Success Stories
Nobody defines success better than our area businesses! Have a success story you’d like to share? Request a visit on our Business Visitation page. Need some inspiration? Check out the stories below.
Trusting Her Gut
The story of Lisa Robson’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1993, when her mom and Diana “Granny” Josephson bought “Lon’s Bar and Pub.” Soon after purchase, they renamed it the “Evergreen Eating Emporium.”
Finding His Passion
All things considered, Blake Kuznia was an unlikely restaurateur. He was young and lacked experience in the food service industry. After finishing high school in Thief River Falls, he left for Duluth for a couple of years…
Fourth Generation Business
Derek and Stacy Lee are fourth-generation owners of Lee Plumbing and Heating. At the November 3 TREK, they shared the story of their entrepreneurial journey and business philosophy…
An Entrepreneur at Heart
Terry Blacklance has been an entrepreneur since as long as he can remember, but it wasn’t until 2012 that he decided to pursue his lifelong dreams of owning his own business. Together with his wife, Tammie…
Allie Enge – My Biggest Inspiration
Allie’s business story started about 10 years ago. “At that time, I had a wonderful job at Digi-Key, with amazing benefits and I really loved what I did.” The thought of owning her own business was the last thing on her mind.
Boom Town
Marc Hanson, owner of Hanson Construction, purchased the Elks building a little over a year ago. He got interested in the project because of the original usage of the building, as well as its solid structure and location. "I was excited...
Tonnabells Opens in Downtown Thief River Falls
Tonnabells opened for business in February, 2020 on Third Street in beautiful downtown Thief River Falls. This bright and cheerful shop features the work of several local, regional and Minnesota artists and craftsmen and women. Currently,...
Area Students Tour Northern Woodwork Inc.
Lincoln Olson explains advanced manufacturing processes to teacher Matt Sundberg and a captive audience of Marshall County Central high school students at the Fourth Annual Manufacturing Day in Thief River Falls October 15. On October 15, I had the opportunity to tour...
Ericco Manufacturing Nominated for Manufacturing Excellence Award
Left to right: Ben Erickson (Owner and President) and Mike Sorteberg (General Manager) stand on either side of a photo of Rick Erickson (former owner). Not pictured: Sally Erickson (Owner, Benefits/Payroll), and Trudy Veselka (Owner and Operations Engineer). Advance...
218-280-1755
Michelle Landsverk
Economic Development
Advance Thief River
PO Box 773
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
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