Since they were married in 1959, Melvin and Delora Paradis—known by their friends as Mel and Dee—have spent their life together building businesses, raising their family and finding ways to give back.
“We’ve been really blessed over the years,” Mel said. “Doors opened up and we decided to walk through them.”
The first door was at Runnings in Marshall, where Mel was named store manager at just 26-years-old. He worked to expand the business and both he and Dee were grateful for the opportunities founder Norman Running gave Mel early in his career.
Another opportunity soon came up in Redwood Falls. Mel and Dee purchased half ownership in the local KLGR radio station, and according to Mel, “That was the beginning of the radio business.”
They later had stations in Sauk Center, Marshall and Alexandria. Oldest son Brett became involved as an owner with Paradis Broadcasting.
Along with business endeavors, trips north to Lake Vermillion, singing around the piano and attending sport, theatre and music activities have created special family ties. Brett is the oldest, followed by daughter Jackie and son Tim.
“It’s fun to watch your kids succeed,” Mel said. They feel the same way about their six grandchildren now, too.
Mel has seen success himself. He was inducted into the Minnesota Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame in 2008. And he served as president of nearly every organization he was involved with.
“Community has always meant something to us,” Dee said. Both are southwest Minnesota natives, she from Minneota and Mel from Milroy, then Cottonwood.
They now live in rural Spicer but were most involved in Redwood Falls where they served many organizations doing, according to Dee, “things that good citizens need to do.”
They were connected to Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) through friends. They’re Growing Home Circle member donors who contribute to the SWIF General Endowment, a fund that supports work with communities, businesses, entrepreneurs and leaders throughout the entire southwest Minnesota region.
“I look at it this way,” Mel said. “We were fortunate growing up and in our business. There are a lot of people with great ideas and just need a little help. The people of this area are pretty darn special.”
Grants, loans, maybe a business mentor—they like that SWIF provides these and other programs and tools to meet people’s needs.
“When we were young, we were given an incredible opportunity to live our life and expand our world,” said Dee. She sees many people with so much talent but who are in need of someone to support their ideas. She also points to their faith as inspiration to help others.
“Faith in the good Lord has made such a big difference in our lives,” Dee said.
Their pay-it-forward mentality has meant significant contributions of their time, talent and resources throughout the region. But they feel they’ve received just as much in return.
“We’re blessed to be a blessing,” Dee smiled, with Mel nodding in agreement.
