Success is building Ellsworth one business at a time.

At least that’s how Stacie Schmidt, the executive director of Ellsworth County Economic Development sees it.

“Grassroots mom and pops is where we are really finding success,” she said.

With historically low unemployment numbers, her job in economic development is a little more difficult these days.

“Does it mean I don’t try to recruit industry?” Schmidt said. “We don’t have the workforce right now. So grassroots is where we’re finding success.”

It’s one building, one business at a time.

In February, Sean Petersen of Petersen Enterprises was awarded the Rising Award at the ECED’s annual meeting for his work revitalizing the former Surveys building.

“That block used to only hold (one business),” Schmidt said. “When Surveys left, he bought it, renovated that entire block.”

A building that was home to one business multiplied into four: Hattie Jo’s Coffee House, Manestream Salon, Ellsworth Strength Center and Farm Bureau Financial Services.

“I hate seeing empty buildings,” Petersen said. “I want to see a vibrant downtown.”

Petersen has previous experience in refreshing historic properties, and the building on W. North Main Street seemed like the right fit. He also received a loan from the Ellsworth County Economic Development to assist with the improvements.

“I think there is need for people to have an opportunity. I like the fixing, but don’t have the time to open my own business and run my own business,” he said. “In my life experience, doing the things I’ve done, I know a little about the struggles people have with starting a business.

“If you have to fix up a location, it takes up a lot of capital from your business. It satisfies what I like to do, but also gives people the opportunity.”

Jordan Lahey and her husband, Ryan, moved to Ellsworth about three years ago. “I will always remem

“I will always remember unpacking boxes in our house and we wanted to go get coffee,” she said. “We were driving around and there wasn’t much to choose from.”

She worked in education for one year, but the memory of her early days in Ellsworth stuck with her.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” she said. “Eventually, I said, let’s explore our options, see if anything is available.”

She met with Schmidt early in 2021 to discuss options, which is when she was introduced to Petersen.

“It was cool how it all fell into place in the perfect time,” she said of Hattie Jo’s. “It was the perfect space, he was in the process of renovating it. I got to work with him side-by-side. We got to pick out materials and design the space.

“It was amazing, he had the contractor lined up, had a vision himself, and we luckily shared the same vision. I can’t imagine trying to do all of the work on our own.”

Being part of downtown is exciting for Peterseen.

“Some communities, their downtown really struggle,” he said. “I think if it’s something I can do to help and promote downtown, I want to do it.”

One struggle established businesses could face is business succession, Petersen said.

“I think there are a lot of businesses that have been around that at some point people will need to transition,” he said. “A lot of their retirement is probably tied up in those businesses. You want to see the next generation step up and take those on.

“I would like to see people continue to transition their business and be successful at what they’re trying to do.”

With less than one year off business under its belt, Hattie Jo’s continues to be flexible.

“Challenge-wise, we’re dealing with the same things small businesses are … supply issues, hunting down materials, price increases,” Lahey said.

One flexible area has been hours. Originally, she was open on Mondays, but workforce shortage was a reality she had to face.

“I would love to be able to expand my hours permanently,” Lahey said. “Right now, for summer we’re open till 3. When high school and college kids go back to school, it’s not feasible.”

Eventually, she would love to expand.

“I would love to somehow in the future do some sort of patio space, to expand to an outdoor seating area,” Lahey said. “I’m not sure how to go about that yet, but I would love more seating areas. I’d also love to be able to be open seven days a week eventually.”

For Petersen, being part of Ellsworth’s continued expansion is rewarding.

“I told Jordan my payback is seeing them being successful, that’s what I’m about,” he said.

“It takes more than one. It takes several to have faith and make the investment.”