GET READY TO TUMBLE!
A dedicated team at Grindstone Laundry facility in Hinckley.
By Hannah Torkelson, MLCV Senior Communications Strategist
Get ready to tumble! Grindstone Laundry, located in Hinckley, is a commercial laundry company serving hospitality enterprises in the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy and Twin Cities area. Falling into Mille Lacs Corporate Venture’s Tribal Economy Investments lane of business, you’ll find Grindstone fixed within Wewinabi’s portfolio — a MLCV subsidiary centered on fostering job growth and providing services for Mille Lacs Band members.
The Kannegiesser Connection
Grindstone prides itself on its efficient, ergonomic machinery. Kannegiesser, a German corporation and affiliate of St. Paul’s E-Tech, manufactures the facility’s leading-edge equipment. Grindstone has partnered with Kannegiesser since opening nearly nine years ago. And their relationship has grown into a treasured collaboration.
Kannegiesser has come to value Grindstone Laundry as the cleanest plant they have ever seen, paired with the most engaged staff they’ve encountered — putting industry norms to the test. As a testament to their excellence, Kannegiesser asked Grindstone to be the host location of hands-on spot training and sales. Twice yearly, the manufacturer provides training and educational seminars to groups of up to 30 from across the state, country, and world — and it’s all happening at the local Grindstone Laundry.
Attendees range from laundry maintenance engineers to prospective laundry owners looking to familiarize themselves with the equipment before operation. During these sessions, Grindstone personnel don’t hesitate to provide their expertise, another valuable contribution that Kannegiesser so greatly respects. It’s all in the name of education, and Grindstone feels immensely grateful to be a stepping stone along others’ journeys to success.
As a further callout to the superb work of Grindstone Laundry’s facility, Kannegiesser’s CEO, Phil Hart, presented Grindstone with a Certificate of Appreciation on September 14, 2023. This award symbolizes the organization’s astounding cleanliness, positive environment, and openness to share. But read between the lines, and you’ll find it’s a reflection of the outcomes of nurturing partnerships through teamwork and stamina.
The Heart of Grindstone
Grindstone Laundry runs on the core values passed down from Wewinabi: fun, friendly, safety, and cleanliness. But at its heart is Patty MacDonald, Grindstone’s manager. Patty, having been with the company for nearly its entirety, is responsible for leading the team with innovation and plenty of pride.
As one of the very first leaders to earn a SERVE award in 2016 (support, engage, re-invent, value, and empower), Patty has continued to lead her teams in true servant-leader fashion. She has modeled empowering everyone to do their part and to find joy in working hard. All cleaning is done in-house, with tasks assigned through a rotating schedule, exemplifying teamwork at its finest. Meanwhile, Patty always pays attention, providing cases of water for those hot summer days and hosting plenty of potlucks and Associate gatherings to come together and celebrate their efforts.
Under her stewardship, a location flag was made, representing the passion, and again, that pride, for an organization that works to bring others Fun, Friendly, Safety, and Cleanliness. And that opening line hook? I can’t take the credit. Patty has team t-shirts routinely made to further the connectedness; as you can see, lack of cleverness is not her shortfall.
Michele Palomaki, Wewinabi’s CEO, confirms, “Patty’s leadership and Grindstone Laundry are a shining example in the portfolio of our core values.”
Business Clientele and Expansion
Grindstone currently services several MLCV’s hospitality businesses, including Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Hinckley hotels, Eddie's Resort, Intercontinental Saint Paul, DoubleTree by Hilton Saint Paul, and DoubleTree by Hilton Saint Louis Park. In addition, Breezy Point Resort and Westin Galleria, Edina, each look to Grindstone for their high-quality finish linen care. Their clientele doesn’t end there. Soon, a few more big-name Twin Cities hotels may be under their wing. As the partnerships grow, the need for building their team does, too — along with their commitment to providing job opportunities. For those who seek a fast-paced, rewarding career, look no further!
Grindstone Laundry has set new standards for cleanliness and engagement in the commercial laundry industry. Their longstanding partnership with Kannegiesser, matched with the dedication of Manager Patty Macdonald and her team, has propelled them into more than a business. Grindstone Laundry proves the power of collaboration, hard work, and a shared sense of purpose. Their impact extends beyond their facility, touching the lives of Mille Lacs Band members and the (much) wider community.
For those interested in a career with Grindstone Laundry, please visit wd1.myworkdaysite.com/recruiting/mlcv/MLCV_External_Careers
