OTTERTAIL, Minn. — One of northwest Minnesota’s best-known entrepreneurs has gone from candy and potato chips to building vehicles — and North Dakota State University is receiving a custom-built example.
Kenny Nelson, known for his family’s involvement with KLN Family Brands, Kenny’s Candy and Barrel O’ Fun snacks, joined What’s On Your Mind Friday from Ottertail, Minnesota, where he discussed his latest business venture: ULV.
The new company is producing neighborhood electric vehicles in Ottertail.
Nelson said his company donated a custom vehicle to NDSU that will be unveiled during the university’s homecoming weekend.
“It’s green. It’s carbon fiber. It’s gorgeous. It’s got the logos on it,” Nelson said. “People are gonna be excited when they see this vehicle.”
The vehicle was already drawing attention near the Fargodome Friday. Later in the program, host Scott Hennen said the customized vehicle had been spotted outside the Shelly Ellig Indoor Track and Field Facility with NDSU branding.
The so-called “Bison Edition” is expected to be part of homecoming festivities.
ULV stands for Ultimate Luxury Vehicle. The electric vehicles combine characteristics of a neighborhood vehicle, golf cart and automobile, with a reported top speed of about 25 miles per hour. The company’s website is DriveULV.com.
For Nelson, the startup is the latest chapter in a lifetime of entrepreneurship. He is approaching his 85th birthday.
The vehicle discussion came during a broader conversation about doing business in Minnesota. Nelson was sharply critical of the state’s business climate, citing taxes and other government policies.
“It’s sickening to see what’s happened to our state,” Nelson said. “We’ve got to have a change.”
Nelson said high taxes have made operating a business in Minnesota increasingly difficult.
Despite those complaints, Nelson continues investing in his hometown region. Friday’s program also highlighted private efforts underway in Ottertail involving child care, a new community and wellness center and educational programs intended to teach students about entrepreneurship and the free-enterprise system.
Nelson and his partners said the new community center represents an approximately $6 million investment and is expected to open around the beginning of the year.
And now, alongside the candy and snacks that made his family businesses famous, Nelson can add Minnesota-built electric vehicles to the list.
