John and Krystal Carlson, owners of Station 59, shared their story at TREK on January 9, 2024.
Transition to Entrepreneurship
The Carlsons transitioned from other careers to become owners of a gas station and car wash in Thief River Falls. John initially worked at Coca-Cola for ten years, gaining valuable retail knowledge before venturing into entrepreneurship. Krystal, on the other hand, pursued a career in veterinary technology, working at a vet clinic in North Dakota before returning to Thief River Falls. The couple’s journey into entrepreneurship involved significant career changes, including Krystal’s transition from working at the vet clinic to being a dispatcher with the sheriff’s office, and later staying at home to manage the business and care for the couple’s three children.
Their decision to purchase the gas station and car wash was a result of careful consideration and planning, aiming to establish a successful business while maintaining a work-life balance. Throughout their journey, the couple recognized the importance of community support, networking, and seeking help when needed. Notably, John’s recent grant application for infrastructure upgrades at the gas station demonstrates their initiative-taking approach to business development and their ability to leverage opportunities to enhance their enterprise. The couple’s positive attitude, willingness to adapt, and commitment to continual learning and improvement have been crucial factors in their entrepreneurial success.
Strategic Mindset
Their story serves as an inspiring example of perseverance, adaptability, and the significance of seeking support and learning from experiences. The Carlson’s emphasis on personal growth, community involvement, and their long-term vision for their business highlights the dedication and strategic mindset required for entrepreneurial success. Their narrative provides valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of resilience, planning, and a proactive approach to business development.
How did the couple decide to transition from their previous careers to becoming entrepreneurs?
John and Krystal made a strategic decision to transition from their previous careers to becoming entrepreneurs. John had a background in retail knowledge, gained from his 10-year tenure at Coca-Cola, where he learned from individuals like Mike Barry, Jeff Olson, Patrick Chesky, and Jim Mattson. This experience provided him with valuable insights into running a business.
Krystal, on the other hand, pursued a career in veterinary technology, working at a vet clinic in North Dakota before returning to Thief River Falls, Minnesota. The decision to move back home came when the couple found out they were expecting their first child.
“We decided that we better come back to our roots,” Krystal said, “and come home and be closer to the grandparents.”
The couple had always discussed the idea of being entrepreneurs or business owners, considering ventures such as a doggy daycare. However, when the opportunity to purchase a gas station and car wash in Thief River Falls came along, it was a better opportunity, and it aligned with their skills and circumstances.
“We decided we were going to go all in on it,” Krystal said.
They recognized the challenges of starting a new business but also saw the potential benefits of taking over an established business. Their decision to transition into entrepreneurship was driven by their long-term vision, adaptability, and willingness to take on new challenges.
What challenges did the couple face in the process of buying and running the gas station business?
The couple faced several challenges in the process of buying and running the gas station business. Initially, they had to navigate the decision of transitioning from their previous careers to entrepreneurship, which involved significant changes in their lives and careers.
“I’m proud of my wife and myself for sticking with it,” John smiled. “At times we didn’t think it was going to get done, but ultimately, we found a way. It was really beneficial and satisfying,”
They also encountered challenges related to the lengthy process of purchasing the business, which took almost two years to finalize. Additionally, they had to adapt to the demands of running an established business, including managing the existing customer base while also introducing their own ideas and improvements.
The couple also noted operational challenges, such as dealing with employee illnesses during the holiday season and managing the business while juggling family responsibilities, particularly with three young children. They also encountered difficulties in balancing personal and business life, as the nature of entrepreneurship often meant being constantly on call and working long hours.
“There will be hiccups along the way,” John emphasized. “You just need to stay the course.”
The couple did just that, staying the course and demonstrating resilience and adaptability. In addition, they successfully navigated the process of securing a grant for infrastructure upgrades, a significant achievement in their entrepreneurial journey.
What grant opportunity did the couple take advantage of for their gas station business, and how did they navigate the application process?
The couple took advantage of the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) grant opportunity for their gas station business. This grant is designed to support gas stations in the United States that convert to higher blend ethanol, providing financial assistance for infrastructure upgrades. John learned about the grant opportunity through a conversation with a petroleum service technician, who informed him about the availability of grant money for converting gas stations to higher blend ethanol. The grant covered a sizable portion of their project, which included replacing tanks, adding diesel, and introducing a new E 15-88 octane fuel.
The couple successfully navigated the application process, receiving support from the community and obtaining letters of support for the grant. They submitted a 42-page grant proposal and were approved for the grant, which will provide a substantial upgrade for their gas station at a fraction of the cost. This grant will enhance their business and help them align with evolving trends in the fuel industry, demonstrating their initiative-taking approach to business development and leveraging opportunities for growth.
What key lessons or advice did the couple share about being successful in business and seeking support from others in the community?
John and Krystal emphasized several key lessons and pieces of advice about being successful in business and seeking support from others in the community. They highlighted the importance of perseverance and staying the course, acknowledging the challenges along the way but emphasizing the need to continue pushing forward. They also stressed the significance of planning, not just financially, but also in terms of personal and professional life, to achieve a work-life balance and create their own little paradise for themselves and their three children in their hometown.
Furthermore, the couple emphasized the value of seeking support from the community and building strong connections with others. They expressed gratitude for the support they received from individuals like John Syverson, Vice President for Northern State Bank, who played a significant role in their business endeavors. They also highlighted the importance of asking for help, whether it was in the form of securing letters of support, seeking grant assistance, or receiving guidance from experienced individuals in the industry—people like Mike Barry who is a past owner of gas station and convenience store. The couple’s experience underscored the impact of local support and the value of building relationships within the community to achieve their entrepreneurial goals.
“I had a lot of support from the community from day one,” John said. “I can’t thank people enough. If we were still in the Fargo Moorhead area, this isn’t something we would have ever dreamed of doing because we didn’t have the local support.”
“If we hadn’t left the Fargo Moorhead area, we wouldn’t even be remotely doing anything like what we’re doing right now,” Krystal said.
Visit Station 59’s Facebook page for more information.
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