Our Company

Our History

Cardinal of Minnesota, Ltd. was founded in 1995 by Jack Priggen, who brought with him over 20 years of experience in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field. Jack was determined to build something different — a company rooted in purpose, not just process. He envisioned a workplace where employees weren’t just staff, but delight specialists—people driven by strong values and a commitment to uplifting others.

Starting with just four homes, Cardinal quickly became known for its outstanding culture and client-centered care. Over the years, it grew steadily, always guided by Jack’s vision of compassionate, value-driven service. Today, Cardinal of Minnesota operates 44 homes across the state, serving more than 175 clients with residential and in-home supports.

On August 4, 2025, after 30 years of leadership, Jack Priggen officially retired and sold Cardinal of Minnesota to another mission-driven, family-owned organization: The Cottages Group.

Founded in 2001 by Linda Eriksmoen, The Cottages Group began as a single licensed family foster care home in Burnsville, MN. With the help of her children and their spouses, Linda built a business known for its compassionate, high-quality care. Over two decades later, The Cottages Group now operates 22 locations across 5 Minnesota counties, employing over 200 dedicated staff members.

Though ownership has changed, Cardinal of Minnesota’s name, mission, and core values remain the same. We continue to be a culture-first organization — committed to delighting our clients, supporting our teams, and making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.

Explore the Cardinal of Minnesota website to find out what a career in the Cardinal community could mean for you. If you have questions about our services, our locations, or our inclusive environment, please contact us!