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Saturday, July 11, 2009
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Biz Buzz: Former Gas Can getting fresh look
In northeast Brainerd, the former and sometimes controversial Gas Can convenience store, which was often in dispute with the city regarding city codes and site development, has a new owner and a new plan for business.
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The former Gas Can convenience store in northeast Brainerd next to Lum Park has a new owner, a new business plan and a new name in Petro Plus. After a major renovation of the facility, the new BP station, is expected to open in August. Brainerd Dispatch/Renee Richardson
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Work crews were busy moving earth and removing equipment at the site last week. The Woods Landscaping crew removed trees and cleared brush behind the convenience store, which is just off Highway 210 next to Lum Park. And machinery removed the pavement from the vacated stretch of I Street that ran behind the convenience store linking 13th Avenue Northeast to Lum Park Road.
New owner Dean Mielke, president and chief executive officer of Adium Oil Co., which does business as a petroleum distributor and does business as Petro Plus, a convenience store and gas station. Adium Oil Co. operates locations in the five-state Midwest region.
"This should be a good location," Mielke said. "I think I'll be an asset to Brainerd."
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Pavement was removed Thursday from a section of I Street behind the northeast Brainerd convenience store next to Lum Park. The section of street, connecting 13th Avenue and Lum Park Road, was vacated and the undeveloped land was purchased by the convenience store's new owner. Brainerd Dispatch/Renee Richardson
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Cement issues, such as a drainage problem that had water pooling at customers' feet while they were at the pump, are being fixed so water drains to the proper collection channels. Interior equipment was being removed late last week. Mielke said he was able to get the property at a good price, allowing the considerable investment in a facility that is about 5 years old.
Some changes reflect the new owner's choice of color and his expectations for what will sell well in a convenience store. Others are changes to collect what are considered design flaws, such as an update to the car wash that moves the entrance to the back of the store so customers exit from the front. Previously customers began lining up in front, just where traffic was also turning after filling up at the pumps. A vacuum island and air station will be added behind the store.
By buying the lot behind the store, which was considered for an apartment building, Mielke had the necessary green space to put in an access road to 13th Avenue, creating an exit/entrance from both directions.
Part of the goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere that gives drivers clearly marked roadways and an inviting place to stop, Mielke said. The brush was cleared behind the store in order to continue the park setting look next door. And trees were cleared for diesel pump access so large vehicles would be able to pull in and out with ease. With Lum Park and Rice Lake access nearby, Mielke said the improvements seemed to fit well to attract vehicles pulling boats trailers and campers.
Mielke said he knows not all the neighbors are happy with the convenience store location, but he hopes they will like the renovated version. Mielke said he is excited about the project and wants to be a good neighbor while he creates a successful business. He points to the Petro Plus he owns in Pillager and to other company sites in Randall, Detroit Lakes and Starbuck. In Brainerd, the station will have gas and diesel, recreational premium for boats and antique or collector cars.
Inside the store, there will be changes to the color scheme, the deli portion will be without the sub sandwiches and instead focus on items that Mielke describes as "grab-and-go," like deep-fried mini taco baskets among others. The store will have live bait and exchange-only propane tanks. Mielke said he has an emphasis running a clean and neat operation that promotes a comfort level with customers.
Mielke said the business plans to employ about 12 people with at least four full-time positions. Mielke hopes taking over from a closed business will help create separation from the previous owners to the new facility he has planned.
"Longevity is what I'm looking for," he said. "And to be successful. I think we'll do a good job here and I think people will like what they see."
While it can be a daunting time to open a business, Mielke said he sees this as an opportunity.
"I'm hoping this will be one of my best ones," Mielke said of the Brainerd Petro Plus. "We're not just going to reopen it, we're going to make it better."
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United Products Corp. opened in June on Wright Street across from the Brainerd Armory. Brainerd Dispatch/Renee Richardson
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United Products Corp., a distributor of roofing, siding, windows, decking and fencing for contractors, builders and roofers and doing business with lumberyards, opened in June on Wright Street in the Brainerd Industrial Park across from the Brainerd National Guard Armory. Mike Parent, area manager, said six people, with sales staff and drivers, will be serving the lakes area]. United Products has been in business since 1925 and has its headquarters in St. Paul. The Brainerd facility is its 15th location. Other nearby locations are in St. Cloud and Duluth.
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United Products Corp. expanded operations to Brainerd for the Minnesota-based company. Brainerd is its 15th location. United Products is a distributor of roofing, siding, windows, decking and fencing for contractors and builders. Brainerd Dispatch/Renee Richardson
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Parent said the company has been doing business in the Brainerd area for about 10 years.
"We just felt to have a presence here was the best way to grow," Parent said.
He acknowledged it was a tough time in the building sector and in sales in general.
"When it turns around we want to be positioned right," he said, noting sales staff meets with customers at job sites during the day or night. "We're here to earn their business."
The famed Ak Sar Ben garden, owned by Richard and RoxAnne Bouley of Deerwood, is on the Minnesota Historical Society Web site and noted for its rock sculptures. It will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 18. The garden's history goes back to 1932 and includes a park-like setting, hundreds of flowers, the rock work and water features.
Arnold and Hugo Vogt first discovered the area while on a fishing trip to Crow Wing County in 1918. The Vogts constructed the rock garden. They came to the lake country from Nebraska. They spelled their home state backward and came up with a catchy if broken phrase for their small Minnesota summer home.
Rock creations included smooth pebbles from Lake Mille Lacs and Italian marble for some walkways that came from a Minneapolis source. One pool is made of a peculiar rock crystal formation brought from the Ozarks.
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
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