St. Croix Sensory celebrates 30 years of operating a family-owned sensory testing laboratory under the leadership of founder, Donna L. McGinley. As a spinoff of “McGinley Associates, PA” (founded in 1980), St. Croix Sensory, Inc. is the result of Donna’s keen recognition of an opportunity in the laboratory service business. Beginning in their family home in 1993, the business has grown into an internationally recognized sensory laboratory with continued growth in testing capabilities, equipment, and locations.
In addition to running a business together, Donna and Chuck McGinley also raised four children in the St. Croix Valley, encouraging each to contribute their talents to the family enterprise. In response, family members have collaborated on the design and marketing of olfactometry equipment, such as the “Nasal Ranger®” and “AC’SCENT®”, as well as “ODOR SCHOOL”® training courses, a patented software “Odor Track’r®”, published scientific papers, and continued growth into consumer product testing.
The Nasal Ranger has also enjoyed a growing amount of press including a New York Times Article, “Sometimes Life Stinks. So He Invented the Nasal Ranger” (2022) as well as a cameo on “The Stephen Colbert Show” (2020).
Son and current President, Michael McGinley, was recently featured in a TEDx talk and discussed the unique insights of growing up with an odor lab in the family home.
Despite its global success, St. Croix Sensory has remained under the radar at home in the St. Croix Valley. A unique logo, depicting all five human senses, has left many locals wondering about the nature of the business situated across the street from a busy shopping center in Stillwater, MN.
However, the core of the business relies on local residents whom St. Croix Sensory trains as subcontractors to assess odor samples in the laboratory. While it may be a mystery to much of the community, a select collection of residents have been participating in this unique business throughout the thirty years.
“Donna has been the heart of the company from the very beginning. My Mom’s warm rapport with people translated into loyal customers and a devoted staff. As St. Croix Sensory reaches for new goals, it is my intention to stay true to this positive culture and maintain our focus on customer relationships,” said Mike McGinley.
Under the radar, but 30 years later, they are certainly at the top of their game. St. Croix Sensory continues to lead the science of sensory perception while maintaining the highest standard of quality laboratory results and customer service. Family and friends plan to celebrate the 30th anniversary in the spring of 2024.