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t. Cloud LIVE talks with Sam Johnson, 33, principal broker and CEO of Parcel Real Estate and co‑founder of Milaca Meats. A Milaca native who grew up on a farm, Johnson balances real‑estate brokerage with a new meat‑processing venture he launched with his wife, Ali. The business, now eight months old and employing about 30 people, has quickly become a local staple.

    **Three lessons for entrepreneurs**

    1. **Seize every opportunity**

     Milaca Meats began as a small idea to sell local beef. When a prime corner lot on two major highways became available, Johnson added a processing plant and a retail storefront. “We had the chance to buy that land, so we added the processing piece,” he says. Mentors in the meat industry encouraged him, saying, “If you can figure it out, it will succeed.” The lesson: “Take advantage of whatever opportunity presents itself, then strike.”

    2. **Build a top‑tier operations team**

     Johnson stresses that growth depends on a reliable crew. “You can’t expand without good operations, good staff, and people who deliver on your mission,” he explains. He’s willing to pay for quality labor and believes that a strong team is essential for both Milaca Meats and Parcel Real Estate. “If you stay a one‑person operation, you’ll plateau,” he notes. “To grow beyond that, you must assemble the right pieces.”

    3. **Pursue steady, sustainable growth**

     While many chase rapid expansion, Johnson favors a measured pace. “I believe in slow, deliberate growth,” he says. “The people I admire grew steadily, never chasing quick gains or world domination.” He applies this philosophy to both businesses, ensuring infrastructure can handle new work before adding more. “Never compromise quality,” he adds.

    **Background on the businesses**

    - **Parcel Real Estate**

     A residential and commercial brokerage founded by Johnson’s mother, Jill, with a strong presence in Central Minnesota. The company now handles about 50 % of its business in the region, benefiting from less competition than the Twin Cities market.

     *Address:* 507 N. Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids

     *Website:* [parcel.properties](https://parcel.properties)

    - **Milaca Meats**

     Located at 600 Market Drive, Milaca, the plant operates Monday‑Friday 8 a.m.‑6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.‑5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.‑4 p.m.

     *Website:* [milacameats.com](https://milacameats.com)

    Johnson’s dual focus on real estate and meat processing illustrates how seizing opportunities, investing in people, and growing deliberately can create thriving local enterprises.