By: Jill Fennema
Edgerton Enterprise
As of January 1, 2019, Menning Enterprises is in the hands of Wes and Stephanie Johnson. The Johnsons purchased the dog kennel business from Ron and Kim Menning, who have owned the enterprise for 42 years.
Both Wes and Stephanie grew up in this area. Wes hails from the Hadley/Slayton area, while Stephanie grew up near Jasper. Wes has been working for Hulstein Excavating for the past four years. Stephanie worked as a stylist for Dawn and Company in Edgerton for about a year.
Stephanie grew up on a farm by Jasper and has always been an animal lover. The couple bought a puppy from Menning Enterprises last July and a conversation with Ron and Kim sparked their interest in owning the dog business.
Wes and Stephanie have three daughters and a cockapoo named Bella. Their daughters are Ailynn (8), Avia (3), and Atleigh (1).
Ron and Kim are still involved in the business and plan to help with the transition for two years. They also still operate K&R Firearms.
“Right now, we are both just learning the business,” Stephanie said. She works with the breeding stock, puppies, and bookkeeping while Wes handles the large breed dogs, maintenance, and other chores.
The Johnsons have no plans to make any changes to the business but will continue to raise and sell dogs the same way the Mennings have for years.
Menning Enterprises is licensed by the USDA and the State of Minnesota. They sell dogs to the public, but most of their puppies are sold to John and Rob Mellace, who own five pet stores in the Boston area.
To read the rest of this article – pick up a copy of this weeks Murray County News or subscribe to our e-edition at http://eedition.murraycountynews.net/sub/account_login.asp.
