(CLEVELAND, OH) . . . “You reap what you sew.” And, in the case of Darrell and Louella Jensen, owners of B & J Sewing Centers with six locations around the Twins Cities, they have harvested a lifetime of rewards both personally and business wise due to sewing. The Swedish sewing machine manufacturer, Husqvarna Viking, recently named the couple International Dealer of the Year, during the company’s annual international dealer convention. They were selected from a field of four other candidates from around the world.
"For more than 45 years, Darrell and Lou have demonstrated their loyalty to the Husqvarna Viking brand, to their customers and to the business of sewing. It is with great respect we award them with this honor,” says Bengt Gerborg, president and CEO of VSM Sewing Inc., the US parent company of Husqvarna Viking, who presented Darrell and Lou with the award."
Opening their first store in 1959 in Faribault, MN, Darrell and Lou decided early on to teach their family the privilege and courage it takes to own a business. From that one store, which is still active, they sharpened their sense of loyalty to their customers and taught their son’s the importance of stepping up and taking risks in business. Today this fledgling store has grown into a million-dollar corporation with a second store in Burnsville, MN as well as locations inside Jo Ann Fabric & Craft superstores in Apple Valley, MN; Maple Grove, MN; Woodbury, MN; and Shakopee, MN.
“We made a pledge to expand our business so our customers do not have to travel more than 15 miles to reach one of our stores. This goal is within our grasp,” says Darrell. “We want to reach out to every one in the area so they too can experience the joy and friendship associated with sewing.”
With this in mind, Darrell, Lou and their two sons Charles and Bruce will be hosting the first annual SEW FUNFEST, Marriott Hotel- Minneapolis Airport, in Bloomington, May 21 –23, 2004. This 3-day sewing retreat will offer hands on creative sewing classes as well as lectures and truck shows from well-known industry experts. The program will also launch their newest community service project, “Hugs for Kids” campaign. Once a month, in each location, sewing enthusiasts will have the opportunity to sew small stuffed animals to be donated to the Minnesota State Troopers who will use these lovingly crafted animals for children in crisis whether through domestic abuse or other traumatic situations.
“We love giving back to our community and believe that if one small child is calmed or feels loved due to our ‘Hugs for Kids’ campaign, every success, every effort toward this business has been well worth it,” says Lou.
For their dedication and love of sewing, Darrell and Lou received an original study in full lead crystal designed exclusively for Husqvarna Viking by Swedish crystal artist Mats Jonasson. The piece is hand made at the Maleras Glassworks, in southern Sweden, which is recognized worldwide for the clarity and quality of their crystal. The beautiful piece features an etching of the Husqvarna Viking logo and the very first Husqvarna Viking sewing machine, the Northern Star or Nordstjernan (circa 1872).
To qualify for the International Dealer of the Year award, the independent dealer must meet several levels of qualification including proven customer satisfaction, support Husqvarna Viking business values, actively work within their communities and exhibit sales growth, to name a few.
For more information about SEWFUN FEST or the Hugs for Kids program, contact B & J Sewing Center, 216 Central Avenue N., Faribault, (507) 334-4738.
Editor’s Note: To interview Darrell and Lou Jensen, call (507) 334-4738. Photos available upon request.
May 17, 2004