Teamwork Keeps this Firm Alive

Profile of:  Six Manthei Partners, of Manthei Ventures

What happens when you have six family members – two sets of three brothers, to be exact – all helping to run the same company?

Team concept

“We fight regularly,” says Tom Manthei, President of  Manthei Inc., whose leadership team also includes Tom’s brothers Dan and Tim and their cousins Ben, Mark and Jim.

“But fighting isn’t a bad thing. We don’t always have the same idea on how something should be done, but we do know that we need each other, and that there’s a commitment to the team concept.”

His cousin Ben agrees.

“Because we’re strong willed, we all know how to fight hard for the position that we bring to the table, but we’re committed to kick around those ideas. And by the time we’re done, we usually come out with the right decision.”

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It is this mixture of strong individualism and a commitment to teamwork that has helped Manthei Ventures become such a vibrant, successful company. What began as a home-based veneer mill (started by their fathers) has blossomed into a multi-faceted enterprise that includes everything from veneer manufacturing to mobile home parks, construction, land development, and numerous other investments. Combined, these businesses do about $50 million in sales each year.

Key to success

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The different avenues Manthei Ventures has pursued over the years are a good reflection of the diverse interests and personality types amongst the company’s owners. But although the brothers often disagree on how things should be done, they all agree that the key to making any business venture successful is to ensure that what you’re doing lines up with who God designed you to be. This belief comes out of their strong Christian heritage.

“I believe every one of us is designed by God for a purpose,” says Ben Manthei, who heads up Manthei’s Redi-Rock landscaping stone business. “And if we can find and unlock that purpose, we will be successful at whatever we do. ”

Adhering to God’s principles, such as teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to people over money, has also served the Mathei brothers well.

“God’s principles are opposite of man’s principles,” says Dan, Senior Vice President of Manthei, Inc. “Man has the tendency to gather, get and hold. God’s principles say, ‘If you give, you will get. If you love man, you’ll serve him.’”

This kind of attitude is what has given Manthei Ventures such a good name.

“It’s a matter of doing everything you say you’re going to do,” says Tim, director of Manthei’s operations on the West Coast.

“It’s a really simple message, but one that’s difficult to live out.”

Have you ever asked God what he designed you to do? Let Jesus show you. If you don’t know Jesus, we encourage you to pray the following:

Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me be the person You want me to be. Amen.

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