Ground Control to Major Tom

Hello from the Grotzke Family

Present Company is approaching a huge milestone, celebrating one year in business on December 6! This feels like a good time to re-introduce ourselves and share our vision for the future.

If you’ve been to the shop, chances are we’ve met in person! My husband Eric fills in when he can, and he helps out with the electronics, stereo equipment, schlepping of inventory, and a million other things. Our kids often run the register, pitch in with moving/painting/cleaning, and contribute to creative projects, so we’ve truly built a family business that we can be proud of.

Now more than ever, it’s important to practice intentional disconnection. Whether or not you make a purchase, you’re always invited to relax in the Dead Zone Lounge, and give yourself a break from the outside world. We’re here to help people achieve more balance in their lives, to practice the art of boredom, and to connect with others through offline experiences.

The community has been so supportive, we are grateful for each and every one of you who comes through the door! If you haven’t made it over to Milton Square, there’s no better time than the present. We’ll be waiting with the other basement dwellers to welcome you into our little home away from home.

— Mick

Founding Membership Drive

Present Company is holding a Founding Membership drive! Now through the end of October you have the opportunity to be part of a growing movement in the Twin Cities and beyond. Join with others choosing intentional disconnection and analog technology, prioritizing presence through phone-free experiences, and reveling in the beauty and simplicity of everyday life.

Become a Founding Member

Funds raised will help keep the craft supplies flowing, help us stock and maintain our third space, and allow us to keep our programming affordable and accessible to as many people as possible.

We hope you consider becoming a founding member and contributing to our mission of helping people achieve more balance in their lives by providing a space to gather and refocus their energies into tangible activities.

Thank you for the support and encouragement over the past several months. We only exist because of you!

Upcoming Events & Updates

10/22, 4-6:30 pm

Please join the Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life (GSC) for a social gathering of the Trans Advisory & Action Team (TAAT) initiative in the Dead Zone Lounge! The GSC provides education, advocacy, outreach, and support to students, staff, faculty, alum and community members. They strive to create a campus climate where more inclusive understandings of gender and sexuality foster a sense of belonging for all at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Do you want to learn about TAAT? All are welcome to join the event!

10/22, 5-8:30 pm

Present Company is hosting an off-season fundraiser for the Como Park High School Robotics team, aka BEASTBOT, on Thursday, 10/22, from 5-8:30 pm during the Milton Square Night Market. Don’t miss your chance to meet team members and learn more about robotics, ride CHAIRBOT, and snag some merch! Present Company is donating 50% of sales during the event, and you can also donate directly to the team through their Venmo (@beastbot2855).

Funds go toward competition entry fees, team travel, and supplies to build the robot itself. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsorship, please contact a team member or learn more on the BEASTBOT website!

10/24, 4-6:00 pm

Crappy Crafts, Halloween Edition: Choose a project or bring your own, PWYC, 13+

10/30, 4-6:00 pm

Crappy Crafts, Procrastinator Edition: Last-minute costume creations, PWYC, 13+

10/31, 3-6:00 pm

Monster Mash: Trick-or-treat in the lounge, instant photos $5, free to attend, all ages

FYI: the Blanket Fort teen art series has been cancelled. We hope to invite them back in the future, so stay tuned for future opportunities!

Mark Your Calendars

Milton Square Night Market: Thursday 11/19 and 12/17, 5-8:30 pm

Milton Square Yuletide Faire: Saturday 12/5

One Final Note

As our first year in business comes to a close, we’re looking ahead to what’s next. Many of you know that my background is in nonprofit and government sector work. I plan to launch a nonprofit arm to help sustain and expand the third space, take analog-first programming out of our space and into the Twin Cities (and beyond), and collaborate with other groups working toward similar goals.

Right now, it’s in the planning stages. In the coming months, we will invite interested parties to learn more about the proposed mission/vision/goals, and to participate in the conversation. This is for community, and we plan to build it with input from the people we intend to serve.

Thank you for following along, hope to see you soon!

2230 Carter Ave, St. Paul, 55108

651-760-3376