Daniel Mahowald Named 'Business Person of the Year'

The Burnsville Area Chamber of Commerce chose a modern-day Horatio Alger as the 2011 Business Person of the Year. Honoree Daniel Mahowald made the climb from "copyboy" at to owner.

"I think Dan is a fantastic choice, a very deserving recipient. There is a high bar set for this thing," said Daron Van Helden, president of the Chamber. "To be recognized at this level is very special."

The chamber has honored one business leader each year since 1979. New candidates are chosen by past winners—a list that includes Maggie Linvill Smith, Jim Marchessault and Darlene Miller, president and CEO of Permac Industries.

"I was kind of amazed. You're left speechless," Mahowald said.

Mahowald grew up in rural New Market, Minnesota, about 15 minutes south of Burnsville. He was just one of 11 siblings in a farming family. He graduated from New Prague High School in 1979 and enrolled in a two-year graphic arts program in the school now known as Dakota County Technical College. He went to work for Unisys Corporation, making computer chips. However, his fate took a new course when he signed on, in 1987, at Cornerstone Copy Center.

Mahowald inched his way up until, at last, he bought Cornerstone in 2001. On his watch, the company has expanded, outgrowing its old space in Colonial Ridge shopping mall and building a new space in 2004. Three years later, the company opened second location in Lakeville.

According to his business partner, Warren Mosier, Mahowald is a visionary—someone who is always looking to the future and planning ahead. He's also a "natural leader" known for his gift of the gab and his concerns for other people. 

Van Helden said that Mahowald is following in the footsteps of his old boss, Ron Lund, former owner of Cornerstone and the Chamber's 1986 Business Person of the Year. Under Mahowald, the company has continued a tradition of community service: Mahowald said that Cornerstone gives 5 percent of the company's profits to charity. The business is also deeply involved in Rotary, the Fire Muster event and 360 Communities, among other things. 

"This business has a long-standing reputation of being involved and giving back. Dan has absolutely continued in that vein," Van Helden said. "They have been exceptionally generous. It's a business that proves good things come to those who give."