Maynard's Memories

FARM KID BECOMES BIG CITY BUSINESSMAN. Growing up in tiny rural Dawson, Minn., Maynard Johnson knew that he didn't want to spend his life farming. He wanted to go into business instead. Maynard's business dreams were put on hold a couple of times - first after his dad became ill while Maynard was in college and he had to go back to Dawson to run the family farm for a year, and then when World War II beckoned. But eventually Maynard was able to have his flourishing business career, serving as the driving force behind the development of Airlake Industrial Park on 1,600 acres of land in the Twin Cities suburb Lakeville. From Maynard's story, his grandson, Brant Skogrand, draws 15 life lessons that would improve anyone's life. KUDOS FOR MAYNARD JOHNSON "Maynard is probably the single most person who has had an impact on me over my whole career." -- Jack Matasosky, Owner and CEO of APPRO Development and Owner and Broker of CERRON Properties "Maynard's confidence, help, faith and advice were absolutely invaluable in the foundation of my company." -- Russ DeFauw, President of Performance Office Papers BRANT SKOGRAND, APR, MBC, is the author of the books "19 Tips for Successful Public Relations" and "From Fringe Party to Serious Contender." Brant posts regularly to the Skogrand PR Solutions Blog (www.skograndpr.com/blog). He resides in Apple Valley, Minn., with his wife, son and calico cat.