Lee Schafer
Columnist
BusinessSchafer grew up on a southwest Minnesota cattle farm and studied history and economics at Macalester College. He received his masters degree from Northwestern University and worked as a writer and editor for a regional business monthly before returning to business. His work included investment banking but he had the most fun advising CEOs on growth strategy. He lives in St. Paul with his wife Tanya Bell, a real estate development consultant and civic leader, and they have three adult daughters. He's also been active as a volunteer, including for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Neighborhood House and Urban Homeworks.
Latest from Lee Schafer
Business
Schafer: What do you really need to retire?
Columnist Lee Schafer signs off grateful for the richness of life.
January 22, 2022
Business
Schafer: How doing business can be a bit more like Christmas morning
One successful entrepreneur in Minneapolis is telling a lot of people: Thanks.
January 1, 2022
Business
Schafer: There won't soon be another opportunity to rethink the I-94 corridor
The central cities have bore the cost of helping connect those in the suburbs to job opportunities. How can a reimagined I-94 help those who live in Minneapolis and St. Paul?
December 18, 2021
Business
Schafer: The fruits of Honeywell's long-game dedication to quantum computer now being seen
Planting seeds — be it time, money or effort — today may not show up for years, but the wait can be worthwhile.
December 11, 2021
Business
Schafer: Strategy without execution is a vision with no plan
Most business consultants want to help companies develop strategy because it's fun and gives bigger fees. But the Pinnacle Performance Group thinks the messy details are what really matter.
December 4, 2021
Business
Schafer: Inflation is making us uneasy, so how can we find gratitude?
By most economic measures, we have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. So why do we feel so crabby?
November 25, 2021
Business
Schafer: Investing in Minnesota small business is a winning bet
That's where the economic recovery is bubbling up.
November 20, 2021
Business
Schafer: St. Paul rent control vote turns builders, bankers away from capital city
The Twin Cities needs new multifamily housing and capital is flooding in for projects. St. Paul's voters just assured the city won't get it.
November 13, 2021
Business
Schafer: Strategy without execution is a vision with no plan
Most business consultants want to help companies develop strategy because it's fun and gives bigger fees. But the Pinnacle Performance Group thinks the messy details are what really matter.
December 4, 2021
Business
Schafer: Inflation is making us uneasy, so how can we find gratitude?
By most economic measures, we have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. So why do we feel so crabby?
November 25, 2021
Business
Schafer: Investing in Minnesota small business is a winning bet
That's where the economic recovery is bubbling up.
November 20, 2021
Business
Schafer: St. Paul rent control vote turns builders, bankers away from capital city
The Twin Cities needs new multifamily housing and capital is flooding in for projects. St. Paul's voters just assured the city won't get it.
November 13, 2021