The NEC has a network of experienced business advisors who volunteer their time to provide FREE and CONFIDENTIAL business advice to any small business entrepreneur or business owner in the Northfield area — in person, by phone, even via e-mail if you like. These advisors have many years of successful business experience as business owners, business managers, and senior executives in major corporations. In addition, these men and women are experienced in finance, accounting, sales, marketing, manufacturing, public relations, and much more.If you’d like to tap into this network of expertise, or become a part of the network, contact the NEC. We look forward to helping you!

Meet Our Advisors

Will Brosz
Will is former President with Norwest Bank-Northfield, now Wells Fargo. Following his 30-year career in banking, he was Director of Investments at St. Olaf College for 10 years. Will continues to serve on a number of community boards and as financial advisor for several companies and individuals in the community. Will is ready to help if you are looking for expertise in credit analysis and financial matters.

William Cowles

Anne Lundstrom
For the past 15 years Anne was owner and President of ALL Flex, Inc., a manufacturer of flexible printed circuits for the medical, military, industrial, and scientific markets. In addition, she owned and operated AVT, located in Bloomington, a company servicing the needs of the printed circuit industry for metal plating, imaging, assembly, and value-added processes. Anne is ready to help if you are looking for expertise in starting and running a successful business, particularly a retail, food, or steel business.

Bernie Renander
Bernie spent 38 years with Norwest Banks, now Wells Fargo. He was local president of Wells Fargo in Northfield and Wells Fargo District President in Faribault. Throughout his career, Bernie held various other positions in finance and operations with Wells Fargo. If you are looking for expertise in financial and business planning, Bernie is ready to help.

Lee Runzheimer
Lee is currently CFO for IdInsight Inc., a take-off stage company that recently relocated to Northfield. Lee also served as Executive Director for the Northfield Enterprise Center. Lee’s small business experience is primarily in the financial, software systems, and network services areas. He has been involved in several successful start-up and rapid growth companies. Lee is ready to help if you are looking for expertise in financial, turnaround, or start-up planning.

John Stull
John spent 32 years with Malt-O-Meal, and retired as their Senior Vice-President of Manufacturing. John was instrumental in helping grow this small business to nearly 1,000 employees and annual sales of $400 million. John has also served as Northfield City Councilor and Mayor. John is currently the “Entrepreneur in Residence” at St. Olaf’s Center For Experiential Learning. If you are looking for expertise in manufacturing, or entrepreneurship, John can help.

Larry Werner
Larry recently became General Manager for Thisweek Newspapers, after spending almost 25 years at the Star Tribune. Larry is a highly-skilled writer, editor, and manager of people and projects. He also is an entrepreneur who owns and operates a catering company, is part owner of a golf course, and owns commercial and residential property. Larry can help if you are looking for expertise in communications, catering, or property rental.