Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Olson.
Hi Mike, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am the Director at Duluth Makerspace. Duluth Makerspace is a 501c3 non-profit providing an 11,000 sq foot community multi-discipline industrial, arts, and technology space where members can access tools and equipment for a small monthly fee. We have acted as an incubator for small businesses, a workplace for artists, a creative outlet, and a location where ideas can become a reality. Some of our members have been able to find employment, start full or part-time businesses, and help other small local businesses with creative solutions. And build and improve personal “do it yourself” skills due to their learning and experience at our MakerSpace. Promote life skills, sustainability, creativity, and inspiration by providing access to tools, technical equipment, workspace, and education to the community at an affordable price. I took the part-time Director job when our previous Director left the position. I was retired from my career, exploring my creativity as an artist, and I was not particularly interested in having a job. But, I am passionate about the Duluth Makerspace and want to try and ensure it is around for years to come. It is an incredible asset to our community. Sometimes you find a job, and sometimes a job finds you.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The history of the Duluth Makerspace has not been smooth. The concept is great. The accumulated equipment and resources are great. We could support 3 times the number of members we currently have and desperately could use the capital the additional dues would provide. Our struggles have included community outreach – getting the message about the Makerspace out to potential members. We are a creative community of do-it-yourself people, which has caused us issues when we’ve failed to get proper permits. The pandemic caused significant issues, including a shutdown, loss of members, and a slow rebuilding. It was also an opportunity to solve creatively and help the community with personal protective equipment. We are in a growth phase overall, even considering seasonal membership fluctuations. I am optimistic we will build upon our growth and improve our small non-profit.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My previous career involved responding to rapidly changing, unpredictable problems and bringing things back into order. I am not a trained non-profit director. I have some creative skills and am learning more. What I bring to Makerspace is optimism, enthusiasm, and resilience. I am known for creative problem-solving and seeing issues from different perspectives. Our volunteers are our biggest asset, and I believe in recognizing their contributions.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Duluth MakerSpace is an amazing opportunity for the people in our area. We offer access to a full wood shop, metal shop, industrial lasers, industrial sewing, tech shop, crafts, pottery studio, and lapidary studio for a small monthly fee. Members often make friends with other creative makers. Volunteers keep us operational and get the satisfaction of helping others. We offer affordable classes and help build self-sufficiency skills. Monthly memberships range from $35.00 for volunteers to $55.00 for individuals and $75.00 for couples (with a discount for automatic payments).
Pricing:
- $60.00 individual
- $55.00 individual auto pay
- $35.00 individual volunteer rate
- $80.00 couples
- $75.00 couples auto pay
Contact Info:
- Website: Duluthmakerspace.com
- Instagram: Duluthmakerspace
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/DuluthMakerSpace
