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.

Last October John died unexpectedly.  He is terribly missed , but what he taught all of us is enough not only to sustain NorthStar, but to advance the company as well.

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.

Kathy Bristow worked with NorthStar in its early stages, starting in 1980. Relocation took her away from Park Rapids for 5 years during which she was a chairside assistant for a general dentist. Her quest for knowledge kept her up to date with orthodontics even when it wasn’t part of her typical day. In 1988 she returned to NorthStar as Technical Supervisor. Kathy gathers all individual preferences and is first in line to answer the technical questions of our clients. Today her voice is recognized by many as one of trustworthiness and knowledge.

Marsha Smith has a voice our clients have learned to recognize and trust.  She has now left the receptionist's area and moved into full-time Customer Service, an area in which she excels.  Her knowledge of our customer base along with her knowledge of the inner working of NorthStar has made this a natural move. 

Alexis Peters and Conrad Kelly have recently joined their parents in the family business as Administrative Assistants.  Alexis is a graduate of Saint Louis University with an emphasis on communications and psychology. Conrad is unsurpassed in computer networking and related technical skills. They have joined the team with energy and enthusiasm to carry NorthStar into the future.