“This space had never been a restaurant before. To most people, it was just an empty building. To me, it was a chance to create something special,” Mike said.

With hard work and vision, Mike transformed the space into The Whiskey Jar, a warm, vibrant spot designed to bring people together through great food and drink. Around the same time, he also acquired the Jerome Event Center, a historic wedding and event venue just down the street—another opportunity to create welcoming experiences for the community.

For Mike, hospitality isn’t just part of the job, it is the job. Whether it’s guests who come in to dine or employees who have become like family, people are at the heart of everything he does. “Everybody is my guest,” Mike says. His motto is simple: Come on over, we’ll make room.

That family atmosphere extends behind the scenes too. His children grew up in the restaurant world and now work alongside him, continuing the tradition of hospitality. Over the years, more than 700 people have worked for Mike, and he proudly calls them “his kids.”

Mike owns five restaurants, but even with that many, his focus isn’t on expansion. At 63, he’s more interested in growing from within mentoring his team, maintaining quality, and investing in the Delano community. “I love training and developing people,” he said. “I don’t plan to open more locations, but I want to grow the ones I have.”

He chooses Minnesota Lakes Bank for their personal touch and commitment to community. “I like the small, community-focused feel,” he said. “I can always get ahold of my banker, and I even have their phone number. Everyone knows my name, and they’re always asking, ‘Is there anything else we can do to help?’ They understand my business, help me work through challenges, and have exceeded all of my expectations.”

For Mike, banking isn’t just about numbers; it’s about having a partner who knows him, his businesses, and the community he serves. With Minnesota Lakes Bank, he has that trusted partnership.

With The Whiskey Jar, the Jerome Event Center, and his other ventures, Mike has built more than restaurants. He has created spaces where everyone feels welcome, where guests become family, and where community comes first, with Minnesota Lakes Bank supporting him throughout his journey.