Nokomis Legal Spotlight: John Hutchinson and The Geode

Please enjoy this client spotlight featuring John Hutchinson, founder of The Geode. John Hutchinson is a Twin Cities entrepreneur and real estate investor best known for co-founding and growing CARE Counseling into a multi-location mental health services leader and for leading real estate ventures. He brings this blend of business leadership, community focus, and development experience to The Geode, shaping it as a place that supports both tenants and the surrounding neighborhood.

The Geode is more than just another Twin Cities office building—it’s a thoughtfully reimagined workspace brought to life by John’s vision. Built around great design, standout amenities, and a true sense of partnership with tenants, The Geode reflects his belief that people do their best work in places they’re excited to be.

John Hutchinson backed by a long-standing partnership with Nokomis Legal to help structure smart deals, manage risk, and support sustainable growth.

Q. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to create The Geode?
I fell in love with this building because of its location—it’s perfectly situated in the Twin Cities for what companies actually need today. From the beginning, the vision was to create a space that brings people together, not just to lease offices, but to become partners in the building itself. Some tenants even have equity in the purchase.

We’re in the midst of improving nearly every part of the property and touching every service, with a focus on world-class amenities. That includes a 3,000-square-foot gym, a thoughtfully designed break room, and even a speakeasy-style space within the building. The goal has always been to create a place people genuinely want to be.

Q. How would you describe The Geode to someone who’s never been there?
The Geode is bright, airy, and filled with natural light. There are lots of windows, clean sight lines, modern design elements, and high-quality finishes throughout.

Because construction costs have risen so dramatically, we focused on creating move-in-ready spec suites that work for smaller tenants—like accounting firms or small professional teams—so they can move in and operate on day one without taking on major buildout costs.

Q. What inspired your focus on improving office spaces over the years?
I’ve always believed that people don’t want to go to an office that feels uninspiring. Over the years, I’ve focused on fixing up spaces in a way that prioritizes natural light, comfort, and usability.

We looked at nearly 100 properties before finding this one. Between our construction and brokerage teams, we were very intentional about choosing a building that could truly become a place people enjoy working in—especially for those who live nearby in the surrounding apartments.

Q. What makes The Geode stand out from other office spaces in the Twin Cities?
It really comes down to the experience. If the price is right and the common areas are thoughtfully designed, people don’t stress about coming into the office. We invested heavily in shared amenities—especially the gym, which is comparable to something like Lifetime Fitness. The idea is that tenants shouldn’t have to compromise between affordability and quality.

Q. Who is The Geode designed for, and what types of tenants are you hoping to attract?
The Geode is designed for local, service-oriented businesses and teams ranging from about 10 to 100 people. We’re already seeing the building fill up quickly. Looking ahead, we’re hoping to add a daycare on the first floor, along with a dentist or other light medical or service-based businesses that support the surrounding community.

Leasing & Growth

Q. What should potential tenants know about the experience of working out of Geode Office?
Tenants can expect a high-quality, thoughtfully designed environment with strong amenities, flexible spaces, and a sense of community. It’s built to support productivity without sacrificing comfort or culture.

Q. As a property owner and operator, what have been the most important considerations as you lease and grow the space?
Balancing risk, long-term value, and tenant experience has been critical. Every decision—from lease structure to buildout to amenities—has been made with sustainability and tenant success in mind.

Q. What excites you most about the future of The Geode?
The momentum. Seeing the building fill with businesses that align with the original vision—and watching the community take shape—is incredibly rewarding.

Working with Nokomis Legal

Q. How has Nokomis Legal supported you as you navigate leasing, contracts, and business decisions?
John Saunders has been an incredible partner for over a decade across a wide variety of investments. He’s helped with everything from setting up complex deal structures to negotiating leases on both the lessor and lessee sides. He’s especially strong at identifying risk—whether it’s in letters of intent, lease terms, or deal structure—and helping decide whether a deal is truly worth the potential heartburn or if it’s better to walk away.

The Client Experience

Q. What stands out to you about John Saunders’ approach as an attorney?
John is a high-character person who genuinely cares about people and the community. He prioritizes doing good over simply doing well and focuses on long-term relationships rather than maximizing billable hours. That mindset makes a huge difference.

Trust & Partnership

Q. Why is it important for you to have a legal partner who understands both real estate and small business needs?
It rounds out decision-making. Having someone who understands both sides ensures advice is practical, grounded, and aligned with real-world business outcomes.

Q. How does Nokomis Legal fit into your broader team of advisors?
They’re a core part of the team—helping evaluate risk, structure deals, and provide clarity when decisions are complex or high-stakes.

Q. What gives you peace of mind knowing John Saunders and Nokomis Legal are involved?
Knowing risks are clearly identified, options are laid out, and decisions are made with both legal and human considerations in mind.

Looking Ahead

Q. What’s next for you and The Geode?
Beyond The Geode, I’m actively investing in small businesses and working with a family business that operates at a very large scale. I’m also planning to publish a book in 2027 with Forbes, focused on nuanced leadership—highlighting the small, human-centered details that often get overlooked, like generosity, perspective, and incentive systems.

Q. Are there any upcoming opportunities or developments you’re especially excited about?
The continued growth of The Geode, new tenant partnerships, and sharing broader leadership insights through future projects.

You can learn more about The Geode at the following link:

The Geode | Premier Office Space in Minnetonka, MN – Inspired Offices with Curated Comforts