Sandi Fleck was a self-described “stay-at-home mama” in 2002 when she received a call from Darcy Rose, President of the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce and owner of a small clothing embroidery shop that was operated out of her home.
Rose asked if Fleck would be interested in a part-time job. At that time, the organization was led by volunteer business owners, local leaders and a few part-time employees. The group met monthly for a networking lunch. Three of the four corners at the intersection of Highway 13 and County Road 42 were large undeveloped fields. Most would agree the city and its retail centers needed a marketing boost and a cohesive strategy that could benefit all.
Fleck said yes to the job offer which would still allow her time for parent responsibilities associated with two elementary-age children. She was hired as part-time director of the Chamber, which at that time had 83 members and $1,000 in the bank.
When Fleck officially retires this week from her role that long ago became full-time and then some, the Prior Lake Chamber’s membership stands at 542 and will continue to be served by three part-time paid employees — Tracy Buckingham-Hayes, Jenni Mor and Mollee Hendler — and Rebecca Sholz, its new president.
“I always had a good board,” Fleck said, noting that close to 40 percent of its membership is made up of home-based businesses.
Brainstorming sessions with the board produced unique ideas that would benefit local businesses, according to Fleck, adding “the board always said yes, let’s try it. Crazy ideas turned into great events for members and residents.”
Some of those “wild ideas” included successful ventures like the Downtown Dazzle winter holiday celebration, an ice golf tournament and Ladies Night Out events, in addition to networking and education opportunities for members.
For more than 20 years, Fleck has spent countless hours organizing and leading the city’s summer celebration, Lakefront Days, which has morphed into Prior Lake Days in recent years. In earlier years, her parents took her young children in the week preceding the event, while husband Rick took vacation from work so he could help with the many tasks that had to be done. As their children got older, they, too, were called upon to help set up tables, clean up Lakefront Park and run errands. In many respects, she said, her role became one that was embraced by her entire family.
Those spending time with Fleck would soon learn that her favorite word is “pivot,” and turning it into action when needed is something to which she attributes her success.
“Starting a business is a special accomplishment, often beginning small and the entrepreneur has to be involved in every single detail,” Fleck said. “The next milestone is hiring that first employee, maybe a second, and possibly even opening a storefront. Witnessing that evolution is truly inspiring. So many of our members have grown their businesses from humble beginnings, whether in a garage or at the kitchen table. There’s no greater reward than being part of that journey and celebrating their growth.”
Being able to pivot oftentimes made a big difference in a business turning challenge into success. Fleck points to the big financial downturn in 2008 when some local establishments were forced to close their doors. When Covid hit in 2020, many had to totally revamp how they operated in order to serve customers without face-to-face interactions. Business owners who implemented new strategies found that residents appreciated their efforts and chose to do more of their shopping locally.
“The Prior Lake Chamber actually grew during that time, while some did not make it,” Fleck said. “We had a great board. Our lunch meetings were held online and board members actually delivered food to those who signed up to participate so we could all eat together. Sometimes you have to really get creative, but our members liked that we were trying to bring as much normalcy back as possible.”
Fleck said retirement will be an adjustment, but one she will share with her husband while spending time at their cabin in Paynesville. Several trips are in the planning stages and they’ll have more time to spend with grandkids, kids, other family and friends. She said she will miss her regular connections with local business owners and her co-workers who continually tease her about her fondness for nachos and cake of any kind, and her love for starting each day before the crack of dawn.
“I’m an early-riser,” Fleck said. “Every day I’m on the treadmill at 4:23 a.m. I might have to move that to 6:23 a.m. in the future.”