Crafting Success: The Story of Pohlman Pallets and the Sustainable Business Behind it

Crafting Success: The Story of Pohlman Pallets and the Sustainable Business Behind It

In the bustling world of logistics and transportation, where goods journey across continents and oceans, one often-overlooked essential silently supports this movement – pallets. These unassuming wooden platforms play a pivotal role in the efficient storage and transportation of goods, yet their significance frequently goes unnoticed.

Pohlman Pallets emerged from humble beginnings, rooted in the heart of a family farm for 20 years outside Heron Lake. Carolyn Pohlman, the driving force behind the business, navigated through challenges and adversity after the loss of her husband. From operating out of three double garages to finally finding a permanent home in Windom, Carolyn's journey is one of resilience and determination.

With limited knowledge about pallet crafting, Carolyn sought guidance from her cousin and mentor, leveraging his business knowledge and experience to develop a solid business plan. Despite the initial hurdles, Carolyn's vision persisted, leading her to secure the current location with the assistance of the Economic Development Authority in Windom along with financial assistance from the SRDC’s PACE (Property-Assessed Clean Energy) loan, to insulate the shop and purchase the pallet stove which is the main heat source for the buildings.  Later using SRDC’s Revolving Loan Fund to purchase 2 used forklifts and to help fund operations.

The transition from farm to facility was not without its challenges. It required meticulous planning, including logistical considerations like moving equipment and lumber while still filling weekly orders. However, Carolyn's perseverance paid off, culminating in the official move in June 2022.  In the beginning there was no water or sewer to the property, that would come 11/2 years later.

At the core of Pohlman Pallets lies the recognition of pallets as the foundation of the global supply chain. These simple yet indispensable platforms facilitate the seamless movement of goods, offering stability, ease of handling, and protection during transit. Despite their seemingly uniform design, pallets come in various sizes, materials, and configurations tailored to diverse industries and transportation needs.

However, navigating the pallet business comes with its own set of challenges. Carolyn recounts the fluctuating demand for pallets, with quantities varying significantly from week to week. To mitigate this uncertainty, Carolyn and her team adopt proactive measures, such as building ahead during slower weeks to accommodate anticipated demands.

Moreover, managing lumber inventory adds another layer of complexity to the business. Carolyn describes it as a constant guessing game, balancing the need to anticipate future requirements while ensuring an adequate supply on hand. Despite these challenges, Carolyn's adept management has enabled Pohlman Pallets to thrive.

Looking forward, this year includes adding a machine for building pallets so they can increase volume and add new customers to grow the business.

Today, Pohlman Pallets stands as a testament to Carolyn's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sustainability. Employing four full-time staff and utilizing the expertise of retirees as wood cutters, the business not only contributes to the local economy but also champions eco-friendly practices. By repurposing unusable wood to fuel a large pallet stove, Pohlman Pallets exemplifies the ethos of sustainability in action.

In essence, Pohlman Pallets is more than just a business – it's a story of resilience, adaptation, and the art of crafting success in an ever-evolving industry. As pallets continue to silently facilitate the movement of goods worldwide, Carolyn's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and advocates of sustainability alike.

For more information regarding the PACE Loans head over to the Southwest Regional Development Commission’s website: SRDC Southwest Regional Development Commission | Slayton MN (swrdc.org)