Lost & Found: Small Business Stories from the Rural Midwest Betsy Bonnema

Hannah Peura believes in celebrating life's moments, big and small. Her love of celebrating, keen eye, and want for unique gifts led her to starting Compass Rose in Bemidji MN almost 7 years ago. Hannah is a young entrepreneur who is not afraid to fail. Her grit and determination have allowed her to pivot and grow her business from an extra bedroom in her home, to a 500 square foot retail space, to her current downtown two story location. It is in this location where she now operates her reta...

Nicholas Klein believes in generosity and equal opportunity. He believes that all people should have the chance to follow their ambitions and is working to make those dreams possible one piece of fudge at a time. Listen in as we talk with Nick, a third generation business owner in training, who is working to make a delicious difference through his family business Walnut Grove Mercantile and Klein Foods in Marshall, MN. In this episode, Nick walks us through the evolution of Klein Foods ...

Emma Weber believes everyone has a place at the table and deserves to be seen. She believes that each person brings something unique to share and our differences make a beautiful impact. Emma is a young entrepreneur that has traveled across the globe doing mission work and returned home to Dawson Minnesota where she took the leap and purchased a main street business to start Gnometown Grounds, a coffee shop & retail space. Listen in as we discuss the challeng...

Autumn Lee believes in transforming fear into freedom. She takes life on head first because "No one can take away your birthday".Autumn owns Sunshine & Whiskey Filling Station and the Salty Heifer Liquor store in Watson, MN, a town of 180 people. There is no better person who understands the struggle and importance of small business ownership in a small rural town.Autumn balances the schedules of business ownerships, farming, twin teenage girls and everything else life throws hers way.&nb...

Emma Fretheim believes in the power of self expression. Emma values diversity, individuality and believes we are most fulfilled when we are being true to ourselves. As the Product Specialist for Threedom, a direct-to-consumer company created by DI Labs, she is helping Jeep owners express themselves through personalized automotive accessories..Emma joined the Threedom team in Willmar MN the summer of 2023, shortly after graduating from Luther College in DeCorah Iowa. Listen in to our con...

Tobias Flood and Mark Eiden believe creativity belongs in manufacturing. As students, and as manufacturing employees, Tobias and Mark experienced first-hand the rigidity of typical manufacturing firms that are set in old processes with little opportunity for change. This is why they created Metal Trade Solutions and set out to create an environment embracing creativity and flourishing in the freedom to design, ideate and create.Together, Mark & Tobias have grown their business and ar...