Best Up-&-Coming Local Brands In Minnesota
No stranger to innovation, Minnesotans have developed products from sandpaper to pacemakers and brands from Cheerios to TCBY. Behind each brand is a founder and in front of each brand is a location or a storefront. Read more about the five best new local brands in Minnesota, their location, and their founders.
Bad Weather Brewing
414 7th St. W.
Saint Paul, MN
www.badweatherbrewery.com
Another new microbrewery is riding the bow wave in a fast-growing industry in Minnesota. Entrepreneurs Zac Carpenter and Joe Giambruno will soon be opening their brewery taproom in the heart of Saint Paul. The brewery will feature an outdoor patio, a special event space for customers and a 20-barrel brew house equipped with 20 to 40 barrel fermenters. The business got its start by sharing brew facilities in Minnetonka, but now can now feel at home in Saint Paul. Check out BWBs Facebook page for up-to-date progress on the new location.
Tin Whiskers
125 E. 9th St., Unit 127
Saint Paul, MN 55101
(651) 330-4734
www.twbrewing.com
It all started in Jake's mom's kitchen. Jake Johnson met Jeff Moriarty and George Kellerman studying electrical engineering at the University of Minnesota. After graduation, they firmed up their friendship at local pubs after work at a small downtown Minneapolis engineering services company. After four years of boil-overs and yeast blow-off tube explosions in the kitchen, Jake and Jeff perfected recipes for several brews that are truly like none other. Meanwhile, George manages the brand and online presence. Tin Whiskers inaugurated its new business with great fanfare June 14, 2014. Patrons walk into the pub with kettles and fermenters on the left, mosey up to the counter to choose from a menu that includes seven unique drafts.
Minnesota United FC
National Sports Center Stadium
1700 105th Ave. N.E.
Blaine, MN 55449
(763) 785-5600
www.mnunitedfc.com
Look for a thrilling season with the first home game beginning Saturday April 25. Professional soccer will be getting noticed again in Minnesota. Local soccer fans will remember the Kicks and the Minnesota Thunder that competed in the North American Soccer League. Now, the NASL has launched a new crest and a new brand in January 9, 2013 and the home team will be known as Minnesota United FC. Home field (for now) is the National Sports Center Stadium, touted as the largest soccer facility on earth.
Natural Built Home
4020 Minnehaha Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 605-7999
www.naturalbuilthome.com
A niche in emerging home improvement markets would naturally be environmentally friendly remodeling products. Enter Natural Built Home established in 2005 to deliver green building products to architects, contractors, interior designers and, above all, homeowners. The firm screens product on health, sustainability, resource conservation, energy conservation, durability and location. In addition, NBH offers classes so you can do it yourself.
Red Wing Shoes
315 Main St.
Red Wing, MN 55066
(651) 388-6233
www.redwingshoes.com
Our local shoe company brand stomped all over the competition this year. Puns aside, this company founded in 1905 has a product and a brand image that is in tune with the times. Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal announced the surprise winner to its write-in contest in November 2014. It is reported that CEO Dave Murphy dined on boot-shaped cookies and coffee with his coworkers following the announcement.
Related: Local Company Offers Eco-Friendly Options For Your Home
Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.