Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Welder.
Emily, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Our story began when we were very young parents, just doing what it took to provide for our family.
After our first child was born, Jellay went on the road working in asphalt road construction. Over time, he worked his way up to an asphalt construction superintendent, often working 80 hour weeks to support our growing family. We were grateful for the stability, but the long hours and time away from home were hard, and we knew we wanted something different.
About seven years ago, during a home inspection on our own house, we learned that we had high radon levels. What surprised us most was how difficult it was to find a qualified installer nearby.
As our family grew, so did our desire to build something of our own that allowed us to be present for our kids while still doing meaningful work. Knowing how common and dangerous radon is in Minnesota and North Dakota, especially in homes where families are raising children, we felt called to step in and help fill that gap.
Starting Up North Radon LLC was a leap of faith. We built it from the ground up with a focus on education, integrity, and doing things the right way. Today, we serve homeowners, multifamily, and commercial properties while meeting state, HUD, and Fannie Mae requirements.
This business is truly a family effort. Our teenagers help where they can and are learning firsthand what it looks like to work hard and serve others. Our hope is to build a generational business that they can be proud of and possibly take over someday. Up North Radon is not just what we do. It is the legacy we are building together.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting in a regulated industry came with a steep learning curve, along with the challenges of building awareness in a field many people are unfamiliar with.
Like most small businesses, managing startup costs, seasonal slowdowns, and steadily growing has required persistence and adaptability.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Up North Radon LLC?
We own and operate Up North Radon LLC, a family-run radon testing and mitigation company serving Minnesota and North Dakota. Our work focuses on protecting homes and buildings through education, testing, and mitigation, with an emphasis on professionalism, compliance, and long-term community impact.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
We view risk as something to approach thoughtfully and not recklessly.
Starting our own business meant stepping away from a stable career and investing in training, equipment, and growth without any guarantees.
It has been a significant risk, but one we have taken with careful planning and a long-term mindset.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://upnorthradon.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1UPJ5DWLPc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/up-north-radon-fergus-falls?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
- Other: https://share.google/R8zUfimAx5WCxjydI
