Meet Our Customers

Commers, The Water Company

The human body is made up of 60 percent water, 71 percent of the earth’s surface is covered in water, and we all know we should drink 6-8 glasses a day. Commers, The Water Company has understood the necessity and nature of quality drinking water for years.

Starting in 1947 John Commers experienced the common problems of hard water. That was the beginning of the new technology of water softening, conditioning, and filtration. John later turned the company over to John G. and Patricia Commers. Together John G. and Patricia took the company in whole new directions including establishing two United States Patents, introducing drinking water appliances to the Twin Cities and becoming the largest dealer in the state of Minnesota.

Today Commers Water customizes each softener or conditioner for their customer’s specific water needs. This maximizes the efficiency with salt and water usage, while allowing the longest system life span. Same day service is offered whenever possible as well as 24 hour emergency service.

Other services include salt delivery service, water analysis and trouble shooting. Commers has office locations in Burnsville, Minnetonka and its headquarters in Blaine. The service area includes 11 counties in the Twin Cities metro and western Wisconsin. With a staff of nearly 50 employees, the business continues to be locally owned and operated today. Visit their website at www.commers.com or call 763-252-7701 to learn more.

Commers appreciates the competitive rates of Village Bank and the excellent customer service, “Village Bank has been very proactive in meeting our business needs.” said Guy Weber, Commers General Manager. Commers staff appreciate the convenience of Remote Deposit, where checks are able to be electronically deposited right from the office.

Village Bank is proud to have Patricia Commers serve on the Village Bank Board of Directors. Her sense of business and wisdom in marketing and sales is a huge asset.

The Skies are Blue at Blue Sky Alpacas

The skies are blue at Blue Sky Alpacas, but the colors of their sumptuous yarns can range from chartreuse, candied apple, earl grey to whipped cream. Blue Sky Alpacas sells luxury hand knitting yarns wholesale to boutique yarn stores and designers all over the world. “Beauty inspires this business and I find it everywhere,” explains Linda Niemeyer, owner of Blue Sky Alpacas. “A dandelion in a sidewalk crack, clothing blowing on a clothes line; I find beauty where beauty isn’t obvious.”

So how does a girl who grew up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin get into the luxury yarn business? She admits she was inspired by a PBS documentary about alpacas and the luxury fiber they yield. A former graphic designer, Linda quit her day job, bought a pregnant alpaca and started a herd of her own. The alpacas are now pets, but the yarn business they inspired is going strong in East Bethel, Minnesota. Blue Sky Alpacas now works with breeders, spinners and artisans in South America, Vietnam and other bits and pieces of the globe. The Blue Sky Alpaca team of nine employees shares this passion for high quality fiber by designing exquisite, exclusive alpaca, alpaca-blend and organic cotton yarns and patterns for hand-knitters and offering them for sale at fine yarn shops around the world.

To accommodate growth, Blue Sky Alpacas built a new home for their business in 2007. The farmhouse inspired building has craftsman and prairie-style influences. The open spaces flood with natural light and the warm wood floors beat out a familiar cadence as you walk. Much like their yarns - natural, warm, and inviting - the building inspires creativity. Blue Sky Alpacas has worked with Village Bank through the growth and development of their business. “Joe Haag from Village Bank had confidence in our business and made me feel comfortable with our financial plans and decisions. I have found everyone at Village Bank to be very helpful and personable,” said Linda. To learn more about Blue Sky Alpacas and where to purchase their yarns and patterns visit, www.blueskyalpacas.com.

B & B Carpet One: Better & Better

B & B Carpet was started in Anoka by William and Kathleen Deiley in the mid 1960’s. Today, this successful family business is managed by their sons, Bob, Jeff and Mike Deiley. Over the years the Deiley family learned the carpet and flooring business, but more importantly, from their father, they learned the value of hard work and the importance of treating people right. These values have made the company what it is today.

B & B Carpet One currently has stores in Ramsey, Chanhassen and Forest Lake. “Our business is all about personalized service and giving customers a fair deal,” said Bob Deiley, President of B & B Carpet One “Every customer, residential or commercial is special, and we believe in treating each customer that way.” B & B Carpet One carries a wide selection of quality carpet, ceramic tile and hardwood floors. Through the Carpet One buying network, B & B products are very competitively priced. Their service to the customer and reputation has led to their continued growth and success.

Many of the 22 employees have been with the company for years, adding to their lasting reputation. Bob’s daughter, Jenny Deiley, has now joined the staff at B & B Carpet One. She too is learning those keys to success. The origin of the business name B & B means “Better & Better.” With each new location, each satisfied customer, each relationship, their business keeps getting better and better.

“Just as we pride ourselves on personalized service, Village Bank has been there to support our growth, with personalized service. They take the time to listen, they are convenient, and I know them by name. I like working with a community bank,” said Deiley “Even Dad says you’ve got to have a local bank.”

You can hear the passion in their voices when Mike and Lisa Rivard, the owners of Rivard Contracting and Central Wood Products, speak about their business and their employees. The business started in 1989 as a tree removal/trimming service, and since then, has grown into a large-scale land clearing and wood processing operation. “Our keys to success include relationships with the right people, including businesses and contractors, and the hiring of the right employees,” said Mike.

The land clearing division continues to operate as Rivard Contracting, while the wood products and sales division operates as Central Wood Products. The Central Wood Products state-of-the-art facility covers 33 acres and was specifically designed and built for efficient processing and manufacturing of high-quality wood mulches for landscaping, playground surfacing and a variety of other uses. They currently have 50 employees on staff and believe in appreciating their employees in a variety of ways that include an annual softball tournament, picnics, and a fitness membership.

When asked about why they bank at Village Bank, both Mike and Lisa shared their appreciation for a bank that takes the time to understand their business and their needs. “A local business helping other local businesses helps us all grow and succeed.” Lisa also shared, “From the start you have been there and helped us through the changes and growth that continues with our businesses. We also like the convenience.”

Mike and Lisa have been married for 17 years and have four children, Tanisha 19 years, MacArthur 16, Samantha 15, and Taylor 11.

Temperature Specialists
Robert and Carolyn O'Brien, owners of Temperature Specialists of St. Francis began their business in 1976. They are family owned and operated with over 40 dedicated employees. Their son Tim and his wife Patti are also employees. Their first employee hired recently retired, she then returned to work two months later because of the satisfaction she gets from working at Temperature Specialists.

Temperature Specialists manufacture resistance temperature sensors and probes. The probes measure air, liquids, surfaces, and gases. The O'Brien's pride themselves on customer service. The O'Brien's and Temperature Specialists have been banking with Village Bank since 1993, they appreciate, "the good local service."

Village Bank extends a thank you to Temperature Specialists for their business, it is so appreciated.