John E. D. Kelly, Co-founder of NorthStar Orthodontics, grew up in a tiny Minnesota community. Post secondary education later found him in California working in a finance department of a large corporation. A short time later, feeling unfulfilled in his work life, he returned to school and received a degree in Dental Technology from Los Angeles City College. John then established two single-man dental laboratories in Texas and Arizona. In 1975, he returned to Minnesota to create NorthStar Orthodontics.
John's recipe for success:
- Do not micromanage - delegate to empower.
- Always ask the hard questions - how? why?
- Maintain the enthusiasm needed to listen to others.
- Approach life with a sparkling sense of humor.
- Know when to change an apple into an orange.
- Focus on customers, both internally and externally.
- Hire strategically, then train diligently.
- Live and share the philosophy of Servant Leadership.
Cindy Kelly, CEO/CFO of NorthStar, also has roots in small-town Minnesota. After college she had her first contact with the dental profession as an Office Manager for an orthodontic practice, which later gave her the opportunity to understand chairside assisting and dental laboratory procedures. Cindy and John joined as business and life partners when they married in 1976. She is also active in many community organizations and was awarded the Minnesota Jaycees "10 Outstanding Citizens" award in 1989.
Betty Thomsen, Director of Operations and Human Relations joined NorthStar in 2004. Her experience in City Management and her ability to communicate in an effective and caring manner has proved to be invaluable to the team. Betty works closely with all employees and helps bring out their best, not only in the working world but also for family and community relations.
Alexis Peters, Co-Vice President and Direcor of Marketing and Advertising returned to the family business in 2007 after graduating from Saint Louis University.
Conrad Kelly, Co-Vice President and Assistant Director of Operations began working full-time at the family bsuiness in 2008. He is unsurpassed in computer networking and related technical skills.