I was born and raised on a farm near Vesta, Minnesota, and graduated from Wabasso High School in 1968. I attended Willmar Area Vocational Technical Institute and received my accounting degree in 1970. While attending Willmar, I met the love of my life, Diane. We were married in February of 1972, and we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary this year!
From 1970-1971, I served in the U.S. Army in the financial services division. Upon returning, I resumed work at Fritz Trucking in Clara City, where I also worked while in college. From 1973-1977, I started in the payroll department at Trojan Seeds in Olivia, which became Pfizer Genetics, but had moved up to tax accountant when I left to pursue the office manager position at PALS and Willmar Poultry, where I stayed until 1980. I started my own accounting services business full time in January of 1981, and have been successfully in business for the last 42 years. I love my job, and I love being self-employed!
Diane and I moved to Raymond in 1973, and we have called this wonderful community home for almost 50 years! We have two children, MaryElin and Cameron, who also live in Raymond with their families. I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, who are growing up very quickly. It is a blessing to have them so close!
In addition to my business, I have been very active in the health and well-being of the city of Raymond. I am a member of the Raymond Civic & Commerce, which benefits the many small businesses in town. Likewise, I have been the city's volunteer economic development director for over 30 years, and have promoted city improvement projects ranging from Arbor Day tree planting to fundraising for playground equipment to Kandiyohi County's first People on Patrol (P.O.P.) neighborhood watch group. When the town's cafe situation changed, I took the initiative and the risk and built a brand new building downtown. I am also active on the Raymond Museum board and am working to bring an assisted living facility to town. I was the treasurer of the Hawk Creek Country Club Board of Directors for more than 25 years and I served on the Kandiyohi County Historical Society Board of Directors. I was also past president of the Kandiyohi County Economic Development Authority.
If you have any questions about starting a business in Raymond or moving your business to Raymond, please contact me at 320-967-4439! Raymond will be very responsive in helping your company start up or move in!