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I incorporated Gouldson Companies in December of 1992, as a necessary move to be able to create an entity under which I could carry out business in my original work, mostly involving machine shops, and special equipment and machinery.
Business grew in steps from that point forward, and evolved into other sectors as I was invited to work with companies on various projects. I began to move into other specialties, and brought what I knew of structuring and running businesses to those interests while learning new skills and procedures from the work involved. Some of that expansion was purposeful and thought out in advance, and some was more of a jump than a step, as necessities arose and opportunities presented themselves.
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To assist with this growth we began adding capabilities to support our work. Graphic design and such were added so that we were able to efficiently and correctly market each project.
More and more I was asked to consult on various companies, and for numerous reasons from assistance with correct start up, diversification and expansion, and in several periods of the economy quite a large amount of financial restructuring. This involvement in a variety of business types sparked my interest and enthusiasm to further explore, and growth continued apace within our own company with new entities of our own and my involvement in partnerships with others.
This period of working with numerous businesses gave me invaluable experience working with just about any situation, including sorting out any of the long list of conflicts that happen in business.
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I would never have imagined at the beginning what the path ahead looked like, or even the wide variety of operations I'd in some way become involved in from an advisory or partner standpoint, or even owning.
My background had been in technical interests and one day I was occupied walking a land development, placing stakes to speed the project up. I've found myself driving a forklift, moving computer room equipment around a warehouse. I've consulted for family owned businesses, some peaceful and some in dreadful conflict. I worked on a winery project that almost spoiled wine for me, but only almost. Then ended up designing labels for it!
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There were some that I now look back on and wonder: How?
The best one, and likely the funniest as I look back?
One day I had the idea to strip down a Jaguar V12 motor and turn it into a coffee table. It worked well. Several people found out about it, and there were orders. They were featured in several magazines, more orders. So many orders in fact. With no conscious decision being made, I was running a company making coffee tables, side tables and conference tables out of exotic and classic automobile engines.
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Now, with all of this experience in hand, I look forward to what comes next.
From our side we have new ventures already planned and rolling. Our yachting business is going international and releasing a new magazine. We have two big renewable energy based projects rolling out. Our publishing division is growing, and sprouting off a new division for book authors.
We are already working with clients on growing business with new media, expanding their magazine's reach by licensing it to groups in states, and are set to meet with a business development group on multiple projects of theirs. We also have a fledgling payment system start up that is causing ripples. Still, more.
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Call or e-mail, let us know of anything you'd like to see if we can work with you on. Or, stop by the offices for a coffee or wine.
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3290 St. Croix Trail S.
Afton, Minnesota 55001
+1 612.840.1754
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