4 Questions
Meet Steve Thul
Steve Thul, Minnesota Technology, Inc.’s newest board member, is president of Whirltronics, Inc., a Buffalo-based manufacturer of lawn mower blades. Steve grew up in Iowa and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa. He now lives in Eden Prairie with his wife of 17 years and two children.
1. Why lawnmower blades?
I got involved in lawnmower blades through my father-in-law. He was the president and one of the owners of Whirltronics when he came tome to see if I had any interest in taking over the business. The end result was the business becoming a family business [no outside owners] and me joining the company with the eventual opportunity to run the business.
The interesting thing about Whirltronics is that, yes, it is a small business [65 employees], but the customers we serve are large, well-respected companies that expect all of their business partners to operate at a very high level. The environment is very dynamic and forward-looking. It has a small-business feel with big-business expectations.
2. In your opinion, what is the most influential business book?
“The World’s Most Powerful Leadership Principle: How to become a Servant Leader,” by James C. Hunter. I was having coffee one day with Ken Melrose, retired CEO of TORO, and we were talking about leadership when he mentioned that to lead is to serve. He shared many examples of this type of leadership and it really interested me. Since then I have read a number of books on this type of leadership and continue to learn every day.
3. If you were not in business…
I would be working with people whom I felt my strengths could help. I’m a very optimistic person by nature and I always thought it would be exciting and rewarding to be a trainer or speaker that would focus on inspirational topics. It brings me pleasure to see people feel good about themselves.
4. What don’t people know about you?
I’m part of a small group fellowship that meets weekly. We gather to grow, learn and support each other on our faith journey.
— A.M.