Thursday, April 12, 2012
Two weeks ago, Tom Dombrock and Fred Haynes debuted their latest venture — an eco-friendly auto repair shop that caters specifically to women.
Tom Dombrock never anticipated a career in the auto repair industry. "Auto repair wasn't even on the map. Not even close," the Richfield resident said. "It's nothing I ever thought that I would do." Over the last twelve months, Dombrock assumed co-ownership of Honest-1 Auto Care, a new shop in Burnsville that opened up in late March. It's an unexpected turn of events for Dombrock, whose work life has centered on sales and custoemr service. Over the years he's worked in printing, county fair promotions, radio and finally fireplace sales — one of the most lucrative positions Dombrock ever held. As a salesman, Dombrock broke practically every rule in the playbook — and broke the company's sales records in the process. The key lies in his …
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
After hard times hit, Malaika Falla started her own boutique.
Success sometimes springs from disaster. Sometimes a leap of faith pays off. Such is the case with Malaika Falla, owner of Oh La La, one of Burnsville's few independent retailers. It's been a long road for Falla. Born of a French father and a mother from the west coast of Africa, Falla came to the U.S. seeking a top-notch education and entry into the business world. Falla found what she sought. For 16 years, her job as a human resources and customer service consultant took her around the U.S. and to exotic locales all over the world. Then in 2008, with the fall of the U.S. economy, Falla found herself without a job. The future looked grim. "I was desperate," Falla said. It was during these dark times, as other local shops were cutting …
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
After decades of working for others, the restaurant's founders have become their own bosses.
John Pleschourt and Bryan Prettyman routinely work more than 12 hours each day and have taken a substantial cut in pay. They couldn't be happier. After decades of toil in the industry, the business partners have opened up their own restaurant, Ernie's Pub & Grille. "My feet hurt, my legs hurt, I have burns everywhere from helping out in the kitchen," Pleschourt said. "But when it comes right down to it, this is our baby." Ernie's, which opened Oct. 24, has been a long time coming. Pleschourt's career began as a teenager at Kentucky Fried Chicken. Since then, he has been a waiter, a certified meat cutter and the food and beverage director of the largest hotel in southwest Minnesota. Prettyman has had long careers in the hospitality and …
Clare Kennedy
2:26 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Sweet! 16 recommendations. Thanks everybody. Stop in and say hello to Tom for me. more ›