How the Mayor became our biggest fan...

Last Thursday, Brian and I decided to meet at Dunn Bros in northeast Minneapolis.  This decision turned out to be one example of many that make us believe what we are doing is important and that we need to continue forward as diligently and care-filled as possible.

The gentleman standing before me in line, ordering a decaf late, was Mayor R.T. Rybak!  I was shocked and could barely talk.  I had $20 of quarters in my pocket ready to hit the streets and I was talking with the man responsible for those streets!  We had met earlier at a Kindred Kitchen event, and he immediately asked what we were doing.  After telling him about our stand up paddleboard tour company, which supports so many different local businesses, he enthusiastically exclaimed: "what more do you need to say?  I am now your biggest fan!"

Needless to say, this boosted our spirits and carried us through a rainy day of promoting the streets of Minneapolis.  Check out R.T.'s post below:

After speaking with just about every hotel in Minneaoplis, hoping to catch tourists looking for something fun to do in the summer heat, we then bumped into Guy Feiri as he was leaving the W hotel!



We have officially labeled our first promo day a success.  Looking forward to round 2!

 

UPDATE: RT came out with his daughter for an early (7am) Paddle Pub. Here are pics from the tour:

PayPal Verified

It's been almost two months now and Stand UP MN is up and paddling!  This small start up is taking it's first steps and I am so proud.

It's true, Minnesota really is an easy place to start a business. (Legally speaking, of course) Everything was done online and quite easily. The most difficult part is crossing the T's and dotting the i's.  No one tells you exactly what you need, where to get it, who to talk to, or when to quit.  I have a new level of respect for all the food entrepreneurs I've been working with at Kindred Kitchen. (can you tell I helped design their website too?) Many of them have more liabilities, like children, who depend on them.

That being said, support and encouragement go a long way.  I've been blessed with both.  I still think the most exciting part of this venture is bringing in so many local pieces into the pie.  It feels like every detail is connected either someone I or a friend know personally!

We just got verified on PayPal.  All this means we have a bank account and an EIN.  However, it feels good to get verified by someone/thing!

Harriet Brews make good board meetings great

On the way to our first board meeting with Paddle Pub guides, a quick stop was made at Harriet Brewing for refreshments.  The hops were definitely aligning...

Just in time for a tour of the facility, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that although they are only 6 months old, they are just as passionate as they are knowledgeable about their brews.  They gave us a full rundown of their shop and lesson on home brewing, all while keeping our glasses filled.  This is a must try for any and all beer lovers.  These people are the real deal.  They are local, they have an in house artist, they give away free beer, and they are accepting volunteers in exchange for more beer!   Hurry up, because they sell out quickly.

Needless to say, our board meeting went well.  Seeing all of these young people genuinely interested in Stand UP MN, and our mission, gave me a renewed burst of enthusiasm and belief that we are doing the right thing.

It may have been the 3 growlers of beer, but we seemed to bond well.  After the meeting, we all sang a couple karaoke songs before saying goodnight...  This is going to be a great summer.

Stay tuned for the minutes from the meeting.

[caption id="attachment_190" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="Can you see how much fun we're having?"][/caption]