We have been a fan and partner of LAB for quite some time and attend (and proudly sponsor) their LAB Talks on a monthly basis in the modern-industrial space The Holden Room located at the Parallel Cafe in Minneapolis. These free events, typically occurring on the second Thursday of the month, consist of a panel of Minnesota makers and artists with a vibrant moderator leading them through topics ranging from sustainable fashion to microbreweries. These "passion pursuers" share stories and offer advice to like-minded individuals on how to follow their own dreams. It connects members of our community together to collaborate on ideas and share experiences as it relates to their businesses. This couldn't align more with Flagship Bank and our commitment to our communities of entrepreneurs and nonprofits. There is also free coffee!
This month was a little different. With the stay at home and social distancing strategies still in effect as a result of COVID-19, events like these have been cancelled or postponed for obvious reasons. Not LAB. Heather and Mollie made sure the show would go on. They knew that what we needed now more than ever was this connection and sense of community. They turned to Zoom and like business meetings and happy hours across the country went virtual and pulled it off like only they could with over 150 attendees joining in.
The topic was Renovate To Rent: You Can't Do It Alone. Moderated by Kelly Kegans (Mpls St. Paul Home + Design) with Heather and Brad Fox (Fox Homes), Mercedes Austin (Mercury Mosaics) and Elise Nicpon (Room & Board).
Over the course of about 50 minutes the panel shared personal experiences of their own individual journeys in business and spoke to the power of collaboration with other local design-forward businesses. They went into detail on Eichler Palms the investment property husband and wife duo Heather and Brad Fox recently renovated in Palm Springs collaborating with the other panelists. The project utilized almost exclusively Minnesota based companies on interior design and decorating. They emphasized the power of having good partners while supporting local designers and using higher quality sustainable items. This is a rental property for now, but the Foxes plan to retire here after their kids move out so they want everything they added to the home to last. The HGTV stars ("Stay or Sell") even dropped a hint of a new show they are working on. Stay tuned for that!
At the end of the hour there was the usual drawing giveaway of beautiful locally curated prizes and gift cards and Mollie proclaimed "even though we weren't right next to each other, we felt like we were". We sure did.
LAB is one of the many small businesses we are so proud to partner with. During this uncertain time we have worked tirelessly to provide assistance to our Minnesota businesses with SBA loans and guidance. Over several late nights and weekend hours our team was able to process every single completed application we received these past few weeks. We stand by our commitment to provide certainty, reliability and flexibility ALWAYS. We are in this together Minnesota.
"Flagship Bank is built on quality relationships and fantastic customer service and truly care about community. Being a small business owner, having ongoing support and dependable people to help you with your money is incredibly important to me. And they truly support our business - they sponsor our events, and we have formed genuine friendships with their staff. I am so grateful for their team and exceptional service and support." Mollie Windmiller Co-Founder of LAB and Owner & Creative Director for Windmiller Design Group
