Former state representative talks about owning multiple companies.
Name: Randy Demmer
Business: RKD Properties
Employees: 0
Location: Hayfield, Minnesota
Randy Demmer knows small business. In the last two decades, Demmer has owned three Napa Auto Parts stores, a small computer and software company that provided bookkeeping services, and a farming operation that raised corn and soybeans. At one point, he started his own self-service car wash and partnered with local business owners to open a hardware store.
On top of all that, Demmer is a former state representative. The small-town businessman and politician dishes on serving his community, constituents and customers.
You were a state representative for eight years. How did your position enlighten you about issues around your community and your state?
It gave me a better idea on all things in state government—how they work, how they intertwine and how you get things done. The other part, of course, is the lawmaking aspect. You get a chance to see how different things and statutes affect different people and businesses and actually do something about it.
RKD Properties is a property investment and management business of just you and your wife. What are some challenges you face as a two-member team?
We have limited or no staff. As the rules change and as requirements change from a regulatory standpoint, it’s difficult to stay up on those things. The changes that come into play, you aren’t even aware of them. And once you are aware of them, the burden of reporting falls squarely on your shoulders. The doing of the business and the conducting the business takes away from that.
What do you enjoy most about being a small business owner?
Any small business is very, very gratifying because you are a part of the economic framework of this country. I think that’s what makes the United States—people starting up new companies and finding new innovative ways to do things. Being your own boss and having the opportunity to do things for your customers the way you see fit is a great feeling.
You’ve owned RKD since the early ’90s, and you’ve owned several other companies for more than a decade. What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned throughout your experience as a small business owner?
In this particular company, I don’t have employees, but in other companies I did have employees. I think the important thing is that it takes perseverance. It takes quality people working together, working in the same direction to grow, prosper and continue to meet the needs of your customers.
What do you hope to accomplish that you haven’t had the chance to yet?
I think a long-term goal would be to get these properties that we own and manage debt free, so that the earnings on them can be used for upgrading the properties and maximizing returns.
What kind of state is Minnesota for small business?
The work ethic is very strong. We have good, honest people who want to make a difference, who want to be out making a living, who want to be enjoying their work as well as succeeding in their work.
What makes things difficult is that sometimes we do have a government mentality that says more and more things should be provided by fewer and fewer people.
