PEOPLE PROFILES
BOB FLETCHER NEW VADNAIS HEIGHTS MAYOR
Bob Fletcher , a former Ramsey County Sheriff and current counter-terrorism instructor , won the 2016 Mayor ’ s election with 70 percent of the vote and has some definite dreams for the City ’ s future . For one , he hopes to continue and expand economic growth and attract new businesses . “ Our location is ideal for economic growth , and our future depends on how well we can promote our business growth ,” he says .
Fletcher wants to develop the land north of Perkins Restaurant on County Road E . He says , “ Residential taxes can be kept low with sound economic development .” He notes the recent street light project on County Road E was undertaken with the intent to increase the area ’ s attractiveness for businesses and visitors and says , “ We want Vadnais Heights to be a destination , not just a stop on the freeway .”
Along those same lines , Fletcher has a vision for a City ice castle – 40 to 50 feet high on lots north of the Allina Health Clinic – during the 2018 Super Bowl . He says , “ This is a rare marketing opportunity to leverage national media attention , because they ’ re going to be looking for other stories every day . With one of the best locations in the Metro area , we have an opportunity to bring thousands of people to Vadnais Heights . And , the “ Castle of the North Wind ” will put smiles on a lot of kids ’ faces . That ’ s a magical experience .”
One kid ’ s happiness , in particular , is a ����������������������������������������� old son Bobby . Fletcher and his wife , Kris , moved to Vadnais Heights 12 years ago . They are “ outdoors ’ people .” “ We ’ re very involved with Bobby ’ s football and hockey teams , and we spend a lot of time on White Bear Lake .” The family loves to travel too : “ Florida ’ s our favorite destination in the winter . And , my wife has a list of places she wants to visit . Last year , we crossed an Alaskan glacier off her list ( Mendenhall Glacier ; see photo ). A couple years ago , it was the Grand Canyon . This year , it might be Hawaii . We want to see Pearl Harbor ; we like mixing in history with the adventure .”
JOHN AND JOE ERICKSON BUSINESS OWNERS
It ’ s obvious that the brothers love each ������������������������������������ teasing each other . John , the older one , kids Joe frequently about being bald . “ I ( emphasis on ‘ I ’) have a full head of luxurious hair ,” he gloats . And , Joe – a world-class barefoot water-skier – delights in telling the story about how “ Johnny tried it once and fell hard , then complained for four days . It was a weak attempt .”
They also enjoy running their family ’ s business together . IC System , Inc ., one of the country ’ s largest debt collection companies , was the first corporation to set up shop in Vadnais Heights in 1982 . John is president and CEO , and Joe is healthcare operations manager and manages the day-to-day operation of collections . Both say their grandmother , Ruth Johnson , is their inspiration and , when faced with a challenge , ask themselves , “ What would Grandma do ?”
John explains , “ Grandma founded IC System back in a time ( 1938 ) when women weren ’ t recognized for their business contributions . She started in sales , door-to-door , and was a woman in a man ’ s business world . She was a pure leader , who commanded the adoration of all who worked with and for her . It would be great if I could ask her questions today .”
Joe stresses the value of teamwork : “ We use a management system called Traction , which ensures there ’ s accountability in the business and makes sure everyone is on the same page . We conduct monthly all-employee town hall meetings , and the leadership team spends time off-site together once a quarter . We all work toward the common goals that matter most to the business .”
The Erickson brothers appreciate the Vadnais Heights ’ area for several reasons : “ The small-town feel , and it ’ s like home . We grew up in White Bear Lake . The City ’ s been a great community partner . Business is good , and we like what we ’ re seeing from the VHEDC . Vadnais Heights is becoming a more attractive place to recruit to . We definitely have a strong attachment to this area .” vhedc . com 21