The history of Tikalsky Laser Engraving...

Tikalsky Laser Engraving in New Prague, Minnesota, represents more than just a business—it’s the culmination of generations of local entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and community spirit. The Tikalsky family has long been part of the region’s commercial and civic life, with members running general stores, driving school buses, and serving the public in countless small but meaningful ways. This deep-rooted connection to the community set the stage for the creation of Tikalsky Laser Engraving—a modern business that fuses traditional values with advanced technology.

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Danny Tikalsky, the founder, was born and raised in New Prague. After completing vocational school and working for United Steel in Montgomery and North Carolina, Danny returned home with a vision to build something of his own. He brought with him not only technical know-how but also a lifelong love of woodworking—a craft that demands patience, skill, and an eye for detail. That passion would prove to be the foundation for a business that would leave a lasting mark on the town he loved.

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Around 2008, Danny officially launched Tikalsky Laser Engraving. From the beginning, it was a hands-on operation: a small shop offering custom engraving and cutting services to anyone who walked through the door. His approach was direct and personal. Customers could bring in their ideas—whether it was a sign for the city park, a personalized tumbler, or a commemorative plaque—and Danny would turn it into a finished product with precision and care.

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But Danny didn’t stop at signage. Recognizing the power of personalization, he expanded into a wide array of custom-engraved products. Stainless-steel tumblers and other styles of drinkware became popular for weddings, corporate branding, and gifts. Wooden cribbage boards and cutting boards—crafted from quality hardwoods and etched with names, dates, or local imagery—offered unique, heirloom-quality keepsakes. Leather patches, keychains, coasters, glassware, and metal plaques rounded out an ever-growing catalog of items.

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Tikalsky Laser Engraving wasn’t just serving New Prague. Danny opened an Etsy store, shipping personalized products across the country and earning thousands of positive reviews along the way. Customers appreciated the blend of small-town service with big-league quality—each order reflecting Danny’s personal dedication to craftsmanship.

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As the business grew, so did its presence in town. Tikalsky Laser eventually moved into the historic “Pride of Prague” building on Main Street—a nod to the family’s deep local roots and the town’s tradition of independent businesses. This location offered visibility and accessibility while honoring New Prague’s rich history of locally owned shops that defined its downtown for generations.

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Tragically, Danny passed away in January 2022. But his vision didn’t fade. Nicole, Daniel, and family stepped up to help lead the business directly, bringing their own talents and energy while preserving the standards customers had come to expect. Today, Tikalsky Laser Engraving remains a true family endeavor, committed to the same values that shaped its founding: personalized service, high-quality craftsmanship, and a genuine connection to the community.

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From humble beginnings rooted in a family tradition of service, Tikalsky Laser Engraving has become a cornerstone of New Prague’s small-business landscape. It stands as a testament to what can happen when skill, passion, and community pride come together—and it promises to carry that legacy forward for years to come.

-Forever grateful for our founder, Danny Tikalsky
 

Thanks Dad,
Daniel and Nicole