Dahlquist Machine started with humble beginnings in a garage in Coon Rapids by Jeff Dahlquist’s father, Donald.
After college, Jeff had initially worked for a medical company and was looking for a new job. He had received an offer from a different firm but leaned towards taking over Dahlquist Machine after some encouragement from his father.
“(I) worked for him for four years. We were working back-to-back in a ten-by-ten room all day long. So it was really cool to hang with him,” said President Jeff Dahlquist.
Jeff officially purchased and took over the business after Don lost his battle to colon cancer.
“My dad was my best friend. I talked to him almost every day. I saw him at least there or four times a week. If there was something I can could help him with, he always had something for me to do. He was my best man in my first marriage actually,” said Dahlquist.
Dahlquist attributes some his successes to the location of the business.
“I think it’s a great place to have a business like mine. It’s a machine shop, we have a lot of machinists here. The machine industry is somewhat prevalent up in this area. There’s number of the in Anoka County. A lot of the workers live north,” said Dahlquist.
He also believes that investment in his workers is what helps carry the business forward.
“Employees make it happen. They’re all on board and they do a great job. I think if they take care of your employees first then they’ll take care of the customers,” said Dahlquist.
According to Dahlquist, the past 50 years is something to be proud of.
“Businesses don’t stick around that long, especially machine shop businesses. I think it’s a milestone and my father would be very proud,” said Dahlquist.
Dahlquist Machine has been at its current location in Ham Lake for the past 39 years.
