Experience and Connections

Curt Tillotson has worked with manufacturers and retailers of all sizes. He’s served in finance, sales and operations. In each of those positions, he has gathered knowledge and connections that he brings to Enterprise Minnesota as the newest member of our board of directors.

Tillotson’s career path has taken a number of turns over the years, beginning in accounting and leading to his current position as CEO of Lakeland Co. A Twin Cities-based family of eight firms, Lakeland manufactures and distributes electrical controls, enclosures, and other products for agriculture, rail, and other industrial applications.

Though he worked for corporate giants Pillsbury and Best Buy, he was never assigned to what he calls “the mother ship.” At Pillsbury, he worked in restaurants, not refrigerated dough. For Best Buy, he oversaw a unit developing new income streams, including the acquisition of the funky computer repair business, Geek Squad.

Over time, Tillotson realized that the Fortune 500 wasn’t where he wanted to work. “I always knew I wanted to go to a smaller company. Many of the projects I worked on at large corporations never saw the light of day,” Tillotson says. “I really like a place where you can make an impact.”

He left Best Buy to become CFO for St. Cloud-based grocery retailer Coborn’s. Next, he signed on as vice-president of sales for Nahan, the printing, direct mail, and marketing firm, also based in St. Cloud. When private investors bought Nahan in 2021, Tillotson moved to Lakeland, which has 250 employees divided among the eight companies.

At Lakeland, each company has its own leader, and though they work with each other occasionally and share resources such as human resources and finance, each has unique products with its own market and varied challenges.

This is where Enterprise Minnesota has come in, Tillotson says. Different Lakeland companies have sought assistance with quality assurance and ISO certification, strategic development, and leadership development.

As CEO, Tillotson helps each business unit succeed and grow profitably, while staying in alignment with Lakeland’s overall goals, says Joel Scalzo, business development consultant for Enterprise Minnesota. “The takeaway I get from working with him is that he provides calm leadership,” says Scalzo.

That commitment to success and familiarity with Enterprise Minnesota’s work provide a great foundation for deeper involvement in our mission. Bob Kill, president & CEO of Enterprise Minnesota, sees the value in those attributes and appreciates Tillotson’s approach. “He’s a growth-oriented executive who can find hidden opportunities and innovate,” says Kill. “He’s dealt with a variety of complex situations. His style is leadership, not management.”

When Kill asked him to join the board, Tillotson was eager to pitch in. “Manufacturing in America is not what it used to be. We have a lot of catching up to do. I think Enterprise Minnesota can help elevate American manufacturing,” he says.

We’re pleased to welcome Tillotson to the board. To read more about him, check out the full article in the upcoming issue of Enterprise Minnesota® magazine.

Industry News

Federal funding cut could slash support for local manufacturers
June 8, Brainerd Dispatch

Minnesota factories see orders tank on continued trade uncertainty
June 6, Minnesota Star Tribune

Cabinetry maker Hansen & Co. invests $20M in automation to boost production 300%
June 5, MSP Business Journal

Rolls-Royce invests $24M to expand backup power system manufacturing facility in Mankato
June 5, PlantServices.com

Medical device meeting DeviceTalks Minnesota promises a deep dive into technical innovation on June 11
June 3, Medical Design and Outsourcing

Federal funding for ‘job creator program’ is disappearing
June 1, Alexandria Echo Press