Our Customized History
A NEW ERA OF CUSTOMIZED TRAINING, CONTINUING EDUCATION AND REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Advanced Minnesota is now named Customized Training Solutions (CTS). We respond to the workforce training needs of our regional businesses and industries by partnering with Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College to create a regional workforce training organization that serves all of northern Minnesota.
We integrates eight campuses and their customized training departments at Bemidji State University, Northwest Technical College, as well as Minnesota North College’s six campuses (Itasca, Rainy River, Mesabi Range, Vermilion, and Hibbing) into a region-wide, interdependent operation that retains direct client access and program delivery across our region.
This interdependent approach assertively addresses our regional goals:
- Meet the increasing demand by regional business and industry for qualified workers
- Provide a single point of contact for all clients seeking customized training and continuing education programming
- Implement an aggressive strategy, driving marketing and business development which in turn will facilitate the identification and exploitation of new opportunities
- Align resources required for effective program delivery and development of new clients
- Generate the essential internal data at the level of granularity required to assess performance effectiveness and efficiency, make informed decisions, and communicate this internally and externally
- Be the one portal for business and industry to access customized training and continuing education.
A Customized Mission & Vision
As the training provider of choice for northern Minnesota, everything we do builds individual skills and regional economic vitality.
Our mission will be accomplished by providing customized training and career education programming to meet the needs of business and industry in our region.
Customized Training Solutions integrates eight college campuses into a single thriving enterprise while retaining community access to a regional collaboration.
Meet the Team
Administration
Trent Janezich
Executive Director for Advancement & Customized Training Solutions
218-293-6924
Cell: 218-969-0045
trent.janezich@minnesotanorth.edu
Trent Janezich
Trent has returned as Executive Director to Advanced Minnesota after working on behalf of Minnesota State’s System Office for the last three years in multiple capacities revolving around the scaling-up of our Advanced Minnesota work in the continuing education and customized training space. Through his work as Senior Project Lead and as Interim Executive Director for Workforce Solutions, Trent’s role was to work with multiple constituencies to redesign and implement a better system for continuing education and customized training delivery, one that delivers more workforce training capacity to our business and industry partners, reduces systematic silos between our campuses, while also being profitable without any appropriation.
Previously, Trent served as the founding Executive Director of Advanced Minnesota for the Northeast Higher Education District (NHED). In this capacity Trent was charged with consolidating and streamlining the customized training, continuing education, and university partnership departments and their twenty-one education professionals from the five community and technical colleges of the NHED into one entity. “Advanced Minnesota: Five colleges. One training solution.” provides companies throughout the Midwest with training in safety and health, fire, law enforcement, process improvement, emergency medical services, and general industry training among others all while being financially solvent without any state appropriation. In this position he also worked to strengthened partnerships with universities to enable more students to complete their degrees on the Iron Range.
In addition, Trent has also served as the Director of Arrowhead University Consortium (a university partnership entity) for NHED and during his time as director he helped launch and implement the Iron Range Engineering program, a collaboration between regional industries, Itasca Community College and Minnesota State University, Mankato that delivers a unique project-based baccalaureate degree on a community college campus in greater Northeastern Minnesota. Before NHED, Trent held frontline professional positions of Transfer Specialist, Professional Advisor, and Admissions Counselor at multiple higher education institutions throughout Minnesota.
Trent is a proud Associate of Arts degree graduate of Hibbing Community College, he also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of St. Thomas, a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and a Doctor of Education in Teaching and Learning from the University of Minnesota where his dissertation title was: The Community College Baccalaureate and Iron Range Engineering: Limiting Rural Brain Drain in Northeastern Minnesota by Offering a Hands-On Baccalaureate Degree on a Community College Campus. Additionally, to his work in higher education, Trent has served as the President of the Range Center Inc. board which provides residential and employment services for people with developmental disabilities, served as a Board Member for the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, and is currently Board Chair for the Northland Foundation, a regional initiative foundation (born out of the McKnight Foundation), that serves the communities of northeastern Minnesota. Trent currently lives in Hibbing, Minnesota with his wife, Janelle, and their two young children Brady and Charlie.
Gail Anderson
ASQ Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Operations Manager
218-293-6921
Hibbing Office
Gail Anderson
Gail graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS degree in Clinical Laboratory Science. She spent the majority of her career working in Healthcare, before joining the Minnesota State system.
Working for the colleges, she attained her Six Sigma Green Belt Certification in 2006 from the University of St. Thomas; a Black Belt Certification in 2013 from ASQ and recently completed the Master Black Belt Certification in Lean Six Sigma from HSU of the Robert W. Galvin Institute.
She also spends volunteer time working for newly founded Hero’s Heart. A non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of animals in our area by tackling local issues and working to implement change.
Gail’s mission is to be sure Customized Training Solutions doesn’t remain ‘the best kept secret’ for providing Workforce Training Solutions.
Customized Training Representative
Sarah Behrens
Customized Training Representative
218-755-4902
Bemidji Office
Sarah Behrens
Sarah Behrens is the Coordinator of School & Industry Partnerships at Northwest Technical College. She has worked with Advanced Minnesota as a Customer Service Representative supporting industry training in the Bemidji area since 2019.
Sarah received her Bachelor’s degree in Land Use from Metropolitan State College of Denver, CO, her Master’s in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado in Denver, CO, and is currently completing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration at St. Cloud State University.
Sarah has served as treasurer on the PTO at Lincoln Elementary.
Contact Sarah to find out how Advanced Minnesota can customize training for your business.
Heath Boe
Customized Training Representative, Business Solutions. Organization/Workforce Development, Lean Six Sigma
218-322-2411
Grand Rapids and Hibbing Offices
Heath Boe
Heath grew up in South Dakota and graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also earned his master’s degree in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School while testing torpedoes for the US Navy. Heath is a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Heath received his Green Belt training from the Department of the Navy, his Black Belt training from Motorola ® University and his Master Black Belt training from Underwriters Laboratories ®.
Heath is a board member for the Range Engineering Council and is a 4-H volunteer. He currently lives on a small farm outside of Eveleth with his wife, Elisa, and their three children.
Mary Brandt
Industrial Training
218-293-6922
Cell: 218-969-3828
Hibbing Office
Mary Brandt
Areas of expertise include: Technical apprenticeship/trainee programs (Auto/Diesel, Electrical, Instrumentation, Machinist, Maintenance Mechanic and Welding), EPA 608 and EPA 609 certifications, AWS welding training and certification, National Electric Code Updates and NEC 70E safety training. A skilled grant writer, she has successfully obtained dozens of training grants enabling businesses to obtain additional training while maintaining their training budget.
Mary enjoys helping individuals and companies attain both personal and professional growth to aid in a healthy and vibrant community.
Angie Clark
Customized Training Representative, Workplace Wellness
218-766-4267
Bemidji Office
Angie Clark
Angie Clark joined Advanced Minnesota in January 2021 as a Customized Training Representative. She has served as Summer Program Director at Bemidji State University (BSU) since January 2013.
She is also a 500-hour, Registered Yoga Teacher and owner of Blaze Like the Sun Yoga, an online yoga business since December 2020. Her Master’s Degrees are in Higher Education and Recreation Administration. She is an avid distance runner and completed over 35 marathons. In 2020, she took up paddling by getting on the Mississippi River and a handful of Bemidji lakes. She has additional certifications in group fitness and is a league cycling instructor.
She is active in the city of Bemidji through volunteer work with the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon, Bike Bemidji, and Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park. She is passionate about helping individuals and communities maintain strong work-life balance. As a lifelong learner herself, she believes in the power of continuing education and feels fortunate to be a part of the Advanced Minnesota team. She looks forward to connecting the BSU community with industry to meet work force training and development needs.
Favorite quote, “Our Thoughts Manifest Our Experiences.” – Roman & Packer
Some of her recent wellness presentations include:
• Cultivate a Joyful Mind, Explore the 8 Limbs of Yoga (4-weeks), Blaze Like the Sun Yoga, January 2021
• Reach for the Stars Meditation Series (4-weeks), Blaze Like the Sun Yoga, January 2021
• Yoga Pathways to Prosperity, Manifesting in 2021 (4-weeks), Blaze Like the Sun Yoga, December 2020
• Doshas, hosted at Bemidji State University, April 2020
• Yoga for Self Compassion, edCamp hosted at Bemidji State University, February 2020
• Chakra Love, Lily Pad Yoga, December 2019
• Advanced Savasana, Bemidji State University, December 2019
• Inhale and Exhale, Breathing Techniques Workshop, Lily Pad Yoga, November 2019
• DIY Eye Pillow and Air Freshener, Lily Pad Yoga, November 2019
• Smart Cycling Basics, Bemidji State University, September 2019
• Pivoting Your Way through Your Dream Career, Bemidji Area Business Women, October 2018
• Mindfulness 101, Frontline Conference hosted at Bemidji State University, May 2018
Chris Hoffman
Customized Training Representative and Employment Counselor
218-322-2411
Itasca Office
Chris Hoffman
Chris Hoffman is a Customized Training Representative and Employment Counselor at Customized Training Solutions. His primary office is located at the Minnesota North Itasca Campus and he provides employment counseling services to Itasca County residents enrolled in the Minnesota Family Investment Program and the Diversionary Work Program.
Chris earned his B.S. Degree in Elementary Education and his M.S. Degree in Special Education. Prior to joining Customized Training Solutions, he served as a Director in Student Affairs at Bemidji State University and as an elementary education teacher in the Bemidji area. Chris is also an active Licensed Training Provider with the American Red Cross. He regularly volunteers with youth sports, particularly hunting and shooting sports, and is passionate about all things outdoors.
Jon Olson
Customized Training Representative, Safety & Health
218-403-9232
Hibbing Office
Jon Olson
He graduated from Eveleth High School in 1978. Received an Associate degree in Industrial Instrumentation from Eveleth Technical College, his Paramedic License from Mesabi Range College, and his Firefighter 1 and 2 Certificate from Mesabi Range College. He received credentialing as an MSHA Outreach Trainer for mining.
With his diverse background, he has been able to cross over to several areas and help build and teach classes as needed. From Firefighting and Rescue, EMS training, MSHA and OSHA, to administrative classes in emergency services including leadership, communication, human resources and safety compliance. We offer all of this and more at Minnesota North College, Customized Training Solutions. Contact him today to find out how we can customize training for your business.
Amy Rice
Emergency Services Customized Training Representative, EMS & Fire
Office: 218-293-6926
Cell: 218-966-0115
Amy Rice
A Hibbing native, Amy had previously worked in Chisholm for most of her career. She was an Assistant Vice President at American Bank before moving on to the positions of Coordinator for the Chisholm Area Chamber of Commerce and Director of the Chisholm Economic Development Association.
Receiving her AA degree from Hibbing Community College, Amy transferred to Bemidji State University where she graduated with a BS is Sociology with a minor in Psychology. Amy was a participant in the first Blandin Hibbing/Chisholm Community Leadership Training Group and the coordinator of the Blandin Broadband Grant in Chisholm. Amy is now utilizing these skills at Customized Training Solutions to support various special projects.
An avid volunteer, Amy currently participates with the Salvation Army of Hibbing by helping with the Fall Bazaar and Christmas Programs. She also volunteers with the Hibbing All Night Graduation Party, the Shrine Circus and with her local church.
Amy is happy to help you with any questions you may have regarding Emergency Services programs. If Amy doesn’t know the answer, she will connect you with someone who does!
Faculty
Eric Lund
Faculty, MSHA – Safety & Health
218-293-6925
Eric Lund
Eric has been Faculty member / Safety Professional for Advanced Minnesota & Northeast Higher Education District (NHED) for 14 years. He works with local, regional and national businesses to develop, design and deliver health and safety services & solutions. Eric has over 21+ years of experience conducting safety consultation, inspection and training in both private and public sectors.
Eric has a Master’s Degree in Industrial Safety / Industrial Hygiene Emphasis – from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He is an experienced and certified OSHA Instructor (OSHA 10/30 hour Construction), MSHA Approved Surface Instructor, and AHA Heartsaver CPR / First Aid Instructor.
Eric serves on the Minnesota Mine Safety Association (MMSA) Executive Board and Hibbing Community College Safety Committee.
Eric is a husband, and father of two energetic and active elementary aged children. His recreational interests include spending time with family, being outdoors and movie watching.
Office Support Staff
Dana Frider
Office and Administrative Assistant
218-293-6920
Hibbing Office
Dana Frider
Since joining Advanced MN (now Customized Training Solutions) in 2020, Dana has implemented new technology upgrades and utilized her organizational skills to benefit not only Customized Training Solutions, but our customers as well.
While Customer Service is her primary job function Dana is always ready for something new and challenging.
Cheryl Skorich
Administration & Office Specialist
CherylSkorich
Cheryl comes to us from Fairview Range where she has served as Nutrition Services Supervisor for the last 8-9 years. Prior to that she served in Fairview’s Human Resources Department for 10 years. Cheryl is a graduate of HCC and Bemidji State as well.