Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1457826
Hockey players are everywhere in Minnesota. Board rooms, offices, jobsites, classrooms, fire stations—you name it. If you're a Minnesotan, chances are you work with a hockey player or two. If you're employed at Tradition, you work with 133 of them. Nearly half of Tradition's employees played hockey, and almost half of those played college hockey. Five of them played professionally. And like so many other Minnesotans, they're still involved in the game—playing, coaching, volunteering and watching their kids play. "In Minnesota in particular, hockey is not just a sport, it's a huge part of who we are. The community-based hockey programs are one of the true gems of our state," said Erik Hendrikson, President of Tradition Mortgage and former captain at Burnsville High School and Gustavus Adolphus College. "The experience is second to none." That's why Tradition gives back to com- munity-based hockey, and that's why so many hockey players work there. Simply put, Hendrikson knows customers can trust and rely on them. "We find that the people who've played youth hockey and youth sports offer better understanding, service and care to their clients," Hendrikson said. People like former NCAA Champion and Gopher captain Taylor Williamson, who started as an intern at Tradition and is now a mortgage loan officer. "We all stand on the same values and take pride in the opportunity to work here," Williamson said. "I believe that's why we compete and work as hard as we do for our clients." HOCKEY DEVELOPS CHARACTER Former Wild broadcaster and NHL goalie Mike Greenlay has found a new home at Tradition. He knows what the game instills in young people. "Hockey requires a thick skin mentally and physi- cally," said Greenlay, who oversees the company's marketing and communica- tions. "Pressure can expose those who aren't ready to take on adversity and uncertainty. Hockey teaches you to band together in these times and business is no different when things get difficult." "Hockey requires creative thinking and the ability to react quickly," Hendrikson said. "This carries over to problem-solving and finding financial solutions for clients here at Tradition. You have to be able to think on your feet." HOCKEY TEACHES TOUGHNESS Williamson, a former Ms. Hockey from Edina, knows all about adversity. Against all odds, Williamson fought through brain surgery and a rare neuromuscular disorder to return to the ice for the Gophers and finish her college career. Now she's sharing those life lessons with the next generation. "Hockey is more than just a sport. It is a tool we can use to teach young athletes how to be a good teammate, how to com- pete, how to stay determined, and learn life skills that they will be able to use long past their hockey careers," said Williamson, head coach of the Wayzata girls' high school team. HOCKEY MEANS BUSINESS Teamwork, reliability and grit are just a few of the qualities needed to be successful on and off the ice. Minnesota-based Tradition Companies takes community-based hockey to heart Home Ice Advantage MADE IN MINNESOTA Goals & Assists M H J ON L I N E . C O M | M A R C H 2 0 2 2 10 We all stand on the same values and take pride in the opportunity to work here. I believe that's why we compete and work as hard as we do for our clients." —TAYLOR WILLIAMSON, Ms. Hockey, NCAA National Champion