Alumni Spotlight

Mark Heurung, Managing Partner, Northwestern Mutual – Minneapolis

Heurung started his career with Northwestern Mutual in 1990 as an intern. He earned an economics degree from St. Cloud University in 1990 and has held positions at Northwestern Mutual throughout the state.

In 1992, Heurung became a Field Director and in 1993 he was appointed Managing Director in Northwestern Mutual’s St. Cloud network office. After six years in St. Cloud, Heurung accepted the opportunity to run the district in Edina, Minn. During his tenure in Edina, the office grew from seven full-time financial representatives to 25, and $1,400,000 of premium to over $3,500,000.

The Edina office also won numerous awards including the growth award eight times, the OARS award four times and second place in the DA achievement award. Heurung is also a member of Northwestern Mutual’s Million Dollar Round Table.

Heurung was named the Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual-Minneapolis in 2007.

He is married to Sue and they have two daughters, Emil and Heidi. They enjoy spending time at the lake entertaining family and friends. Heurung is also an amateur wine collector.

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Byron Bjorklund, owner of Short Stop Restaurant & Custom Catering 1985 graduate with a degree in Finance.

When did he take ownership of Short Stop?
Byron's parents owned the Sauk Rapids location, and in 1984, he opened the St. Cloud location.

What motivated him to own a restaurant?
During his time at SCSU, Byron had written a paper that evaluated businesses and what would entail owning your own business. At the time he was working in his parents' restaurant and decided to do the research to find out how he could go about making this class project a reality.

How has Short Stop expanded?
In 1987, a second location opened, and since then, they have added catering and commissary to the business, both of which comprise 85% of business.

What has been the most difficult obstacle to overcome?
Finding and retaining quality personnel has been Byron's most difficult obstacle. He has employees who have been with him for 14-15 years, but overall he needs 40-50 people to run the business.

What has been his greatest accomplishment?
Having five children with his wife Peggy is what Byron is most proud of, and he has been successful at balancing his family life with owning a business.

If he could give one piece of advice to students graduating from the HBS, what would it be?
"Find something that you really love and have big dreams, but realize you have to start small."