The community is invited to a free lunch and conversation with the owners of Karl’s Wheelhouse, a Minnesota North Shore-based workshop rooted in craftsmanship, vocation, and inclusion, from noon to 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, in Barry Auditorium at Concordia College.
Karl’s Wheelhouse produces hand-crafted wood, leather, and candle items, from jewelry to Christmas ornaments, games, signs, and wreaths. The family business began after Karl Madsen suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident that also took his father’s life. Given his disability, Karl has challenges, but he retains his vocation of spreading joy and hope, creating beautiful handmade goods with his family members.
“We invited Karl’s Wheelhouse because their vision of meaningful work, human dignity, and beauty in everyday life aligns closely with the Lutheran tradition and the Lorentzsen Center’s commitment to vocation and trust,” said Dr. Michael Chan, vice president for mission and inclusion at Concordia.
The Lorentzsen Center honors the life, work, and legacy of Norman M. Lorentzsen, philanthropist, former CEO of Burlington Northern, and alumnus of Concordia College. In honor of his legacy, the Lorentzsen Center takes up the question, “How do we build a more trustworthy world?”
“The Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work focuses especially on the dignity of all human vocations,” Chan said. “All human work that contributes to the common good is holy. Karl’s Wheelhouse understands and embodies this insight.”
Karl’s Wheelhouse describes its work this way:
“Products made with a passion for quality handmade goods;
an appreciation of simple beauty;
a love of Minnesota’s North Shore;
and the crazy idea that people with disabilities should enjoy meaningful work.”
During the lunchtime conversation, participants will explore how these commitments are lived out in daily practice — from making goods by hand to building a workplace that centers dignity, joy, and purpose.
The owners — Karl Madsen, Anna Madsen, David Willis, and Else Madsen — will also have Karl’s Wheelhouse products available for purchase at the event.
Participants are asked to preregister at LorentzsenCenter.com. People who wish to attend virtually via Zoom may register there as well.
To learn more about Karl’s Wheelhouse, visit https://karlswheelhouse.com.