"I have created a new industry. I saw a lot. of do-it-yourself stores, and I thought, 'Why can't I sell people clock movements that they can install themselves?' So I started Dakota Clockworks."

Photo: AMY TABORSKY /Bismarck Tribune

Bismarck Trubune Business Watch

Ndbusinesswatch.com - January/February 2007 - By: Gwen Bristol

Horologist Ken Muggli is another Glen Ullin native who returned to his roots. He moved back to Glen Ullin after retiring from Boeing in Seattle. Now he runs three niche- market businesses - Dakota Clockworks, Dakota Clock Repair and Dakota Clock Sales - from his home.

Muggli said technology has flattened the world, making it easier to do global business from small towns like Glen Ullin. The Internet allows him to sell quality new clocks (at www.dakotaclocksales.com) and clock services (through www.dakotaclock.com and www.dakotaclockworks.com) in an innovative way.

"I have created a new industry," Muggli said. "I saw a lot of do- it-yourself stores, and I thought, 'Why can't I sell people clock movements that they can install themselves?' So I started Dakota Clockworks."

Dakota Clock Repair, his in-home repair business, keeps him busy with repairs from all over the nation. As soon as he finishes one clock, there's another at his door. He averages 750 hits a week on his Website, www.dakotaclockrepair.com. Because it's a niche market, almost all of the hits are from potential clients, and he can be choosy about the jobs he does.

Muggli does most of his work from his neat-as-a-pin, shiny-as-clockwork basement shop. He can hole up there all winter and still bring in sales.

Ken Muggli, owner of Dakota Clockworks in Glen Ullin, has repaired clocks from all around the world. (Dakota Clockworks, Dakota Clock Repair and Dakota Clock Sales)