Client Testimonial:
"E.W. Wylie Corporation originally owned our property but decided to do a sale/leaseback. JBC Commercial Real Estate's experienced agents, led by Lori Ibach, formed an investment group to buy the property and lease back to us. Years later, we outgrew that building and Lori and her team helped identify alternative sites, assisted with site selection and acquisition, ultimately constructing a 61,576 SF state-of-the-art corporate facility for us to lease long term in a complex, lengthy and complicated buildto-suit transaction. We appreciate our long-term working relationship with Lori and her team."
Although she continues to actively sell and grow the company, Lori has placed special focus on recruiting and mentoring, sharing her passion for real estate and seeing women soar to great heights in their career advancement and earnings. “Women are becoming more attracted to commercial real estate. They’re seeing that it offers a different side of the industry and the opportunities are endless.”
Alyssa agrees, stating that she is seeing younger women get involved in the business. “I meet many women business owners and professionals. They ask me questions and I love sharing what
Scott Hoppe, President and CFO
this experience is like. It’s rewarding.” Brittaney aligns with this by saying, “90% of what we do is about building a relationship through authentic networking. When we meet new people, we are focused on building something meaningful, rooted in trust, and I never think about my work as transactional.”
In addition to the satisfaction she gains from being a mentor to her team, Lori comments that one of her biggest joys is driving down the road and seeing places that her clients once occupied but no longer do because they outgrew the space. “Watching a small business go into a building and then five years later move to something larger makes me so happy! I love seeing businesses expand.” Clearly, Lori knows her “why” in her work. She’s a woman who roots for other women to succeed and she is quick and effortless in her generous sharing of knowledge and resources. It does not go unnoticed.
Lori was the lead agent working with E.W. Wylie Corporation to expand their 61,500 square foot Fargo facility which was constructed in 2020. Lori and her partnership group own, developed and lease back the facility to E.W. Wylie Corporation.
VanderHagen and Jim Buus were thrilled to have leased JLG Architects its new space in downtown Fargo. JLG leased the entire 7th floor of the
Tower.
Brittaney
RDO
photo credit Dan Francis Photography (below)
“I love seeing how unafraid Lori is,” Alyssa states. “She has a real voice at the table and I respect this. She openly offers what she knows and is giving to others, which is a great role model for those newer to the industry.”
Today, Lori not only takes care of her clients and team, but she is also active in the community, as is her company. She encourages her team to volunteer as well. Brittaney is currently a board member of Down Home, an FM organization that empowers lives and stabilizes those emerging from homelessness by furnishing homes. “I was born and raised in Fargo and am very passionate about my city and community continuing to thrive,” she comments. “To see how far this community has come is amazing.” She also volunteers with her children’s schools and is actively involved as an alumnus of the FMWF Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership program.
For Alyssa, also participating in the FMWF Chamber of Commerce and its YPN (Young Professionals Network) has been rewarding. Lori, along with Jim Buus and the JBC team, continually sponsor area events and initiatives. They are involved in the FMWF, Detroit Lakes, and Perham Chambers of Commerce, and actively participate in fundraisers and events benefiting multiple causes.
The future is wide open for these women, as well as those they will bring on board in the future, as they are focused and sincere in their mission. “I am so excited to see where this takes me professionally,” Alyssa notes, “and I am excited to be part of this team.”
Client
Testimonial:
“Brittaney VanderHagen helped me find the perfect space for my salon. She was so detailed and attentive in searching for the right location and helping negotiate my lease. As a first time salon owner, I had no clue what the process looked like, and she helped make it so easy. It was great working with Brittaney and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for their perfect commercial space. I hope to work with her again in the future!”
Olivia Rogers Guertin,
Niche Salon Studios
“My hope,” Brittaney offers, “is to mentor other women in the industry, to offer different perspectives and educate them on various roles that exist. I want to help the next generation of female commercial agents.”
And, as a seasoned industry veteran, Lori shares this vision. She is unwavering, adding that she is eager to see more women realizing this is a space where there is limitless opportunity. “It is lucrative and beneficial. I was warmly greeted by every agency in town when I transitioned from being an administrative assistant to working as an agent. I hope everyone feels that same level of welcome and support.”
Even though it was not easy paving the way as a woman in this field at the time she entered it, Lori is quick to comment that the upside and the wins far outweigh the challenges she faced. “It can be a tough industry, but the rewards are huge. It is a fulfilling career for sure.”
Brittaney notes that reaping the financial wins takes time.
“Making the switch from employee to independent contractor, in my 40’s with two young daughters was scary, but my husband was incredibly supportive. He liked the idea of me betting on myself, and with careful planning, we both knew I would be successful. You must have good mentors and people who support your choice to work in this industry.” Lori remains committed to filling these roles, not only for her current team, but in fostering the next generation of women who will follow in her footsteps. “My goal is to continue breaking down barriers, creating mentorship opportunities, and encouraging the next generation of women to not just step into this field, but to lead it.” [ aw ]
“Working with Alyssa was such a positive experience. She was incredibly patient and really took the time to understand my business and what I was looking for in a space. I never felt rushed in the process, and she always made me feel like my goals were her priority. I’d highly recommend Alyssa to anyone needing a trusted partner in commercial real estate.”
Alyssa’s new build-to-suit listing in Horace, ND
Written by Caitlin Pallai
Kelly Krapu, CrossFit coach and long-time athlete, has always been passionate about fitness. She started competing in triathlons at 46, adding one to her roster every year. This summer’s goal was five and Krapu felt stronger and healthier than she had in over a decade.
That changed on May 24, 2025.
During a regular workout at CrossFit Detroit Lakes, Krapu started feeling lethargic and nauseous. “I thought I was dehydrated or maybe not getting enough oxygen,” she recalls. “I told myself to shake it off, that I was fine.”
But Krapu’s symptoms persisted and her friend, Amy Rosing, noticed something was wrong. “She asked me to smile, and when the left side of my face drooped, she said, ‘We have to go,’” explained Krapu.
Amy drove Krapu to the emergency department at Essentia Health St. Mary’s-Detroit Lakes where she was immediately treated for a suspected
stroke. Krapu was then transported to Essentia Health-Fargo where she stayed for five days, two of them in the ICU.
Upon discharge, Krapu turned to Joseph Heinz, a physical therapist at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Therapy Center in Detroit Lakes. Heinz regularly attends CrossFit, including Krapu’s classes, and agreed to work with her in recovery.
“Like any other therapy, stroke rehab is about working on the things you’re not good at,” said Heinz. “You progress in intensity to ensure exercises are difficult enough, which forces your body to adapt over time.”
Photographs supplied by Essentia Health
When Krapu arrived for her first appointment, it was obvious to Heinz there was work to do.
“Cognitively, she was doing pretty well; she was the same old Kelly,” he said. “But she came walking in with no cane, swaying all over the place, with her left side going along for the ride.”
She had about 20% of her normal strength. But Krapu was determined. She and Heinz worked together every day, five times a week for a month. By the third or fourth visit, she was already able to get up off the ground.
Quick intervention and Krapu’s active lifestyle proved to be critical in her recovery. “With someone like Kelly, rehab is much easier,” said Heinz. “She’s already lifting weights, running, jumping — things most people haven’t done since high school gym class. Fit people generally do better with rehab because they don’t have to relearn the basics.”
Occupational therapy also played a significant role in her recovery. Krapu rated herself at about 20% recovery during her first OT visit. After a month, 100%.
“Our daily activities can be broken down into categories, and OT is about helping a patient return
to doing what they love,” said Lexie Woinarowicz, an occupational therapist at Essentia.
Anna Jones, a third-year OT student at the University of North Dakota, spent her 12-week rotation at St. Mary’s-Detroit Lakes assisting Woinarowicz.
“Working with Kelly was amazing,” said Jones. “I got to be creative and go beyond the textbook. I coached Kelly in therapy and when I got to attend one of her classes where she was coaching me; it was full circle.”
Krapu credits her care team at Essentia for her incredible progress. “I’m blessed to have an amazing team,” she said. “They’ve all been instrumental and knew I was capable. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
Joe, Lexie, and Anna were all in attendance when Krapu returned to coaching CrossFit on June 18. “It makes me a little teary eyed because people who didn’t necessarily do CrossFit knew how important it was to me and showed up for me in a way that was very positive,” said Krapu.
“To see Kelly in her natural element makes you feel good as a therapist,” added Woinarowicz. “Seeing her achieve those goals and in that time frame was awesome.”
Krapu is back to 95% of her strength and continues to push herself. Her message to others? Be as healthy as you can.
“A stroke can happen to anyone,” she said. “But you can control your physical health. No one else is going to take charge of that for you. Whether it’s CrossFit, walking around the block or jumping on a trampoline with your kids — move your body. It’s the right thing to do.”
Kelly is grateful for the support she received. “Having this happen at my CrossFit gym was a blessing,” she said. “If I had been home alone, I probably would have thought, ‘I’ll take a nap,’ and I wouldn’t have sought medical attention.
“It’s okay to seek help when you need it — there’s no weakness in that.”
If you’re recovering from an illness or injury, Essentia’s experienced physical and occupational therapists can help guide you through exercises designed to decrease pain and increase strength, flexibility and balance. [ aw ]
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Joseph Heinz, DPT Essentia Health Physical Therapy (Outpatient)
Lexie Woinarowicz, OTR/L
Essentia Health Occupational Therapy (Outpatient)
As we step into Fall 2025, the beauty and fashion world is embracing a sense of quiet luxury—a refined elegance that emphasizes softness, richness, and natural beauty.
Mya
Hair: Jarica / Hair Success
Makeup: Samantha / Hair Success
Shoni
Makeup: Samantha / Hair Success
Color Trends:
Warm, Earthy, and Understatedly Bold
Fall 2025’s color palette reflects grounded sophistication with soft warmth and rich accents.
Top Colors to Watch:
• Mocha Mousse (Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year): A rich, warm brown with modern appeal
• Earthy neutrals: Cream, ivory, taupe, and beige
• Deep browns: Chocolate and espresso tones add depth and richness
• Butter yellow: A soft, elegant hue perfect for layering
• Earthy greens: Olive and moss tones bring nature into fashion
• Jewel tones: Emerald, sapphire, and amethyst for a pop of richness
• Muted mustard: A warm gold tone that acts as a versatile neutral
• Pinks: From vintage rose to vibrant blush, pink continues its reign
• Scarlet red: Bold yet refined, ideal for tailored pieces and knits
Shoni
Makeup:
Samantha / Hair Success
The Essence of Fall 2025
This season is all about embracing what’s soft, wearable, and personal. It’s not about extremes—it’s about enhancing what you already have. Whether through warm hair tones, feminine silhouettes, or rich, grounded colors, Fall 2025 is inviting us to show up as our most polished and authentic selves. [ aw ]
Hair: Kelsey / Hair Success
Makeup: Tasha / Hair Success
Julianna
Spring is invigorating in its newness. The sun begins its gradual return, and the world seems to quicken, to shake off the dust and snow, and breathe life into the trees and animals as we, animals ourselves, look at each other and say, “could it be? Is it finally here?” What a blessing it is to experience this global rebirth every spring and have that reflect in our own homes.
Autumn asks us to look back, to settle in and remember what it is to sit still with one another and create our own warmth; deliciously bittersweet.
Written by Kooper Shagena
Photos supplied by Burlap Boutique & Mint + Basil
photo provided by Burlap Boutique
photo provided by MINT + BASIL
“You want to design your home to reflect yourself and your personality. So, that’s where Burlap comes into the picture.”
MarySue Olhauser, owner & co-founder Burlap Boutique
Burlap Boutique // “You want to design your home to reflect yourself and your personality. So, that’s where Burlap comes into the picture.” MarySue Olhauser, the owner and co-founder of Burlap Boutique, makes a living curating home items that help us incorporate the past into our present.
“That’s why I love the modern farmhouse look,” she says.
MarySue grew up on a dairy farm in Strasburg, North Dakota and worked as the North Dakota Farm Loan Director for the state’s Department of Agriculture for 39 years before retiring, where she now devotes all of her time to hunting for one-of-a-kind pieces that make homes unique. She attends markets across the country in search of vintage items, refurbishes them as needed, and lets her design team create complete ambiances with the styled pieces in the store. There are seven people that make up the Burlap team, all are women, and each brings something special to the group. Angie Koenig, Sandy Toop, Beth Dufault, and Chanyce Dahl are the familiar faces whom the shoppers look forward to seeing each week, always ready to welcome everyone and share their love for all the things vintage and new.
Linda Hilbrands and Melanie Wendel make up the design team. From Raymond, Minnesota and LaMoure, North Dakota respectively, both women have found their way to Burlap and become instrumental in creating the thoughtful, unique, and seasonal staging of the sale floor.
“The products we receive and the finds that Susie brings to the store” are what keep Melanie inspired, especially this time of year.
“We typically bring out a bit more black for fall,” says Linda. These subtle touches of darker colors in the throw pillows, blankets, artwork, and floral arrangements do so much in changing the energy of the environment to a slower, cozier pace for fall.
photo provided by Burlap Boutique
photo provided by MINT + BASIL
“Also, we go more frequently into the burgundies and the golds and the oranges.” Linda suggests.
“We need changes to make us feel good about our own homes,” agrees MarySue, “and who doesn’t want to change it up for fall?”
Incorporating darker woods and changing textures are additional ways to effectively decorate for fall according to the Burlap team. Rearranging and repurposing items already in the home can also totally redesign the environment for the change of season.
“Usually people can find things—even in their own homes” Linda says, “and alter their whole look. Perhaps they never thought about the chairs from downstairs going with the dining room table for the fall.”
Repurpose and refurbish, combine the old with the new— that’s the theme at Burlap Boutique. MarySue and her team have a deep appreciation for the integrity of vintage furniture, and they want to share that with their customers.
“When we started, we wanted women to come in and be inspired,” MarySue says, “I just love it when people walk in and they say, ‘oh my gosh, I used to have this on the farm!’”
Each vintage item brings a story and a richness to the store, like walking among a roomful of people to meet, shake hands with and learn about.
“I found that in Irene, South Dakota,” MarySue points to a very tall, chipped white cabinet with glass doors and ornate knobs. “So, we named her Irene.”
All the big-ticket items that MarySue finds and brings home are named and loved at Burlap until they find their permanent homes with a customer. A long, narrow table stretches grandly near the counter of the store, dressed up with floral arrangements and simple metal chairs. Her name is Dollie. A hutch, now empty, once stood in a VA hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota; her name is Viola. What once sat behind those little hutch doors is lost to history now, but Viola remains.
photos provided by Burlap Boutique
“Our goal is to bring together the perfect blend of everyday essentials and little luxuries.”
Hope Goldammer, co-owner MINT + BASIL
One-of-a-kind items also come in the form of hand-painted seasonal landscapes scattered throughout the store. From mini-3”x3” paintings to larger statement pieces, Heavenly Chic Creations paints exclusively for Burlap. The artist and owner of this brand is the design team member, Linda Hilbrands.
Another woman, known as Grandma Mary, sews pillows and doily banners for Burlap. Pumpkin-shaped pillows are her specialty this time of year. Burlap also boasts an in-house jewelry maker and a pair of women who hand-pour soy candles into vintage vessels. All this artisanship goes on display in the yearly Burlap Harvest Market. Fall décor goes on sale, including pumpkins, mums, homemade pumpkin bars for purchase, and food trucks are parked on-site.
“It’s literally like a Hallmark movie,” MarySue gushes with pride.
This year’s Harvest Market won’t be quite the same for the women of Burlap, however. MarySue cofounded Burlap 10 years ago with Paula Otto and had been building the brand with her ever since. Paula passed away unexpectedly in May.
“We’re a very tight-knit group. We always have been. We’re missing our Paula, but we’re going to keep going for her.”
Like all the best things in life, fall never seems to last long enough. Before we know it, the leaves will drop and the snow will fly, and the quiet will settle over our towns and homes. Although there is something to enjoy within every season, the ephemerality of autumn in the Midwest gives us that sweet ache of nostalgia and a special appreciation for that time which we know is short.
MINT + BASIL // is another locally owned boutique that is eagerly rolling out their fall collections. Hope and Donny Goldammer launched the MINT brand in 2016, when it focused solely on kitchen and home items, while their two other stores located just a block away (LOT 2029 and ONYX + PEARL) housed the trendy clothing lines.
“In 2018, we made the decision to bring all three together, creating the unified lifestyle brand that MINT + BASIL is today,” co-owner Hope explains. Now, MINT + BASIL is a treasure trove of trendy, seasonal clothes, unique and funky kitchen wares, and creative home goods. It’s a store you need to walk through slowly—every nook and cranny holds something special, and you don’t want to rush the experience.
“Our goal is to bring together the perfect blend of everyday essentials and little luxuries,” Hope says. “Gourmet drink and food mixes, glassware, candles, holiday décor, tabletop items, greeting cards, books, tea towels, barware, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and craft teas”.
photos provided by MINT + BASIL
For the fall season in particular, MINT suggests leaning into the small details that “bring warmth and cozy vibes into your home.” Change up your glassware, put a different stack of books on the mantle or coffee table, light a candle with a new scent; the magic is in the little things.
An underlying understanding of this time of year is that we will be spending much more time indoors in the coming months. That’s why so much emphasis is placed on making our spaces as comforting and inviting as possible: we are preparing to depend on the safety and warmth of our homes for survival in the coming winter. Hence, the reason why décor means much more than just a pillow here and a painting there.
“To make living an art,” as MINT + BASIL’s slogan suggests, is the goal.
Some featured items at the boutique to do just that are varieties of dripless candlesticks and an exclusive line of reed diffusers; “perfect for creating an aesthetic, intimate moment no matter the season or occasion.”
One of Hope’s current favorite home items is MINT’s collection of ribbed wine glasses. “I love using them to craft a seasonal cocktail (or a cozy mocktail!) before curling up with a good book or switching on a favorite throwback movie,” she says. “There’s something about sipping from beautiful glassware that helps to romanticize the moment.”
The trends that Hope and her team are embracing this fall revolve around textures and patterns: “Suede in every form, delicate lace accents, deep burgundy tones, sporty stripes, and playful polka dots,” Burlap Boutique
Hope explains. “Textures really shine in the colder seasons with all the opportunity for layering. We can play with fluffy, leather, velvet, denim, jersey, and knit when the temperatures drop.”
MINT + BASIL specializes in sourcing “unique, style-forward pieces for both your closet and your home”. Hope says that her goal is to “curate collections that feel like a Pinterest board come to life.”
Even the comfy loungewear at MINT is purposeful and intentional. Joggers, wide-leg pants, hoodies, and crewnecks are all available in ever-evolving palettes of seasonal colors to help you feel inspired and decedent even when just relaxing at home.
Mixing in these small, thoughtful touches in your closet, kitchen, or bathroom is what keeps homes invigorated as the seasons change.
As Hope comments, “the way you dress yourself and your home is both a form of art and the ultimate expression of individuality.” [ aw ]
Contact information:
photo provided by Burlap Boutique
photo provided by Burlap Boutique
photo provided by > MINT + BASIL
Revolution Fit Club is situated on the west end of the North Plaza off of 19th Avenue North in Fargo. The facility is not a big, sprawling commercial gym, no attention-grabbing colors or graphics, just two suites in a north Fargo Plaza tucked behind a Casey’s and a Caribou Coffee.
This is where Jenny Baumgartner changes lives. She’s been a personal trainer at many gyms in her career, but 13 years ago she and her business partner opened Revolution Personal Training with the goal of returning the “personal” aspect to personal training. The personal training is tailor-made to the individual at Revolution, which Jenny saw was missing in the fitness world.
In 2002, when she was just 24 years old, she and her business partner, Ben, decided to forge their own way and open a gym with this ideal in mind. Those big leaps were intimidating at first—coming up with a name, choosing the right equipment. But getting started was non-negotiable for this tenacious pair.
“We can do this,” Jenny remembers thinking. “Why can’t we do this?”
Determined and optimistic, with their values guiding them steadily onward, Jenny and Ben built their gym in the corner of that plaza, ordered their equipment, and started taking clients.
“What we do is all built on the individual client,” Jenny explains how Revolution designs their programs. “They sit down and have a free consultation and a free workout. We get to know each other and set those goals. Then, we program specifically based on what that person wants.”
Written by Kooper Shagena
Photos supplied by Revolution Personal Training & REV FIT CLUB
People want all kinds of things when it comes to fitness, and that enigmatic idea of “going to the gym” can be a heavily loaded concept for people, especially for women. It seems that the female body is a cornerstone of advertising, television, art, and movies, but is celebrated seldomly and criticized often in those same spheres.
“There’s no winning. You’re either too fat or you’re too skinny, or you’re too muscular or you don’t have enough muscle.” Conscious of this phenomenon just as much as women who aren’t personal fitness trainers, Jenny has experienced it too.
“Unfortunately, women just get held to a different standard.”
Jenny and the other trainers at Revolution strive to shift the focus away from the scale or the mirror, helping clients appreciate wellness as a whole and striving for those little goals each day.
“I’m encouraged by the fact that people continue to show up, to make time in their schedule.” Jenny says. “They know they can just walk in the door and we’re going to take the rest of it.”
This is the key difference between working out on your own and working out alongside a person-
al trainer: designing your workout plan, tracking progress, choosing a gym, trying to figure out your form—all these mentally labor-intensive tasks are taken off the client’s shoulders. With a trainer, all you need to do is show up and go from there.
“Most people are coming here right before work, right after work, or on a midday lunch break. They don’t want to think.” Jenny knows how easy it is to get caught up in the weeds when trying to make healthier choices. Figuring out what to do once you get to the gym and how to perform the different movements can feel like a full-time research job, and a daunting one.
“You’ve already used your brain. Save your brain for work. Let us be the brain when you’re here, and you just have to do it.”
Doing “it” can look different for every individual. From mobility, flexibility, functionality, to strength, endurance, agility, or simply recovery… the world of fitness is a wide one. Revolution, although a small gym, provides a full selection of equipment that allows people to reach all kinds of different goals. They have a full squat rack, four cable units, a smith machine, four sets of dumbbells, benches, bands, a Stairmaster, treadmill, elliptical, medicine balls, and more. A dizzying array to be sure but remember that Jenny and her team are there to navigate it with you.
“We run the gamut on anything from brand new people who have never lifted to athletes, to people who are trying to run marathons, to trying to the functionally fit in order to be able to lift when they’re elderly, to people who are just post rehab and come here to build strength back.”
While being able to adapt programs to fit all different types of goals, Jenny is aware that many people are facing the reality of working long hours at offices and desks and may only have 30 minutes or an hour to move their bodies with her during their day. So, she keeps this in mind when designing plans.
“We specialize in functional training. We don’t want people to sit in equipment. They sit all day.”
Clearly, there is a wealth of expertise at Revolution, but that’s not the only thing that makes a good personal trainer.
It’s a vulnerable thing to let someone know that you feel inadequate in some way, that you’re trying to better yourself, and even more so to ask for help with that. Which is why Jenny decided to prioritize privacy at her gym from the beginning; “I really wanted it to be a safe space.”
She makes sure her clients feel safe with her and that they don’t feel compared to or in competition with the other members of the gym.
That’s another monster that lives in commercial gyms and comes out when trying to work out alone. It creeps in those giant mirrors, hides under the dumbbell racks, and jumps out from behind the machines: having an audience. Walking up to a squat rack can feel like stepping onto a stage, which is enough to discourage many people from ever even trying.
This is why most of her clients tell Jenny they appreciate the private atmosphere of Revolution.
“It is really fun to watch women build confidence,” Jenny says. “I think working out is very empowering in general, but seeing their strength building, their weights going up… it’s fun to see that transition and watch those people bloom and blossom.”
Her clients can let go of those worries about how they’re perceived, hand over the responsibility of building a program, and just show up.
“You can just focus on your form and what you’re feeling,” says Jenny.
This blends into another philosophy that Jenny holds at Revolution: small goals each day trump big milestones.
“It’s great to lose weight and hit those goals, but that’s not every day,” Jenny explains, “that’s not the stuff that keeps me coming back—it’s the little wins. Watching people gain confidence, that’s the stuff that feeds me, keeps me coming back.”
After building a tailored program for each of her clients, Jenny can’t help but go above and beyond and genuinely believe in them.
“I set my own goals for people, too,” she laughs.
Jenny encourages people to, like her, stay focused on little increments of progress instead of trying to attain their dream physique right out of the gate.
“If you can hit your markers, the superficial goals will come with it. It’s a lot easier to keep going when you can feel those smaller things happening within.”
Luckily, popular culture has begun to gradually shift away from the idea that healthy bodies must follow a rigid blueprint and look one specific way. To be fit means so much more than having visible abs, chiseling down to the smallest waistline, or running a mile in under six minutes.
“There’s not one way of health and wellness and strength and beauty,” Jenny implores, “it comes in so many different shapes and sizes.” She and the other trainers at Revolution are embracing this slow but steady cultural shift.
The commitment to buying yearly memberships and entering into contracts is also a thing of the past at Revolution Personal Training. While the FIT CLUB side of the gym is open to club members every day, to come on their own time and do their own workouts, the Personal Training side of the gym is available by appointment every day of the week via monthly plans and even one-time sessions, with no contracts or start-up fees.
“We see people up in their 90’s, friends, siblings, husband and wife, mothers and daughters,” Jenny says, which is due to Revolution’s accessibility, privacy, expertise, and client-first approach. She also runs kids’ camps for youth eight and up, which she says has been “crazy fun. Those kids are full of energy.”
All kinds of people come through the doors at Revolution, and Jenny knows that the sessions can be about more than just fitness. Everyone knows that exercise releases endorphins and all that science business, but Jenny sees the catharsis firsthand.
“We often get into some good conversations; some funny stuff and some deep stuff. It’s nice to purge some of that so you don’t have to carry it around all the time.” [ aw ]
GUNDERSON'S
Crafted in signature stainless steel beading, this LAGOS smart watch bracelet transforms everyday technology into a statement of style.
SCHEELS HOME & HARDWARE
When Trisha Lake placed a small $20 ad in the Fargo Forum more than a decade ago, she thought she was simply picking up extra work to balance being a single mom and a nursing student. Instead, she stumbled into her life’s calling. “I had one semester left of my nursing degree and I had an epiphany at three a.m. that I actually didn't want to continue on with nursing,” said Trisha. “So I called my dad at three a.m. and said ‘Dad, this isn't what I want to do.’ He said, I support whatever you decide. I realized I loved what I was already doing. And so with that, we registered the business and took off from there.”
Today, as founder and owner of TLC Cleaning, Lake leads one of the region’s fastest-growing cleaning companies—recently recognized on the Inc. 5000 list. “Meaning that we're in the top 5,000 companies for growth in the year, in America. So it's definitely a big honor for our company,” said Trisha. It’s grown into a thriving enterprise that is serving more than a thousand recurring clients each month across Fargo, Grand Forks, and Detroit Lakes.
Always Caretaking
But for Lake, it’s never been just about spotless kitchens or polished floors. Her passion is in helping people. “So I've always been a person that likes to be a caretaker for people and help others. My mom's disabled. She's been disabled my whole life, so I grew up taking care of her,” said Trisha.
There are elderly clients who are now able to stay independent because of her team’s help. Then TLC Cleaning has also helped overwhelmed parents who say her cleaners have ‘saved their marriages'. Lake sees cleaning as a form of caretaking—a non-medical kind of nursing that restores dignity, relieves stress, and makes space for families to thrive.
“I fell in love with the emotional connection. I thought, I'm not just cleaning a toilet. I'm not just cleaning a floor,” she said. “Instead, I realized this is impactful on someone's life.”
Trisha Lake • Owner, TLC Cleaning
“I fell in love with the emotional connection. I thought, I'm not just cleaning a toilet. I'm not just cleaning a floor,” she said. “Instead, I realized this is impactful on someone's life.”
Before she went to nursing school, she decided to go for her CNA. “So I had done CNA work. And that's a lot of helping people too. I worked in a nursing home. And you know, whether you're helping them tidy up their room or helping them bathe. It's just helping people who are struggling. And that's what made me decide to get my nursing degree. I really love taking care of people,” said Trisha.
The Stories Inspire
Trisha mentioned that when a cleaning job is completed, they send an email and a text out to them asking how they did and the stories they hear back make them smile. “We're able to read these stories in their feedback surveys. And they're just amazing. There was one I'll never forget that came through,” Trisha said. She shared that it had been a rough job. “After the cleaning was complete, he had done the feedback survey, and he said, ‘I just want you to know that you have no idea about the impact that you’ve made on our lives.”
When heartbreaking and heartwarming stories come in, they remind Trisha and her team why they want to keep doing what they’re doing.
For some, it’s a fresh start after an illness or surgery when everyday chores feel impossible. For others, it’s relief in the middle of parenting young children or caring for aging parents.
Working with TLC
Getting started with TLC Cleaning is simple and flexible. New clients can request a quote online through their website or call directly to receive a customized plan tailored to their needs. All kinds of cleans, from one-time deep cleans to ongoing services.
They also help clients who are prepping for big life events: graduation parties, birthday celebrations, weddings, welcoming new babies, or
moving into a home. They provide top-to-bottom cleans, ensuring the entire house shines and the company also offers post-construction cleaning. This includes removing dust, debris, and every trace of the build so the space is move-in ready.
In addition, TLC manages large-scale commercial projects. Trisha notes, "We worked on the big dormitory at NDSU that was built a few years ago. It is seven stories tall and 200,000 square feet."
With more than a thousand recurring clients across the region, TLC Cleaning is trusted in homes every week, every other week, and every month—helping busy families maintain peace of mind and a clean, healthy environment.
Building Careers in Cleaning
In the cleaning industry, it’s common for jobs to be seen as temporary—a short-term way to earn a paycheck before moving on to something else. But at TLC Cleaning, Trisha has intentionally built something different: a place where people can grow long-term careers. “It is not normal in
our industry to have this be a career. A lot of times people come into this industry, and they'll work this job for a little while and then move on,” Trisha said.
“We have created careers in our company to where we have career ladders. We have amazing benefits, medical, dental, vision, 401k company matches, and we have a hundred percent paid life insurance for our employees. And I mean, the list goes on and on. We've really created careers.”
The goal has been to have a company they’re proud of. “We want to take amazing care of our staff. And if our staff are really happy, they're going to take great care of their clients. I call it the circle of life, but that's how our circle of life works. We focus on our cleaners and they focus on their clients. If our staff is not happy, they can't take care of their clients. If the clients are not happy, then we're not going to be profitable. And so it's a circle and we have to make sure that all three parties involved are well taken care of.”
“We want to take amazing care of our staff. And if our staff are really happy, they're going to take great care of their clients.”
Trisha Lake • Owner, TLC Cleaning
photo provided by TLC Cleaning
By redefining what a cleaning career can look like, TLC Cleaning has not only raised the standard for the industry but also built a culture of loyalty and pride. Employees aren’t just clocking in for a shift—they’re investing in a workplace where their contributions matter, their growth is supported, and their wellbeing is prioritized. It’s a model that proves when people are valued, they don’t just clean homes—they transform lives, starting with their own.
Tackling Hoarding with Heart
When most people think of cleaning, they imagine dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down counters. But some jobs go far deeper—and far heavier. “Hoardings are actually very emotional jobs and blessings to be able to take on,” said Trisha. These are not just houses that need a little tidying.
TLC Cleaning gets calls from social services, landlords, and even desperate family members. Sometimes the situations are dire—homes filled with piles of belongings, trash, or even rotting food. “We see a lot of things that no one should be living in, but due to mental health or disabilities, that's what puts them there,” said Trisha.
For Trisha and her team, these jobs aren’t just about clearing space—they’re about restoring dignity. With roll-offs, shovels, and a carefully organized plan, they tackle the mess, layer by layer until the home is safe and livable again.
What might surprise most people is how her staff responds to being asked to work the hoarding jobs. “We never force anyone to go. We'll take some pictures and post them on our channel. We'll say, who would like to volunteer for this job? And the thing that I'm the most proud of is how my team stands up. They all want the job. You would think that they would run for the hills, but they don't, they're so excited. We just know that we're going to be able to make a huge impact on that person's life,” said Trisha.
From early-stage hoarding to severe cases where rooms are buried under piles of decaying food, the work can be grueling. Yet the team rises to the occasion, often working nights or weekends when an urgent case comes up.
Tips For Keeping Your House
When it comes to keeping a clean house, it’s important to reduce and declutter. The fewer things you have in your house, you’ll have less stress. So the number one thing to do, is to clear out and reduce everything you have. The majority of Americans have way too much stuff.
photo provided by TLC Cleaning
“And the more stuff we have, the more the brain is on fire. The more the brain is on fire, the more we can't function in our homes,” said Trisha.
An example of things that can pile up fast are mail and other paper clutter. This can easily fill up your counter space if not dealt with right away. “For paper clutter, the best thing you can possibly do is just scan all your documents and save them to your drive. You don't need to keep the papers,” said Trisha. “You should keep social security cards and other legal items like this, but that is different from paperwork that becomes overwhelming such as junk mail, random updates from
accounts, etc. And you have to think, do I really need this or do I not?” If you don't need a certain paper document or mail item, just get rid of it. But on the other hand, If you need it, then scan it and create folders inside your drive. Then you can organize it, whether it’s: bills, medical documents, or things for your pets.
The same principle applies beyond paper. Clothes, toys, kitchen gadgets, and even décor can quickly overwhelm a space if they don’t serve a real purpose. Take a mindful approach: keep what you love and actually use, and let go of the rest. Not only does this free up physical space, but it also brings a sense of calm and control back into your home—turning it into a place that feels restful instead of chaotic.
Paws & Polish: Pets Welcome Here
Pets are family. But inviting a cleaning service into a pet-filled home can feel stressful—especially when some companies require animals to be kenneled or shut away in another room. At TLC Cleaning, that’s a different story.
“We have a little channel on Slack that says fun, all locations and our staff will post pictures of their pets for the day. One will be like, this one just stole my feather duster,” said Trisha. “So our pets are our friends and honestly, I think we love them more than anything.”
Whatever pet they have–cats or dogs—whatever, they are free to roam their home while they’re there cleaning.
That starts at the hiring stage. Every staff member is carefully vetted for pet friendliness. During interviews, they discuss allergies, fears, and comfort levels around animals–since pets are so important to clients and TLC Cleaning.
Clients notice, too. Recurring customers often comment on how well the cleaners interacted with their pets—and how much happier it makes the overall experience.
More Than Clean
In today’s fast-paced world, most of us are stretched too thin—juggling work, family, and endless to-do lists. Cleaning isn’t just about dusting shelves or scrubbing floors anymore; it’s about lifting a weight off people’s shoulders. It used to be that hiring a cleaning service was seen as a luxury. “It's almost an emotional need. To where we're able to take off that extra load and they're able to show up as their best self–as a wife, as a husband, as a mother, or an employee,” said Trisha.
At its heart, TLC Cleaning isn’t just about spotless homes—it’s about giving people the freedom to breathe, rest, and truly live. [ aw ]
NOV 2 SCHEELS FALL FASHION AFTER HOURS EVENT STYLE SHOW, SHOPPING, AND GIVEAWAYS
Fall Fashion After Hours Event Style show, shopping, and over $1000 in giveaways
Sunday Nov 2nd 6-8pm SCHEELS Home & Hardware 3202 13th Ave S Fargo $25/ ticket and get $25 Gift Card at the door Call 701232-8903 for tickets
TIME: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
LOCATION: 3202 13th Ave S, Fargo CONTACT: 701-232-8903
OCT
18 / NOV 15
FARGO MASONIC VENDOR & CRAFT SHOW
Come to the vendor & craft show and support small businesses. The show will be from 11-3 and lunch will be served from 11-1. It all takes place at the Fargo Masonic Center, 1405 3rd St N Fargo.
TIME: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
LOCATION: Fargo Masonic Center Building, 1405 3rd St N, Fargo
OCT 11
RED ROVER MARKET
Shop from over 60 local vendors. This event is generously funded by FM Area Foundation.
10am-11am: Dakota Jazz Big BandBig Band jazz
11am: Cooking Demo with Pierkku VonHinterlander from dangerMOON 11:30am-12:30pm: Dakota Jazz Big Band Big Band jazz
12:30pm-1pm: Storytime with Fargo Public Library - Stories, songs, and dancing
1pm-2pm: Luke Votava - Variety music. Community Booth: Fargo Public Library. We accept SNAP/EBT and match up to $15 per person! Visit the Red River Market information booth to learn more.
TIME: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
LOCATION: Broadway Square, 201 Broadway North, Fargo, ND
CONTACT: www.redriver.market/schedule
OCT 18 MARKET DAY
Join us for Market Day at the Red River Market! Shop from over 60 local vendors. Entertainment
Schedule: 10am-11am: The Prairie Wire - Story-driven folk
11am: Cooking Demo with Nicole Stoering 11:30am-12:30pm: Wayne Suchy - Funky folk
1pm-2pm: Wayne Suchy - Funky folk We accept SNAP/EBT and match up to $15 per person!
Visit the Red River Market information booth to learn more.
TIME: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
LOCATION: Broadway Square, 201 Broadway North, Fargo, ND
CONTACT: www.redriver. market/schedule/
OCT 30
NIGHT
BAZAAR: SPOOK
Immerse yourself in an enchanting night filled with food, music, art, and performances. Shop local artists, makers, and vintage shops. Enjoy Halloween-themed entertainment and activities. Dress up and join the fun! This event is free and family friendly!
TIME: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
LOCATION: Brewhalla, 1702 1st Avenue North, Fargo, ND
CONTACT: www.folkways.org/ schedule/christkindlmarkt
OCT 25
CLOSING DAY/HALLOWEEN MARKET
Shop from over 60 local vendors. Entertainment Schedule: 10am-11am: Poitin Band - Irish/folk
11am: Cooking Demo with Glory Ames from Milk Made 11:30am-12:30pm: Poitin Band - Irish/folk
12:30pm-1pm: FM Ballet
1pm-2pm: Martin Drive - Acoustic variety. TIME: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
LOCATION: Broadway Square, 201 Broadway North, Fargo, ND
CONTACT: www.redriver.market/schedule
We accept SNAP/EBT and match up to $15 per person! Visit the Red River Market information booth to learn more.
NOV 1
40TH
ANNUAL ST. ANDREW'S SCOTTISH SOCIETY DINNER & PROGRAM
Celebration of Scottish food, bagpipes, tartans, songs, culture, and history. Scot's and Scot wannabes welcome! Deadline for receiving payment of tickets is October 27.
TIME: 5:00 pm
LOCATION: Courtyard by Marriott, 1080 28th Ave. S., Moorhead, MN
CONTACT: (402) 981-2333
NOV 21-23 & 28-30
CHRISTKINDLMARKT
Join us for TWO WEEKENDS of festive cheer in the Outdoor Winter Wonderland, Gift Market, and Bier Hall with Drekker Brewing Company. With food, live musical performances, art demonstrations, holiday treats, and activities for the kids, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
TIME: Fridays: 12 - 9 pm / Saturdays: 12 - 9 pm / Sundays: 12 - 6 pm
LOCATION: Fargo Civic Center, 207 4th Street North, Fargo, ND
CONTACT: www.folkways.org/schedule/christkindlmarkt
DEC 6
ACAPELLA EXPRESS
WOMEN'S ACAPELLA CHORUS (Chapter of Sweet Adelines) Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN (213 8th St S) - showtime 3pm. Open to the public and no charge, just a free will offering basket. We'll be singing a mix of women's 4-part acapella tunes that span our 70 year history. We'll also feature audio visual clips of our past performances, directors, and competitions on the regional and national levels.
LOCATION: 213 8th St S, Moorhead MN
Oct. 1 The Lit Lounge: Horror Fiction 6 p.m.
Dr. James Carlson Library, 2801 32nd Ave S Megan at 701.241.1492
Oct. 2, 16 and Nov. 6, 20
Baby Rhyme Time at Carlson
10 am Dr. James Carlson Library 2801 32nd Ave S - 701.241.1495
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and Nov. 6, 13, 20
Beginner Yoga for Adults 6 p.m.
Dr. James Carlson Library 2801 32nd Ave S - 701.476.5980
Oct. 4 and Nov. 1 Kindergarten
Success! Storytime 10 a.m.
Main Library, 101 4th St N Children's Dept at 701.241.1495
Oct. 4, 11, 18, and 25
Jazz into Fall Concerts 4 p.m.
Main Library, 101 4th St N, Fargo Beth at 701.241.1492
Oct. 6 and Nov. 3
Community Game Night at Northport Library 5 p.m.
Northport Library, 2714 Broadway N, Fargo Danie at 701.476.4026
Oct. 8 and Nov.12
Libraries Dance! 6:30 p.m.
Main Library, 101 4th St N 701.241.1495
Oct. 8 Norway's Beautiful National Costumes 6:30 pm Main Library, 101 4th St N 701.241.1492
Oct. 8 and Nov. 12 Community Game Night at Carlson 5 p.m.
D. James Carlson Library, 2801 32nd Ave S 701.476.4026
Oct. 10 and Nov. 14
Free Friday Movies 1 p.m.
Dr. James Carlson Library, 2801 32nd Ave S - 701.476.5980
Oct. 11 Reptiles at the Library! 10 am to noon Main Library, 101 4th St N 701.241.1495
Oct. 12 Silent Reading Party at Black Coffee and Waffle Bar 2-4 pm - Black Coffee and Waffle Bar 550 2nd Ave N, Fargo Sarah at 701.241.8295
Oct. 13, 27 and Nov. 10, 24
Crafternoons at Carlson 3-4:30 pm
Dr. James Carlson Library 2801 32nd Ave S - 701.241.1495
Oct. 14 and 28 Crafternoons at Northport 3-4:30 pm
Northport Library, 2714 Broadway N 701.241.1495
Oct. 20 and Nov. 17
Casual Crafters at Northport 5 pm Northport Library, 2714 Broadway N 701.241.1492
Oct. 23
Explore Your Norwegian Roots: Intro to Genealogy Class 6 p.m. Main Library, 101 4th St N 701.241.1492
Oct. 28 and Nov. 25
Family Reading Rumpus 6 pm Main Library, 101 4th St N, Fargo Children's Services at 701.241.1495
Nov. 15 Silent Reading Party at Front Street Taproom 2-4 pm Front Street Taproom, 614 Main Ave, Fargo Sarah at 701.241.8295
Nov. 22
Train Day
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Main Library. 101 4th St N 701.241.1495
Fargo Public Library events are free and open to the public. A complete schedule of upcoming events is available at all Fargo Public Library locations and on our website at : fargolibrary.org
For as long as Emma McIntyre could remember, Fargo felt too small, too quiet, too predictable. Growing up here, Emma dreamed of leaving—of chasing bigger opportunities elsewhere. “I didn’t want to work here anymore. I was dead set on working as a public servant in Washington, D.C. and then went to school during the 2016 election and was like, you know, I don't know if that's what I want to do anymore. But I have always been very interested in public entities, service, and local government.”
Later, something unexpected happened. She got a free ticket to TEDx and she attended it. It shifted her view of Fargo. “Fargo looked and felt way different from what I thought it was going to be. And instead of leaving to never return, I left with the intention of hopefully coming back,” said Emma. What began as a simple night out cracked open a new perspective on what her hometown could be: vibrant, creative, and full of possibility.
That realization sparked a journey that would take her from internships with Emerging Prairie, TEDx, to her current job where she works in fundraising with Folkways, an organization devoted to tackling one of the most pressing issues of our time: loneliness and isolation. Along the way, Emma witnessed firsthand how global events like COVID-19 reshaped communities, and how local initiatives could bring people together in ways that matter most.
Working at Folkways
Emma worked at Emerging Prairie until the summer of 2021. “I shifted from events into entrepreneurship programs, which was honestly way more my calling at the time. I love founders. I love small businesses. I grew up in two family businesses. So, it was fun to be able to support people on their journey,” Emma said. And then she started working at Folkways in 2023. The first time she interacted with Folkways was when she was in high school. She’d attended TEDxYouth@Fargo, which was hosted by the Folkways co-founders, Joe Burgum and Simone Wai. “I watched Joe and Simone and I was like, wow, these people are so cool. They're building community. They're young. I didn't even know that young people could do stuff like that and I kind of kept tabs on them and their careers. Then they started Folkways and did all sorts of pop-up events.”
Folkways mission is combating loneliness and isolation. In North Dakota, the most isolated populations are seniors and teens. “So our mission at Folkways is combating loneliness and isolation by creating experiences where you belong. So the goal is to create experiences where you can attend as an individual and run into a neighbor, or you can use it as an excuse to invite your parents to come or your coworkers to come in a space that is free, vibrant, and for everyone. A misconception many people assume is that the farmer's market is a part of the city or maybe a part of the parks district, but we are actually entirely funded on our own,” Emma said.
Emma shared that research has shown that isolation isn’t new to just after COVID, it started in the early 2000s. “It's been a constant problem and It started with the television. People were staying at home, isolated in the evenings, watching TV. And then COVID was the tipping point. From 2003 to 2019, Americans spent roughly eight hours a week less with friends. It's just stayed in this trend of decline,” Emma said. (Source: US Surgeon General Report on Loneliness and Isolation, Page 14)
Volunteering In Other Areas
Emma loves being involved in the FM community. She volunteers for Creative Mornings “I'm the Fargo chapter host of Creative Mornings, which is like a monthly meetup we do at the Plains Art Museum. We do a different theme each month,” Emma said. “There are 260 global chapters and Fargo is technically too small to have a chapter. But in 2017 or 2018 or so, they petitioned and we were able to get a license to host our own here in Fargo.”
Besides Creative Mornings, Emma also is on the board at the Great Plains Food Bank, which is currently feeding the most North Dakotans they ever have. “Hunger is very hidden in the Midwest. I think we've got this sense of pride that we don't want to openly admit when we need help.
But it's typically families, seniors, and veterans who need that food assistance. With costs increasing, a lot of seniors are on a fixed income and it's hard for them to be able to meet the demands of rising food costs,” Emma said.
Upcoming Folkways Events
• Red River Market (Saturdays, July-October)
• Night Bazaar
Like a Cirque du Soleil on the streets. (Remaining events: October 30th)
• Christkindlmarkt (November 21-23 + November 28-30)
Prepping for Christkindlmarkt “is a sprint because we're working like 12 hour days back to back around the holiday season, which is kind of insane, but it's so fulfilling. And you see people have cherished holiday memories and it's so worth it,” Emma said. “You'll notice we like taking a lot of inspiration from walkable communities on creating that sense of community.”
Folkways like to try showing people with Christkindlmarkt that just because we all live in a colder climate that it doesn't mean we have to isolate ourselves. Everyone in the FM area can still participate in vibrant, beautiful community experiences.
