SEP 10, 2013 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
Brad Rixmann, Pawn America CEO
At just 24 years-old, Brad Rixmann decided to take on a very unique challenge. Inspired by his first visit to a local pawn shop, his entrepreneurial intuition told him he could “do it better.”
President Captain Jim Kosmo called the group to order Poolside at the Crowne Plaza.
Jim Field led a reserved version of God Bless America (a bit for some us tenors after the full lunch), with Dennis Boom tickling the distance ivories located in the next room.
Jean Vukas Roberts led the group in a moment of silence for the worker recently killed accidentally in the construction of the St. Paul Saints Stadium, then led a heartfelt invocation.
Carley Stuber had it easy her first time at the microphone introducing visiting Rotarians (there were none) and guests.
Rotarians with guests included Dennis Boom who brought his neighbor Jerry Hess, whose son works for Pawn America. Barbara Nichols introduced prospective member Dr. Tim Burkett, CEO of People, Inc. Roger Nielsen introduced fellow artist Bill Hosko and Joe Spencer, the Mayor’s cultural attaché. Chuck Armstrong from Pawn America was also in the crowd as guest of our keynote speaker.
Thursday’s Fellowship Breakfast features Beth Naughton, Minnesota Historical Society.
Mike Franklin encouraged all Rotarians with a Facebook account to “Like” St Paul Rotary on Facebook. At the time of his announcement, our page had 28 likes so far, just 6 shy of the goal for the week. More fans were declaring themselves during the meeting thanks to smart phones. (Please note it is OK to be on your phone during the meeting if it’s for official Rotary business!)
Upcoming Programs: Jay Pfaender reminded the group that next week will feature Myles Shaver, Professor of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship at the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota will address The Role of Corporate HQ in the Twin Cities. The Following week (September 24), Dan Schneeman will address "New Health Care Law and Implementation for Small Business."
Rose Sale Update from Carla Hauge. This annual tournament of rose sales is our club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, with a goal to sell 1,200 dozen roses. Sell them to yourself, your, your friends and colleagues, Darrell Butterwick is the man to beat – he sells close to 100 dozen! You may also donate your roses to Little Sisters of the Poor – we will deliver to them. Put up a flyer in your workplace, your building. Volunteers are needed to staff the skyway sales table on the 26th and 27th. Nancy Anderson is also coordinating a point of sale location in Minneapolis on Sept. 27th. See Nancy Anderson to sign up.
Pine Tree Apple Orchard Hay Ride. In his remarks, Mick White referenced an unfortunately liquid laughing incident at last year’s event as his teaser for just how fun it is. Please bring the children and grandchildren (and perhaps some rubber pants) to enjoy a lovely fall evening at the Pine Tree Apple Orchard, which was just featured as Minnesota’s Best.
· 5:30 p.m. – Hay ride and pumpkin picking
· 6:30 p.m. – Picnic dinner and bonfire
· 7:30 p.m. – Apple Cider and Apple Pie Dessert
$16.00 – Adults
$ 7.00 – Children ages 2-7
Happy Dollars with Kathleen Riley. We were a happy bunch this week – must have been the proximity to the relaxing splash of the pool! Linda Mulhern shared her daughter’s experience as a Freshman at Highland Park interviewing WWII veterans (my, they were eager subjects!). Ann Frisch encouraged members to sign up for the new Rotary Action Group for Peace and savor this historic moment of Syria’s vote for peace.
Vicki Gee-Treft had us looking forward to next week’s greeters, who will be our Friendship Exchange Rotarians from British Columbia. Nancy Anderson shared the upcoming excitement dropping off her son at the University of Chicago. Roger Nielsen shared that his granddaughter, a new freshman at Georgia Tech, just performed on TV with their Drum & Bugle Corps. Bill Collins gave in honor of Dick Stockwell’s 88th birthday celebration at today’s Rotary lunch (and looked forward to being both 88 and still at Rotary!) and offered free tickets to Mrs. Smith at Camp Cabaret. Kathleen Riley toasted the wedding bells at Plymouth Congregational Church ringing for the legal wedding of two gay friends who’ve been together 23 years! Jim Kosmo, put in some guilt money for not buying his wife Rotary roses last year (he says it is because she grows her own), and shared that Shelly’s gardening prowess got her in the newspaper for a feature on creating a fairy garden with their granddaughter.
Mike Franklin introduced today’s speaker, Brad Rixmann, CEO, Pawn America (nephew of outstanding Rotarian Donovan Schwichtenburg. Brad took the microphone and his remarks out into the crowd for a true poolside mixer.
Brad shared a bit about his upbringing being adopted into a wonderful family from Hibbing and attending Missouri Synod Lutheran Schools were Pastor Schramm taught him about Joy and Service Above Self. He started his work career in the family real estate company, renting apartments near the University. That proved to be a recipe for disaster, so he moved into sales. Along the way he patronized a local pawn shop and became intrigued by the business. He took a week’s vacation to count the foot traffic into that store every day. He was blown away by the thousands of customers visiting the store. He then found a mentor through the National Pawnbroker’s Association and began to learn about the industry. Brad eventually asked his dad for $10,000 to open his first 1,000 square foot store in Robbinsdale. Annual revenue today is just under $100 million after 22 years in business and more than 30 stores across the Upper Midwest.
Brad never allowed Pawn American affirm the public perception as a shady enterprise. The company wants to have a presence in the places where customers are happy and comfortable spending their money. Rather than use other pawnbrokers as a benchmark, they emulate other popular retailers like Target and Best Buy, examining their policies and practices. Stores are well-lit, well-maintained and very clean and team members wear a uniform with a tie to create a welcoming, inviting environment.
For years, the business was transaction orientated, but now it is customer focused. Empathy is a key ingredient to success. Customers who come in looking for a loan are in a tight situation and not feeling their best, but the transaction needs to be a win-win for each customer. Customers need to know the team and the company cares about their needs.
His topic – Get More, Give More Every Day – truly came full circle as he talked about his passion for giving back. He has shaped a company that is profitable, but also cares about the community, volunteering for and contributing to organizations like The Boys and Girls Club. Brad spoke eloquently about the services and value The Boys and Girls Clubs provide. Pawn America has been opening kitchens in as many clubs as they can to feed dinner to 1,000 kids every day.
His company enjoys an unfathomable industry renaissance
complemented by steady annual growth, national recognition and a slew of honors
from Twin Cities’ opinion and business leaders. The company employs about 500
full-time “Pawn Americans” and continues to grow despite the many challenges
the industry presents.
Michael-jon Pease,
Scribe