January 25th, 2006

My mother always told me, surround yourself with quality people and they can make you or anyone else look good.

Well, I don’t know about me, but I must say we have some very talented and dedicated people here at the Northfield News, but this is not about them or me, it is about John Mathern, the Mendota Homes’ developer extraordinaire.

Many of you have kept up on “The Crossing,” the 7-acre mixed use development site along the Cannon River, which John and his staff held a ground breaking on last week. The event included a big tent to house all of the guests, some very interesting photos of the various developments that he is spearheading, here and in different communities across the state, as well as a very nice lunch and music to go along with it. There were more than 300 people who braved the cold to be involved, and that in itself should tell you something.

I had the opportunity to meet and visit with John for just a short time, finding out that he is one terrific guy. You love people who look you in the eye and speak the truth and work hard … and John fits the bill.

He is obviously well schooled in the art of development and is willing to invest some $70 million or more in the private development of this community alone. Those projects include The Crossing, the noted Q-block on the west side of Minnesota Highway 3, the old Community Bank building on Division Street and the loft/studio for artists. Wow!

Most of us would be spinning if we had one major project going, but John has numerous ones in the works and he seems calm, collected and confident about his endeavors. My guess is that he has surrounded himself with some pretty solid people and his daughter Erin, opened the short program by introducing her dad as the man behind the vision. Her sister, Allison, whom I did not get a chance to meet, was also there and John can be proud of those two professional young women and daughters as they carried themselves very well and were true ambassadors for Mendota Homes. Then there is the lead-dog, as I call him, Jason Sellars, who seems to be the very capable and visible ingredient for Mendota Homes in Northfield. And of course there were probably 25 or more employees in and around the tent who obviously play an important role at Mendota Homes … my compliments to all of them.

My perception tells me that the vision Mr. Mathern has provided has sifted down to all Mendota Homes staff, and his genuineness provides that solid foundation for growth and development.

Thanks John for being involved in our great community; thanks also for bringing these new projects to fruition. Northfield is excited to be part of your vision, especially your positive attitude and determination, not to mention the new jobs, new families and new businesses that spring up due to your efforts.

By Louie Seesz

Reprinted with permission from the Northfield News.