The Graduates
Tate Carlson
WE’VE SET OUT TO TELL THE TALE of a handful of the best, most impressive young professionals in Minnesota in the freshest way possible. We’re not burdened by alliterative numerical quotas—think any number of 40-under-40-type lists—and self-indulgent, you’ve-made-the-cut pseudo awards that promise prestige and offer yet another hollow event. In fact, we resist such notions, decrying them diluted, broad and unoriginal.
No, our efforts here are predicated upon simple organic research and conversation. We talked to some folks whose opinions we value and came up with six people who, to be honest, we just have a good feeling about. The idea is to begin defining a logical group of figureheads for the next generation of Minnesota business and thought leaders. We aren’t setting out to define the group, but rather a group of superb millennials and the first of many.
By now the subject of the millennials, Gen Y if you will, has been written about, studied and become biz school fodder, but it’s still captivating. Here they are, this generation born—depending on who you ask—between 1977 and 1995, moving into the workforce and beginning their ascent. They bring a different style to the office place in everything from their garb to their manner of office politicking. And how could they not? They were weaned on video games, computers, nonstop schedules and, egads, MTV. And did we mention their parents are baby boomers?
This is the story of six of these people. The people who were raised to be anything they wanted to be, however they wanted to be it, and are now here, in the workplace, kicking up dust and being more effective than anyone thought possible. They and their generation are turning heads, gaining acceptance and changing the way Minnesota works. They have transcended low generational expectations, set new standards and proven they are students no more. We are proud to introduce you to The Graduates.
