PUBLISHER LETTER
There’s something about fall in Mandan that feels like a celebration of community. The air cools, the leaves turn, and we’re reminded of the people and places that make our city special. This issue of Mandan Magazine is all about them: the small business owners, the artists, and the dreamers who pour their hearts into what they do.
Take all our local tattoo parlors, for example. When Larson’s Tattooing opened, at the time, it was the only tattoo shop in Mandan. What began as an airbrushing and upholstery business evolved into a creative hub where car culture meets tattoo culture. Their shop has grown into a welcoming space where anyone, whether it’s a kid getting their ears pierced, someone looking for a small design, or a collector completing a sleeve, can feel comfortable. For the Larsons, it’s about more than ink. It’s about the trust and stories shared with every client who walks through their doors.
Then, there’s Doll’s Studios, which brings a passion for realism and artistry that has set this studio apart. What started with airbrushing grew into a place where art and human stories meet, one tattoo at a time. That combination of talent, creativity, and connection is exactly what makes small businesses like these the backbone of our community.
That same entrepreneurial spark is alive in the Mandan Business Pitch Challenge. Since 2018, this event has drawn more than 40 applicants and produced businesses that are now thriving parts of our economy. From pediatric therapy clinics to coffee shops and beyond, the Pitch Challenge proves that bold ideas and community support can turn possibility into reality. It’s not just a contest, it’s a launchpad, and I can’t wait to see the next wave of innovators take the stage this November.
And let’s not forget the music. This fall, Mandan is home to the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame and as part of the newest induction festivities The Hall of the Fame organizers are hosting the first annual Dakota Music Crawl. Four new legends: The Blenders, Richard Torrance, Skitch Henderson, and Chuck Suchy will join the ranks of North Dakota’s musician greats. Paired with live performances, local brews, and a community concert under the stars, it’s an event that reminds us how deeply music connects us.
From tattoo artists to entrepreneurs to musicians, the stories in this issue remind us that Mandan is a place where passion takes center stage. These businesses and artists aren’t just shaping their own futures, they’re shaping the identity of our community. That’s something worth celebrating.
See you around town,
Matt Schanandore Executive Director Mandan Progress Organization
Mandan Progress Organization Members
Legacy Level Member
701 Cycle and Sport
Chucker’s Sports Bar / Send-It 24/7
Cornhole
Dakota Kustomz, LLC
Pepsi America
Stage Stop Saloon & Grill
Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
Premiere Level Member
1806 & Co.
Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau
CHI St. Alexius Health
HIT, Inc
Interstate Engineering
Lewis & Clark Development Group
Mandan Rodeo Days
Sanford Health
TransTrash
Vision Source
Excellence Level Members
Black Lions
Dacotah Bank
First International Bank & Trust
Funatix Events
Knife River Corporation- ND Division
La Cantina
Mandan Road Races LLC
National Day Calendar
Open Road Honda
Security First Agency of North Dakota
Silver Dollar Bar
The Innovation Barn
The Poppy Creative
Third Day Family Farms
Entry Level Members
701 Cornhole Company
Action Motor Sports
Advanced Business Methods
AE2S
AID, Inc.
Al Fitterer Architect PC
American Family Insurance- Terry
Kraft
AnyLeaks
Bain Agency/Bridgemark Insurance Solutions
Balancing Goat Coffee Co
Barney’s Tesoro/ Red Trail
Basin Electric Power
Baymont Inn & Suites
Bennigan’s
Beyond the Blooms
Big Stick Cigar Lounge
Bismarck Larks
Bismarck Magazine
Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC
BNC Bank Mandan
BNI Coal
Bobcat of Mandan
Bravera Bank
Bullinger Tree Service
Burian & Associates
Burning Desires
Butcher Block Meats
Capital Credit Union
Cappuccino on Collins
Captain Jack’s Liquor Land (Coborn’s)
City of Mandan
Cloverdale Foods
Coal Country Coffee Company
Comfort Inn & Suites
Copper Dog Cafe
Corral Sales RV Superstore
Dacotah Speedway
Dairy Queen
Dakota Caulking
DaWise Perry and Mandan Crematory
Doll’s Studios Tattoo & Piercing
Eco Sanitation
Edward Jones - Rick Kuhn
Edward Jones- Vanessa Martell
Every Eye
Express Yourself Salon
Eyecare Professionals
Family Fare/Spartan Nash
Family Wellness
Farm Credit Services
Farmers Union Insurance- Ressler/ Kuntz Agency
Feil Orthodontics
Fettig Millwork
First Community Credit Union
FOMO 10/40 Creamery
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Gate City Bank
Goodhart & Associates, PC
Gramma Brauns Stores Inc.
Grand Junction Subs
Gunscher’s Auto Repair Plus
Gusaas Signs
Harlow’s School Bus Service
Heritage Exteriors
Hirsch Floral & Gifts
Hopfauf Custom Builders.
Huck Financial
Huntington Books
Hyundai of Mandan/ Bismarck
Motor Company
Ideal Image Dentistry
iGear
Independent Land Survey and Engineering
Jerome Distributing
Johnson’s Wrecking
KAT & Company
Keller Carpentry LLC
Keller Insurance Services.
Kelsch, Ruff, Kranda, Nagle &
Ludwig
Kids in Motion Pediatric Therapy
KLJ
L&H Branding Irons
Lakewood Marina LLC
Larson’s Tattooing
Leingang Chiropractic & Wellness
Leingang Home Center.
Leroy’s MVP Store
Letter the Lawn
Liberty Tax Service
Lillis Electric
Lincoln Repair
Little Caesars Pizza
Lords-n-Ladies
LPT Images
M&H Gas
M&W Beef Packers Inc.
Main Street Drive Thru Liquor
Mandan Auto Glass
Mandan Dacotah Lions
Mandan Eagles
Mandan Lions
Mandan Moose Lodge
Mandan Parks & Rec.
Mandan Public School District.
Mandan Regional Airport
Mandan Tire Center
McDonald’s
Metro Area Ambulance
Midway Lanes
MOJO 107.5/Big Rig 105.9
Moritz Sport and Marine
Morton County
Morton Mandan Public Library.
Musicians Association
NAPA Auto Parts
ND Assoc of Rural Electric Coop.
Newman Signs
Nightlife Entertainment
NISC
North Country Inn
North Dakota Tourism
Northern Plains Plumbing, Heating & Air
Northern Trophy
Northwest Tire Mandan
Ohms Cafe
Old 10 Bar & Grill
Old Town Tavern/Scapegoat Bar
Pahlke Steel, Inc.
Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Pizza Ranch
Quadrasight Software
Quality Home Furniture
Railway Credit Union
Red Carpet Mandan ARCO
Red Top Recovery
Reds 3D Printing
Revive Law Group
Riverwood RV & Auto
RJR Maintenance & Management
Safe Ship
Schaff Estate & Life Planning Group
Schlosser Excavating
Schwan Buick GMC Cadillac
Scotty’s Drive-In
Shop Suzy B
Sign Pro
Signature Events, LLC
Simes Graphic Designs
Southside MVP
Spiffy Biffs
State Farm Insurance- Heather
Fried
State Farm Insurance- Rod Skytland
Sunset MVP
Superpumper #41
The Golden Comb Day Spa & Salon
The Medicine Shoppe
The Paddle Trap
The Post Events
The Skin Boutique & Hair Lounge
The Title Team
Titan Machinery
TP Motel
Tri Energy Cenex
United Printing
Venue Twenty5
Weigel Funeral Home
Zander Body Shop
Individual Level Member
Karen Breiner
Paulette Bullinger
Jim & Loah Clement
Lee Fleischer
Mike Hanson
Donna Hartze
Bernice Hilfer
Ellen Huber
Donovan Kruger
Laurie Leingang
Terry Pilling
Rachael Preusse
Matt & Amy Schanandore
Kari Schmidt
Andrew Stromme
Andrea Travnicek
Del Wetsch
Andrew Zachmeier
DOLL’S STUDIOS
Story: Maria Brezny | Photos: Cloud Watcher
Open for over 20 years, Doll’s Studios has sharpened their skills in art, illustration, and tattooing, with their talented artists capable of any style requested, including realism. Owner and operator Jason Doll explains how this sets them apart from other tattoo parlors: “This style is more difficult, and many artists can’t do it very well… The artwork and final outcome with the client’s happiness is our utmost concern.” While tattooing is perhaps now what they are best known for, Jason first started out airbrushing. “As the tattoo industry started doing crazier, more realistic art rather than cartoons and flash, it captured my attention,” he describes. “Everyone (especially my wife) pushed me to get into tattooing. At one point I thought, ‘Not everyone is going to get something airbrushed, but everyone loves tattoos.’” Doll’s
Studios slowly started offering more and more tattooing and now offers body piercings as well.
The atmosphere at Doll’s Studios is professional while still feeling friendly and comfortable. “We try to create a very comfortable environment with the highest standards of integrity,” Jason describes. Jason’s passion for his work is fueled by the artistic creativity he gets to express. “The thing I love best about owning a tattoo parlor is spending my life in the world of art and creativity while meeting all different people… Everyone has a specific reason to get a tattoo, and I’m honored to be entrusted with that responsibility,” he says. Whether you have a specific design you want or you are looking for something fun their artists have designed, Doll’s Studios is prepared to offer you exceptional service and an incredible piece of art.
Hours: Sunday-Saturday 11 am- 6 pm
Address: 3001 Memorial Hwy, Ste A, Mandan Phone: (701) 663-1069
Website: dollsstudios.ink
“We try to create a very comfortable environment with the highest standards of integrity”
LARSON’S TATTOOING
Story: Maria Brezny | Photos: Cloud Watcher
Alittle over ten years ago, Jon and Amber Larson first opened their tattoo parlor in Mandan, the only one open at the time. “We've always been invested in Mandan and love the opportunity to provide services to people across the community... and state!” Amber says. Before he was licensed to offer tattoos, Jon had been running an airbrushing and upholstery business called Larson’s Creative Concepts. As tattoos became more popular, it was a natural transition from beautifying cars into creating body art.
Their tattoo parlor design reflects Jon’s interests in cars, bringing together car culture and tattoo culture. They welcome a wide variety of clients into their large, beautiful space in a historic downtown Mandan building. “We welcome everyone,
from kids getting their ears pierced to someone looking for small lettering to tattoo collectors working on a full sleeve,” Amber describes. Their small but talented team can assist with tattoos, piercings or even permanent makeup. “We try to make our business family-friendly and welcoming,” says Amber. “Plus we have team members who have been working in this industry for a long time.” For the Larsons, the best part of their work is the relationships built along the way. “[We enjoy] connecting with the customers and hearing their stories,” says Amber. “We’re fortunate people choose to trust us.”
Hours: Tues-Fri 9 am- 6 pm, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month
Address: 216 W Main St, Mandan Phone: (701) 400-5217
Website: www.larsonstattooing.com
“We enjoy connecting with the customers and hearing their stories”
INK’D CHAOS
Story: Maria Brezny | Photos: Cloud Watcher
Making people feel beautiful fuels Lisa Wilson Jensen’s passion for tattooing. Owner of Ink’d Chaos Tattoo, Lisa has been in the industry since late 2019, but took the leap into ownership in May of last year. “My late husband Kirk Wilson had played around with tattooing for many years, and he saw that I had potential,” she says. “Due to his arthritis, he was not able to continue and wanted me to take the reins and pushed me to move forward… After his death, I took some time off to get my head in the right space. I reopened again and have forged forward because I want my late husband’s legacy to continue. My current husband was a beacon that also pushed me and is my biggest cheerleader.”
While tattooing is a more recent passion, Lisa
has always had a love for art. Tattooing quickly became personally meaningful to her, as she etched her first tattoo on herself. “My first tattoo is a little frog and my nickname on my leg from when my late husband had his equipment for tattooing left at my place, and I decided to give it a try,” she recalls. “I still have that tattoo on my left leg to show me where I was and my growth to where I am now.” While Lisa’s skills have come a long way, that same passion and curiosity drives her now.
Lisa loves being a part of so many different people’s stories. “To me, art is a form of expression, and I enjoy being a part of that,” she explains. “It gives me a sense of purpose and pride to know I make people feel beautiful and happy.” Her shop is decorated in a Beetlejuice theme and her restroom in a Nightmare Before Christmas theme to help her clients to have fun and feel comfortable. “Whether it be a first time tattoo or an addition to many, I treat them like they are the only person in the room and give them what they want,” she describes. “I thrive to give my all with each and every person.”
Hours: By appointment only and closed Wednesdays
Address: 500 W Main St, Mandan Facebook: @inkdchaostattoollc Phone: (701) 220-6916
NARDAWAHL’S TATTOO EMPORIUM
Story: Maria Brezny | Photos: Cloud Watcher
Jon Gross, owner and operator of NarDawahl’s Tattoo Emporium, has been tattooing since 1995. He started as a full-time artist in Minot, before working in Las Vegas in the mid to late 90s. After that, he moved to Ft. Cavazos, Texas where he worked from 1999 until 2011 when he decided it was time to move home. “After traveling around this great nation of ours working for and with many awesome tattoo artists, my wife and I decided to come back home to my beloved city of Mandan to raise our children and offer my trade,”
Jon says. He opened NarDawahl’s Tattoo Emporium in 2011 in downtown Mandan and has now been tattooing full-time for over 27 years.
NarDawahl’s Tattoo Emporium is in an old barber shop tucked away in downtown Mandan. Jon says
he loves the old-school tattoo parlor feel. Because tattooing is his passion, it is important to him to keep prices reasonable. “Just trying to make a check, not take a check,” Jon explains. Owning his own business allows him to control the prices of tattoos, as well as set his own hours. His favorite part of the job is getting to know his clients. “I’m very open to conversation… and the shooting of the bull,” he says. Skilled in all styles of tattooing, Jon does custom tattoos as well as his own designs. “Any image one’s heart desires is welcome,” he says.
Jon also loves being a part of the downtown Mandan business community and encourages people to come down and support the local tattoo industry. “If you come to me or not, get out there and support your local tattoo artists,” Jon says. “Mandan has some great talent and great people in our industry who give it all they got in tattooing.”
Hours: Tues-Fri 12pm-10 pm, Sat 1pm-10pm
Address: 122 1/2 W Main St, Mandan
Phone: (701) 751-0776
STUBBORN BULL
Story: Maria Brezny | Photos: Cloud Watcher
he says. “Every tattoo has a story.” He keeps the atmosphere in his shop relaxed so his clients feel comfortable, displaying different horror memorabilia that he’s collected over the years.
While Jason Cook opened Stubborn Bull Tattoo just three years ago, he first started tattooing over nine years ago. “After getting a tattoo down in Sturgis, I became great friends with the artist who has owned a shop there for over 20 years,” he recalls. “The rest is history.” When Jason opened his own shop, he chose the name Stubborn Bull Tattoo as an homage to his late father. “He passed away just before I decided to open my own place and thought it fitting to have his nickname carry on,” explains Jason. Both Jason and his father served as Marines, so Jason designed his logo to reflect that as well.
The relationships built while tattooing fuels Jason’s passion for his work. “The best thing about owning a tattoo studio is the people I get to meet,”
However, tattooing is more than work for Jason. It’s an opportunity to create art for a living. “As an artist, I really do love to create my own art,” he explains. “Most clients have an idea of what they like so if they have any reference art, I definitely use it to assist in creating a unique piece of art. I truly enjoy having full artistic freedom, though.” The only artist at his shop, Jason loves the opportunity to give each person who walks through his door a permanent and unique piece of art.
Hours: Monday through Friday 9 am- 6 pm, Saturday open 24 hours, closed Sunday
Address: 2101 40th Ave SE, Suite 102, Mandan
Facebook: Stubborn Bull Tattoo
Phone: (701) 391-3322
TEN32INK
Story: Maria Brezny | Photos: Cloud Watcher
With decor set in the world of the 1920s and 1930s, where gangsters like Al Capone ruled Chicago, ten32ink is an escape from the stress of the real world. “We are often told it’s sort of a home-awayfrom-home,” says owner Matthew Bunk. “It’s like a gangster museum with antique furniture, vintage photos of old mafia bosses, and unique gangster memorabilia.” The name, ten32ink, comes from a police ten-code that means person with a gun. Matthew, a retired police officer, thinks the name fits pretty well with the studio’s decorations which are “the faces of every gang and mob leader from the Gilded Age.”
While Matt first opened ten32ink in 2020 with two artists, the studio has been growing steadily, with artist and manager Maja Bjelanovic now sharing
ownership, and two more artists and a piercer joining their staff. “Our clients come to us for the quality of our artwork and our accommodating hours,” explains Matthew. “Our artists specialize in fine lines and small details, which makes all of our tattoos stand out, from small script to larger realism projects such as portraits.” In addition to the high quality of their work, the flexibility and wideopen availability of their artists makes it easy for people who work normal business hours to book an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome afternoons and evenings seven days a week, but you can book an appointment for literally any time.
Matthew loves what he does and is grateful to all his clients for supporting his passion and to his team for creating a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. “We get to make a living from our artwork,” he says… I’ve always been an artist, from the time when I was little, but it was always just a hobby. My cousin taught me how to tattoo about eight years ago, and I threw myself into it right from the start. Now that I’ve owned the shop for the past five years, I don’t want to do anything else. Best job ever.”
Address: 120 W Main St, Mandan
Hours: Walk-Ins: Sunday-Thursday 3 pm - 11pm and Friday and Saturday noon - midnight Appointments: 24/7
Website: ten32ink.com
Phone: (701) 390-3030
EXHIBIT A TATTOO
Story: Maria Brezny | Photos: Cloud Watcher
Chambers,” he explains. “The vibe in my booth is more goofy. My clients and I joke around, watch comedy, podcasts, and relate off of that.” Both Lexi and Chris love making their clients feel comfortable and bring a high level of skill to their craft.
Lexi and Chris first met as apprentices at the same tattoo shop. After working at a few different places around town, the couple decided to do their own thing and open their own business. The name Exhibit A Tattoo comes from two different ideas.
If you are looking for a tattoo studio with an open, friendly vibe where all ideas and conversations are welcome, visit Exhibit A Tattoo, owned by husband and wife duo Chris and Lexi Anderson. While Chris and Lexi’s personal booths and styles differ, they are both personable and professional, always excited to help their wide range of clients find their personal brand of art. “I like to treat my clients like an old friend,” says Lexi.
Lexi describes herself as a tattooer for the girls, a girl’s girl. “My style is much more feminine, and my main clientele is female,” she says. “I would describe my vibe as the girls just hanging out.” Chris’ style is more traditional American tattooing. “My room is inspired by Sailor Jerry, who I got my first inspiration from, and people now like Myke
“The exhibit part represents an art exhibit, and then the A stands for our last name,” explains Chris. Being co-owners as husband and wife gives Exhibit A Tattoo’s clients unique freedom and opportunities. “A lot of times we have partners come in, and we’ll both tattoo them at the same time… We also have more leeway to accommodate our clients’ schedules,” describes Lexi. Their combined passion for connecting with people and making beautiful body art makes these two a creative force in the Mandan community.
Facebook: Exhibit A Tattoo
322 W Main St, Mandan
10 am - 5 pm Tuesday - Saturday (701) 315-0025
Mandan Strikes a Chord
Four New Legends Join the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame at the Dakota Music Crawl
Story: Marlo Anderson
North Dakota’s prairies have long been fertile ground for more than amber waves of grain—they’ve nurtured a rich musical heritage that has touched audiences far beyond the state’s borders. From the champagne music of Lawrence Welk to the jazz stylings of Peggy Lee and the rock rhythms of Bobby Vee, North Dakota’s influence on the American soundscape is undeniable. The North Dakota Music Hall of Fame celebrates this legacy, honoring the artists, promoters, and industry professionals who have shaped our state’s vibrant musical story.
This year, that legacy grows with the induction of four remarkable new members:
• The Blenders – Beloved for their signature harmonies and captivating performances, they’ve been part of North Dakota’s musical identity for decades, inspiring audiences nationwide.
• Richard Torrance – A gifted songwriter and performer whose heartfelt music and authenticity have left an enduring mark on listeners everywhere.
• Skitch Henderson – The internationally celebrated conductor, pianist, and cultural leader whose storied career began right here in North Dakota.
• Chuck Suchy – Officially recognized as North Dakota’s Troubadour, his songs capture the soul of prairie life, honoring the land, people, and quiet beauty of the state.
The Hall of Fame’s work extends far beyond the ceremony stage. In Mandan’s Dykshoorn Park, an ever-growing art installation stands as a permanent tribute to past inductees—soon to be expanded with five new panels. Plans are also underway for a traveling jukebox showcasing North Dakota artists, set to tour communities statewide.
Online, the weekly “North Dakota Artist Spotlight” shines a light on both emerging and established musicians. These projects are fueled in part by the Hall of Fame’s charter membership program, inviting passionate music lovers to become foundational supporters.
On Sunday, September 28th, Mandan will come alive for a celebration unlike any other—the Dakota Music Crawl + North Dakota Music Hall of Fame Induction + National Drink Beer Day. The day begins at Dykshoorn Park with the official induction ceremony, where the new honorees will be recognized for their contributions to music and culture.
Richard Torrance
After the applause fades, the celebration moves into downtown Mandan for the Dakota Music Crawl. Timed with National Drink Beer Day, this is no ordinary pub crawl—six venues, six live performances, and a drink included at each stop. Attendees can sip local brews, enjoy diverse musical styles, and immerse themselves in an all-day festival atmosphere.
By late afternoon, the crowd will head back to Dykshoorn Park for the grand finale—a mouthwatering catered BBQ dinner with brisket, pulled pork, and all the fixings, followed by a lively evening concert under the open sky. It’s the perfect way to close out a day filled with music, friends, and community pride.
The Dakota Music Crawl is more than a concert or a ceremony— it’s a celebration of the legends of yesterday, the talent of today, and the community spirit that keeps North Dakota’s music alive.
Tickets are on sale now—search Dakota Music Crawl on Eventbrite. This is a 21+ event, and with such a unique mix of music, food, and celebration, tickets are expected to sell quickly. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable day in Mandan.
Skitch Henderson
Chuck Suchy
Rooted in Grit, Glamor & Community:
Inside 1806 & Co. with Steph Schmidt–Claymore
Downtown Mandan is home to many one-of-a-kind small businesses, but few shine as boldly as 1806 & Co., a one-of-a-kind jewelry store owned and operated by veteran, ranch hand, mom, and style icon Steph Schmidt-Claymore.
A proud U.S. Army veteran, Steph built 1806 & Co. from the ground up with two clear passions: delivering high-quality, authentic pieces made by Native American artists and championing local womenowned businesses. Often, those passions go hand-in-hand. “I always joke that jewelry would look really weird naked, or I’d be selling to a totally different demographic,” Steph says, laughing. “Pairing my pieces with outfits from other small boutiques is half the fun.” When styling her signature squash blossoms and silver cuffs, Steph shops local first, frequently collaborating with fellow small businesses like Yellow Stitch Boutique, Junkin Jo’s Boutique, Desirae’s Makeup & Beauty Lounge, and local photographers including Tosha Rochelle, Rachel Kost, and Jade Strecker to bring her vision to life. “I work with other small businesses, especially women, to make sure I’m successful in what I do. But I also want them to win, too,” she says. “When one of us wins, we all win.”
That collaborative spirit runs deep at 1806 & Co. Steph isn’t interested in gatekeeping. In fact, she’s known for encouraging open dialogue, creative partnerships, and unexpected collaborations that uplift the whole community. “If someone wants to open a Western boutique right next door, my answer is ‘let’s talk about how we can both thrive,’” she says. “Let’s figure it out.”
To Steph, collaboration is about more than brand exposure. It’s about building something bigger, an ecosystem of creatives and entrepreneurs who genuinely show up for each other through the highs and lows of business and life. “When you’re building something from scratch, it helps to know someone else gets it,” Steph adds. “That kind of connection is priceless.”
You can shop 1806 & Co. in person at 503 E Main St. Plaza Suite 4, Mandan, ND, or online at 1806andco.com. For the latest hours, events, and arrivals, follow Steph on Instagram and Facebook at @ eighteen06andcompany and @1806andco.
Photos by Tosha Rochelle Photography and Rachel Kost Photography
STORY: NATHAN SCHNEIDER | PHOTOS: SUBMITTED
Every thriving community runs on fresh ideas, bold thinkers, and the grit to turn concepts into companies. In Mandan, the Mandan Business Pitch Challenge has become more than a competition—it’s a spark that fuels innovation, economic growth, and community pride.
The first Challenge took place in November 2018, created to strengthen Mandan’s
entrepreneurial ecosystem. That inaugural event drew eleven applicants, with four finalists taking the stage on “Pitch Night.”
Since then, Mandan has hosted four more competitions, bringing the totals to 42 applicants and 20 finalists. Many of these participants have gone on to launch their businesses right here in Mandan. Over the years, the Challenge has grown into both a proven program and a highly anticipated
opportunity for local entrepreneurs to tell their story and take the next step forward.
One such story is that of Kim Bloms, owner of Kids in Motion Pediatric Therapy & Wellness. Kim says she “didn’t mean to start a business,” but today she leads a thriving pediatric therapy clinic with 24 employees in an 11,000-square-foot facility. Her journey began with a simple suggestion
to apply for the Mandan Business Pitch Challenge. Without a formal business plan, but with a clear vision, deep passion for helping children, and the courage to take that first step, Kim found herself surrounded by the resources, feedback, and encouragement she needed to turn an idea
into a reality that now changes lives and strengthens the local economy.
Now entering its sixth year, the Challenge invites aspiring business owners to present their ideas to a panel of judges in hopes of securing funding, resources, and
connections. On the surface, it’s a contest. But its true value runs much deeper—it’s about planting seeds that can grow into lasting economic and community assets for Mandan and Morton County.
Starting a business can feel like pushing
2021 WINNER LETTER THE LAWN RACHEL JUNGLING PRESENTING
2019 WINNER LATIDOT SCOOP & GIFT SHOP - DOT FRANK
2018 WINNER NORDIC STEEL WINS
2022 WINNER BUBBLES AND BREWS WITH PEARL
a boulder uphill—especially in the early stages, when resources are limited, visibility is scarce, and uncertainty looms large. The Pitch Challenge helps level that slope. Finalists receive one-on-one coaching from the North Dakota Small Business Development Center, leaving them with stronger business plans, more compelling presentations, and a clearer strategy for growth.
Even those who don’t take home first place leave with something valuable: constructive
FINALISTS
feedback from experienced business leaders, exposure to potential customers, and the confidence gained from pitching to a live audience. In that way, the Challenge serves as a launchpad—propelling ideas from kitchen tables and coffee shops into the marketplace.
While the top prize this year includes a $10,000 forgivable loan from the Mandan Growth Fund, the bigger win is the network the Challenge builds. Entrepreneurs connect with mentors, peers, and city
leaders. Ideas get refined, tested, and celebrated.
The Mandan Business Pitch Challenge matters because it turns possibility into reality. It’s not just about launching businesses—it’s about shaping a future where innovation thrives, opportunities grow, and the entire community benefits. It is important because it turns possibility into reality. It’s about more than launching businesses—it’s about building the kind of future that benefits everyone who calls Mandan home.
ANNOUNCED BY: SEPT. 12, 2025
PRESENTATIONS: OCT. 15, 2025
We support our local schools and families, and we’re proud to be part of this community. Best wishes for a year full of learning and growth!
Sunset Drive, Mandan, ND 58554 701-663-5448 | www.bnc.bank
