What started in a two-car garage in Garner, Iowa, has grown into a nationally recognized manufacturing business. Plas-Tech Tooling, a family-owned company based in Garner, recently took home the $400,000 first-place prize in the Million Dollar Pitch Competition, marking an exciting milestone for the company and the North Iowa community.
Hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Million Dollar Pitch Competition brought together five small businesses selected from across the country to compete for a share of $1 million in cash prizes. Finalists presented their plans to expand operations, create jobs, and strengthen American manufacturing before a panel of judges in Washington, D.C.
Founded in 1993 by Dean Sonquist and his wife, Marcia, Plas-Tech has evolved into a thriving manufacturing company that produces more than one million parts annually for industries including construction, transportation, and defense. Today, Dean and Marcia work alongside their sons, Andrew and Ryan, continuing the family legacy while creating meaningful career opportunities in North Iowa. The company’s success was celebrated on October 19, when more than 400 community members gathered at Up 4 Celebrations Event Center in Garner for a watch party to see the competition results.
“Knowing that we live in a community that really supports your family and business is truly inspiring,” Dean shared, reflecting on the crowd’s enthusiastic reaction when Plas-Tech was announced as the winner.
The national recognition comes at an exciting time for Plas-Tech. With sales growing nearly 500% since 2020, the company continues to invest in its future. The $400,000 prize will help fund a new lathe to increase production efficiency, while an expansion of more than 20,000 square feet is also underway.
Supporting Growth Through Training and Innovation
As Plas-Tech has grown, finding and retaining skilled employees has been one of its biggest challenges. During the national competition, Dean emphasized the importance of developing local talent and creating opportunities for people to build successful careers close to home. To help address these workforce needs, Plas-Tech has invested in employee training and built strong partnerships with organizations like North Iowa Area Community College.
“It has been one of our biggest drivers for growth,” Dean said of the company’s partnership with NIACC. “Using the 260E/F funding has allowed us to develop training programs internally that otherwise would not happen.”
Over the past decade, NIACC’s Business and Workforce Solutions team has helped Plas-Tech provide training opportunities for more than 70 employees. These initiatives have included technical skills, machine training, workplace safety, cybersecurity, leadership development, and customized employee training programs. Shelly Hanson, Business Resource Consultant for NIACC Business and Workforce Solutions, has worked closely with Plas-Tech to identify training needs and connect the company with resources to support its workforce. Through this ongoing collaboration, Plas-Tech has been able to strengthen employee skills and develop training solutions tailored to its evolving needs.
Plas-Tech’s relationship with NIACC extends beyond workforce training. Through the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and the North Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the company has accessed business counseling and entrepreneurial resources to support its growth. Since 1995, the SBDC has worked alongside the Sonquist family, providing individualized guidance that has helped Plas-Tech secure capital, increase revenue, and create jobs. The company has also participated in Venture School and connected with other regional economic development partners, demonstrating its commitment to seeking new opportunities for innovation and business development.
“Plas-Tech Tooling represents the very best of Iowa entrepreneurship,” said Candi Karsjens, Executive Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship for the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center. “They embraced every opportunity to improve, innovate, and grow.”
Building a Stronger Future for North Iowa
For the Sonquist family, success extends beyond business growth. It means investing in employees, supporting their community, and creating opportunities for future generations.
“Plas-Tech’s success is a testament to the impact of investing in people,” said Patti Hanson, Vice President of Continuing Education & Economic Development at NIACC. “Their Million Dollar Pitch win demonstrates how strong partnerships and workforce investments contribute to long-term economic vitality in North Iowa.
As Plas-Tech looks toward its next chapter, its national recognition is a celebration of perseverance, innovation, and the power of community. With continued investments in technology, employees, and partnerships, the Sonquist family is building on a legacy that began more than three decades ago in a garage in Garner.
Their success is not only a proud moment for Plas-Tech, but also an inspiring example of what North Iowa businesses can accomplish.
Want to see Plas-Tech’s winning pitch? Watch the Million Dollar Pitch Competition on YouTube to see how this North Iowa business earned national recognition and took home the $400,000 first-place prize.
Inspired by Plas-Tech Tooling’s story? NIACC partners with businesses of all sizes to deliver customized training solutions that help employees grow and organizations succeed. Learn more about Customized Training or request a consultation to discuss your workforce development needs.
