What drew you to the automation field?
I started my career in a metal fabrication shop who built electrical control panels for machine tools. This was about the time the CNC controls were being introduced into the marketplace and I was drawn to the possibilities that computer controlled machinery could contribute to manufacturing so I learned as much as I could about them. I then began assembling the electrical control panels that housed the programmable logic controllers for the automated machinery. Eventually, I learned how to program in ladder logic and then onto working with robotics in a manufacturing environment.
What brought you to New Ulm?
I've always kept an eye on what was going on in New Ulm as I still have family and friends here. I was so fortunate to have had friendships and acquaintances that had a profound impact on the manufacturing industry in New Ulm. I thought now might be the time to draw from the lessons I learned throughout my global career in automation and robotics; as well as an inventor and entrepreneur in the medical device field, to see how we might be able to jumpstart some initiatives in New Ulm.
When will NUBRIC be launching?
NUBRIC unofficially launched the first of the year, but its operational structure and mission has been around since 1954 when New Ulm Industries was founded, a private economic development corporation to attract new manufacturing businesses to New Ulm. Our official launch will be in mid-May. At that time, you'll hear about different initiatives we've identified are pursuing.
How do you think your previous experiences will benefit NUBRIC?
I've been blessed to have held executive roles in fortune 100 companies as well as starting several medical companies from scratch. I believe that I can equally relate and understand the corporate mindset as well as offer guidance and assistance to startup business. I'm thankful to have been involved in global business acquisitions, private label agreements, and working with automation original equipment manufacturers and manufacturing partners all over the world.
What opportunities for economic and community development do you see for the New Ulm area?
For the past three months, it's been pretty much an informational deep dive to assess where our businesses are. Currently, like most other businesses, worker and day care shortages are having a profound impact on our companies. While we are working collaboratively with industry, NPO, and our city government to help solve these issues, I also want to look deeper to see how we can assist to position our corporately owned companies to be favorably considered for expansion, how we can connect our mid-sized manufacturers with new customers or discuss new ways of adding value to the products currently being produced.
I also think is naive to think that New Ulm can stand alone in rural economic development so I’ll be looking regionally to see we might collaborate with neighboring cities to provide something unique and compelling for our industry.
What goals do you have for NUBRIC?
It was really helpful reviewing the history of this organization, which was really formed out of necessity. You see, the largest employer (over 400) up until 1950 was Eagle Roller Mill - the second largest wheat mill in Minnesota. However, when row crops were introduced to our area, corn and soybeans crops became more popular and profitable for the farmers in this area to plant, the smaller grain crops were relocated for being planted in other plain states; negatively impacting the employment of Eagle Roller Mill in New Ulm. So, a group of 39 New Ulm businessmen got together, formed a corporation called New Ulm Industries, and raised $100,000 in cash and stock - which today is the equivalent of nearly $1,000,000. These funds were used to build a large manufacturing building intended to attract a manufacturing company to town. I truly admire these men and women who demonstrated a deep love of community and literally, put their money where their heart was.
Our first goal is to reignite that spirit and love of community and do those things necessary that companies will want to locate here. New Ulm has a very unique and valuable history within the manufacturing industry.
Our second goal is to continually remind our city that from a business perspective, there have been many sons and daughters raised in New Ulm who have gone on to have spectacular careers in technology, medical devices, broadband communications, internet security, printing, and the like. All of these people have a deep appreciation for the community in which they were raised; where work ethic was respected and taught, where precision and quality control were paramount to producing a good product. Some of these individuals have agreed to sit on NUBRIC's advisory board to help guide our direction and decision making.
Our third goal will be to assist with organically growing new business in New Ulm. New Ulm is a great community in which to live which leads into the SPARK Initiative.
Tell us about the SPARK Initiative?
The SPARK Initiative is an effort to assemble companies that offer support services that are essential to a new business. Currently we have legal firms, printing companies, and digital marketing firms that have committed to become part of the SPARK Alliance. NUBRIC can also assist with determining the correct corporate structure to operate, recruitment of board members, and assist with intellectual property protection.
Any last thoughts?
NUBRIC and the City of New Ulm continues to benefit from the efforts of those men and women who, nearly 70 years ago, had a vision for New Ulm. I believe that is an admirable goal to pursue. Someone once said, ”always leave a place better than it was when you came" - that's what drives us.
