Photo by Sarah Stultz/Graphic by Stacey Bahr
From left in the back row are Larry Irvine, Jerry Hickman and Marty Little. Front row from left are Deb Steinfeldt and Jeanne Huggins. These were five of dozens of AgStar employees who volunteered after the June 17 tornadoes.
By Sarah Stultz
Whirlwind Warriors
sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com
BLUE EARTH — Just hours after multiple tornadoes touched down in Freeborn County on June 17, 2010, AgStar Financial Services employees sprung into action. Deb Steinfeldt, AgStar financial services officer, said staff received calls right away that evening from loan officers who had heard that some of
the company’s clients had been hit. They wanted to help. AgStar, a financial cooperative that operates in Minnesota and Wisconsin with a location in Blue Earth, serves many clients in rural Freeborn County. “They’re clients, but they’re friends, too,” said Larry Irvine, team leader at the Blue Earth office. “We’ve worked with some of these people for at
least 30 years.” Little did they know at that time that they had at least 70 clients who were affected to varying degrees. There were homes flattened, buildings destroyed and fields that were ravaged. With corn a little over a foot tall, they also recognized it was important to pick up any and all debris from the fields as soon as possible, or it might be too late to replant, said
financial services officer Jerry Hickman. Employees went to work helping anyone and everyone they could — client or not. On Friday, June 18, the staff ordered 40 to 50 pizzas and drove around, delivering food to people in need and the volunteers who were helping them. Steinfeldt said the company called everyone who worked at the Blue Earth
office and asked them to help. Nearly everyone who was not on vacation or on leave participated. The Blue Earth office even closed Monday, June 21, to give employees the chance to help. Then it mushroomed to the rest of the company. “People came in droves,” Hickman said. AgStar employees from all over the state and even in Wisconsin drove to Freeborn County to vol-
Hero: Larry Irvine
Hero: Marty Little
Hero: Jeanne Huggins Hero: Jerry Hickman
Secret identity: team leader Base of operations: AgStar, Blue Earth office Superpowers: has a passion for doing what’s right Kryptonite: has a soft heart for his grandchildren Affiliations: wife, Janice, four children, four grandchildren Origin: worked for AgStar for 32 years
Secret identity: financial services officer Base of operations: AgStar, Blue Earth office Superpowers: putting clients first Kryptonite: has a passion for raising high-quality cattle Affiliations: wife, Arlene, two children Origin: Worked for AgStar for 25 years
Secret identity: crop insurance specialist Base of operations: AgStar, Blue Earth office Superpowers: a passion for her clients Kryptonite: chocolate Affiliations: husband, Tony, four children Origin: Worked in crop insurance with AgStar for 11 years
Secret identity: financial services officer Base of operations: AgStar, Blue Earth office Superpowers: feels good to help other people Kryptonite: his love for his family Affiliations: wife, Jan, four children, three grandchildren Origin: worked for AgStar for 33 years
unteer picking up debris or with other duties that needed to be completed. Some days there were between 70 and 100 employees who volunteered. This continued for a few weeks. The crews would meet at an Alden gas station off of Interstate 90 each morning before venturing out. Steinfeldt coordinated 4Warriors, Page 5
Hero: Deb Steinfeldt Secret identity: financial services officer Base of operations: AgStar, Blue Earth office Superpowers: organizational and people-person skills Kryptonite: sometimes is too passionate in her job, gives too much of herself, loves chocolate Affiliations: husband, Monte, two children Origin: worked for AgStar for 15 years
Inside Past business heroes
Meet the line workers
Four men were quite instrumental in business in Albert Lea during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The four men prospered in their various businesses in Albert Lea.
Alliant Energy and Freeborn-Mower Co-op line workers fixed downed power lines across Freeborn County after the June 17 tornado outbreak.
Electricity Men
Page 2 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 27, 2011 PROGRESS BUSINESS
Hero: Gene Pederson Secret identity: meter technician/ lineman Base of operations: Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services Superpowers: system knowledge, three-phase power loads, metering Kryptonite: woodworking, carpentry Affiliations: wife, Linda; sons Troy, 40, of Owatonna and Ryan, 37, of Hartland Origin: He graduated from New Richland-Hartland High and worked as an electrician’s apprentice before enrolling at the Dunwoody Institute — now Dunwoody College of Technology — in Minneapolis. He climbed poles for a phone company one summer and became interested in the job of lineman. He applied at Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services and got the job in January 1968.
Hero: Rich Harriman
Secret identity: lineman Base of operations: Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services Superpowers: dedicated to the job of getting service back Kryptonite: walleye fishing Affiliations: wife, Judy; daughters Becky Griffiths of Albert Lea and Jenny Gast of Mason City, Iowa; four grandchildren Origin: After growing up in Osseo, Wis., he married and had children but felt there was no future in his career. He looked at courses, liked being outside, and enrolled in a one-year program at a school in Eau Claire, Wis., to become a lineman. He got the position at FreebornMower Cooperative Services in May 1987.
Hero: lift truck Secret identity: 1998 International 4700 Base of operations: Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services Superpowers: bucket can be raised to the tops of power poles Kryptonite: salted roads Origin: It is the second oldest truck in the FMCS fleet.
Photo by Tim Engstrom/ Cutout by Stacey Bahr
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They came. Linemen from electricity cooperatives from Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin descended on Albert Lea on June 18, a day after Freeborn County had been hit hard by tornadoes. Of course, all the Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services linemen had been called out right after the tornadoes came through. They did as much as
they could that night, said linemen Gene Pederson and Rich Harriman, to assess the damage and get areas without damage but without power to have power. After all, there weren’t people staying overnight at the damaged homes. Pederson said all the linemen with FreebornMower became crew leaders when the outside help arrived. “It was good help. They just jumped right in,” Harriman said.
The crews got the main lines working. Then they built new power lines where the old equipment was destroyed. Harriman and Pederson praised the volunteers with local churches and with the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. These people brought food and water to the power line workers. Harriman said all the people who needed service were back in service by June 19.
A crew of linemen work on rebuilding power poles and power lines in the Lerdal area on June 18.
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Can Captain
“Seeing support all year round gives volunteers and businesses a little more to be proud about. He provides garbage service every year for the Relay, and we really appreciate the support we get from him.” — Vicki Manges, chairwoman for Freeborn County Relay for Life
“Honestly, he’s one of the best people I’ve ever worked for. As a small business owner if you need something and he can accomodate it, he will.” — Laura Becker, Thompson Sanitation office assistant
By Kelli Lageson
“Frank is caring, compassionate and committed to using the resources of his business to make a positive difference.” — Barb Reed, Thompson Sanitation office manager
“He’s a good guy; I’ve worked for him for 10 years. He helps a lot of people.” — Steve Thisius, Thompson Sanitation employee
“I think he’s a really caring boss who wants to make sure his employees are welltaken care of.” — Will Harmon, Thomson Sanitation employee
kelli.lageson@albertleatribune.com Photo by Kelli Lageson/Cutout by Stacey Bahr
Frank Thompson poses for a photo on top of one of the pink garbage cans he has been selling.
PROGRESS BUSINESS Sunday, February 27, 2011 • Albert Lea Tribune • Page 3
The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce "The Voice For Business"
Our members are everyday heroes! • They live and work here • Building & expanding their businesses • Creating new jobs • Re-investing their money in our community • Supporting youth activities & local charities • Buying here to strengthen job security • Encouraging their employees to spend their money locally
The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce's mission is to "Promote and develop a healthy and positive business climate and improve the quality of life in the Albert Lea-Freeborn County area." Over 500 members strong, the Chamber of Commerce is the one organization that merges all phases of our local economy from the smallest employer to the largest in the area. Always striving to enhance the business environment, we work with local and state government to create a climate conducive to growth. Look for the Chamber of Commerce membership sticker at our member businesses.
Hero: Frank Thompson Secret identity: President of Thompson Sanitation Base of operations: Independence Avenue in Clarks Grove Superpowers: customer service and accomodating for customers Kryptonite: weather and heavy snows affecting how fast customers can be served Affiliations: wife, Kristy Origin: Thompson has owned Thompson Sanitation since 1995. His father started the business in 1982. When Thompson took over he expanded the area of coverage and is continuing to add new customers. He said he loves that he’s never bored at his job and likes the flexibility. He gets to wear many hats by being a salesman, mechanic, truck driver and while filling in for employees. Thompson recently found pink garbage bins through a distributor and approached Vicki Manges, chairwoman for Freeborn County Relay for Life, about using them at the event. The bins were also put on the silent auction at the event. Other customers of his who request them make a donation to the Relay for Life to receive the bins. Manges said Thompson showed good business and community support by making the bins available to those who wanted them.
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Plumbing Pros
Page 4 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 27, 2011 PROGRESS BUSINESS
Hero: Al Christensen
Hero: Matt Moller
Secret identity: plumber technician Base of operations: Jim & Dude’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Albert Lea Superpowers: Trying to take care of every customer the best that he can. Kryptonite: Getting it all done in such a short amount of time. Affiliations: single Origin: Christensen had no plumbing experience when he joined the Jim & Dude’s team in Albert Lea three years ago. But he knew about hard work and dedication from serving in the Marine Corps from 2002 until 2006. The 15-hour stints during the floods were challenging and he said the hardest part was staying dry.
Secret identity: journeyman plumber Base of operations: Jim & Dude’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Albert Lea Strengths: his attention to detail and customer service Weaknesses: none Affiliations: wife, Angela, and children Maggie, Judd, Greta and Cleo Origin: Moller has been with Jim & Dude’s for eight years and had never worked through anything quite like the floods of September 2010. He worked 14 to 15 hours a day during that time. He found his biggest challenges to be the occasional lack of electricity. “Customers can be extremely distraught during a time like this,” he added. Helping those in need, however, turned out to be extremely satisfying. “Customers are very grateful after solving all of their problems at a time like this,” he said.
Hero: Dustin Cline Secret identity: plumbing service technician Base of operations: Jim & Dude’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Albert Lea Superpowers: the ability to keep working on a problem until every effort to fix that problem has been attempted Kryptonite: working in the winter because “it’s tough on your body” Affiliations: wife, Rachel, and daughter, Viviahna Origin: A nine-year veteran of Jim & Dude’s, Cline always liked working with his hands. He just never expected his tool of trade would be the saving grace during the flooding in September. “I was working 15 hours nonstop trying to remove water from basements,” he said. “The biggest challenge was trying to identify plumbing drains under water while trying not to get shocked or poked by anything.” He found his biggest rewards during the floods to be helping people fix problems and making sure the quality of life in regards to plumbing is top-notch.
Photo by Michelle Haacke/Artwork by Stacey Bahr
Hero: Kris Aanes
Secret identity: service technician Base of operations: Jim & Dude’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Albert Lea Superpowers: the ability with a blind eye to know what he is actually working with during a sewer back-up Kryptonite: too many to count Affiliations: wife and two children Origin: Aanes has worked in this field for 15 years, the past seven at Jim & Dude’s of Albert Lea.
By Michelle Haacke
michelle.haacke@albertleatribune.com
Power Rangers Hero: John Kalis
Hero: Al Stadheim
Secret identity: senior field supervisor Base of operations: Alliant Energy, Albert Lea Superpowers: dedication to customers, ability to follow-up Kryptonite: Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Timberwolves Affiliations: fiancé, Diana Dorroh; children Jessica, 21, Timothy, 19, Samantha, 16 Origin: He started as a meter reader for Interstate Power in 1989. He had installed a new pitched roof for Alliant employee Gladys Krueger, who encouraged him to fill out an application.
Secret identity: senior manager for customer operations, gas and electric Base of operations: Alliant Energy, Albert Lea Superpowers: calm in a crisis Kryptonite: all-you-can-eat buffet Affiliations: wife, Kris; three sons Logan, 11, Carson, 9 and Landon, 6 Origin: The Michigan Tech graduate started in 1993 as an electrical engineer in Dubuque, Iowa, before being rotated to Albert Lea as part of his training. He was able to stay in the Albert Lea office.
Hero: Joe Kabrud Secret identity: lineman Base of operations: Alliant Energy, Albert Lea Superpowers: gets along with everyone, is tall (6 feet 4 inches) Kryptonite: ice cream Affiliations: wife, Connie; son, Scot, 14; daughter Sara, 11 Origin: He was working in the Twin Cities when he put in application to be a meter reader in 1990, then got the job.
Hero: Kevin Lorentz
Secret identity: manager for customer operations, electricity Base of operations: Alliant Energy, Albert Lea Superpowers: pays close attention to detail, focus on customers Kryptonite: cares for his employees, fishing Affiliations: wife, Diane; son, Brad; daughters Katie, Kelly and Amy, six grandchildren Origin: He started in Alliant Energy’s Albert Lea office in 2000 as a wholesale account manager, yet still living in Kasson.
Hero: Larry Bagley
Photo by Tim Engstrom/ Cutout by Stacey Bahr
Secret identity: service representative for Albert Lea Base of operations: Alliant Energy, Albert Lea Superpowers: knows everybody, committed to customers Kryptonite: lack of time Affiliations: wife, Wanda; son, Richard, 30; daughters Crystal, 26, Heather, 22 Origin: He had dreams working outside and considered law enforcement or a power utility. He went to school for linemen’s work at age 28 and was hired eight months later — back in 1989 — as a lineman.
Safety was a concern for Alliant Energy linemen after tornadoes ripped through the area in June, downing power lines
By Tim Engstrom
tim.engstrom@albertleatribune.com
Safety was the leading concern for Alliant Energy linemen in the days that followed the June 17 tornadoes, said
Al Stadheim, the senior manager for customer operations in the Albert Lea office. He should know. His staff of eight local guys grew into a crew of 138 Alliant Energy linemen
and contractors who worked tirelessly to make the area safe and to restore power. Power lines were down, so they had to de-energize lines, ask authorities to close roads, then erect
the poles, then repair the lines and re-energize them. Stadheim said the workers cleared roads through the night of Thursday, June 17, and reconnected power for
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as many people as they could. By the afternoon of Friday, June 18, the concern turned to the safety of the Alliant Energy workers. That evening, Alliant had them wrap things up and get some sleep, yet with linemen being linemen — it is in their nature to get the power back on — some worked until 10 p.m. The initial part of a power outage, big or small, is performing assessment of what’s out. Often, Alliant Energy knows about a power outage because of a big electronic map on the wall of the office and because of telephone calls from customers. But for something like last June, assessing what was out required guys in the field looking at damage and calling it in to the main office. Stadheim said that by 2 a.m. June 18, Alliant had assessed the situation for 95 percent of the damage. It wasn’t easy, be-
cause hard rain fell in the northern part of Freeborn County that night. And with few lights, it was hard to tell locations. After the night of rest, the crews were in full force again on Saturday. A big push began that morning to get things working again. The linemen at Alliant Energy praised the kindness of their customers. People would bring them snacks or beverages. The Salvation Army and American Red Cross also provided water and food to the hard-working crews. As much as they worked to repair damages, some equipment was simply gone. In a group interview with the Tribune, Stadheim and his crew estimated that eight miles of circuits had to be rebuilt. They said out of 155 poles that had to be repaired, 30 of them went bye-bye, carried off by either the EF4 tornado or one its smaller partners in destruction.
PROGRESS BUSINESS Sunday, February 27, 2011 • Albert Lea Tribune • Page 5
Future Marketers of America By Andrew Dyrdal
tribsports@albertleatribune.com
Kim Meyer spent 14 years teaching students how to plant, harvest and raise cattle through Albert Lea High School’s Future Farmers of America. Now, after an eightyear hiatus, he’s back but this time training future leaders, doctors and businesspeople, too. It’s the same FFA with a different mission. “In the last 10 years we went away from planting and farming,” adviser Meyer said, of FFA. “It’s now about career success and leadership.” FFA has been active in Albert Lea since 1929 and Meyer began advising FFA in 1988 when he went on farm visits and taught students how to raise pigs and cows. Now many of his students won’t even go into
agriculture and that’s OK, he said. “We go way beyond farming,” Meyer said. “We’re building résumés and public speaking and interview skills.” But for students who do want to go into ag, Meyer’s got them covered, too. He said careers in agriculture now are better than any time in the past. “Many former students have great ag jobs because of involvement in FFA,” he said. Meyer said that FFA involvement makes students more marketable for agriculture jobs but that less that 2 percent of them will actually farm the land. “It’s not that farming isn’t important,” Meyer said. “There’s just less hands.” Many of Meyer’s students will go into environmental science, fish
and wildlife management and agricultural economics. With those jobs come the need for important business skills. “We’re putting those skills into practice,” Meyer said. Albert Lea’s FFA sells $22,000 of fruit for its major fundraiser and the students are responsible for keeping track of orders, deliveries and payments. They also manage the program’s budget. In March, FFA students will compete in a farm management competition, finding the net worth of farms, their strengths and weaknesses and deciding where improvements can be made. Meyer hopes many of his students aspire to be leaders in cities and states. “They get leadership and communication
Teen Troopers
Local teens who juggle multiple jobs, school and fun
Andrew Dyrdal/Albert Lea Tribune
Some FFA officers are, from left, back row: Grady Ruble, Mic Skaar and Henry Manges. Front row: Jack Thompson and Tyler Stadheim. skills though FFA even if there’s no desire to go into an ag career,” he said.
Albert Lea’s FFA also raised $1,230 through a corn drive to buy presents and food for two
adopted families around the holidays. They also donated $500 to the Humane Society.
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Hero: Sergio Salgado Secret Identity: server at Perkins and works at the customer service counter at Nelson’s Market Place Base of operations: Albert Lea Superpowers: positive attitude, and ability to make people laugh Kryptonite: When he’s not feeling well or customers are rude, it’s harder for him to do his job duties. Affiliations: Mom, Maria; Dad, Samuel; brother, Samuel; sister, Sonia Origin: Salgado is a junior in high school. He needed two jobs to help pay for the cost of going on a trip with the Albert Lea High School choir. “I come from a not-so-fortunate family so I didn’t feel right leaving the burden on my parents,” Salgado said. He said having two jobs will help him become more responsible. Sergio He started at Nelson’s Market Place more than a year ago as Salgado a bagger and cashier, and now he’s the youngest worker at the service counter. At Perkins he’s a waiter, which he says he loves. He said he likes that it’s fast-paced work. Salgado said he was nervous about getting another job because he didn’t know if he would be able to handle it at first, but now he said the only thing he doesn’t like is having to make sacrifices. He misses time with his family and friends. Salgado also said he has learned stress management working at two places that are fast-paced. He said he likes working and considers himself a workaholic. When people ask him why he works so much he says it’s all for the choir trip and his family.
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Hero: Alexa McCune Secret Identity: certified nursing assistant at Good Samaritan Society, server at Perkins and a tutor at Albert Lea High School Base of operations: Albert Lea Superpowers: She’s outgoing, responsible and a hard worker. Kryptonite: She can get stressed while at her jobs or when co-workers aren’t easy to get along with. Affiliations: mom, Rochelle; brothers Peyton and Cooper Origin: McCune is a senior at ALHS. She started at Good Samaritan Society when she was 16. She said she wants to work in the medical field and being a CNA is a good start. She got her job at Perkins because she was curious to see what being a server was like and she’s sociable. Tutoring is another way Alex McCune spends her time because she likes helping others. McCune “I like working because I like being busy and being able to pay for my own things,” McCune said. She said working these jobs has made her more independent, and money she earns will help pay for the ALHS choir trip. She said the one downside to working so much is that she often works holidays and misses out on family time.
Hero: Karizma Hamberg Secret Identity: co-worker at Wendy’s and regular babysitter Base of operations: Albert Lea Superpowers: organization and time management Kryptonite: working through rush times at Wendy’s, or getting sick because then she can’t work Affiliations: mom, Debbie; dad, Larry Origin: Karizma is a senior at Albert Lea High School. She started working at Country Inn & Suites when she needed a summer job, and then also worked at Wendy’s to get more Karizma hours. Currently she works at Wendy’s and regularly babysits her Hamberg neighbor’s child and dog. She said she likes working at Wendy’s because she knows all the people who work there and gets along with them. She said it makes her job more fun to get along with the co-workers. Karizma also said there’s not much she doesn’t like about working.
Warriors: Volunteers were glad to help
Continued from Front Page volunteer efforts with local law enforcement and Sentencing to Service workers. “It was a very rewarding experience,” Irvine said. “When you see folks hurting, it’s natural to want to help them.” “The hours were hard and the work was hard when you look at what they lost and what we still have,” Steinfeldt added. She said the hardest thing was determining who to help and when because many of the people who were affected were overwhelmed with how to begin the cleanup. AgStar employees helped with everything from providing meals and beverages, to picking up debris and run-
ning skidloaders. “It was so eye-opening — the devastation,” said Jeanne Huggins, crop insurance specialist. Huggins said she felt good to be a part of the AgStar team to help people in need. In addition to volunteer work, AgStar also initiated a grant program through its corporate giving program, AgStar Fund for Rural America, and teamed up with the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and other organizations with the goal of providing immediate relief to farmers affected by the tornadoes. Steinfeldt said more than $100,000 in increments of $1,000 each was given out to local farmers and rural businesses.
“A lot of comments we got from people were that it came at the right time in the right place,” she said. AgStar also created a second grant program to help homeowners whose property was damaged or destroyed. Grants in the amount of $500 were awarded to eligible clients. In all they contributed $37,000, not to mention the water, meals, gloves, hats and volunteer T-shirts. The AgStar employees said the gratitude and thanks they received from assisting in the aftermath of the tornadoes is something they will never forget. “Clients have repeatedly thanked us,” Irvine said. “That’s the best reward you can get.”
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Page 6 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 27, 2011 PROGRESS BUSINESS
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Bob Hanson, owner of Rightway Roofing, said his crew has repaired 50 roofs and have another 150 to go in repairing damages from hail and wind damage during last summer’s tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
507-377-1659 “Excellence Is Our Chosen Path”
By Michelle Haacke
michelle.haacke@albertleatribune.com
6 minutes
Hanson and his wife, Laural, left their home, located on County Road 46 two miles past the Armstrong corner, at 6:50 p.m. the night the tornadoes struck, to go out to eat. A twister hit their property at about 6:56 p.m. “We didn’t know what was coming,” he said. “If we would’ve stayed, we would’ve been gone,” he added. “It sucked everything out of the house, and the basement was full of bricks.”
2 months
Hanson and his family moved into a rental property for two months after the tornado hit, and then purchased a house about five miles from the property that was destroyed. Although their old house is still standing on the homestead, it’s uninhabitable as the twister lifted and moved it 50 feet from the foundation. Hanson has rebuilt one barn on the old homestead and hopes to rebuild his house there in the future.
50 roofs
Hanson and his crew repaired and replaced 50 roofs after the tornadoes. He said they still have 150 roofs left to work on and they are booked through mid-summer. They are also busy reinspecting roofs for a second time from damages last June. “People are finding leaks, after first inspections found nothing wrong,” he said.
5 employees
Hanson has owned Rightway Roofing for 18 years and remains a small business with just five employees. He said having enough quality manpower is the biggest challenge when trying to compete against larger businesses.
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Hero: Bob Hanson Secret identity: owner of Rightway Roofing Base of operations: Rightway Roofing, Albert Lea Superpowers: honesty with customers and letting customers know that they’re covered Kryptonite: not enough manpower Family: wife, Laural; three children April Danielson, Bobby Hanson and Jasmine Hanson Origin: Hanson graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1977 and has been in the roofing industry since 1980. After losing his own house, along with six buildings, a pickup and a grove of trees on his homestead near Alden in the tornado, Hanson and his crew focused on helping those in need around the community.
By Ed Shannon
ed.shannon@albertleatribune.com
There are many people who created business ventures that really contributed to the growth of Albert Lea. And there are four men who can be specifically cited as business heroes of the past. One of these men is Fayville A. Trow. He was born Nov. 30, 1888, near Glenville. A Tribune article in 1965 gave this summary of his life and contributions: “Mr. Trow started his business career in 1906 as a salesman for Bright Lite Co., makers of the gas light. In 1908 he joined American Gas Machine Co. leaving the company to attend Commercial College in Mankato. He returned to American Gas as sales manager. In 1921 Mr. Trow bought the Albert Lea Tractor & Grader Co. and in 1922 changed the name to Albert Lea Foundry. “He started the Queen Stove Works in 1930. In 1947 he purchased Albert Lea Manufacturing Co., and in 1950 bought the
PROGRESS BUSINESS Sunday, February 27, 2011 • Albert Lea Tribune • Page 7
Heroes of Industry
American Gas Machine Co. “Mr. Trow’s product developments were: A gasoline stove in 1923, inventor of an oil burning space heater known as Spiral Flame in 1929 and in 1938 changed to Super Flame. A wind charger was developed in 1932 and coal saver products in 1946. He started the ice machine in 1950, now leader in the industry. Mr. Trow sold Queen Stove and all divisions Oct. 31, 1947, to King Seeley Corp. He retired Aug. 1, 1958.” Several buildings once associated with the Trow firms are still existing in Albert Lea. One is the ALMCO plant near the East Main Street viaduct and the other is on the south side of West Front Street near the railroad crossing. Trow died on Aug. 1, 1964. Another local business hero was a man who had the rather logical nickname of “Gas.” A Tribune article in 1954 said : “Hans C. Hanson was a native of Denmark, having been born in that country on Sept. 5, 1870.
... (His) father was a blacksmith in Denmark up to the time of his death in 1880. Mr. Hanson gained his education in his native land. In 1887 he and his mother came to America and located in Albert Lea where he followed the blacksmith trade until 1897 when he entered partnership with C.D. Edwards and manufactured the American gas-light machine. Mr. Hanson manufactured them himself on a small scale, and three years later bought out Mr. Edwards and took Thomas H. Hjort as a business partner, In 1903 they incorporated (American Gas Machine Co.), making Mr. Hanson president; Mr. Hjort, vice president; Ferd Larson, secretary; and Edward Olson, treasurer.” Gas Hanson died June 27, 1934. A Tribune editorial two days later commented: “In the sudden death of H.C. Hanson, president of the American Gas Machine Co. of this city, we have lost a man who loved Albert Lea and its people better than all the rest of the world.
Photo courtesy Freeborn County Historical Museum
This photo of the horse-drawn delivery wagons for the Brundin Meat Market was taken about 1890 on West Clark Street. Names of the men shown aren’t indicated, but they could include brothers Axel and Charles Brundin.
“Mr. Hanson came to America from his native country (Denmark) when but 17 years of age. He came directly to Freeborn County — just as green as any foreign boy could be. He, with his early associates, gave to Albert Lea the largest industry of its kind in the world. By doing so they provided employment to hundreds of men and women for more than 30 years past. “During all this time Mr. Hanson has been one of Albert Lea’s real boosters. He is past president of the Albert Lea Chamber of Commerce. While in that capacity he devoted his best efforts to promote the general welfare of the community. He is truly the ‘father’ of the YMCA of Albert Lea. Since its organization he has been one of its greatest contributors and constant advisers, giving his time and money for the carrying on of this noble work in the community. ... “Mr. Hanson has been prosperous — and because of this fact Albert La has also prospered. The money he has made has gone right back into local promotions and the channels of business. His home on Lake (now Lakeview) Boulevard has become a show place is southern Minnesota. In fact the many fine improvements he made there — and around Fountain Lake — turned an unsightly area (the nearby small island) into a real beauty spot and asset to the entire community.” The main building of the American Gas Machine Co. was located on East Clark Street. Its former site is now occupied by Albert Lea City Hall. What evolved into what was once Albert Lea’s largest employer and major industry started in 1877 as a modest meat market owned by two Swedish-American brothers
Axel G. Brundin was born on July 24, 1859, in Sweden. His brother, Charles R. Brundin, was born on Sept. 18, 1861. The brothers came to Minnesota with their parents in 1867. A few years later the brothers came to Abert Lea and eventually became involved with a facility to butcher animals purchased from area farmers and sell the processed meat to consumers in their retail market. The Brundin Meat Market was located at several sites from 1877 to about 1920. Their first major butchering facility was established near what’s now the East Front Street Bridge about 1885. In 1900 the Brundin Brothers plant was relocated to a site near the corner of South Newton Avenue and East Main Street. Their expanded plant was moved to a new location on the city’s east side next to what’s been called both the Shell Rock River and channel in 1912. By this time the Brundin brothers get credit for establishing the meat packing industry in Albert Lea. Also, this involved some financial problems and a string of names for the city’s meat butchering and processing activities. These names, somewhat in order, include Brundin Packing Co., Albert Lea Packing Co., Sulzberger
mont came to the Albert Lea office to help. Extra staff spent two or three weeks in Albert Lea to aid in closings, research and title work that needed to be done. “Pretty much we delegated work out to meet the deadline so folks didn’t have to wait too
Abstract Accounts — but people who had not deposited any money were easily able to be handled by Minnesota Abstract & Title. Magnotta said staff started to get used to the new volume of customers by the end of August. After the Fourth of
Fayville A. Trow
& Sons Co., Wilson & Co., Wilson-Sinclair, Farmstead Foods, Seaboard Corp. and Farmland. The plant, once the area’s largest employer, ceased operations with a major fire in July 2001. The plant’s former site is now designated as the Blazing Star Landing. Axel Brundin died Nov. 25, 1925, and his brother, Charles, who was also a local musician and band and orchestra leader, died Nov. 29, 1932. Several exhibits at the Freeborn County Historical Museum on North Bridge Avenue serve as reminders of the business heroes and the eras when American Gas Machine Co. Queen Stove Works and affiliated firms, and the meat processing firm started by two SwedishAmerican brothers were once important parts of life in the Albert Lea area.
Photo courtesy Freeborn County Historical Museum
Hans C. “Gas” Hanson reads at a desk.
The Minnesota Closers
Tuttle’s alleged actions, but noted that there had been signs that “business wasn’t conducted ethically and in the client’s best interest.” She said there had been several instances where people who had been at a closing at Albert Lea Abstract decided
Photo courtesy Freeborn County Historical Museum
Abstract & Title has hired one closing assistant, Dawn Rozinka, and one abstractor, JoAnn Sorensen, who had previously also worked at Albert Lea Abstract. “Obviously hiring two people with experience, they were able to jump right in and help us with
company is ready to take on any business the community needs completed. “We’re here to stay,” The same day authorishe said. “We’ve been ties began conducting here for 10 years, and we a search warrant at the plan on sticking around.” former Albert Lea AbShe noted with North stract Co., business down American Title Co. movthe street at Minnesota ing into town, she welAbstract & Title Co. was comes the competition. forever changed. “The comLisa Magnotta, munity is big owner of the comenough to pany, said within a support more few hours followthan one title ing the closure of company,” Albert Lea Abstract she added. and the arrest of its She reasowner Linda Tuttle, sured the the phones at Minpublic that nesota Abstract & what hapTitle started ringpened at ing off the hook. Albert Lea “In essence, our Abstract will business tripled,” not happen Magnotta said. at Minnesota Realtors and Abstract & people who were Title. scheduled to close Magnotta on real estate transsaid she origiactions that day — nally — and June 22, 2010 — or coincidensometime in the tally — began near future, were business in panicking that the Albert Lea abstract and title after purchascompany that they ing Southern had put their trust Minnesota in was now at the Abstract & center of a criminal Title from investigation. Tuttle in “Being such a January of small community, 2000. it caught everybody She off guard,” said switched Brad Abrahamthe name to son, operations Minnesota manager of Capitol Abstract & Lien Records & Title, so the Research Inc., the business corporation that wouldn’t be owns Minnesota restricted to Abstract & Title. Tuttle, who at Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune just southern that time was also Minnesota Abstract & Title Co. employees from left back are Beth Tuberty, closing specialist, Eric Frydenlund, site inspector, Judy Jackson, Minnesota. In 2008, a Freeborn County closing assistant and JoAnn Sorensen, abstractor. In front from left are Dawn Rozinka, closing assistant, Debrah Ohm, abstractor, and Barb the business commissioner, has Wichmann, post-closing agent. moved into its since been charged current locawith theft and to walk down the street long to get theirs done,” July, the company interthe demand,” Abrahamtion, the former Carnracketeering in Freeborn and switch to MinneMagnotta said. viewed four or five people son said. egie Library, after some County District Court sota Abstract & Title at She said Minnesota who had worked at Albert Now, more than six renovations. and wire fraud in federal Abstract & Title was not Lea Abstract and extendmonths after Tuttle was More renovations were court for allegedly divert- the last minute because things weren’t going well. able to help people who ed offers to two people. arrested and the pace completed in 2010 in the ing money from escrow When the influx of calls had closings the day Those people declined quickened for Minnesota basement. accounts at her business began on June 22, 2010, Tuttle was arrested — and instead started with Abstract & Title, MagThere are currently for personal use. staff from the corporabecause they already had North American Title Co. notta said she wants the seven employees at the Magnotta said she was money into Albert Lea Since, Minnesota community to know her Albert Lea office. surprised at the degree of tion in St. Paul and FairBy Sarah Stultz
sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com
Page 8 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 27, 2011 PROGRESS BUSINESS
Master manager
Hero: Jose Campos Secret identity: restaurant manager Base of operations: The Taco King, Albert Lea Superpowers: Jose’s father, Raul Campos, The Taco King owner, says Jose is great at customer service, and when he takes a vacation, he is completely confident leaving the restaurant in his son’s care. “He knows what to do. He knows what the customers like and is always very friendly. He’s a very very good kid. Every time I have to take off, I don’t have to worry about it,” Raul said. Kryptonite: Jose said because it is a family business, he is allowed a certain amount of leniency with his hours. “I really enjoy working here. In a way it’s better, but I’m also working with family all the time, and so there are ups and downs,” Jose said. Affiliations: father, Raul; mother, Christina; brother, Alexis, 12 Origin: Jose Campos, 17, a senior at Albert Lea High School, has worked at his father’s business, The Taco King, for the six years it has been in existence. Before that, he helped his father at his Mexican food stand at El Forastero, a Mexican bar and dance in Albert Lea (which has since closed). Jose plans to go to Rochester Community and Technical College or Riverland Community College and get a degree in business.
“I enjoy my work here, and I wouldn’t change it. I’m happy working here and I’m happy with what my dad has done. I don’t have to go work at McDonald’s. I’m lucky to be able to work here. It’s a lot of responsibility, but maybe someday I’ll run it. That’s my plan so I have to stick to it.” — Jose Campos, manager of Taco King
“He’s enjoying it, I know that. I’m so happy right now with him. He’s learning, and I’m really happy with the way he runs the business when I’m not here. I don’t have any complaints. He’s ready. I teach him so many things and he learns it so fast.” — Raul Campos, father and Taco King owner
“The service is great. He comes up to the counter and greats you and is happy to see you. And it’s a really comfortable feeling coming in to talk to them and eat here.” — Ronald Johnson, customer
“He does a really good job. We’re really happy with him. We took a two-week vacation, and he really took care of it. I really think he can go out and start his own business. That’s why he’s going to go to college. He does a really, really good job. He never has any problems.” — Christina Campos, mother and fellow manager
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Pizza police
PROGRESS BUSINESS Sunday, February 27, 2011 • Albert Lea Tribune • Page 9
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Photo by Kelli Lageson/Cutout by Stacey Bahr
Krista Anderson, left, and LaRaye Anderson pose with the pizzas they sell at Hy-Vee Gas.
By Kelli Lageson
kelli.lageson@albertleatribune.com
who work at Hy-Vee Gas in 8 employees Albert Lea
Hero: LaRaye Anderson
Hero: Krista Anderson
of the day Hy-Vee Gas is open 18 hours for business. The
Secret identity: cashier Base of operations: Hy-Vee Gas in Albert Lea Superpowers: LaRaye is called the “pizza police” because she manages kitchen duties so well. Kryptonite: learning to multitask when there are many chores and customers to take care of Affiliations: LaRaye has four children, 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and her dog, Bandit. Origin: LaRaye has worked at Hy-Vee Gas for more than four years. She stocks shelves, cooks in the kitchen and works the cash register. HyVee Gas manager, Roxanne Brua, said LaRaye is good at following state sanitary guidelines, which has helped Hy-Vee Gas pass every check they’ve had. “It’s a huge responsibility,” Brua said. “She’s very good at that.”
Secret identity: assistant manager Base of operations: Hy-Vee Gas in Albert Lea Superpowers: ordering and managing inventory Kryptonite: Weather can make her job difficult because shoveling and cleaning up outside takes time that she could use to do other duties inside the store. Affiliations: Krista has two children. Origin: Krista has worked at Hy-Vee Gas since it opened more than six years ago. Previously the station was called Northbridge Mini Mart, where Krista started in 1998. Even though the store changed owners, Krista has enjoyed being assistant manager. Krista said she enjoys seeing the regular customers who come in each day, and the travelers who stop by the store because they’ve enjoyed their experience there before.
hours are from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., though the pumps can be used 24 hours a day with the payat-the-pump function
Hy-Vee Gas has 7 years been in Albert Lea Gas 80+ Hy-Vee stations in the United States people per
need help 5-10 day with direc-
tions, broken down cars or borrowing a gas can
pumps at the gas sta-
with three grades 8 tion of gas in each pump cents off gas is the
discount after 5 daily purchasing anything
at Hy-Vee. Purchasing gas buster items means a 4 cent discount for each item up to 10 items. If a person bought 10 gas busters they could get 40 cents off each gallon of gas, and they could also use the daily 5 cent discount, meaning they could save 45 cents off each gallon for up to 40 gallons
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Page 10 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 27, 2011 PROGRESS BUSINESS
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