It is our mission at Grain Designs to provide an exceptional and memorable personal experience that inspires creative ideas and values within our team and our clients. Each piece we create is Handmade and Wellmade; custom designed for your home or business.
BLAIN MIKKONEN
Co-Founder | Co-Owner | Designer
GRANT KOENIG
Where I’m from: I grew up on a farm near Frederick, South Dakota.
What I do: Primarily manage business operations and client relations but I dive into design fairly regularly.
Why I love what I do: We’re incredibly fortunate to wake up every morning excited to work. It’s hard to imagine that our “job” is an outlet to creative thinking and innovative design while curating relationships and a craft. Our day to day operations are what we love to do (most of the time), and I think the Grain Designs team is a pretty great group to share this experience with.
When I’m not working: We’re always looking for an excuse to golf, sometimes it’s while we’re supposed to be working. I enjoy spending my weekends with my beautiful wife, visiting our families, hosting friends, tackling projects around the house, and looking for an excuse to go out to eat or grab a drink.
GRANT KOENIG
Co-Founder | Co-Owner | Designer
GRANT KOENIG
Where I’m from: Fargo, ND
What I do: I primarily handle client relations, design work, and the social media/marketing side of the business. When I get into the shop I spend most of my time welding.
Why I love what I do: Grain Designs started as a shared vision where instead of working to build someone else’s dream, we wanted to build our own. We set out to not only solve a problem but to provide a product that was unlike anything else available. I feel extremely fortunate that through the growth of Grain Designs I am able to spend my time working with my best friends while providing a product that I believe in and care about…That’s why I love what I do.
When I’m not working: I can be found at the lake, golf course or planning my next travel. Photography is another creative outlet that I love developing (no pun intended) and I am always looking for a reason to get out and experience new places. If by chance I can throw some friends, beers and good music into all of these passions, I’m in paradise.
PATRICK BRESNAHAN
Co-Owner | Production Manager
GRANT KOENIG
Where I’m from: I am from Valley City, ND and have lived in Fargo for the past 10 years.
What I do: My primary responsibility at Grain Designs is to build furniture and home decor. Essentially I take what is drawn up on paper and turn it into a reality. I also occasionally will give input on designs and handle customer interactions.
Why I love what I do: I love working at Grain Designs because it demands creativity, hard work, and an attention to detail that creates a product I can truly be proud to have built. I also get to work with some of my very best friends, and taking the journey of growing of business with them is all that anybody could ask for.
When I’m not working: When I am not working, I can usually be found playing some sort of sport. I love competition and spend much of my time in the summers playing softball and golf. In the fall and winter I enjoy hunting, playing basketball and following the Bison football team. Usually, I can be spotted bright and early tailgating at most home games.
ZACH NELSON
Lead Craftsman
GRANT KOENIG
Where I’m from: Fergus Falls, MN
What I do: I get my hands dirty with nearly all types of projects that come through the door. My primary role is wood production but every day is different.
Why I love what I do: I get to wake up everyday and head out to the shop and do something I’ve always been passionate about. I feel very fortunate to have found a group of guys who feel more like a family than just co-workers. I take great pride in working for a company where I can take something most people may discard or disregard as junk and turn it into a piece of furniture that family and friends can enjoy.
When I’m not working: I enjoy, maybe a little too much, my favorite chair in my living room; most often it’s my go-to place for napping or watching the latest Minnesota Wild game. My wife and I enjoy walking and bike rides when we can as well as taking care of our two dogs Fiona & Blue. When the weather allows I enjoy hiking and fishing; being able to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is a good reset.
CODY FREESTONE
Lead Craftsman
GRANT KOENIG
Where I’m from: Holland, MI
What I do: Shop craftsman. I build whatever crazy design is sent my way. Lots of wood craft but I also handle a large chunk of the metal fabrication/welding.
Why I love what I do: I enjoy building unique pieces and being challenged to build whatever crazy designs the design team comes up with. I really enjoy the problem solving, building jigs to streamline the operation, exploring new techniques, developing new ideas, and teaching new skills or techniques. I see each project from design concept and then have hand in each step of the build process but the most enjoyable part is deliveries or installs. I really enjoy seeing a project from beginning to end, and seeing the clients reaction upon delivery.
When I’m not working: I often ‘work’ some more by building my own furniture at home or in the GD shop. I spend my free time cooking and playing with my daughter.
HISTORies AND GD TALES:
Development Firm Flagship Office
After building-out three locations for Violet Rowe’s sister company, Leela & Lavendar, the Grain Designs team was given the objective of designing and building a space where aesthetics and functionality come together seamlessly. With the requirement of creating furniture and fixtures that offer great retail visibility while simultaneously elevating the brand image, we worked closely with this retailer to bring their vision to life. Together, we built it.
The Pines + Grain Designs History & Property Timeline
PROPERTY TIMELINE + PINES & GRAIN DESIGNS HISTORY 1876 Northern Pacific owned railroad land near the property and the United States owned the surrounding land
Eye Care Retail Store Build-Out
Starting with client-provided inspiration photos, the Grain Designs team collaborrated with interior design firm Trever Hill Design to create distinguished and distinct display areas custom-built to showcase Aspire Optical’s products. Client provided a collection of inspiration photos that would create distinguished display areas with-in the store. Working closely with the client, we set out to create an attractive and functional space for customers to shop for eyewear. Together, we built it.
Combining Aesthetics and Functionality to Elevate Clothing Retail Experience
After building-out three locations for Violet Rowe’s sister company, Leela & Lavendar, the Grain Designs team was given the objective of designing and building a space where aesthetics and functionality come together seamlessly. With the requirement of creating furniture and fixtures that offer great retail visibility while simultaneously elevating the brand image, we worked closely with this retailer to bring their vision to life. Together, we built it.
