Community Leaders blend work and charity

Dec. 12--Scott Michaletz started in his dad Jerry's insurance business decades ago, eventually took over the business and continues to grow Kato Insurance.

He tracks his success to learning from his dad's work ethic and especially his philosophy.

"A saying my father had was 'if people like you they'll talk to you and if they trust you they'll do business with you.' " That very true.

Michaletz is a proven local business leader but he's all a community leader, involved in several organizations with a particular interest in the Hospice Family Fundraiser. That focus came from a painful time when his younger brother Cass died of cancer in 1993.

In the past 23 years he's chaired the hospice fundraiser, raising millions of dollars.

John Bulcock and Chris Harstad haven't been at it as long, but like Michaletz they hold the view that financial and career success is interwoven with civic duty.

Bulcock is assistant director of student activities for Greek life & Off-Campus Housing at Minnesota State University. He arrived in Mankato 10 years ago after working at universities in other states and gaining his Master's degree.

He said one of the most valuable experiences he had after coming to Mankato was going through the Greater Mankato Growth Leadership Institute where he could network with other community leaders and learn more about the city.

Harstad, who works at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, is involved in the GMG Young Professionals group, which he said has exposed him to many business leaders in the community who do a lot of charitable work.

All three men were given awards at last month's GMG Business Awards & Hall of Fame event for their service to the community.

A family business

Michaeltz's dad came to Mankato in 1960 and started a life insurance business. "He walked up and down the street and introduced himself to every business."

He was also deeply involved in the community including Sertoma, Jaycees and he helped form Valley National Bank with the Coughlan family.

He grew the Michaletz Agency where Scott got his start, along with other family members. In 1982 Scott got his license and the next year the Michaletz Agency bought Kato Insurance, expanding the types of insurance offered to property and casualty.

"We're an independent agency licensed in 18 states. We're a little unique in Mankato. We have 15 employees, specialists in home and auto but also a lot of business insurance and employee benefits, group dental and other things for businesses."

In April of this year Kato Insurance bought the Willard & Williams agency, which has a long history in Mankato. Willard's employees joined Kato Insurance.

He said he's proud of how many individuals and businesses his agency has helped to rebuild after losses.

"We've helped businesses rebuild after fires, we provide protection and insurance and that's a good feeling."

And he said the agency likes to counter the perception that insurance firms try not to pay out full claims.

"We like to pay claims. Being independent we monitor all of the companies we work with each year and if we feel they're not paying claims the way they should be we'll find someone else," Michaletz said.

Michaletz has chaired the Hospice Family Fundraiser for 23 years and has raised more than $2 million dollars. He also serves on the Mayo System Foundation Board.

He said that before his brother died of cancer hospice helped greatly.

Campus and community

Bulcock said being an advisor to the fraternities and sororities connected to MSU allows him to work with and develop leaders.

"It's a small part of the campus but a very active and influential part of campus. They're each like running a business. I help them become engaged with the campus and the larger community."

"When it comes to alumni at any university fraternity and sorority members tend to have more of an affinity to their campus. They spend their time and money helping the university," Bulcock said.

Bulcock said that working at the university can somewhat isolate him from the larger community. He said his time in the GMG Leadership Institute helped bridge that gap for him.

"It's fabulous for connecting people with the community. Especially for someone like me who's a transplant. I'm very confined to campus so being able to work with other people and movers and shakers in town is important."

A new perspective

While Harstad's built success in business, he started out on a different path, teaching English in South Korea and Japan for a few years after college.

He returned to Mankato, thinking of getting a Master's in business.

"But I decided to get some experience."

He worked is sales for Fine Impressions, a Taylor company, for about eight years, then went to PresenceMaker and then to Wells Fargo.

Harstad said his sales experience helped him grow but he enjoys his current role.

He said he gained a lot of connections and insight through his involvement in the GMG Young Professionals group, which includes nearly 200 members who are under age 40.

Harstad was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2007, had surgery and had the cancer return about a year later. After chemotherapy he was cancer free and remains so.

A few years ago he connected Jonathan Zierdt, head of GMG, who also battled cancer and the two started the Grow MANkato annual fundraiser and awareness campaign, which includes men growing beards or mustaches to raise money with a grand finale shaving event.

"Cancer changes your life perspective. You go through cancer and live in some other countries and you are very appreciative of the great blessings we have in the United States and the blessing of my family and friends," he said.

"I don't sweat the small things. I try not to complain too much. I just feel very blessed."

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