5 Things I’ve Learned: Paul Mooty
Friday, October 10, 2025
Paul Mooty, ’82 BSB, ’85 JD, is the vice chairman and partner of Faribault Woolen Mill Co. In 2011, he and his family reopened the shuttered Faribault plant, resurrecting a beloved Minnesota brand.
Before that, he served as the president and CEO of Custom Rock, a St. Paul-based manufacturer and architectural concrete contractor. In his free time, he participates in the Rotary Club of Edina and is a devoted husband and dad to three children, with multiple grandchildren.
If you do not ask, the answer is always no.
We have all had situations where we think there is no sense in asking for something. We assume the answer will be no. While that may be true, if you do not ask, you will never know. By bravely asking, sometimes the answer is yes. Be inquisitive, bold, and not afraid to explore.
Measure (listen) twice, cut (speak) once.
The old carpenter’s saying “measure twice, cut once” translates well into life. Learning to listen more than talk is invaluable. Quiet listening before speaking helps you form better questions and understand the conversation. When you do speak, you are better prepared and more thoughtful. Be a good listener.
The Rotary Four-Way Test
More than 25 years ago, I joined Rotary, a service organization that uses a set of questions called the Four-Way Test to guide decision-making: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? This test and my faith have become core values that guide me in business and in life.
It is very hard to learn if you talk all the time—likely that is why we have two ears and only one mouth. Be a good listener.
sets, including this Goldy mosaic.
There is a solution to every problem.
We all run into challenges that feel like dead ends. My dad taught me there are solutions to every problem. They may not be ideal from our perspective, but staying calm and thinking through challenges leads to a path forward. Think creatively and keep a “never give up” mindset. A calm, positive stance helps.
Constant chaos interrupted by brief successes.
Earlier this year, Gopher Football Head Coach PJ Fleck said, “This job is constant chaos interrupted by brief successes.” I wrote it down and kept the note on my desk. His words fit our jobs and daily life. When we acknowledge and learn from the chaos, we can better appreciate—and build on—the brief successes.
This article appeared in the Fall 2025 alumni magazine
With courage, curiosity, and community, it seems there's no limit to what the Minnesota Carlson network can create.