“He’s obviously been very successful as a farmer and he has a work ethic like no other,” said Justin Osborne, Gary Vogt's son-in-law and Four Daughters Winery's director of winery operations. “I’ve described many times Gary’s work ethic to other people saying he would shovel rocks all night long.”
President & CEO, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Anyone who knows me well knows that I regularly champion the benefits of living in rural Minnesota. Not only was I born and raised here, but I have served Greater Minnesota for many years, first during my time in the U.S. Congress and now as the president and CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF). Now there is growing evidence that many young people are putting down roots in small towns, drawn to a strong sense of community, the lower cost of living, the proximity to natural areas and, increasingly, the awareness of the ability to work remotely.