Distinction Awards

Ursa Minor Brewing's story began in September of 2018 with a dream of brewing a variety of top-quality beers and serving them alongside handmade wood-fired pizzas made only with real, wholesome ingredients. I'm proud to say we've never given up on that idea, but we've grown into something larger than I ever thought possible. Six years later, we now brew and distribute beer across most of Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin, operate out of two buildings, and employ over 50 people. I'm forever grateful to our customers and my team members for the opportunity to be able to do what I do every day. My passions lie in building things and systems, but my background is actually in education. In my life before entrepreneurship, I taught high school math, biology, and chemistry at international schools with my wife Sarah, who is still an educator.

Prior to starting Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions (AMGS), I worked in the robotic and automation industry for over 25 years, deploying high tech solutions for manufacturing industries worldwide. Some of the companies I have helped to automate over the years are primarily in the transportation, building materials and semi-conductor industries. Working with these manufacturing companies, I saw a need within the marketplace for an engineered solution in the machine guarding industry which prompted me to start AMGS. Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions specializes in safety machine guarding for the automation and robotics industry. AMGS has found a niche market by providing customers with a turn-key engineered solution. AMGS utilizes our internal talent with employees to deploy automation and robotics designed by us to compete with our global competitors.

Nicole Wilde discovered her passion for ice cream at a young age while working at a custard stand in Wisconsin. Inspired by the joy that ice cream brought to others, she combined her love for food with her commitment to sustainable farming. In 2014, Wilde established Love Creamery, crafting artisanal ice cream on her hobby farm. Starting with a mobile ice cream cart at farmers markets and events, the company quickly gained a loyal following. By 2018, Love Creamery had expanded into its first retail store, and has since grown into a thriving business with multiple scoop shops, wholesale accounts, and a dedicated team of employees. Recognized for its exceptional ice cream, Love Creamery has received numerous awards, including the title of "Best Ice Cream Parlor in the Midwest" from Midwest Living Magazine. Wilde continues to blend her passions for sustainable farming, food, and the environment, seeking new opportunities to make a positive impact on her community and planet, one scoop at a time.

Dr. Chiamaka Enemuoh is the Founder and President of Lifestone Health Care, Inc., an assisted living home in Proctor, Minnesota. Holding a doctorate in nursing and with over 20 years of healthcare experience, she is dedicated to providing respectful, reliable care in a home-like setting while fostering her employees’ development. In recognition of her leadership, she received the 2023 Minnesota Assisted Living Director of the Year Award. Dr. Enemuoh also serves on multiple boards including her current role as Chair of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and actively volunteers with several local nonprofits. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, LeadingAge Minnesota, and Care Providers of Minnesota. She is known for her consistent reliability, meticulous planning, and adeptness at managing multiple commitments. Dr. Enemuoh gracefully balances her family and entrepreneurial roles. A devoted wife and mother, she enjoys reading, traveling, and self-development podcasts. Her guiding philosophy is: "Be truthful to yourself and others."

Jessica and Erik Lietz are the owners of Boomtown Brewery and Woodfire Grill with locations in Rice Lake/Duluth, Eveleth, and Hibbing, MN. They also own the Whistling Bird in Gilbert, MN and operate Boomtown Group Catering out of the historic Androy in Hibbing where they offer both on-site and off-site catering services. Boomtown aims to offer up high-quality food and customer service complimented by a wide selection of rotating craft beers brewed out of the Hibbing Boomtown location. Since opening in 2015, Boomtown takes pride in offering a menu that brings people together in a relaxed, welcoming environment. They are dedicated to hospitality and are continuously looking for ways to grow and improve. In addition to the demands of the restaurant business, they try to balance entrepreneurial pursuits with a busy family life, raising 3- and 5-year-old children. This dual role as parents and business owners has certainly shaped their approach to leadership.

Larry Pulkrabek is a seasoned entrepreneur and the CEO of Trika USA fishing rods and Mont du Lac Resort in Superior, Wisconsin. With a strong background in the archery industry, he previously founded and led several successful companies, including Rage Broadheads, Ravin Crossbows, and IQ Bowsights. Starting in 1997 with Field Logic, which he launched in his garage, relocated to Superior, and successfully grew into a major player in the outdoors industry before selling it in 2015. His innovative approach continues to drive success in his current ventures.

Since their inception in 1999, the goal of Rox Speed FX has been to improve your riding experience through products providing increased personal comfort, vehicle control and added confidence. To showcase their products, Rox has built more than 50 specialized custom ATV, UTV, snowmobile and motorcycles for promotional show displays, motorsport accessory companies and even concept projects for the major OEM’s. Many of which were featured in national magazines. 2024 marks 25 years in business for Rox Speed FX. Rox Speed FX innovative Pivot Bar Risers, Height Adjustable Risers and Barback Risers allow customers to dial in the handlebar position on their ATV, Snowmobile, and motorcycle for a customized cockpit. Those objectives helped kickstart Rox Speed FX back in 1999, and they’re what continue to guide the family-owned company today. Rox Speed FX capabilities include Prototyping, 3D modeling, textile design and sewing, machining, welding, assembly and contract manufacturing.

We are an ambitious “family first” business. My husband and I, our three kids, each of their spouses, and our dedicated crew of 100+ enthusiastic employees are all rooted to our unwavering commitment to make our family, friends, and thirsty guests eager to return time and time again.

I have been a serial entrepreneur in unrelated fields, starting with a medical underwriting business that focused on an ultra-niche field in the life insurance industry, followed by ownership of a small leather goods business, and now as the founder and president of Victual. Victual is somewhat of a unicorn in the retail segment, focusing on house-made ice cream, artisan cheeses in a cut-and-wrap shop, charcuterie and deli meats, artisan breads, packaged gourmet, maker-made gifts and specialty wines/spirits/liqueurs. Our product focus mimics what you'd see in a large metropolitan area, but we're located in Crosby, MN, a town of 2400 people. We're known for an eclectic product mix, expertly curated, with a laser focus on product knowledge and customer service. In 2022, Victual was named the Retailer of the Year by the Minnesota Retailers Association.