We were surprised and honored to be given the Emerging Award during the Minnesota Family Business Awards last night among a collection of a couple hundred (my guess) people who really know what it’s like to be a part of a family business.

The recognition means so much to our founder, Jim Warner and his wife, Nonie, (my grandma and grandpa), who sat at our table surrounded by some of their owner-operator children. It’s a big deal to them and all of our owners and of course to our staff.

I can’t adequately describe the feeling of being surrounded by such successful peers and such connected families (favorite moment: the folks at the August Schell Brewing Company brought over armfuls of their own beer to the table to toast with), though certainly “humbling” comes to mind.

Thanks to Minnesota Business Magazine and Hubler for Business Families for such a memorable event, and congratulations to all other finalists and winners.