Creative Leadership : Innovation + Job News

The unemployment rate for teenagers is dismal, currently at about 25 to 35 percent, but one startup is hoping to change those numbers for local kids.
 
Rock Your Block aims to provide an easy, simple way for teens to find odd jobs within their neighborhoods--and create a deeper sense of community as a result.
 
First conceived in late 2010 (see The Line's previous coverage here) by entrepreneur Sarah Young, the organization's site has been developed over the past year, and has just gone into beta launch. Young and co-founders John Hibscher and Steven Ladin have been meeting with business owners and community organization leaders in the meantime, to find job opportunities that can be posted.
 
"We want to have the site at the point where teens can apply right away, and that's been a big challenge," she says. "But we're working out those issues, and we're excited by what we see ahead."
 
Young believes that the model is sound, and once the initial beta is over, the site has the ability to take off. "We're empowering teenagers to develop a strong work ethic, and at the same time we're addressing the needs of the community," she says. "That's a powerful combination."
 
The site will also include information on internship opportunities and other education, to give teens a chance to develop new skills. For example, they can learn to build a resume, handle a job interview, or budget their time effectively.
 
Source: Sarah Young, Rock Your Block
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

The Twin Cities has been lauded many times for its bike-friendly routes and strategies, but what happens if you have a flat at 10pm?
 
Until now, repair service has been limited to bike shop hours, but local startup Bike Fixtation aims to change that. Started by entrepreneurs Chad DeBaker and Alex Anderson, the firm creates kiosks that pair a large vending machine with a standalone bike repair rack.
 
The idea was sparked during DeBaker's bachelor party, when he and a group of friends were bar-hopping by bike. One of them got a flat tire, and no one had a spare tube.
 
"We thought it was crazy that we live in one of the biggest biking places in the country and we couldn't get a tube after 8pm," he says.
 
Bicyclists can buy products such as tubes, patch kits, tools, and even sunscreen and energy bars, whenever they like. The repair rack features a collection of tools, attached by theft-proof cords, and an electric tire pump.
 
The first kiosk was installed inside the Uptown Transit Station, just above the Midtown Greenway. A second location is planned for Lake Street and Hiawatha, in the light rail station there.
 
Bike Fixtation has been building up its capital by selling equipment--like the bike repair station--worldwide, so other cities can duplicate the effort. In addition to more locations, the company is also working to bring out more products, like public bicycle pumps.
 
"In general, everyone has been very supportive of the project," says DeBaker. "Cyclists are getting a lot of use out of it, and that's great to see."
 
Source: Chad DeBaker, Bike Fixtation
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

Launched in late February, Minneapolis-based PH Digital Labs may utilize a number of technologies in order to manage brands, but the firm distinguishes itself by focusing on an old-fashioned concept: personal connection.
 
"The gap that we see in the space is that people still want to connect with brands in a personal way," says co-founder and Director of Strategy Kyle Meehan. "That can get lost in the digital space. We want to make that connection deeper, more meaningful, and more relevant and authentic. We want to turn 'likes' into 'loves.'"
 
Offering search engine marketing, digital content, web design services, and social media marketing, PH Digital Labs aims to build a customized, digital strategy for each client.
 
The firm comes out of Pocket Hercules (see The Line's coverage of that company here), a branding and ad agency that's found success in creating its own products as well as representing major clients. Meehan notes that the relationship is advantageous, because it allows PH Digital Labs to pull from the talent at Pocket Hercules for specific projects.
 
For the future, he expects that PH Digital Labs will do more hiring to expand its in-house team. Until then, the firm is readying itself for growth through some initial clients.
 
"Our growth will come from a couple of decent-sized projects, and we're confident that those will come our way soon," says Meehan.
 
Source: Kyle Meehan, PH Digital Labs
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

Twin Cities Software Symposium
 
March 2 - 4
Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington Hotel
3900 American Blvd. W., Bloomington
$975
 
Focusing on best practices in the enterprise software development space, this conference is put on by "No Fluff Just Stuff," a technology event company that usually specializes in Java and Agility. For its Twin Cities gathering, the firm promises "hype-free technical training for developers, architects, and technical managers," with over 55 sessions offered over the weekend.
 
Women Leading in Technology
 
March 6
The Woman's Club of Minneapolis
5:00 - 7:30
$15; free with valid student ID
 
Sponsored by the Minnesota High Tech Association, this event is put on quarterly to help women learn more about the technology industry and to network with other professionals. Industry experts share their experience, and the event is particularly valuable for those who are just entering the technology field.
 
Entrepreneurs Rally
 
March 13
CoCo Minneapolis
6:00pm - 9:30pm
$10 for keynote plus Mentorlab; free without Mentorlab
 
Presented by Entrepreneurs' Organization Minnesota, this networking-fest is designed to bring the entrepreneurial community together for a night of think-tank style interaction. The keynote speaker is Ido Leffler, co-founder of Yes To Inc. (makers of Yes to Carrots products). Those who are founders, co-founders, or CEOs of a company with revenues under $1 million can attend Mentorlab, which pairs participants with leading local companies.
 
Mobile March

March 16 & 17
Embassy Suites-Minneapolis Airport
7901 34th Ave. S., Bloomington
$85
 
This event offers the latest information in mobile technology and trends. Now in its third year, Mobile March offers two learning tracks: mobile development and mobile business. Sessions range in topic from games to mobile trends for the year ahead, to boosting loyalty through mobile app development.

The local beer scene just keeps getting more and more lively, and the latest entrant is Indeed Brewing, located in Northeast Minneapolis.
 
The Line recently covered the growth of craft beer, and also noted how Indeed is moving into the rehabbed Solar Arts Building. With a strong market and a distinctive location, the brewery has a robust head start for growth.
 
"We wanted to create a brewery that could offer a fuller approach," says co-founder Tom Whisenand. "We want to sell in bars and restaurants, but also liquor stores."
 
The use of cans instead of bottles might help that effort. Unlike many of the craft breweries in the Twin Cities, Indeed has chosen to can their beer, emphasizing the durability, portability, and environmental friendliness of cans (lighter to transport, they use less fuel to ship, and are fully recyclable).
 
Another ingredient for success is Josh Bischoff as head brewer, Whisenand notes. Bischoff comes out of Town Hall Brewery, and has won awards for several of his brews. He's been the force behind the beer's first "hop-forward" brews, due this summer.
 
Whisenand came up with the name "Indeed" after he and co-founders Rachel Anderson and Nathan Berndt kicked around numerous choices. He felt that it was an affirmation of living in Minnesota, as in, "Despite the winters, this is indeed a great place to live."
 
That type of positive outlook fuels the company, he says: "We all love living here, and we believe we can create quality beer in a great place."
 
Source: Tom Whisenand, Indeed Brewing
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

Strategic expansion, grassroots marketing, and corporate sponsorship: these aren't exactly what you'd imagine when watching the Choo Choo Bob Show. But behind the cheery talk about trains and friendship on the new show, a strong business and brand are being built.
 
The show started after Bob Medcraft, owner of St. Paul-based Choo Choo Bob's Train Store, did a television commercial for the store with Joe Martin and Wilson Webb. The trio had fun making it and subsequent feedback convinced them to do a TV show about trains. At first, they'd envisioned something on cable access, but then they decided to create something with more polish.
 
"The finished shows turned out great; kids loved them and parents were really positive," says Medcraft. "I decided that I was going to do everything I could to find someone who could help us raise money and get more episodes made." He turned to University of Minnesota professor Bob Vince, who offered to finance the project. Vince and Medcraft formed a company, and the Choo Choo production engine got turned on.
 
Because the show is too "old fashioned and atypical" to match what's on Disney and Nickelodeon, Medcraft notes that they're creating a Choo Choo Bob Network, which will pay to broadcast the show throughout the region. They're also putting together a live show that will go on tour, with the first show April 14th at the Riverview Theater.
 
"We came to the conclusion that if we want to get the show on TV, then we'll have to do it ourselves," he says.
 
Source: Bob Medcraft, Choo Choo Bob Show
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

Although Minneapolis-based KeyedIn Solutions is technically a startup, it probably won't be for long.
 
Fired up in late 2011, the company provides software-as-a-service (SaaS) and consulting for small to midsize businesses (SMBs), with specialization in areas like project management and enterprise resource planning. Clients can gain control over their resource capabilities, operational efficiency, business performance, and workflow processes, according to CEO Lauri Klaus.
 
Part of the reason that KeyedIn has been able to ramp up quickly is that it's in acquisition mode. The company took majority ownership in Datacom International in January, and also recently acquired a UK-based software publisher, Atlantic Global.
 
"Our strategy is to look for small technology companies with hot technology that can be deployed in an SaaS model," says Klaus. "We look for best-in-breed products and bring those into our portfolio."
 
Catering to the SMB market also distinguishes the company from potential competitors, she adds: "We believe the SMB market is underserved. That gives us many opportunities for really establishing ourselves in the marketplace."
 
The combination of acquisition and hiring has meant an employee surge: just a few months ago, only four people worked at KeyedIn, and now, there are 50 employees. Klaus notes that her goal was to have 100 by the end of the year, but she believes she'll reach that number within just a few more months.
 
"Recruiting isn't an issue for us," Klaus says. "Many people know that we're creating a good, solid company that's creating and deploying business applications in a new way. We're going to be very successful, and people want to be part of that."
 
Source: Lauri Klaus, CEO
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) recently added three new members to its staff, with the positions reflecting a new strategic plan for the organization.
 
MHTA is dedicated to making Minnesota one of the country's top five technology states within the next decade, notes President and CEO Margaret Anderson Kelliher, and by boosting skills in certain areas, the group will be able to move forward on that vision.
 
Tim Barrett joins as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Coordinator, a role that will be instrumental in meeting ambitious goals for more STEM education and outreach in the state.
 
The organization's previous coordinator left to go to law school, Kelliher says. With Barrett stepping into the role, the MHTA has had a chance to reformulate its position so that it focuses more strongly on STEM connections between business and education sectors.
 
"This is about being the voice of businesses that are engaged in science and innovation, and making that vital connection to classrooms," says Kelliher. "We want to strengthen that, and create a science and technology ecosystem that's truly dynamic."
 
Another position was made possible through a grant from the Minnesota Science & Technology Authority: a "SciTechsperience Program Coordinator," who will manage a paid internship program for college students pursuing STEM degrees. Becky Siekmeier, who worked in advertising and marketing at Best Buy for 16 years, will take on the role.
 
A third new hire, Erika McCallum, will act as the organization's Programs and Events Assistant. The three positions are aimed at increasing MHTA's effectiveness and reach, and Kelliher is excited about the direction that the group is taking.
 
"There are so many opportunities around science and technology here, there's so much innovation," she says. "We're happy to be fostering the connections needed to make Minnesota one of the top technology states."
 
Source: Margaret Anderson Kelliher, MHTA
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

Choosing the right employees, empowering them to excel, and maximizing leadership are all strategies that every company attempts to refine, and the best companies have it all down to a science.
 
Fortunately, for those that are still attempting to tweak their HR tactics, that science can be outsourced.
 
Minneapolis-based Modern Survey provides a number of tools for boosting an enterprise's effectiveness in major areas like employee engagement and performance management.
 
Founded 12 years ago by three entrepreneurs, the company was a "big dot-com idea that actually worked," says CEO and co-founder Patrick Riley with a laugh. The trio had all come from large companies like American Express, and saw first-hand how those businesses operated.
 
When Modern Survey first got started, the focus was on helping that type of large company to go paperless, but over the years, it shifted to become a human-capital-management firm, Riley says: "We help companies to build the right workforce, retain key talent, and understand how the customer connects back. It's getting pretty cool in terms of what we can do."
 
The firm has 25 employees and is growing steadily, he adds. Over the past year in particular, companies are spending more money on improving their internal processes and software. Although hiring hasn't surged upward for many Modern Survey clients, Riley believes that they're putting tools in place for ramping back up to pre-recession levels.
 
Recently, Modern Survey completed a significant investment round, so it's ready to keep growing strong and to continue helping companies refine their HR tactics. Riley expects the firm to expand nationally, and a new-generation product line should be released at the end of the year.
 
"We're in a position to grow aggressively over the next few years," he says.
 
Source: Patrick Riley, Modern Survey
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

There are plenty of mobile apps for cocktail lovers--like BarHopper, iBartender, Drink Buddy, and Beer Pad--but now those in recovery have their own app, thanks to developers at Hazelden.
 
The Center City-based addiction treatment organization has created an iPhone application, "Mobile MORE Field Guide to Life," designed to support those who are in recovery from addiction to alcohol and drugs. Accessible through the iTunes App Store, the software is based on MORE (My Ongoing Recovery Experience), Hazelden's web-based program of personalized treatment.
 
"Our mission is to be the industry leader in publishing information that will benefit people who have issues with drugs and alcohol," says Nick Motu, Hazelden's Publisher and Vice President of Marketing and Communications. "We've been in the publishing business for 65 years, and this app is building on that tradition."
 
Hazelden developed its web-based application as a way for clients to stay on track with their recovery. The mobile app now extends that expertise to the general public, and Motu is excited about the potential reach: "We want to expand what we know out to the world, for those who aren't fortunate enough to go through treatment," he says.
 
The organization is gradually pivoting away from print-based publications, he adds, and it's likely that the shift will result in more online applications and mobile apps. Hazelden also recently acquired a social media site, Sober24, which connects those in recovery.
 
With the addition of the "Field Guide to Life" and the website, Hazelden is hoping to bring its considerable expertise to everyone in recovery, not just those who have been in the treatment center's programs.
 
Source: Nick Motu, Hazelden
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

"You know that moment when you get home, and it's been a long day, and you just want to sit down and treat yourself a little?" asks Terry Williams, founder of food company BlackOnyx Creations. "Well, that moment is what drives our whole business."
 
Williams and her husband Frank work to develop comfort foods for what they call the "ahh time," when people seek peace and relaxation through a cup of chai or bite of toffee. They produce drinks and snacks like coffee, chai, granola, and candy and market many of them under the label Winter Goddess.
 
The firm started a few years ago after Frank was injured at his job working for the TSA and the couple had to take a leap of faith in search of a new income source. "Our business is the result of dealing with economic difficulties," Williams notes. "We had to look at the world differently, to see opportunities where we hadn't seen them before. Most of all, we had to look at our community in a more interactive way. It's been a wonderful shift."
 
BlackOnyx takes it name from the stone, which is thought to increase regeneration, happiness, and intuition. Williams says it helps to create balance, give strength, and boost self-confidence — qualities that are hugely beneficial when starting a new business and gaining traction in the market.
 
The business began with craft shows and farmers markets, but started to grow after the pair took classes with Kindred Kitchen, the food incubator program in North Minneapolis [see our coverage of the program here]. That, in turn, led to the Minneapolis Homegrown Business Development Center loan program. BlackOnyx became the first loan recipient of the pilot program, and they're using the funding for marketing and a chocolate tempering machine.
 
With a strong start for the company, it looks like more local residents are likely to get that "ahh" moment in the future.
 
Source: Terry and Frank Williams, BlackOnyx Creations
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

Local IT companies seem to always be in need of more professionals for development work, and now they have new resource that could fill their IT departments in the future.
 
The IT-Ready Apprentice Program is launching in Minneapolis and St. Paul, with an eye toward other cities in the future. The non-profit program covers the cost of recruitment, training, and certification for employees taking on help-desk, call-center, and technical duties.
 
"With unemployment at the level it is, we feel this is important for giving individuals what they need to succeed in what might be a new profession," says Charles Eaton, executive director of the Creating IT Futures Foundation, the group leading the IT-Ready effort.
 
Eaton notes that the manufacturing and construction industries have been hit hard locally, and that skills from those careers are difficult to bring to other fields.
 
The apprenticeship program is unique, Eaton added, because it doesn't involve time off from work in order to attend community college. He says, "There aren't many resources for individuals who need to stay in the workforce. Not everyone can afford to take a couple years off to get a different type of training."
 
Minneapolis-St. Paul was supposed to be just one of five urban areas that would feature the IT-Ready program, but the decision was made to focus on the Twin Cities exclusively for the pilot.
 
Currently, apprentice program staff members are recruiting local companies to join the effort, and Eaton says the results are encouraging. They expect that the first class of apprentices should number about 15 and will start work in July.
 
"We think of ourselves as a startup in some ways," Eaton says. "We're coming in without preconceived notions of how this is going to work, but we're hopeful that it will grow and become an incredibly useful resource."
 
Source: Charles Eaton, IT-Ready Apprentice Program
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

No matter what the industry, every business benefits from better information, stronger research, and savvy insight. Minneapolis-based Knowteria provides all three.
 
The company is helmed by Alisa Coddington, who earned a degree in library science, and then branched out into the realms of analysis and insight.
 
"By definition, I'm a librarian, that's my skill set," she says. "I've always loved research, though, and the investigative aspect of that. No matter how bland a topic might appear, it always becomes interesting the further I get into it. It's a good way to learn a little bit about many different subjects."
 
Coddington started the firm in 2009 and still works as a solo entrepreneur, but she draws on a large network of other information professionals, and benefits from robust collaboration.
 
Before starting Knowteria, she worked in an ad agency, and noticed that many smaller, specialized agencies began popping up on the scene. She anticipated that Knowteria would cater only to those agencies, but instead, she's found a broader client base than she expected.
 
Now, a client might be an investor who needs to get up to speed on a particular industry, or an entrepreneur who's refining a business pitch. Coddington provides customized information packages that she calls "value-added brainpower."
 
"This type of business research and intelligence is geared toward helping to win business and gain a competitive advantage," she says.
 
Although her research ranges across industries and topics, she's noticed a trend lately toward questions about emerging markets, from companies that want to expand internationally. Also, she's getting more requests about technology use, leading her to dig into statistics like iPhone usage.
 
Coddington currently does mainly secondary research--which means that she finds the studies, insights, and stats that others have published and compiles them into a cohesive whole--but she's hoping to begin doing some primary research as well. It's all part of being an information sleuth, she believes.
 
Source: Alisa Coddington, Knowteria
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

Although Minneapolis-based Pocket Hercules successfully represents numerous high-profile brands like Pearl Izumi, Gorilla Glue, and Rapala, the firm has taken its advertising, PR, and branding skills a bit further by developing a few products of its own.
 
The company puts out Lakemaid Beer and Tiny Footprint Coffee, and its marketing might is getting those products some high-profile attention.
 
"They're going gangbusters," says agency principal Jack Supple. "We feel like we're learning a great deal by launching our own brands, and that translates into what we do for clients. We know what they're going through with product development and distribution, and there's value to that."
 
Founded in 2005, the company has grown in the past year to 17 people, and recently expanded their offices in the Warehouse District, taking over a neighboring space. Lakemaid was launched in 2008, and a year later, the company expanded its reach into Michigan, Montana, and Nebraska.
 
In 2010, Pocket Hercules partnered with a local coffee roaster, Roastery 7, to create Tiny Footprint, which it describes as "the world's first carbon-negative coffee brand." When people buy the coffee, trees are planted in Ecuador that will offset the carbon impact of the coffee's production. Given its appeal of "good karma in every cup," the coffee is gaining in popularity, Supple says.
 
The experience of producing coffee and beer--two beverages that many people couldn't do without-- has made the agency stronger and more vibrant, Supple believes. "We have an entrepreneurial bent here," he says. "It's been fun to pursue and make real products, and back brands that we really care about."
 
Source: Jack Supple, Pocket Hercules
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

CityCamp Minnesota
 
January 11
4:00 pm
Republic at Seven Corners
221 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis
free, but reservations are suggested
 
Touting itself as an "unconference," CityCamp Minnesota held its first meeting in November, and now intends to kick off the new year with another networking opportunity. The theme of this quarterly meetup is "nonprofits" and the group will do brainstorming and presentations on the topic.
 
Low Cost/No Cost Methods to Get Found Online

Monday nights from January 16-February 20th
or full days on January 21st and January 28th
DemandQuest-Minneapolis Marketing Institute
2112 Broadway St. NE, Minneapolis
$299
 
This extensive workshop series teaches business owners how they can harness social media, blogs, and emails to develop a comprehensive online marketing plan. Available as a 6-week course or two full Saturday classes, the course covers online directories, inbound marketing, and social media tools like Facebook and Twitter.
 
High Impact Leadership

January 18
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
MAP for Nonprofits
2314 University Ave. W., Suite 28, Saint Paul
$75
 
Although this workshop is being held by MAP for Nonprofits, which serves the nonprofit sector, the leadership skills offered here would be applicable for any type of business. The workshop centers on emotional intelligence, and notes that increased self-awareness can help leaders to manage their own emotions and improve relationships with others.
 
Healthy Life Expo
 
January 21-22
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave. S., Minneapolis
$6 or a non-perishable food item
 
Get the info and products necessary to fulfill those New Year resolutions. This popular conference brings together exhibitors and speakers, covering topics such as wellness, natural cooking, meditation, nutrition, and fitness. There are a number of free seminars and free health screenings.