehler, Carson Ouellette & Eric Samuelson – MARL Seminar Management Team NW

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Sharyce, Ruth, Braden and Corey started the day by visiting Walnut Grove Mercantile, owned by Steve and Kay Klein.  The Klein family started their business in 1951 with beekeeping and grew into one of the most successful honey producers in the nation.  They won 16 National Honey Championship’s and used 2,000 hives across 5 counties to produce 200,000 to 250,000 lbs. of honey annually.  In the early 90’s the family was faced with a crisis as honey production dropped from 100 lbs. per hive in 1990 to 18 lbs. per hive in 1993.  What once was the best geographic area in the nation to produce honey became a honey production desert.  The reason… transition to monoculture farming which reduced alfalfa and pasture acreage in southwest Minnesota, leaving bees with no nectar habitat.  Although faced with disappointment, the Klein family pivoted their business plan and looked to fudge to bridge the revenue gap.  In addition to the new production line, the Klein family also rebranded the company as Walnut Grove Mercantile to take advantage of the popularity of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, videos and pageant.  It turned out to be a hit and soon fudge from this small family operation was being sent around the country. 

The new fudge machine was paid off in 6 months under the new business plan.  To improve the proprietary of their brand, the family researched their own fudge recipes with the assistance of AURI.  Steve and Kay Klein know that consumer preferences change and that business plans need to evolve.   Most recently the family began wrapping individual caramels from the caramel used in one of their most popular fudges. Today, they produce ¼ million individually wrapped caramels and over 50 tons (100,000 lbs.) of fudge of which approximately 80% is shipped nationwide.  This is in addition to the many unique games and gifts you’ll find in the retail shop of their headquarters along Hwy 23 in Marshall.  

Klein family has been a Chamber of Commerce member for decades. They contribute their success to community relationships (including SMSU), strategically relocating their business in 2000, and visionary leadership to pivot business plans.  

Next year they will celebrate 75 years in business, an impressive milestone. 

We then headed to SMSU – Southwest Minnesota State University experienced the largest enrollment growth percentage of all the MN state colleges in 2024/2025 school year.  Combine this impressive stat with SMSU being the only MN state college to have an increase in enrollment in the 23/24 school year and you end up with a combined enrollment growth of 36% over the last 3 years.  This is no surprise to leadership at the university as the president has a goal of increasing enrollment by 50% over 5 years.    In a recent study, SMSU found that approximately 3,000 Alumni live within 30 miles of Marshall.  Most students aren’t naturally drawn to the area because it lacks recreation activities like mountains, lakes or a warm climate and the retail offerings are sufficient, but basic. The university suggests that affordable tuition rates (relative to other universities), a small school feel, and successful athletic programs are a few reasons students are drawn to this university on the prairie.  The benefits of a university in the community of Marshall are significant. SMSU is one of the top employers in town, it increases retail sales with university students, along with athletic and art entertainment opportunities for community members. The athletic facilities also bring in regional high school tournaments.  As you travel into Marshall on Hwy 23 or Hwy 19 you can’t help but notice the impressive campus donned with a stampede of mustangs running in the center of horseshoe pond inviting you to the university and the city.  

We then hosted lunch with the City, Chamber and leadership from ADM.  Main street Marshall is healthy according to city leadership.  This is certainly true from an appearance stand point.  The streets are clean, sidewalks are free from heaving, there’s a new city hall in the center of main street that is accented by a plaza for reading, catching up with friends, or eating lunch and murals on multiple buildings highlight the athletics, arts and prairie of the region.  When asked what do you show prospective employees when they’re considering moving to Marshall, Eric McVey from ADM was quick to point out there are great schools (public PreK – 12 and three private Prek-8 grade schools) with successful “state” level athletic and arts programs, an ice arena that is considered one of the top 4 in the state, as well as many other student engaging programs.  Additional amenities to showcase in and around Marshall include a great looking downtown with many locally owned retail shops and an extensive bike trail system that connects the city of Marshall to a pristine Camden State Park 10 miles south of town.  

While there’s much to celebrate and highlight in this rural community, there are some challenges.  One of those challenges is affordable housing.  While competitive hourly wages are offered by many employers, it is challenging to find quality homes for sale under $200,000.  This is one of the factors of why nearly 45% of the residents are renters according to city officials.   Another challenge is combatting an effective marketing campaign from South Dakata.  With Marshall only 36 miles from the SD border (60 miles from Brookings, SD and 90 from Sioux Falls, SD) many residents and businesses receive direct invitations from the state of South Dakota to join them, where there is no income tax and historically less regulation.  As we concluded our conversation, Brad from the Chamber of Commerce said “there is a misconception that there is nothing to do in Marshall…..There is more to do in Marshall than people realize.”  

Our final scheduled visit of the day was Ralco Nutrition.  Ralco Nutrition is an international feed ingredient company that started in a garage in 1971.  Over the last 50+ years, Ralco expanded to an international presence and currently occupies multiple sites in the Marshall community with office, warehouse, and manufacturing facilities. Despite the impressive growth, Ralco has remained true to its rooted principles of faith, family and doing what is right.  This foundation, along with the focus of selling quality products and hiring an impressive research team created a new business line of animal supplements.  The all-natural supplement growth for the company recently surpassed the feed ingredients as their lead product.   When entering the Ralco office one couldn’t help but notice the intentional focus to each employee’s strengths. Each employee’s name placard listed their top five characteristics. This unique statement not only reminds the employee each day what their strengths are, but reminds co-workers how to approach each other for most effective collaboration.

One of the big takeaways from our Ralco visit was seeing how intentional the company is on strategically using individual strengths for specific roles within the company.

Upon concluding our scheduled visits our team walked down main street and randomly stopped in at a few small businesses. We received a warm reception from all four business we randomly visited.    A couple of resounding themes were evident with these impromptu interviews.   When big box stores came to town, the business plans of a couple of the small main street businesses, were no longer effective.  Their plans needed to be revised.  How would they compete against price? How long will our business be viable?  Each of the businesses succeeded in their own way.  Some changed the product line they offered to differentiate themselves, while others promoted service after the sale.  All the businesses expressed gratitude to their loyal customers.

The diverse cultures of Marshall create business opportunities for international grocery stores and restaurants.   With approximately 4 of each of these businesses in town, the international community offers multiple options of cuisine to the community.  Unfortunately, in recent weeks, a few of these businesses have noticed a decline in patrons due, in part, to federal administration policy change, indicating an overall fear of our international community being out in public.

Our team had a great time with both our scheduled, and unscheduled, interviews. In fact, we helped position a mirror on the wall at one of our “drop in” visits.  The stories of overcoming adversity, pivoting a business plan when business doesn’t go as planned, and using employee’s strengths to advance business stand out most to our group.  Everyone in the group enjoyed the day and learned more about our community and the businesses it supports!  Blog contributors (L to R) Braden French, Corey Prins, Ruth Lanoue, Sharyce Baartman.

The southeast regional group of MARL Class 13 traveled to Owatonna for our local experience.  Our goal was to visit different businesses and community members to learn about the strengths of the Owatonna, as well as each individual’s “why”.   Owatonna was named after Princess Owatonna who, according to legend, drank from the local fresh water spring and it cured her of her illnesses.

We kicked off our morning with a visit to Revol Greens.  Revol got its start in Owatonna back in 2017.  They built an initial greenhouse with 4 acres of hydroponics capabilities.  They then expanded their greenhouse and now have 10 acres of hydroponic lettuce production.  Stefan led us through the tour of the greenhouses and showcased the 6 lettuce varieties that they grow. Each variety has unique characteristics and different purposes amongst Revol’s salad mixes.  Stefan’s “why” was very clear from the beginning.  He shared with us that he moved to the USA from the Netherlands.  There, his family is very passionate about greenhouse vegetable production. He carries that same passion in the work he does for Revol!  We then traveled to the east side of the city to tour the Gandy Company. This manufacturer with capabilities in metal fabrication, machining, welding, powder coat painting and turn-key assembly was founded in 1936 with a solution to reduce the labor in land measurement. This family owned company’s “why” is to operate with integrity and provide solutions to agriculture and landscape industries by creating quality products and customer service. The company has been the expert in granular material application for decades evolving their solutions over time to meet new industry needs, custom crafting every piece of equipment from ground up at their facility in Owatonna. At the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce, Glenda Smith (Director of Conventions and Tourism) shared more insights about the area, business and industry. Notably, the economy relative to the employment rate is better than the State, which in turn is better than the country. It has a mix of agriculture, health, retail, tourism, and more. Being at the intersection of interstate 35 and highway 14; close enough (1 hour) to the Twin Cities, yet not too expensive, and has a small town feel helps. The city has grown more along the interstate (which runs North and South. It would be nice to grow East and West as well. Support and engagement of local businesses and community members is evident. The high school project illustrates that. Support from Federated Insurance and 4 other companies made it possible.  Later, we had a great meeting at a local brewery, Mineral Springs Brewery, with Tim Penny who heads the Southeast Minnesota Initiative Fund.  Tim served as a MN State Senator then as US House Representative for a total of 19 years. Tim shared about their work in key areas such as Early Childhood Development, Economic Development, and Small Towns Support.  His “why” was to passionately continue serving his district in MN. He enjoys seeing the rewards of his work.  Submitting Seminar Management Team – Michelle O’Connor, Okechukwa “Okey” Ukaga, Andrew Thilges & Joel Reiman

What was supposed to be an overnight trip to New Ulm for the South Central Seminar Management Team quickly turned into a one-day virtual pivot—thanks to a snowstorm that never quite arrived. Despite the change, the group made the most of their time connecting with local leaders and learning about this vibrant community.

On Wednesday afternoon, the group met virtually with Chris Dalton, City Manager, and Sarah Warmka, President/CEO of Visit New Ulm. The discussion centered around challenges facing the city – housing, childcare, and rural fire department needs, but also highlighted the progress being made through a strong strategic plan, driven by engaged citizens and dedicated leadership.

On Thursday, team members Mandy, Ryan, Sue, and Terra began their day at Lykke Books/Ulm Sweet Ulm, where owner Brie Taralson shared her journey from healthcare to entrepreneurship. Brie’s vision is to create a welcoming community space, and her passion for connection was clear.

Next stop: AMPI. Sarah Schmidt, VP of Marketing, gave an overview of their local dairy products, and CEO Sheryl Meshke shared her leadership path from marketing to the executive suite. Their motto, “What we are made of is as important as what we make,” reflects their values-driven culture. The team left impressed and with a new appreciation for Dinner Bell Creamery.

The visit wrapped up with lunch alongside members of the Farm-City Hub Club, a group with a 50-year history of bridging town and country. MARL alumnus Steve Hoffman (Class IX) shared insights from his experience, adding to the day’s thoughtful conversations.

A brief stop at historic Turner Hall closed out the trip. While it wasn’t the original plan, the experience offered rich insights and meaningful connections, proving once again that flexibility often leads to unexpected rewards.

The West-Central region members of MARL Class 13, Emily, Emily, Katie, and Dustin, explored Granite Falls on Mar. 20. The morning began with a treat from locally-renowned Carl’s Bakery. Carl’s opened in 1957 and has been a cornerstone of the Granite Falls community ever since. The bustling hole-in-the-wall offers a variety of quality bakery and farm goods to enjoy there or take home. The bakery is currently owned by the Streblow family, who have leveraged it as an opportunity to provide diversified farm-raised products to the community, including pork, eggs, chickens, baked goods, bulk goods, crafts, mastiff guard dogs, and more.

Healing Hearts with Hands and Hooves. The group visited Vicki Patterson at Lee-Mar Ranch, a non-profit organization that does therapeutic riding with people of all ages from a five-county area. This program has physical, emotional, and social benefits for people with a wide range of disabilities and is one of the few across the state. We enjoyed seeing their facilities, meeting some of the horses, and learning more about the impact the location has on lives in Granite Falls and beyond. The experience highlighted the true visionary leadership it took to transform a dilapidated barn into the facility it is today.

Next, the group met up with Les Bergquist of the Granite Falls Kiwanis. Les gave us insight into the Granite Falls community and taught us about the history and impact of the Kiwanis Popcorn Stand. The popcorn Stand is the main project of the Granite Falls Kiwanis; it draws patrons from far and wide, and the money raised goes into the community. One key takeaway from the experience was that having a targeted organizational goal (i.e. popcorn and rootbeer) can help improve volunteer participation and success.

At lunch we had a lively conversation with Marti Paulson, CEO of Project Turnabout. Marti has over 20 years of service to Project Turnabout in many different roles. She shared with us the history and mission of the organization. We also talked about the struggles that rural citizens face when seeking treatment. Marti shared that many individuals that are involved with agriculture may be too proud to ask for help and then are faced with the financial challenges of being self-insured or with high deductible plans. Project Turnabout does offer programs for individuals willing to discuss their treatment and financial situations to make sure they are successful in their recovery. Marti shared about her advocacy work with the Minnesota Alliance of Rural Addiction Treatment Programs, which brings together individuals and businesses in rural Minnesota to advocate for Addiction Treatment Programs across Greater Minnesota. Marti’s assertive leadership and advocacy work has been crucial to the growth and expansion of Project Turnabout in West Central Minnesota. Project Turnabout has facilities in Granite Falls, Willmar, Redwood Falls and Marshall offering services from family programs, out-patieint, in-patient, and transitional living for both chemical dependency and gambling addiction. They also offer a DWI Clinic and Diversion programs.

We visited Pioneer PBS in Granite Falls where we enjoyed a tour of the facility. Shari Lamke told us about Pionner’s mission to bring the world to the viewers and lift their voices to the world. Shari shared her story about her journey with PBS and how the business has changed over the years. She discussed the need for transparency as a leader and how in her role she needs to be transparent with both her staff and the viewers of Pioneer PBS as they encounter challenges and successes. Our group asked Shari the same question we were asked during a Wednesday virtual session which was how she would define Change, Shari stated, “Change is Necessary.”

Overall, this regional seminar was a valuable experience for the four of us. Although some of us were already familiar with Granite Falls, spending a day intentionally digging for more details provided new insight.

An engaging video – complete with free DQ ice cream cones can be viewed by copying this link and placing into your browser.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T9_JaiDE1GwTtDxX0WmrtQTjMqXMIPGB/view?usp=drive_link