Airlake Industrial Park Developer, Maynard Johnson, is the focus of a new book, "Maynard's Reflections," written by his grandson, Brant Skogrand.
I had the opportunity a few months back to be interviewed by Brant, as we discussed my mentor, Maynard Johnson, and our work at Hitchcock Industries and the Airlake Industrial Park. I shared some of my favorite stories about working with Maynard and the work involved in turning a farmfield and a dream into one of the state's largest industrial parks, and Lakeville airport.
The book was recently released through Amazon.com and has been accepted into both the Dakota County and Lakeville historical society collections. I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Todd Nelson with the Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper regarding the book, in his article, "Family history tells the story of Airlake Industrial Park in Lakeville."
In the same Star Tribune article, City of Lakeville Community and Economic Development Director, David Olson, said, “Having Airlake Industrial Park has been an asset to the city." Further stating, “The availability of land for companies looking to locate in Lakeville, having that industrial park has been a benefit to the city of Lakeville for decades.”
I am pleased to see Maynard's story being told, as he has been the single most influential person on my career. If you have the chance, read the book to learn more about Maynard's life and the influence he has had on so many and our local business community and the City of Lakeville, MN.
Additional article regarding the book project: Sun Thisweek