Lessons and wisdom from top Twin Cities women-owned businesses (Photos)

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Nancy Kuehn | MSPBJ

Lana Siewert-Olson (right) is president of Ideal Printers. Joan Siewert-Cardona is chief financial officer.

Dirk DeYoung

Editor- Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal

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Kari Rihm became a CEO on one of the worst days of her life, almost as an afterthought.

It was the day after her husband John's funeral.

That's how Business Journal reporter Clare Kennedy started out a profile of the chief executive of Rihm Kenworth, the fourth largest firm on The List: Women-owned Businesses. The story kicked off a special Weekly Edition package that offered business-focused insight from six leaders of companies on that list.

That compelling content is now outside our paid-subscriber paywall and available for everyone to read. Follow these links to find the stories and wisdom of these amazing women:

• Lead story: How Rihm learned to lead in the clutch
• Lynn Carlson Schell, Shelter Corp. and The Waters Senior Living: "It's great that you get the input, but ultimately, they want to know that you can make the decision and drive the course."
• Maureen Steinwall, Steinwall Inc.: "I learned early on that people watch your hips, not your lips."
• Joan Siewert-Cardona and Lana Siewert-Olson, Ideal Printers Inc.: "You have to lead by example if you have the desire to move ahead."
• Michelle Morey, Magnetic Products & Services Inc.: "Don't be afraid to participate and don't assume that they're not including you because you're a woman."
• Teresa Carlson, Tegrete Corp.: "It is a lifestyle when you work with your spouse."

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