The document is a magazine featuring articles on various Minnesota businesses and organizations. It includes pieces on non-profits like Sharing and Caring Hands and Tasks Unlimited, and businesses that support non-profits through partnerships. The magazine also recognizes the inaugural class of the Best Companies to Work For in Minnesota and announces Securian Financial Group's credit rating upgrade by A.M. Best.

1. » The ROI of a
MINNESOTA BUSINESS
Single Donation p. 18
MAY 2012
INFORMATION & INSIGHT FOR GROWING COMPANIES MAY 2012
Giving Back
A look into the contributions & partnerships of Minnesota Organizations
Rock Your
Block
Steven Ladin,
CoFounder Sharing and Tasks
Page 22 Caring Hands Unlimited
Mary Jo Copeland Karen Johnston,
Page 34 Executive Director
Page 44
APRIL 2011
minnesotabusiness.com
minnesotabusiness.com

2. Now leasing and open for occupancy.

3. “My passion is
to alleviate the
suffering of those
who have had a hard
time. I have a great
deal of passion,
empathy and
concern for those
in need.”
—MARY JO COPELAND, DIRECTOR OF SHARING
AND CARING HANDS

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5. Contents
Minnesota Business Magazine Volume 22 Number 02 May 2012
DEPARTMENTS FEATURE
INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY
16 300 patents, one man.
34 SECTION
GIVING BACK
BY MAURA KELLER A look into the contributions
& partnerships of Minnesota
IN THE BLACK Organizations
18 The ROI Of A Single Donation
BY KRIS VRUNO HUSON
34 Editor's Statement
20 Heartland Investigative Group
BY JOHN P. PALEN
36 Hands-On Difference
22 Steven Ladin Rocks The Block BY DAN EMERSON
BY STEVEN LADIN
39 Give MN Infographic
24 Finnegans Raises the Bar
BY DANA SEVERSON 40 Inspiring Others
BY MAURA KELLER
TECH
26 Technology & Happy Hour 43 Haiti Outreach
BY KEEGAN SHOUTZ BY NICOLE HARRISON
CAPTIAL MARKET 44 Tasks Unlimited
28 New Laws Signed BY RACHEL HICKOK
BY NATHAN NELSON
MARKETING
30 Campaign for Clarity
BY KIM OPITZ
30 Authentic Giving
BY STEVE WEHRENBERG 20
32 Crisis Communications
BY PAUL MACCABEE
IN EVERY
ISSUE
INSIDE 4
EDITOR’S NOTE 6
OPENERS 9
PEOPLE 14
SEEN 46
SMBMSP #44
OLSON Marketing Event
CLOSERS 48 22

6. Inside KEY PEOPLE & COMPANIES
IN THIS EDITION
COMPANIES PEOPLE
3M p.42 RBC Wealth Management p.36 Angelica King p.42 Patrick Doyle p.32
Allianz Life Insurance p.37 Read Indeed p.40 Ann Bancroft p.13 Paul Jaeb p.20
Augsburg College p.24 Rock your Block p.22 Caryn Evans p.22 Rachel Hickok p.44
Bridge Works p.38 Second Harvest Heartland p.37 Diane Lilly p.12 Ray Mithun p.30
Campbell Mithun p.30 Securian Financial Group p.10 Dr. Mark Kroll p.16 Sarah Young p.22
Cargill p.42 Sharing & Caring Hands p.35 Dr. Rebecca Thomley p.43 Shannon Toren p.37
Children's Cancer Research Fund St. Jude Medical p.16 Jacquie Berglund p.24 Steven Ladin p.22
p.18
Starkey Hearing Technologies p.43 Jenni Morine p. 36 Sue Moyer p.36
Domino's p. 32
Target p.42 Joan Mondale p.12 Walter White p.38
Ecolab p.36
Tasks Unlimited p.44 John Campbell p.36 Wayne Dyer p.34
Finnegan's p.24
The McKnight Foundation p. 12 John Hibscher p.22
Frank p.10
The National Association of Karen Johnston p.44
General Mills p.42 Broadcasters p.48
Katie Hageboeck p.18
Give MN p.39 United Way p.30
Lindsay Whalen p.12
Heartland Investigative Group p.20 University of Minnesota p.18
Maria Keller p.40
Hollstadt & Associates p.37 Weber Shandwick p.48
Mary Jo Copeland p.35
Kieran's Irish Pub p. 24 Wells Fargo Foundation of
Minnesota p. 44 Melisa Franzen p.12
Land O' Lakes p.36
Wells Fargo p.36 Mike Patterson p.36
Lola Red Public Relations p.26
Women Venture p.48 Pamela Alexander p.12
Marco p.12
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Otto Bremer Foundation p.36
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4 MINNESOTA BUSINESS May 2012

7. June 4th, The Depot
Minneapolis FOR MORE
2012 Renaissance FEATURING
INFORMATION AND
TO REGISTER GO TO
5:30–8:30 PM Hotel DON SHELBY minnesotabusiness.com
Join us for Minnesota Business Magazine’s inaugural Best Companies to Work For 2012,
honoring Minnesota companies that are setting the standard for leadership, strong beneits, best work
environment, innovative training programs, happiest employees and more. The awards recognize local
companies that make an impact on Minnesota business through their employees.
PRESENTED BY: SPONSORED BY:

8. editor’sNOTE
“An individual has not started living until
he can rise above the narrow confines
of his individualistic concerns to the
broader concerns of all humanity.”
>> MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
JUST A FEW DAYS AGO, I spent the afternoon at Sharing and Minnesota Business Magazine, isn't just about business; this
Caring Hands in Minneapolis, watching Mary Jo Copeland combat is an intrinsic truth I knew weeks ago when I entered the role
pain with love and dispair with hope. Mary Jo sat not behind her of Editor-in-Chief. As our publication moves into a new chapter,
desk, but instead walked around all the buildings, touching each you'll notice a continued commitment to excellence, a stable vi-
person she came into contact with. The ultimate leader, I found my- sion, proven strategy and a willingness to evolve into the future of
self forever changed by her optimism and dedication to serve those shedding light on the stories our community have to ofer. In this
that others had marginalized. It reminded me of my days teaching issue, we chose to feature non-proits that were often sidelined
at the State of Minnesota Workforce Centers, seeing my coworkers or forgotten and the businesses that helped make their mission
cultivate plans and awareness for the clients they served. possible. I hope that you'll see the care we took in selecting each
You see, there's something about human touch and the tan- partnership, showcasing powerful messages and proving bottom-
gible that begs to be noticed in a world of the busy and electronic. line results that make giving back so important. Our success as
With multi-tasking and overlapped layers that contain the mo- human beings and executives comes down to one, simple truth:
ments of our day, I often wonder what has happened to the emo- Everyone has something to give.
tions in-between. We are simply not machines. Our businesses
and passions are more than we give them credit for. In forming
strategic partnerships with the organizations we care about, we
become larger than a bottom-line igure or a "brand" perception.
We become, real.
Kate Madonna Hindes
Editor In Chief
Minnesota Business Magazine
kate.hindes@tigeroak.com
minnesotabusiness.com @MnBizMag facebook.com/MnBizMag
6 MINNESOTA BUSINESS May 2012

9. now offering you another way to be green with our
PUBLISHER
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Stefani Pennaz
Marcel Gyswyt digital
edition
EDITORIAL
E D I T O R I N C H I E F Kate-Madonna Hindes
S T A F F W R I T E R Maura Keller
C O P Y E D I T O R Jo Nelson
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kim Opitz
Dana Severson Minnesota Business Magazine is digital.
Go to minnesotabusiness.com for details.
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If growth is in the game plan for your business, count us in. Whether you’re
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Minnesota Business Magazine (ISSN 15396452) is published monthly by COUNT US IN.
Tiger Oak Publications, 900 S. Third St., Minneapolis, MN 55415. Phone:
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Member FDIC. © 2012 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.
May 2012 minnesotabusiness.com 7

11. Openers
May 2012 Trends, News, Events and Ideas Impacting Minnesota Companies
* BY THE NUMBERS *
54%
According to American Express Open, women-owned
businesses have increased over 54% in Minnesota since 1997.
State wide
attributing to roughly
141,900
Estimated number of
$20
BILLION
women-owned firms in
Minnesota
WOMEN-OWNED
BUSINESSES
95,700
in Minneapolis/St. Paul
$15
BILLION
in Minneapolis/St. Paul
146,100
Total number the firms
111,300
in Minneapolis/St. Paul
employ in Minnesota
May 2012 minnesotabusiness.com 9

12. Openers
+ MINNESOTA
BUSINESS
ANNOUNCES
BEST 100
COMPANIES
The 100 Best Companies to Work
For competition salutes Minnesota
organizations that are setting the
standard for leadership, benefits,
Upgraded
best work environment, innovative
training programs and employee
happiness. In it’s inaugural year, the
awards recognize small, mid-sized
and large businesses that continue to
Credit:
make an impact and set the standard
of excellence for others to follow.
Beginning on February 15, 2012,
independent research group, Gilmore
A Sign Of Prosperity? Research, gathered information
from employee satisfaction surveys
over phone and mail. Over 5769
individuals responded on behalf
of hundreds of companies. Join us
in celebrating the Best 100 during
seCuRIaN fINaNCIaL gRouP, (SFG) announces that two of its subsidiaries serving the inancial our inagrural event being held at
the Depot Rennaisance Hotel in
institution market were upgraded by A. M. Best. Securian Casualty Company (SCC), SFG’s primary prop- Minneapolis on June 4, 2012 from
erty and casualty underwriting company, was upgraded to A (Excellent, third highest of 16 ratings). In its 5:30-8:30 p.m. To register, visit
upgrade announcement, A.M. Best cited SCC’s role “as a more integral part of Securian as it has enabled the http://bit.ly/RegisterBest100 and
reserve a table or sponsorship.
parent to deliver a broad range of credit insurance product oferings and services to the inancial institution Winners will be showcased during
market nationwide.” In addition, Securian’s recently acquired life and health company, Southern Pioneer Life the evening presentation with guest
Insurance, was upgraded by Best’s to A- and Best’s airmed the A- ratings of American Modern Life, Balboa M.C., Don Shelby.
Life Insurance Company, Balboa Life Insurance Company of New York, Cherokee National Life and CNL/
For more information, please call
Insurance America. Best’s A- rating is Excellent, fourth highest of 16 ratings.
Stefani Pennanz at: 612-548-3210.
Frank named, company ever to make the WorldBlu List of Most
Democratic Workplaces™. WorldBlu, a company
“Most Democratic specializing in organizational democracy, today
announced it has certiied 48 organizations as
Workplace.” part of the sixth annual WorldBlu List of Most
Democratic Workplaces 2012, published annually
on “Democracy in the Workplace Day.” Frank joins
other well-known organizations certiied on the
MINNeaPoLIs CHaNge communications WorldBlu list including Zappos.com, DaVita, Great
agency, frank (areyoufrank.com) is proud to Harvest Bread Company, New Belgium Brewery
announce it has been named the irst Minnesota and WD-40.
10 MINNESOTA BUSINESS May 2012

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© 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. NMLSR ID 399801 (711141_04530)

14. Openers
GiRl ScoutS
State of
Unemployment honoR 100
of Minnesota’s most influential women
171
out of
337
according to the agC
of america, construction
employment increased
in 171 out of 337
metropolitan areas
between february 2011
and february 2012.
ASSOCIATION OFFICIALS said
employment was increasing in many
metro areas thanks in large part to growing
private sector demand for construction.
“It is encouraging that the number of
metro areas experiencing construction
job gains outpaced the number of areas
with losses,” said Ken Simonson, the asso- AS PART Of ThE yEARLONG 2012 celebra- the award categories include:
ciation’s chief economist. “The increases tion of the girl Scouts Centennial, girl Scouts Trailblazer, Guide, forever Green, Community
would be even more widespread if not of Minnesota and Wisconsin river Valleys will Champion, Women of Promise and honorable
for public sector budget woes and a shaky honor 100 girl Scout alumnae and community MENtions.
homebuilding market.” members who exemplify the culture, values,
Association oicials noted that private diversity and spirit of the girl Scout Move- Centennial gala honorees include Joan
sector construction spending shot up by ment during a special gala event. nominated Mondale, ann Bancroft, diane lilly, pamela
10 percent in the past year even as public by friends, family, coworkers and community alexander, Melisa franzen and lindsay Whalen.
sector investments in construction activity members, each of the Centennial award
have dropped by 1 percent. honorees live their lives in accordance to core for a description of each category and a
girl Scout values. complete list of honorees, visit GSRV100.org.
p h oto Co U r t e Sy o f t h e g i r l S Co U t S
* By the nUMBerS *
$10 Million $2.1 Million
Marco announced today that it distributed annual shareholders’ meeting where
the McKnight foundation has
$2.1 million in stock beneits for iscal they learned about Marco’s 17.2% stock
approved over $10 million grants in the
2011 to eligible employees. their 421 appreciation and received a certiicate
irst quarter of 2012.
employees celebrated last week at their identifying their ownership stake.
12 MINNESOTA BUSINESS May 2012

15. Green Cleaning
...with a Conscience
Tasks Unlimited Building Services has been providing
award-winning, economical janitorial, grounds maintenance
and mailroom services to local businesses—employing people
with disabilities since 1970.
Your company can help make a difference in our
community. Call us for more information.
Contact Gil Bessard at 612-767-2059 or
visit www.tasksunlimited.org.

16. People BUSINESS
PEOPLE
IN THE
NEWS
CAREER MOVES »
BRIAN DUNN
OPUS GROUP hIGhLAND BANK
The Opus Group named Highland Bank,
Richard figueroa to the announced that Jay
newly created position of hammond has been
Director of Capital Markets. named President of the
In this role, Richard will focus organization and member of
on identifying diverse sources and types its Board of Directors. Hammond will be
of capital available to Opus to fund new responsible for implementing strategic
development projects. As the commer- initiatives outlined by the senior
In April, Brian Dunn, cial real estate market continues to show management team and the Board of
signs of recovery, Opus has an active Directors; growing the organization and
Best Buy's CEO abruptly
portfolio of projects under construction building value by motivating, managing
resigned and Mike Mikan was that includes five corporate campuses, and leading staff through example and
named interim CEO. student housing and other multifamily participation. He joins the bank with
projects across the country. nearly 30 years of community
banking experience.
"I have enjoyed
every one of my 28
years with this
company, and I PCG AGENCIES LILJA
leave it today in Jeff Sibell has joined
PCG Agencies as the
Lilja recently hired
Linda Tedford as vice
position for a Vice President of president. Linda comes to
strong future. I am Finance. Jeff has many
years of experience in the
us from major and planned
gift fundraising at Fairview
proud of my fellow insurance, financial services, and Foundation. At Lilja, she will oversee
legal areas and brings extensive IT business development and the growth
employees and I skills as well. We are excited to of Lilja LifeStories, which helps individu-
wish them the welcome Jeff to the agency. als and businesses record and share
their stories.
best."
—BRIAN DUNN
MOSS & BARNETT
fLM Moss & Barnett, A
Farmer, Lumpe + Professional Association,
McClelland (FLM) is pleased to congratulate
fOCUS fINANCIAL promoted Michele Johnson Thomas A. Keller III who was
to Vice President and a member named a Director Emeritus by
Focus Financial congratulates one
of its own: Financial Advisor, Darin P. of the fast growing company’s leadership Children’s HeartLink for his 26 years of
Glanzer, has acquired the designa- team. Johnson joined FLM in the fall of service on Children’s HeartLink’s board,
tion for Certified Financial Planner™ 2011 as Director of Business Analytics including serving as a past board chair.
after months of studying and testing. working out of the FLM Minneapolis Keller is still a very active supporter of
Darin offices out of the Roseville, MN office. “We are honored to have Michele the organization. Keller is a member of
headquarters and Brandon, SD office. on our team. Her business savvy, unique Moss & Barnett’s business law practice
skills in web and application development area. During his more than 40 years of
Focus Financial has hired Lisa Villalta and client management skills are making practice, Keller has successfully assisted
as Compliance Specialist. Focus a major impact on FLM success,” says his clients with mergers and acquisi-
Financial is an independent, non- Rob McClelland, FLM president. “We look tions, corporate governance, executive
proprietary financial services firm forward to her ongoing contribution to compensation, contracts, securities,
with 36 offices across 6 states and our leadership team and assisting us in financing, license agreements, and
headquartered in Roseville, MN. producing far-reaching results for our employment.
clients.”
» Submit People news to kate.hindes@tigeroak.com, and read about more People on minnesotabusiness.com.
14 MINNESOTA BUSINESS May 2012

17. MASAMI
KAWAZATO
Type:
“…proud fair-weather bicyclist.
I’m not comfortable with the
snow and ice.”
Reasons:
“..the savings… And you get to be
outside; you’re guaranteed to be
doing something active every day.”
Destinations:
“…work, hair salon, yoga, grocery
shopping, downtown, the library,
the post office…”
Advice:
“For any women concerned
about wardrobe, I’ve found
that you can bike in just about
any kind of clothing.”
BICYCLING IS UP 52%
Have you tried it?
Masami Kawazato is part of a huge trend, and for good reason: Bicycling saves you
money and makes you fitter, stronger, happier and even more energetic. Best of all, biking
to work, school or the store is often as quick as by car for trips under a few miles.
Inspiration and ideas at www.bikewalkmove.org!
WANT TO FIND
OUT MORE ABOUT
BIKING
ROUTES?
bikewalkmove.org/plan-your-route
Made possible by Bike Walk Twin Cities, a program of Transit for Livable Communities, through the Federal Highway Administration.

18. Intellectualproperty PATENTS &
NEW IDEAS
FROM AROUND
MINNESOTA
The Idea Man MARK
KROLL
With over 300 patents, Mark Kroll leads the market on medical
device design BY MAURA KELLER In addition to over
300 issued U.S.
patents, mostly
covering medical
AS ONE OF THE MOST proliic inventors of through my adjunct faculty role in the Biomedical En- devices, Mark Kroll
medical devices in the world, Dr. Mark Kroll, gineering Department at the University of Minnesota. has other substan-
tial achievements
retired chief technology oicer and senior including:
vice president from St. Jude Medical, knows
what it means to improve peoples’ lives. With Q: What does it mean to you to be the
number one patent holder in Min-
more than 340 issued U.S. patents under his nesota? » Board member
belt, about one million human beings have his » Minnesota is a wonderful state with a lot of smart of haemonetics
patents in their bodies. In fact, all implantable people. For decades test scores have placed Minne- (nySe:hae)
and taser intl
deibrillators sold have at least one licensed sota at the top or in the top few states. To paraphrase (naSd:taSr).
Kroll patent. Garrison Keillor, we really are above average. I am not
During his tenure at St. Jude Medical, Kroll good at golf, dancing, or singing; so I am very happy » involvement on
various private
helped direct the marketing strategy and tactics for the company’s largest revenue to be good at something. boards including
line—the implantable deibrillator. At this time, the company also was the best per- Medisyn and
forming stock of large medical device companies and was twice listed in Business
Week as a top ifty performing company across all industries. Q: What are some common misconcep-
tions some inventors have about
galvani
» awarded 2010
Kroll has made a lasting impact on the biomedical engineering ield. With a patents? distinguished
research specialty surrounding the efects of electricity on the human body, Kroll » One misconception is that all great ideas have pat- Career
achievement
is the co-author of ive books and has lectured in more than 30 countries on top- ents. The mountain bike would have had a great pat- award, which is
ics including deibrillation, invention process, electrical safety and medical device ent, as would have the spreadsheet—but these were the top honor
startups. never patented. Another misconception is that one in biomedical
engineering
In addition to being an adjunct professor of biomedical engineering at the Uni- has to be an engineer or scientist to get a patent.
versity of Minnesota, Kroll also is a distinguished guest faculty for UCLA’s Creativ- My belief is that everyone has at least one invention » fellow of the
ity and Innovation program. in them. american College
of Cardiology
Minnesota has earned a solid reputation in the biomedical engineering ield—
thanks in large part to ingenious inventors like Kroll.
Having been honored by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Oice as a proliic in- Q: What are the most valuable lessons
you’ve learned throughout your
» fellow of the
heart rhythm
Society
ventor, we interviewed Kroll to gain his insights on the art and science of intellectual career?
property. Here’s what he had to say: » Teamwork is more important than brilliance. One » fellow of
thing that maturity brings is the realization of how institute of
electrical and
Q: You’ve had a very distinguished career, having made a pro-
found impact on biomedical engineering. What are some of
little any one individual knows about our universe of
science and technology. I learned that I am the hap-
electronics
engineers
the key accomplishments that you’ve garnered during your career? piest when I’m doing creative work rather than dis-
» Co-editor of four
» My answer today is diferent than it would have been 10 years ago. As I look tracted by supervising others. technical texts.
back on my career, I now feel best about being married 36 years and raising four
productive children. Without my supportive wife and loving family, I could never
have achieved what I did. Q: How does Minnesota compare to
other states in terms of inventions. Is
» invited lecturer
to fda, US patent
office, and Mit/
The scientiic accomplishment that I am most proud of is the “Burping Theo- it a fairly ‘inventive’ state? Caltech enterprise
ry” for the biphasic waveform. This has helped improve deibrillator designs and » Yes, Minnesota is #6 out of 50, according to State- forum
implant techniques; I like to think that this has helped a lot of patients. It is reward- Master, a state comparison site run by Rapid Intelli- » reviewer for
ing to be consulted on diicult deibrillator implants and to know that I am actually gence, a Web publishing company focused on large six cardiology
helping a speciic human being achieve a fuller life. educational reference sites and technology. and biomedical
journals.
I now ind great reward in encouraging and coaching the next generation
16 MINNESOTA BUSINESS May 2012

19. PATENTED PASSION
“Patterson shares my passion. The firm
is immersed in medical technology.
I bring an idea to Patterson, they do
the rest—and they do it right.”
- Mark Kroll
#1 IN MEDICAL DEVICE PATENTS WORLDWIDE
291 PATENTS AND COUNTING
Mark Kroll has a passion for developing technologies that improve and save
lives. It’s driven him to become the world’s leader in medical device patents.
And when it comes to those patents, his intellectual property law firm is
Patterson Thuente.
Read more about Mark Kroll, his passion and his Patterson partnership at:
WWW.PTSLAW.COM/KROLL
612.349.5740 WWW.PTSLAW.COM

20. In The Black INSIGHT & IDEAS
TO HELP YOUR
BOTTOM LINE
THE EVOLUTION OF ONE DONATION
$1 CCRF
The ROI provides
helps the U of
M secure an
Of A Single average of $18
in additional
funding
Donation
$100,000
Average amount of a seed grant for pilot studies.
These grants help researchers secure additional
A small donation to cancer funding to advance treatments for pediatric
cancer and other devastating diseases.
research, became the catalyst
for a partnership that changed
the practice of medicine.
BY KRIS VRUNO HUSON
Grants of $200,000 and A $10,000 A grant for a pilot And a seed grant
$100,000 to explore investment to study of infant for genetic study
therapies that target brain study pediatric leukemia yielded of osteosarcoma,
tumors yielded additional germ cell $3 million, allowing a bone cancer that
funding of $1.365 million tumors yielded researchers to primarily affects
IN 1979, 13-YEAR OLD KATIE HAGEBOECK, and $1.8 million and an impressive conduct the largest adolescents, brought
from Wayzata, was nearing the end of her 16-month resulted in an innovative $3.5 million study of infant in an additional
battle with leukemia. Knowing she was losing her brain tumor vaccine that in additional leukemia in the $2.5 million to the
is currently in clinical trial. funding. world. University.
battle, she asked that the money she’d been saving for
a 10-speed bicycle be donated to a little-known fund (MINNESOTA BUSINESS MAGAZINE)
for the University of Minnesota called Children’s
Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). Her dream was for grants from the National Institutes of Health and the
HOW YOU CAN HELP?
a cure to be found so that children who followed her National Cancer Institute. These grants signiicantly
would survive. compound the impact of CCRF’s initial investment. Host a Go Play event at your
A little over a year after Katie’s passing, her parents, It is estimated that every $1 CCRF provides helps the company, which is a fun way to
support cancer research: Info at
Diane and Norm, and friends of the family organized U of M secure an average of $18 in additional funding. whodoyouplayfor.org.
what they thought was a one-time beneit fundraiser CCRF’s support of research also ills in gaps in
for this fund to honor Katie’s dying wish. Thirty two funding for capital expenditures not covered by
years later, the “Dawn of a Dream” beneit is still taking federal grants, educates up-and-coming researchers
place, and CCRF has grown from a small grassroots through the U of M’s Pediatric Hematology-Oncol-
fundraiser into a national non-proit, with hundreds of ogy and Blood and Marrow Transplant Fellowship
thousands of individual donors, along with corporate Program one of the largest in the country, and helps
and foundation partners, who have given nearly $70 the U of M attract and retain top-notch researchers by
million to pediatric hematology/oncology and blood funding endowed chairs. CCRF recently named its
and marrow transplantation physician/researchers at sixth endowed chair the most by any philanthropic
the University of Minnesota (U of M). organization providing funds to the U of M.
The partnership between CCRF and the U of M CCRF’s entrepreneurial approach to cancer phi-
is unique. CCRF provides a steady stream of unre- lanthropy: Funding innovative, proof-of-principle re-
stricted “seed grant” funding that allows the Uni- search, investing in the best young minds and sup-
versity’s researchers to pursue early-stage research, porting world-class experts, will continue until Katie’s
Walk or run at CCRF’s Time to Fly
and bold ideas, that if successful hold great promise dream of a cancer-free world becomes a reality.
on June 30th in St. Paul. Info at
in getting better treatments to children with cancers childrenscancer.org/timetofly.
and other serious diseases. This lexible funding has « Kris Vruno Huson is the marketing and
communications manager for Children's Become a corporate partner by
helped the U of M gain a national reputation for win- Cancer Resarch Fund. contacting Jim Leighton at 952-893-9355
ning the increasingly competitive, multi-million dollar or jleighton@childrenscancer.org.
18 MINNESOTA BUSINESS May 2012

21. Flowers fade.
Generosity grows.
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Order today at:
info@givemn.org

22. In The Black
Strong
Corporate
Intelligence
Always
Wins
Heartland Investigative
Group has built a
multi-million dollar business
BY JOHN P. PALEN
ONE OF THE FIRST RULES IN BUSINESS:
know your strengths. Another rule: know your weak-
nesses. Large companies have entire departments and
personnel dedicated to corporate intelligence, threats
and weak links. But for small and mid-sized business-
es, it’s harder to access this valuable information. The
people who do this work tend to keep a low proile.
Since 1991, one Minnesota-based company has done
just that; and built a multi-million-dollar business.
Heartland Investigative Group has touched just
about every high proile case, story and deal in the
Twin Cities. As a private investigator turned entrepre-
neur, CEO Paul Jaeb, 47, says that a company focused
on rooting out and preventing the seven deadly sins
in business is a round-the-clock mission. “People are
often in crisis and need our help now,” Jaeb says.
Just as importantly, Heartland has capitalized on
the great need for businesses to proactively manage
threats and opportunities. Performing more than
100,000 background checks, the company also
provides competitive intelligence, due diligence, ex-
ecutive consultation, research and analysis. All of this
comes into play before companies make a critical hire,
acquire another company, consider a partnership or
enter an investment.
For large companies, Heartland augments internal
corporate intelligence by gaining inside information
as a neutral third party. Even for small and mid-sized
20 MINNESOTA BUSINESS May 2012

23. TIPS FOR
CORPORATE
INTELLIGENCE
Performing more BY PAUL JAEB
than 100,000
background checks, 1
the company also Don’t be
fooled by
provides competitive self-reported
intelligence, due financials.
Verify the
diligence, executive assets that
consultation, research matter to
you.
and analysis.
2
Use of
background
companies it’s essential to understand the value of checks can
corporate intelligence. Heartland has discovered reveal a vast
things like unauthorized manufacturing of a client’s reality and
goods as well as the true inancials, assets and culture truth, even
of a potential acquisition target. for people
who come
One Heartland client called to report that its prod- highly recom-
ucts were being manufactured in China. Heartland mended.
was hired to ind out by who and where. Another
BIZ client wanted to investigate acquisition targets for 3
BRIEFING details such as hours of operation, dock and parking Investigate
Heartland lot traic, raw materials quantities coming in, lines of all of your
Information production, shifts, etc. This information allowed the options prior
Services Inc. to commit-
dba Heartland client to calculate the actual output compared to the
Investigative
ting consider-
information that was given.
Group able time or
Headquarters: In certain circumstances, Heartland also provides money. Be
Minneapolis and and trains security personnel. prepared to
Denver
Inception: 1991 In 2002, Heartland acquired its biggest local change plans
Employees: 100 competitor and in 2006 made a strategic acquisition or walk away
Revenue: $4.5 from any
million in Denver, making it one of the largest corporate, i-
deal.
Description: nancial and legal intelligence providers in the United
premiere
States. Paul speaks nationally as an expert in the in-
investigators,
forensic experts
4
dustry and is the former director of the National As-
and agents Balance emo-
for corporate sociation of Legal Investigators. tions with
intelligence and While some people still believe in and promote the
due diligence
all the facts.
Website: power of a irm handshake, history is painting a new Choose advi-
heartlandinfo.com and dangerous story. Jaeb is a symbol of the balance sors without
between privacy and public good, trust and betrayal. a stake in the
decision.
LEADER For business owners, success still appears to low
PROFILE from knowing the truth and their own strengths and
Paul Jaeb, CEO
5
weaknesses—and then leveraging this information to
P H O T O B Y TAT E C A R L S O N
has investigated Resistance to
both the the 35W make sound business decisions.
investigation
bridge collapse
and Jon Benet
could be a red
Ramsey murder. flag. Proceed
« John P. Palen is CEO of Allied Executives
He is currently the (jppalen@alliedexecutives.com) and works carefully with
CEO of Heartland with CEOs, business owners and executive uncooperative
Investigative leaders on leadership development and
Group.
individuals or
business performance improvement through
peer groups, coaching and educational work- organizations.
shops. alliedexecutives.com
May 2012 minnesotabusiness.com 21

24. In The Black
Steven Ladin Rocks Find out
more about Rock
His Newest Venture Your Block at:
rockyourblock.
com
From LadinVentures to Rock Your Block, Ladin shares his
path to success
until years later I realized the true power of those two
statements. The owner was not simply doing what he
needed to do to pay the bills; he was showing his true
entrepreneurial passion by teaching irst-hand that
these small yet special concepts can only be learned
in real life.
« Right: The team Entrepreneurs don’t
from Rock Your Block
L to R: Steven Ladin:
just have responsibility
Co-Founder & Chief to their shareholders and
Strategy Officer, Sarah
Young: Co-Founder their businesses. They
& Chief Executive also have an obligation
Officer, Caryn Evans:
Community Outreach to inspire the millions of
Director, John
Hibscher: Co-Founder
future entrepreneurs who
& Chief Technology will carry this world on
Officer, (not pictured)
Blake Faris: Director of their shoulders by inno-
Technology vating commerce and life
as we know it today.
Ask any successful busi-
ness leader how he got started and he will almost
always tell you he was inspired by someone close to
him. Someone guided him or her in a way that was
not just a simple to-do list, but a hands-on, heart-felt
expression of giving that was the X-factor between
good and remarkable.
The moment I heard the 20 second elevator pitch
for Rock Your Block for the irst time was the moment
I said to myself: This is exactly the opportunity I’ve
P H O T O B Y E M I I LY J . D AV I S : P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F R O C K YO U R B L O C K
been looking for ever since I aspired to become a popcorn
and lemonade tycoon at the seasoned age of five.
Rock Your Block was something I could instantly
wrap my head around - I wanted to know more and
how I could help build. What are you building?
I WAS 14 WHEN MY FRIEND called me nd said Rock Your Block has given me the opportunity to
“Steve, do you want to make some money?” I did not build something to truly change the world. Think
hesitate to say yes due to my desire to add the newest about your irst job, that irst chance to change your
Legend of Zelda game to my collection. He said the thought chemistry and how you might share your
project would be after school three days a week, four unique insight and experiences with tomorrow’s busi-
hours each day, packing stickers into boxes at $5per ness leaders. Hire local teens to do your social media
hour. It wasn’t the most glamorous of activities, but the outreach, your iling, your heavy lifting, reorganization
lessons I learned from my irst day are still embedded of your oice or any other job you keep putting of.
in my psyche today. You will be surprised by the impact it has on a knowl-
The owner of the sticker company told me two sim- edge thirsty teenager.
ple things: First, ind meaning in everything you do;
and second, challenge yourself by pushing the limits « Steven Ladin is the Co-Founder of @RockYourBlock,
« Above: Teen Job Fair with Hennepin Director of Marketing @Rental_Research and Entrepreneur.
that are set before you. I nodded and smiled. It wasn’t County Library Connect with Steven on Twitter: @StevenLadin.
22 MINNESOTA BUSINESS May 2012

25. 147,903 pounds of cheese curds consumed,
20 Seasons of FUNderful Food!
2012 Home Games
May 17-20 July 27-August 2
May 25-27 August 10-15
June 8-13 August 20-22,
June 22-24 August 24-27
July 3-10 September 1-3
* Subject To Change
July 16-18
Tickets start at just
$4 for kids and Fireworks Every
$5 for adults Friday!
Monster Food Truck Rally
Sunday, May 27
Midway Stadium Parking Lot
Food, Beer, FUN!
Rally begins after the conclusion
of the Saints 3:05 p.m. game
The event is FREE
651-644-6659
saintsbaseball.com

26. Bottomline
How « Jacquie
Berglund with a
They innigans beer
at Kieran's irish
Did It pub located
in downtown
Minneapolis,
Local Beer Brand,
Finnegans, Raises the Bar
$238,000 in charitable donations... and counting BY DANA SEVERSON
COMPANY » finneganS HOW THEY DID IT » With a degree in political until 2009 that i was able to move into an actual
Science from augsburg College,, Berglund had a oice and hire a staf.”
WHAT THEY DO »
goal of someday working in international policy. Up until that point (and still today), Berglund relied
Charitable beer company
after spending a few years in corporate america, on the support of a community of volunteers that
WEBSITE » innegans.org Berglund decided to move to france to complete believed in her vision and were willing to dedicate their
SUCCESS » Working from her sister’s her MBa and was fortunate to continue her stay time and expertise to further the cause. Since 2000,
basement in 2000, Jacquie Berglund with a career in international business. it wasn’t the army has grown to a staggering 1,200 volunteers.
set out on a journey to become the irst until several years later, after she returned to “these special volunteers spend thousands of hours
beer company in the world to donate Minnesota, that her vision of a socially responsible planning events, pouring beers and doing everything
100% of its proits to charity. twelve beer business began to pollinate. from marketing to sales to operations”, says Berglund,
years later, the Minnesota entrepreneur today, finnegan’s is a well-established beer “with only a handful of paid staf, recruiting and retain-
is now selling over 72,000 cases of her brand with a mission of turning beer into food. With ing eager volunteers is tantamount to running a suc-
local brew per year and has generated many volunteers and a staf of ive, finnegan’s has cessful business.”
p h o t o B y tat e C a r l S o n
over $238,000 in charitable donations grown distribution outside of Minnesota, with the growing an average of 30 percent year-over-year
for local food shelves. in 2011, Berglund beer now being sold in north dakota, South dakota takes more than a community of volunteers. Berglund
and her staf of ive hit a milestone by and Wisconsin. Berglund has gone from selling has also had to rely on her passion for social entre-
having increased annual sales to over 2,700 cases of beer in her irst year, to over 72,000 preneurship and hustle to further her vision. “We’re
$1 million, resulting in approximately cases last year alone. transforming how people look at traditional for-proit
120,000 meals for the hungry. it didn’t come easy though, “we weren’t proit- businesses in society.” Berglund states, “the real ben-
able until 2003”, Berglund states, “and it wasn’t eit is feeding more hungry families produce."
24 MINNESOTA BUSINESS May 2012

27. Thursday,
May 24
7:15-9:00am
GIVING
THE BEST
TO THE BEST
METHODS TO EVALUATE
YOUR TOP PERFORMERS
An effective sales evaluation and compensation strategy will help any
business get coveted results from their top talent. Evaluating sales
performance is a fundamental part of business success, and elite
performers must be recognized and compensated accordingly.
PANELISTS:
Steve Mihalik, chief revenue oficer at Orange Tree Employee Screening
Larry Morgan, owner of Orion HR.
COST: WHERE: REGISTER:
New Membership Woman’s Club, Go to smei.org
& Event: $200 Minneapolis and click on events
Members: $30 401 Oak Grove Street
Non-Members: $50 Minneapolis MN 55403
Students: $20