The heart of our mission is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities. In the recent weeks, we’ve had the privilege to connect with some incredible artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with the incredible group below. Check out our favorite stories from across the Voyage family.
Ann Carter
I discovered the joy of community square dancing in college. I was a regular dancer for many years before becoming a caller. One night at the Monday Night Square Dance in Minneapolis a seasoned caller witnessed me helping out some beginners in a square at the back of the room that was struggling. Read more>>
Terri Penshorn
When I graduated from college with a Chemistry degree, I went to work in a Biochemistry lab at the Univ. of IA. It was NOT for me. On a weekend shopping trip with my sister, I happened upon a college fair at a local shopping mall. Right outside the store we were going to was a booth for an Accelerated Pharmacy program at Drake University. Read more>>
Roger J Fuhrman
I started my career after graduating from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa, with a degree in Mass Communication. Like a lot of people early on, I jumped into sales—selling advertising for a collectible magazine publisher. It was my first real introduction to rejection, persistence, and the art of convincing someone that, yes, they absolutely needed to be in our magazine. Read more>>
Mike Sojka
A Journey in Coaching: Experiences, Integrity, and Whole Person Growth Introduction: Charting My Path in Coaching Embarking on a coaching journey has been both rewarding and enlightening. Over the years, I’ve learned that coaching is more than just guiding someone—it’s about empowering them to grow as a whole person. Read more>>
Leanne Guba
My husband and I started our store after the former craft store closed in 2015. We started with an empty building and started by putting up shelving units and other fixtures. We researched suppliers for items we were interested in carrying. Some items were the same as the former store, but we also explored new offerings as well. Read more>>
Corissa Sutton
Corissa Sutton Enterprises began as a real estate business, but over the last five years it has grown into something much bigger. What started with helping people buy and sell homes has evolved into a parent company centered on homeownership, education, empowerment, and community impact. Read more>>
Alec Korby
Ever since a child I was going to projects & estimates with my dad. My late father owned Korby’s Construction & Exterior located out of Perham, MN. He would let me get a bug juice from the gas station everytime we went out to a job, I was a little too young to be swinging a hammer so I mostly played with my action figures. Read more>>
Edmyr Morales
I am from puerto Rico, I came to minnesota in 2016. With 135 dollars on me. I study electricity in 2001 and graduate in 2003, in took my test and pass. My father whas the one to talk to me in to study electrical. Who’s the best depiction ever. In to 2010 I start a bar in puerto Rico that is how everything start l. Read more>>
Tom Sinning
Our Outreach Foodshelf began in the attic above the offices of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in the summer of 1983. We constructed shelves for canned goods and nonperishable items. In the basement of the church we added two additional refrigerators and freezers for dairy and meats. Read more>>
Jakkie DeCorsey
The work that I do as a therapist is the very same work that saved my own life. Over 10 years ago, I found myself in the office of a therapist that I could feel actually cared about me and my life. Read more>>
Michael Sodnik
My name is Michael Sodnik- I’m a musician, singer-songwriter, producer, and live performer. Music is definitely my main way of creating, but I’ve never liked putting myself in a box. I’m drawn to other mediums too- photography, videography, acting, and whatever else feels right in the moment. It’s all part of the same creative thread for me. My journey started pretty early on. Read more>>
Jennifer Kolter, L.Ac.
I’m a mom of 4 children. As a mom it’s extremely hard on us when the littles get sick and you don’t know what to do. I did lots of digging on ways to build health. Found Traditional Chinese Medicine in my search and fell in love with the idea of knowing what herbs to use for colds and flus and so much more. Read more>>
Peter Eckerline
I’m one of five kids and grew up in Ladysmith, a small town in Northern Wisconsin. I worked summers as a short order cook at the A&W drive-in and lifeguarded at the town beach. When I was 12, a local banker gave me my first real job sweeping floors at his bank. Read more>>
Amanda Pudil
Growing up all I ever wanted was to do makeup. I wanted to make women feel beautiful. I didn’t get to go to makeup school like I dreamed, instead I took a winding road; little did I know that God had a bigger plan for me than just makeup. At the time you had to be licensed to do makeup in the state. Read more>>
Nick Simon
I started Bats & Beyond Wildlife Services after spending many years working in exterior remodeling, mostly as a roofer of over 20 years. That background gave me a strong understanding of how homes are built, where vulnerable areas exist, and how animals are able to gain access. Read more>>
Ward Myers
I had bought the company in 2018, it was a small dog toy company with 12 items and very little revenue. Since, we have 50 folded the revenue and have over 200 products. These products include 100% sustainable toys, tough plush toys, treat dispensers, made in USA toys and we also own a all-natural bakery where we make dog treats. Read more>>
Kim Anderson
My journey with The Gymnastics Physio started from my own experience as a former collegiate gymnast. Going through the demands of the sport firsthand—training, competing, and dealing with injuries—I saw how challenging it was to find healthcare providers who truly understood the sport. After finishing my gymnastics career, I became a physical therapist and worked in a more traditional clinic setting. Read more>>
Todd Peterson
Living in Thief River Falls, MN I was the youth pastor of my home church. I was given a call to come be the Pastor of a rural church in Fertile, MN in 1996. After 3 years and some things changing in my life I decided to resign and start a landscaping business, which I saw a need for. Read more>>
Sonam Chodon
My brother, my husband, and I started a food pop-up business back in 2018 in a small farmers’ market. Not knowing much about the food business, we were not sure how the business would turn out. We all had our own full-time job as this was a size gig. Fortunately, we were overwhelmed and became very optimistic when people responded very positively to our food. Read more>>
Jolea Gress
I got my start working with plants in college, first with Linder’s Greenhouses and then with a small farm and greenhouse operation. It was during that time that I was introduced to organic farming and the importance of being good stewards of the land—principles that have stayed with me ever since. Farming also runs in my roots. Read more>>
SBAA – Soderville Blaine Athletic Association
I joined the SBAA board a few years ago representing both baseball and fastpitch. I’m also on the fastpitch board. I have two daughters that play for the SBAA organization. I first started as an assistant coach and then recently coached our 10A fastpitch team in 2025. I’m currently a resident in Ham Lake, MN. Read more>>
Mark Johnson
It all started in 1976 when I read an article in Mother Earth News about a young couple that turned an old barn into a home without a mortgage. Read more>>
Sandy Hruby
The dream and vision for Parents Inspired came from a strong passion of 4 people who have a desire to help families and children. Read more>>
