On Systems Receives 2026 North Star Award from Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest
Recognition honors a year of technology improvements supporting staff and families facing a child’s medical crisis.
BRAINERD LAKES AREA, Minn. — On Systems has received the 2026 North Star Award from Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest (RMHC-UM), recognizing the company’s dedication and work to resolve persistent technology challenges affecting staff, children and families.
On Systems co-owners Jon Melberg and Nathan Kempka accepted the award at RMHC-UM’s Celebrate Love Gala. The recognition followed a yearlong effort to restore reliable connectivity and improve the technology that supports the organization’s daily operations.
The project began when Lauren Johnson of CTC, a telecommunications provider and On Systems partner, connected the team with RMHC-UM. During an initial visit to its Minneapolis facility, the team learned that recurring network outages sometimes lasted hours or days. Staff struggled to complete their work, parents experienced difficulty connecting with doctors and accessing medical information, and children lost access to Wi-Fi, games and television during already difficult stays.
CTC provided reliable internet connectivity and phone services, while On Systems addressed the broader technology challenges. The team restored much of the facility’s connectivity and functionality during its first day onsite, providing immediate relief and laying the groundwork for more extensive improvements.
Over the following year, On Systems rebuilt and upgraded network infrastructure, wireless coverage, firewalls, cybersecurity protections, computer and server systems, cabling, door access controls, television systems and cloud platforms. The work required repeated onsite visits, late nights and close collaboration with RMHC-UM staff.
For the On Systems team, the most meaningful results were the everyday improvements: staff could spend more time supporting families, parents could stay connected, and children could once again enjoy familiar entertainment and distractions.
“I am endlessly proud of my team for their hard work and dedication,” said Melberg, co-owner of On Systems. “We love what we do and we enjoy helping others even when it’s hard.”
The award also reflects the value of local partnerships. The connection between On Systems, CTC and RMHC-UM brought together complementary expertise to address an urgent need and support an organization serving families through some of their most challenging moments.
Melberg expressed gratitude to RMHC-UM CEO Jill Evenocheck and the organization’s staff for the recognition and the opportunity to contribute to their mission.
For On Systems, the project reinforced the purpose behind its work: helping people and organizations depend on their technology so they can focus on what matters most.
Watch “Ronald McDonald House 2026 North Star Award: The Nisswa Connection” to learn more about the story.
