“When people work with us, they don’t just buy our products; they also buy the knowledge and little tricks of the trade we’ve learned after being in business since 1994.”

Kyle Bailey, owner and co-founder of Controlwerx, has learned what keeps his company’s customers coming back.

“People come to us because of the products and service we provide them, but we’re only as good as the last product we delivered,” said Kyle. “There are plenty of companies that do what we do, so we have plenty of competition. However, there aren’t many companies that only do what we do.

“There is a network of people—engineers, typically—who need a specific product for a specific application, and we’ve built a reputation as a company that delivers what they promise, without any last-minute change orders. Once you deliver what you promise, and then do that again, you develop a reputation that you can be trusted, and that’s worth a lot in our world,” Kyle added.

Controlwerx’s operations are located in the same building in Plymouth that Kyle and his brother started up in 30 years ago. Kyle’s brother passed away four years ago, so Kyle is the sole owner. The company employs five people, one of whom is just now retiring after working with the business since its inception. They also hire part-time student works in the off season.

“I needed a job back in 1994, so I started working with a company for what I expected would be only three months,” Kyle continued. “I discovered I really liked the work, and I stayed. Twelve years later, the business chose to relocate, but my brother and I decided to see if we could make a go of it doing the same thing on our own. We now compete with that company.

“We operate in an 8,000-square-foot warehouse with loading docks and office space. It’s worked well for us,” he added.

Controlwerx’s custom electrical control panels are integral components of many different systems, from remediation wells and wastewater treatment to medical devices and food and beverage automation.

Kyle’s opportunity to do his business banking with Minnesota Lakes Bank came after his previous bank determined his business wasn’t large enough.

“After working with Wells Fargo for years, we were told they would begin reducing our line of credit over a six-month period,” Kyle explained. “In our world, we need capital to acquire parts and materials, and it could be months before a specific project is completed and we can invoice the customer for the work. Most of our customers pay net 30, and with some it’s net 90 days before we get paid.

“I was fortunate to see an ad in our local newspaper introducing Sherry Valley, our former Wells Fargo banker, as the new commercial lender at Minnesota Lakes Bank in Mound. I contacted her, and she helped us open a new line of credit in no time at all. We actually needed a larger line of credit so we can afford to take on larger projects.

“Change is hard generally speaking, and even changing banks is hard,” Kyle continued, “so I appreciate the service Sherry provides. We’re really loyal, and they are, too.”

Kyle takes comfort in knowing that his small business can continue to thrive in a marketplace where word of mouth is the key to business referrals. Engineers and integrators, people who solve automated systems issues, are his primary points of contact at the companies that buy his products.

“Even though we’re small, we have provided most of the major manufacturers in our region with customized solutions. It’s a unique business space.”