Jay Sachetti joined Jeff O’Brien, partner at Husch Blackwell and Dyanne Ross-Hanson, president of Exit Planning Strategies talked about the market for mergers and acquisitions, exit planning opportunities for companies that don’t end up for sale and how companies can maximize their eventual sale price during an early October panel at the first Upsize on Tap event at Summit Brewing Co. in St. Paul.
When the state Legislature passed a law requiring employers to provide paid leave and safe time for employees, Justin Bieganek started hearing differing details from friends, colleagues and peers.
Just days from his 30th birthday in January, Andy Dahl left his day job at a biotech research lab to pursue his new venture: producing a TV show called “Andy’s Surprisingly Wild Minnesota.”
The first show aired in mid-January on KSTC-TV’s Channel 45, part of St. Paul-based Hubbard Broadcasting, and features four segments, each four to five minutes long.
Dahl, the host, covered land set aside for all-terrain vehicle use near Gilbert, Minnesota, profiled a nun whose passion is large snakes, and showed what insects you can expect to find in your basement. That last bit Dahl plans as a regular feature of the show: “We kind of kept it scary, a la the Blair Witch Project,” he says.
Dahl’s aim is an environmental and wildlife program that showcases Minnesota. “We’re entertaining and educating all age groups,” he says. “Education is the reason why I have started the show.”
He’s formed an umbrella company, called Dahlfin Corp. in Blaine, that has raised money from six investors to produce pilot shows, in the hope that sponsors, advertisers and regular broadcasts will follow. Each show costs $15,000 to $20,000 to produce.
Dahl is educated as a zoologist and a biologist, and has a license to substitute teach. TV is in the family, too.
“Growing up with my father, Dave Dahl, he taught me a thing or two. I’ve had a chance to be on air with him,” Dahl says. Dave Dahl has worked for Channel 5 for 28 years.
Dahl, who’s president and CEO of Dahlfin Corp., knows that he’s taking a risk, but he’s glad he quit his research job. “I feel so passionately about Minnesota,” he says.
Andy Dahl, Dahlfin Corp.: 651.324.2029; ad***@*********mn.com; www.andyswildmn.com
