Cover Story
Finding it in franchising
Todd Peterson has owned or run a number of businesses throughout his career. He was the CEO of Chippewa Springs Water for five years and owned Underwater Adventures at the Mall of America, to name a couple. During the height of the COVID pandemic, he was considering his next career move. He started looking into […] Continue reading →
Letter From the Editor
Fighting for cheaper healthcare—and revenge
The CEO of Nice Healthcare zooms up on his one-wheel electric scooter, removes his helmet and plumps up his dreadlocks for a photo. Then Thompson Aderinkomi describes his mission, to simplify healthcare and cut its cost in half. “The ongoing purpose of the business is to get the most possible people the best possible healthcare,” […] Continue reading →
Back Page
Arms offers advice to those pondering going fractional
The use of fractional executives — those hired by companies on contract to work a fraction of the hours at less cost than full-time hires — has been on the rise for years. That accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. John Arms, co-founder of Voyageur U, helped establish the organization to help educate free agents on what it takes to make it as a fractional executive. He’s now put that knowledge into print, recently releasing the book “Consult Your Way to a Full-Time Job.” Arms joined Upsize Minnesota Editor Andrew Tellijohn to talk about how the book can help potential fractional executives carve their new paths. Continue reading →
Focus
Supply chain strain
For years, many companies have given their supply chain little thought. They had their suppliers, they had the product they needed and if they needed it more quickly, they might just have to pay a little bit more to get it fast. The COVID-19 pandemic blew up the reliability of those shipments, however, making it harder for everyone to get what they needed. Global strife in China and Ukraine followed by heavy inflation and a potential recession has furthered the strife to a point where many companies have closed and others have struggled. Continue reading →
Business Builders
Preparing small businesses for local contracts
The Procurement-Ready Enterprise Certification (PRE) program provides a pathway to contracting for small and micro businesses, freelancers and independent contractors. Continue reading →
Four things closely held shareholders should know
In the event of disputes, the Minnesota Business Corporations Act gives courts broad authority, permitting them to grant aggrieved shareholders any equitable relief it deems just and reasonable in the circumstances. Continue reading →
Using income statements to negotiate sales team compensation
Experienced sales professionals are tough negotiators. They will use those skills when negotiating a sales position or contract. However, the skills that make them star performers may also disadvantage a company in protecting its profitability. Continue reading →
Catching up
Still brewing
Twenty years ago, Skip Fay and Chris Eilers had just transitioned from Dunn Brothers Coffee franchisees to franchisors. They were enamored with the opportunity to build the coffee shop brand as a place where folks could sip away the day in a smoke-free coffee shop with free Internet access. Continue reading →
