Meet Craig Heurung
Craig Heurung was born and raised in St. Cloud, attended local schools, graduated from high school in 1977, and continued his education at the St. Cloud Area Vocational Technical Institute, now known as St. Cloud Technical & Community College.
For Craig, St. Cloud isn’t simply where he lives. It’s where he grew up, built a career, made a home, and has spent decades being part of the community.
A Career Built on Practical Experience
Craig started working at 16 at a local print shop. Like many young adults, he tried several jobs before joining a small startup delivery company operating out of its owner’s garage.
That company was Spee-Dee Delivery.
Craig began his career there in January 1981 as a route driver. Before long, the owner recognized Craig’s ability to attract new customers, and Craig became the company’s first sales employee focused on business development.
Over the years, Craig helped tens of thousands of companies begin using Spee-Dee’s shipping services and eventually took on leadership responsibilities in Sales and Marketing, along with a variety of other roles throughout the company.
His work gave him firsthand experience with the things successful organizations have to get right every day: controlling costs, improving efficiency, managing fuel expenses, planning routes, reducing waste, competing effectively, and making practical decisions based on results.
Craig also spoke publicly about these topics, served on boards connected to the transportation industry, and shared his experience through national and industry publications.
He retired from Spee-Dee in 2022 after 41 years.
Still Finding Ways to Serve
Retirement hasn’t exactly meant slowing down.
Craig volunteers with Quiet Oaks and Joy Christian Center and continues to stay involved in the community.
He also enjoys writing and recently published his first book, A Legacy Left Behind, with two additional books in the works.
Home, Family & Winston
Craig and Nancy have been together for 23 years and make their home in St. Cloud.
They share that home with Winston, their 14-year-old Shorty Jack Russell, who — according to Craig — is really the one running the household.
Why City Council?
Craig grew up in St. Cloud and remembers a community that gave him a great place to grow up, work, build a career, and make a life.
Over time, he became increasingly concerned about the direction of the city and the challenges affecting the health of the community.
Rather than assuming he knew what residents cared about most, Craig went out and asked them.
While knocking on doors throughout Ward 4, he regularly asked residents two questions:
How long have you lived here?
What concerns you most about life in St. Cloud?
The answers he heard reinforced his decision to run.
Craig understands that St. Cloud’s challenges did not develop overnight and will not all be solved overnight. He also knows people will not always agree.
But he believes progress starts with listening, asking questions, using common sense, and working toward decisions that benefit the community as a whole.
Craig Shows Up
Craig believes representation starts with showing up.
He knocks on doors. He talks with residents. He asks questions. And most importantly, he listens.
He doesn’t believe a City Council member should simply assume they know what people need or automatically vote yes because something has been placed in front of them.
Craig believes taxpayers deserve representatives who are willing to look at the facts, ask difficult questions when necessary, consider different perspectives, and make thoughtful decisions about how the city’s resources are used.
“You can’t represent people if you aren’t willing to go out and talk to them.”
Common Sense. Practical Experience. A Better Tomorrow.
Craig wants to bring decades of private-sector experience, deep roots in St. Cloud, and a willingness to listen to Ward 4 residents to the City Council.
His goal is straightforward: help make thoughtful decisions today that create a stronger St. Cloud tomorrow.