This morning we had the privilege of visiting Tinklenberg Lumber in Edgerton. Dustin VanEssen grew up working for his parents at the family business and decided to go to electrician school after high school working for 5 years in the area. He and his wife Joni decided to move back to his hometown and became 3rd generation owners of the business in 2019. Tinklenberg Hardware has 13 employees and the couple says they could use a few more. Since purchasing the business they have remodeled the showroom, purchased the hardware inventory from another local business, and updated the drafting software to serve their clients. It is important to Joni to have products customers need on hand. Dustin and Joni spoke about the importance of relationships with customers, vendors, employees and contractors. Continually learning is important to the business and Dustin is part of an online round table group of midwest lumberyard owners. He says the wisdom and knowledge he gains from other owners helps grow their business. When looking at growth for their business, Joni says they use the "time or money" model. Which one is more important in their decision?

We had a great morning learning about Tinklenberg Lumber and Hardware! Thank you to Dustin and Joni for spending time with the SWMN CEO young professionals.