By Jamie O’Day
The top eight calendar sales people in Mini-School won a trip up north. These people were: Jamie O’Day, Lacey Landt, Gabe Peterson, Dan Voaklander, Hilary Carignan, Kortnie Hansen, Aaron Hoerst, and Geno Faraci. The trip was led by Doug Berg and Joe Juranitch. Our first major stop was Granite Gear, a small company that was started by two guys almost right out of Minnetonka High School. One of these guys, President of the company, is Mini-School’s Tony Cruikshank’s uncle, Dan Cruikshank.
Their small company is located in Two Harbors MN. They have only one production line. Their products are sold all over the country. They went to shows and got their products recognized. Their first product was a compactable stuff sack for a sleeping bag, the first one ever invented. That was the product that got them started. Their product line has now expanded to include: backpacks, mitts, gloves, winter hats, gaiters, and much more. They have fun and really enjoy what they do. They are a strong independent company.
They started out with an idea, in a very competitive market. They wanted to make backpacks and other things to go camping and canoeing with. They showed a lot of strength and courage during our journey. They struggled and survived because of their passion for what they were doing. An idea, a passion, and independence.