Earlier this year, TCB asked executives and business decision-makers for vendor recommendations in key business service categories. Hundreds of Minnesota businesses have already done their due diligence, so when its time to look for specialized expertise or hire a new professional services provider, no need to go it aloneour annual subscriber survey is based on the opinions of professionals like you. Tap into their collective knowledge to find a top-notch commercial architect, data security expert, digital marketing firm, or any of a range of professionalsthe best of the best. Thanks to all who shared their expertise. Adam Platt, executive editor
Click on the links below to navigate through this years categories:
Doran Architects 30 employees collaborate closely with clients to realize their vision for office, retail, multifamily housing, and mixed-use development. The Bloomington firm, a subsidiary of Doran Cos., works on projects from beginning to end and partners seamlessly with Dorans in-house construction and interiors teams to create award-winning spaces. Doran Architects is known for creating functional design with all the expected amenities. It won a 2021 Finance & Commerce Top Projects award for Vue at Bluestone in Duluth, while its Carrick Tonka Bay development won the 2022 Minnesota REjournal Commercial Real Estate award for best suburban multi-family project.
FINALISTS/Synergy Architecture Studio |D/O Architects
A subsidiary of Doran Cos., Bloomington-based Doran Construction has more than 15 million square feet of constructed space under its belt. It plays a key role in Dorans full-service offerings, including access to planning, architecture, interiors, construction, and property management from the start of every project. Whether Doran Constructions role is general contractor, construction manager, or design/builder, its staff stays focused on client vision, budget, and schedule. Recent projects include office space for Hybrid Medical Animation, Hazelwood Food and Drink, and the Landsby on Penn apartment complex. Led by CEO Anne Behrendt, Doran Cos. is one of the largest women-owned businesses in the Twin Cities.
FINALISTS/ Timco Construction | Ryan Cos. US
Doran Properties Group develops luxury apartment buildings with the amenities and high-end service tenants desire. For example, its new project, The Ruby Apartments inSt. Anthony Village, features a range of residential offerings, an expansive pool terrace, and a clubhouse complete with a club room, fitness center, and work-from-home spaces. Bloomington-based Doran is now exporting its multifamily model outside Minnesota. It recently expanded to Denver, where the firm completed Lyra Apartments in suburban Centennial and is starting work on a second multifamily housing project in Lakewood. In 2022, founder Kelly Doran won the Lifetime Achievement Award from Minnesota REjournal.
FINALISTS/ Ryan Cos. US | Dominium | Sherman Associates
Operated by the father-son duo of Kelly and Evan Doran, Doran Properties Group quickly made a name when it opened for business in 2020 in Bloomington. It built on Kelly Dorans long tenure developing shopping centers across the Twin Cities to shine in multifamily housing. The 185 employees, including architects, contractors, property managers, and finance staff, ensure that projects run smoothly. Its developments frequently are a hit, prompting expansions like one at Triple Crown Residences in Shakopee. Doran Properties Groups portfolio of properties has a combined value exceeding $1 billion.
FINALISTS/Ryan Cos. US | Davis
For more than 75 years, Michaud Cooley Erickson has united its interdisciplinary teams to solve clients most vexing and complicated problems. The Minneapolis firm thrives when it is tackling engineering-intensive projects in diverse industries, including aviation, health care, and science and technology. Michaud Cooley Erickson has 110 employees, with engineers registered in every state, giving the firm a broad array of services. It specializes in designing mechanical, electrical, fire protection systems, and more, as well as infrastructure that facilitates efficient operation of systems. Clients benefit from the firms breadth of services, especially its one-stop-shop offerings for meeting all their engineering needs.
FINALISTS/BKBM Engineers | Hallberg Engineering
Hendel Homes
When Rick Hendel founded Hendel Homes in 1997, he set out to build beautiful houses with an eye on stewarding clients resources. The Wayzata firm has crafted more than 100 expansive, intricate homes without sacrificing quality by focusing on collaboration, expertise, and transparency from the start of each project. Whether engaging in new construction or remodeling, Hendel guides clients through the process with its preconstruction management system to prevent headaches before breaking ground. The builder focuses on excellence in design and craftsmanship, paving the way for its work to receive many awards, including Housing First Minnesotas Builder of the Year.
FINALISTS/Lennar Corp. | Streeter Custom Builder
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As an integrated agency, Fast Horse unites strategy, creative, and amplification from the launch of every project and gives each discipline an equal seat at the table. This approach helps fast-moving Fast Horse deliver engaging campaigns that bring attention to clients while delivering strong ROI. The Minneapolis-based firm, founded in 2001, has about 30 employees who deliver award-winning work, garnering honors from the likes of Cannes Lions, Reggie Awards, and PRWeek. Fast Horse recently landed Toro Co. as a new client and expanded longtime partnerships with Heineken, Audi, SageGlass, and Magnifi Financial.
FINALISTS/Rocket55
As a full-service digital marketing agency, Rocket55 aims to be customers partner and guide to demystify the world of online marketing. The firm focuses on data-driven decision-making to guide its approach to growing customers businesses online. Minneapolis-based Rocket55 launched in 2008, targeting mid-sized companies that want a comprehensive digital shop covering strategy, design, and technology. Rocket55 serves their needs via specialized digital teams who deliver award-winning digital marketing, including advertising, video, social media, and marketing automation. The firm continues to grow, adding service lines where needed.
FINALISTS/Br8kthru Consulting | Uproer
Public relations agency Skyya Communications, based in Minneapolis and New York City, concentrates on spreading the word about startups and early-stage technology companies. It offers a broad menu of services to more than 200 customers, including business-to-business and business-to-consumer brands, plus state and federal agencies. Clients hire Skyya when they need help raising capital, developing new products, opening new sales channels, or growing sales. Full-service Skyya offers capabilities in everything from media relations and social media to content creation, marketing, events, and brand ambassadorships.
FINALISTS/Haberman | Lola Red PR
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DAmico Catering of Minneapolis is emerging on a strong footing after the pandemics subdued events market. Celebrations are back, allowing DAmico to demonstrate its prowess in creating memorable events through inventive cuisine, creative experiences, and a passion for hospitality. The 30-year-old company recently landed the Walker Art Center as its exclusive culinary and event partner. It has catered 70,000 gatherings, including some of the Twin Cities most significant cultural, corporate, and philanthropic events.
FINALISTS/Chowgirls Catering | Crave
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The University of Minnesota is a comprehensive institution of higher learning, with more than 150 undergraduate majors and 500-plus graduate and professional degrees. A top-10 public research school in the United States, the U has more than 4,000 faculty with a passion for teaching and discovery, whether they are developing life-saving technologies or answering complex questions for the public. The U has more than 485,000 living alumni, many of whom make up a strong segment of the states workforce. Students take advantage of vast opportunities, from research and internships to 900 student groups, plus degrees that help them meet their career goals.
FINALISTS/University of St. Thomas |Bethel University
The Carlson School of Management offers MBA students multiple academic programs and a fertile research environment. It offers full-time, part-time, online, and executive MBAs with many opportunities for hands-on projects with real clients, plus dual degrees, such as its MBA paired with a masters in business analytics. Carlsons programs are highly regardedThe Economist ranked its Executive MBA 14th in the United States, while U.S. News ranked its part-time program 11th. Among graduates of Carlsons full-time program, 96 percent received job offers 90 days after graduation.
FINALISTS /University of St. Thomas |Hamline University
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Launched to serve emerging and growing businesses, Lurie has spent 82 years holding true to its mission. The Minneapolis firm and its 200+ employees guide clients in the areas of accounting, tax and retirement planning, audit, mergers and acquisitions, and more with the goal to share fresh thinking and help businesses grow. Pillars of the Lurie model include serving entrepreneurs, private companies, and family-owned businesses, from start-up through succession, while serving the community. Lurie has long been involved with organizations that support women and minorities; it recently partnered with the Lake Street Council to help the area rebuild after the unrest of 2020.
FINALISTS / Wipfli | KeyLin Advisors
Bridgewater Bank is relatively new on the Minnesota scene, having opened in 2005 as a full-service bank. It quickly established a reputation as the place to go for commercial banking, especially commercial real estate lending. The St. Louis Parkbased bank focuses on serving entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals, setting lofty standards for client service and support. Bridgewater invests in its employees, fostering a culture of talent that strives to serve clients well. One of the fastest-growing banks in Minnesota, Bridgewater is working to secure a top-seven market-share position for deposits in the Twin Cities in 2023.
FINALISTS/Sunrise Banks | Alerus Financial | U.S. Bank
Though Sunrise Banks is a community bank, it sees its mission more broadly as a social engine for good. St. Paul-based Sunrise is a Certified B Corporationentities that balance purpose and profitand a certified community development financial institution. This foundation powers its purpose to drive sustainable economic growth by improving the lives of clients across the Twin Cities and beyond. For eight years running, Sunrise has captured B Labs Best for the World honors for customer and governance impact. Sunrise tracks the carbon footprint of its operations and loans while working to create a greener banking sector.
FINALISTS/Bridgewater Bank | Alerus Financial
U.S. Bank has been a Minnesota mainstay since the 1860s. The Minneapolis-based bank has grown to 70,000 employees and $587 billion in assets, providing customers with a range of services, including consumer, corporate, and commercial banking, as well as investment services. U.S. Bank has a history of stressing customer service, digital innovation, and social responsibility, earning it honors as Fortunes most admired super-regional bank and one of three American banks named one of the Worlds Most Ethical Companies in 2022. It recently reopened all three Minneapolis branches destroyed during the 2020 civil unrest and announced plans to acquire West Coast-centric Union Bank for $8 billion.
FINALISTS/Alerus Financial | Wells Fargo
TopLine Federal Credit Union captured this category for the sixth straight year. Its operations are centered on the philosophy of people helping peopleits 46,000 member-ownerswith essential personal and business banking services. Based in Maple Grove, TopLine has grown from its first $35 in 1935 to $675 million in assets. It provides customers with financial security through many offerings, including bread-and-butter banking, car and small business loans, and investment and insurance services, all matched with attentive service. Committed to supporting the community, TopLine recently joined other Minnesota credit unions in supporting Minneapolis only Black-led cooperative credit union.
FINALISTS/Wings Financial Credit Union |Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
TopLine Mortgage Services, part of TopLine Federal Credit Union, wants to make sure that its customers have a great experience when buying a house. It starts with free first-time homebuyer education sessions and access to a range of products for new buyers, including FHA loans and Fannie Mae products. It also offers conventional mortgages, jumbo loans, and refinancing. Maple Grove-based TopLine helps customers partner with its insurance agents to secure the best homeowners rates. It serves individuals and families who live, work, or attend school across the Twin Cities, allowing TopLine to help consumers achieve the American dream of owning a home.
FINALISTS/ Alerus Mortgage |Wings Financial Credit Union
As one of the largest employers in Minneapolis, RBC recently welcomed staff and clients to its new U.S. corporate headquarters at the top of Nicollet Mall. RBC Gateway strengthens the companys commitment to downtown Minneapolis while nurturing other goals including fostering diversity and protecting the environment. Rooted in Minneapolis since 1909, RBC centers itself on a people first mindset. RBC employees focus on financial education, innovative recruiting, and teaching others about the field.
FINALISTS/Accredited Investors Wealth Management | Wipfli Financial Advisors
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Recognized by TCB for the sixth consecutive year, Salo values relationships over transactions and builds meaningful and mutually beneficial connections between consultants and organizations. Customers find the expertise they need in accounting, finance, and human resources, whether its for short-term concerns or C-level leadership. The professionals the company places gain varied experience and new challenges. Salo works with experts and clients of all types and sizes across the country.
FINALISTS/Hollstadt Consulting |Robert Half Talent Solutions |Soladay Olson | True Talent Group
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Business law firm Winthrop & Weinstine has been on a growth tear, with no plans to ease back. In 2021, it added 32 attorneys and paralegals, including a seven-member group focused on specialty tax and incentives. Now with 267 employees, the Minneapolis firm plans to continue adding new specialties and attorneys; its all about providing clients with the exceptional service they expect, paired with fresh legal thinking, a national reach, and favorable outcomes in diverse practice areas. Winthrop & Weinstine shines by serving clients in 67 practice areas and nearly every area of business law, from litigation to intellectual property to tax law.
FINALISTS/Stinson | Fredrikson & Byron
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AV For You has been a trusted provider of audiovisual services and equipment for 20 years. It keeps its offerings fresh by bringing experience and elements from one event format to another. Whether a corporate or nonprofit event, a wedding, or a concert, its staff provides high-quality, reliable equipment so the festivitiesnot the technologyare the star. AV For You often works with clients as a long-term audiovisual vendor, helping build productive relationships. It recently acquired AVS, an industry leader in video wall applications, paving the way for expanded offerings.
FINALISTS/ Avex | Maple Lane Media
Its all about partnership at Do Good Events. The firm stages corporate and nonprofit events, virtual gatherings, and special events such as festivals and brand launches. The team brings organization, planning, and execution expertise to every meeting and event they run. Do Good also takes care of staffing needs, ensuring that staff interacting with guests serve as brand ambassadors. Whether its orchestrating WineFest for the University of Minnesota Foundation or a Phillips Distilling VIP Super Bowl event, Do Good Events makes clients look good.
FINALISTS/Gather Event Group | Covey Events
The largest hotel in Minnesota knows its way around events. Since 1993, Hilton Minneapolis has worked to provide exceptional service for events and conventions of all sizes and kinds. The options are endless, with nearly 90,000 square feet of event space, including a 24,780-square-foot ballroom. Hilton Minneapolis offers all the extras, including a skyway connection to the Minneapolis Convention Center, office space, and top-tier catering. It has deep experience planning and hosting events, from weddings and galas to fundraisers.
FINALISTS/Grand View Lodge | JW Marriott
Soona
Photographers and videographers founded Soona in 2019 on the premise that companies want to create professional, affordable photos and videos without leaving their home or office. The Minneapolis company provides a self-service content creation platform for customers to easily make the videos they need, such as product demos. Soona is the first virtual photoshoot platform that allows customers to make videos and post them online in less than 24 hours. Soona recently broadened its menu of services, allowing customers to hire models, utilize styling, and incorporate pets.
FINALISTS/Avex | Media Loft
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Feed My Starving Children takes a two-pronged approach to addressing hunger around the world. Donors help pay for the raw materials that comprise its nutritious MannaPack meals, while volunteers of all ages assemble the food that helps kids in need. Founded in 1987, the Coon Rapids organization enlisted Cargill food scientists and experts from General Mills and Pillsbury to develop a vitamin- and mineral-fortified rice meal for malnourished children. Since 2009, it has delivered its food to humanitarian organizations in 108 countries.
Professional soccer player Tony Sanneh started the Sanneh Foundation in 2003 to empower youth, providing programs that improve lives and unite communities. Sanneh took over as president and CEO in 2010, guiding the organization to find innovative ways to give all children the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. The St. Paul-based foundation offers free sports and activity camps, in-school academic and social support, college advising for teens, food services and more to kids from low-income and immigrant neighborhoods. Sanneh is creating fresh approaches to holistic youth support and development.
FINALISTS/Be the Match | Second Harvest Heartland
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Doran Properties Group is a natural offshoot of founder Kelly Dorans career in commercial real estate development and construction. Steeped in property management since 2007, Doran and firm now have 172,000 square feet of commercial property under management. It is known for managing high-end retail centers like the Village at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove and Greenway Lakes Commons in Minneapolis. Bloomington-based DPGs developments are fully leased with low turnover. Prime locations and a diverse mix of tenants, including local and national eateries, medical offices, spa services, and retail help its properties thrive.
FINALISTS/Cushman & Wakefield | Davis
A focus on the health care industry is Davis jumping-off point for all aspects of commercial real estate. The Minneapolis firm has devoted 36 years to serving tenants and landlords in the medical sector, giving employees a deep understanding of what health care professionals require. Davis negotiates and executes more health care leases than any brokerage in Minnesota. Its 30 employees serve independent medical practices, major health care systems, and more. Tapping into its network of strategic partners, Davis guides clients through property identification, buying, selling, and leasing space that suits the needs of their practice.
FINALISTS/Cushman & Wakefield | CBRE
As businesses navigate the shift from remote to hybrid to in-office work, many are turning to co-working space to smooth the transition. NYC-based WeWork, with three locations in Minneapolis, meets companies needs with flexible space and leases. Clients pick from renting dedicated desks to full-floor offices and everything in between, with month-to-month or pay-as-you-go options. Workers have access to traditional workplace features including business-class printers and conference rooms. Amenities like fitness, wellness, and new mothers rooms help clients balance the personal with the professional. Even dogs and bikes are welcome.
FINALISTS/The Coven | Fueled Collective
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Clients of Ascent Solutions benefit from its security consultants deep and varied military cybersecurity experience. They deploy their special forces expertise to protect client enterprises. The Minneapolis-based company and its 120 employees provide robust security offerings, including on-the-spot incident responses, strategic resiliency planning, and secure cloud computingall with an eye on reducing client risk and beefing up overall security. Ascent is growing rapidly. Its Texas education and professional development center will serve as a training ground and cybersecurity center of excellence for the worlds largest organizations.
FINALISTS/Atomic Data | Marco Technologies
Started from a one-room office in 1986, Loffler has grown into one of the largest privately owned business technology and services organization in the Upper Midwest. It has 18 locations in six states and 500 employees, who are laser-focused on providing diverse technology services. From copiers and printers to IT support, Loffler technicians, engineers, and customer service staff keep operations humming for businesses of all sizes. The family-owned company continues to grow in footprint and services, including its new St. Louis Park headquarters. Loffler lives by its customer-first focus.
FINALISTS/Marco Technologies | Metro Sales
Providing ironclad cybersecurity underlies all of the services Ascent Solutions provides, whether its information technology or cloud computing. In operation since 2008, Ascent soared when it became a Microsoft partner. It has cemented that relationship by delivering bundled security and managed IT services, helping customers modernize and get the most out of their Microsoft systems. Minneapolis-based Ascent brings deep experience in public and private sectors. This gives its team the necessary knowledge to collaborate effectively with clients, whether they are working on information protection and governance or adoption and change management.
FINALISTS/Concord USA | Foundation Technologies
Marco Technologies has nearly 50 years of experience in helping customers with technology. Offering a wide variety of services, including business IT and managed IT services, Marco has grown to more than 28,000 clients nationwide and nearly 1,200 employees. When hiring Marco for managed IT services, customers receive a lifeline of support that allows internal staff to focus on strategic initiatives instead of day-to-day needs. Clients gain access to the expertise and problem-solving skills of Marcos 650-plus certified system engineers and technical representatives. In 2022, St. Cloud-based Marco earned recognition yet again on CRNs 2022 Managed Server Provider Elite 150 list.
FINALISTS/Atomic Data | Foundation Technologies
Minneapolis-based Rocket55s team of specialized, energized subject-matter experts germinates ideas and plans a roadmap to enhance customers digital footprint. Data-driven and in the know about all the latest marketing technology tools, Rocket55 is a well-rounded digital agency that partners with more than 100 active clients on strategy, design, and technology. Its formula and track record of growth has propelled Rocket55 to the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States for five years running.
FINALISTS/Hutman | Nerdery
For 16 years straight, Verizon has been listed first in the U.S. by RootMetrics for overall network performance. J.D. Power ranks Verizon first for best customer satisfaction with small business wireless service, as well as first in wireless network quality and in call, message, and data quality. Businesses rely on Verizons network for the speed, reliability, coverage, and performance they need to thrive. With decades of experience managing complex customer networks and the latest in technology and coverage, companies know they can get business done with Verizon.
FINALISTS / T-Mobile | AT&T
Internet service is all about speed and reliability. Xfinity, an internet service of Comcast, is constantly improving its gig-speed broadcast networkthe largest in the United States. In 2021 alone, Comcast invested more than $4.2 billion to strengthen, expand, and evolve its Xfinity network. Customers can gain access to a host of services under one roof, including internet, voice, mobile, home management, and entertainment. Committed to digital equity, Xfinity and Comcast provide affordable high-speed internet to low-income customers through its Internet Essentials program.
FINALISTS/US Internet | CenturyLink
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The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center treats more than 150,000 people with cancer each year. Patients come from across the country to multiple Mayo locations, including one in Rochester, Minnesota, for its team-based care. Mayos providers have vast experience diagnosing and treating just about every kind of cancer as well as deep resources to tailor care to each patients needs. The National Cancer Institute designated it a comprehensive cancer center, meaning that Mayos physicians and scientists use patient-centered research to develop advanced technologies and treatments. This gives patients opportunities to participate in hundreds of clinical trials. In addition, U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Mayo among the top hospitals for cancer care in the nation.
Minnesota Oncology, the largest cancer treatment provider in the Twin Cities, has spent more than 25 years providing patient-centered, evidence-based care to people with cancer. Its more than 100 cancer care experts aim to offer comprehensive services that support the whole person, from diagnosis and treatment to medical therapy management, social work, nutrition, and genetic counseling. Minnesota Oncology is physician-driven, giving providers freedom to make patient-focused care decisions. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota Oncology has 13 locations and is part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a select group of independent providers that have access to Mayos expertise and resources.
FINALISTS/Masonic Cancer Center, University of MN | HealthPartners Frauenshuh Cancer Center
HealthPartners combines insurance, health care, and research under one roof, providing a continuum of care that is simpler and more affordable. With this integrated model, the Bloomington-based company has grown since 1957 into one of the largest nonprofit care organizations in the nation. HealthPartners serves nearly 2 million medical and dental plan members nationwide, ranging from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies and government. It has a reputation for lowering the cost of care and effectively managing drug costs. Continually growing its reach and products, it recently expanded in southwestern Minnesota and Iowa.
FINALISTS/Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota | Medica
HealthPartners aims to provide high-quality and affordable health care, paired with insurance offerings that help patients achieve their goals. For five years running, Bloomington-based HealthPartners has been named a Top 15 Health System in the nation by IBM Watson Health, based on criteria including lower death rates, lower costs, and higher patient satisfaction. Patients access care at HealthPartners nine hospitals, 53 primary care clinics, 23 dental clinics, and numerous specialty practices, staffed by nearly 2,000 physicians. Focused on health equity, HealthPartners aims to eliminate disparities in maternal and infant care, childhood immunizations, chronic conditions, and preventive screenings by 2025.
FINALISTS/Allina Health | M Health Fairview
Known for its excellent care and medical innovation, Abbott Northwestern in Minneapolis has long been recognized as one of the top hospitals in Minnesota. Abbott has been taking care of Minnesotans and their medical needs for 140 years. In 2021, Abbott was named one of Newsweeks Worlds Best Hospitals, while its Minneapolis Heart Institute was honored for cardiac care. The hospital also is regularly lauded for its cancer, neurology and neurosurgery, and rehabilitative care. Allina Health is currently updating Abbott during a 10-year, multimillion-dollar renovation that includes a new surgical and critical care pavilion and transportation hub.
FINALISTS/Methodist Hospital |M Health Fairview Southdale
Approaching 100 years of serving children and families, Childrens Minnesota is the only health care system in the state that exclusively treats children. It cares for patients from before birth through young adulthood at two freestanding Twin Cities hospitals, nine primary care clinics, and numerous specialty and rehabilitation clinics. Ranked regularly in U.S. News & World Report as a top childrens hospital system in the U.S., it strives to provide high-quality, family-centered care, paired with research and education. This year, Childrens will open an inpatient mental health center and a new mental health day program for teens.
FINALISTS/Gillette Childrens Specialty Healthcare |M Health Fairview Masonic Childrens Hospital
Owned and led by physicians, Twin Cities Orthopedics is a fiercely independent practice that prides itself on providing exceptional care. Its 1,800 employees work from 37 locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin to help patients overcome orthopedic challenges and live healthy lives. TCO relies on active research, outcomes data, and patient surveys to inform care, frequently developing new models like its sports medicine partnerships with professional, college, high school, and club teams. Its Training Haus program uses science, research, and sports medicine expertise to develop and rehabilitate athletes of all ages. TCOs providers serve the community through free sports physicals and concussion evaluations.
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2022 Best of Business - Twin Cities Business Magazine
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