July 2025 Elevate Magazine Rapid City South Dakota
COMMERCE CHAMPIONS
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*To qualify and receive credit card bonus offer, you must make qualifying purchases (purchases less returns, credits, and adjustments) totaling $2,000 or more during the first 90 days from loan opening. Purchases do not include cash advances, balance transfers, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, account fees, and interest charges. Qualifying purchases must post to your loan account within 90 days from opening. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice. Offer subject to credit approval. Additional restrictions apply. Please contact us at 605.718.1818 for details.
For children and families
Children’s Home Society of South Dakota is healing trauma, raising hope and growing resilience for the children, families and communities we serve. We offer everything from residential treatment and schools to outpatient mental health services, forensic interviewing and more. And now we’re expanding services at our new location on Mount Rushmore Road in Rapid City.
PERFECTING YOUR CRAFT
In 1980, on “The Price is Right,” a contestant named Yolanda made television history by becoming the first person to win both showcases on the same day. When Bob Barker asked her to guess the price of her showcase, a collection that included a new car, furniture, and a trip to Hawaii, she bid exactly $23,743. The actual retail price? $23,743. Not $23,744, not $23,742, but exactly right down to the dollar. Bob Barker was so stunned he had to double-check the cards. Yolanda didn’t just get lucky; she had been watching the show for years, studying prices, and learning the game. When her moment came, preparation met opportunity and created the impossible.
Recently we celebrated our annual Business Awards with our own game show theme, and much like Yolanda’s perfect showcase bid, our winners proved that success isn’t about lucky guesses, it’s about knowing your market. These businesses have been studying their customers, perfecting their craft, and waiting for their moment to step up to the podium. If Rapid City’s economy were a showcase, these award winners would be the ones who could price it down to the penny.
Welcome to this issue of Elevate, where we celebrate the winners of our 4th Annual Elevate Business Awards. The big awards, the George and the Granite, went to Dr. Mark Harlow and Liberty Superstores. Dr. Harlow, who has served the region as a surgeon, volunteer, board member, and non-profit leader, spoke about the power of giving back, while Liberty Superstores focused on what it means to be a generational business in the Black Hills. The other winners—Black Hills Adventure Tours, Coca-Cola High Country, Black Hills Running Company, the YMCA of Rapid City, Ketel Thorstenson, Casey Peterson, and RESPEC —were thoughtful, deserving, humble, and amazing.
As you read through these profiles, you’ll discover that our winners didn’t just spin the wheel and hope for the best. They’ve each mastered the art of knowing exactly what their community needs and delivering it with precision that would make Bob Barker himself take notice. They remind us that in business; as in game shows, the biggest wins come to those who’ve done their homework.
Come on down, and congratulations to all our winners!
Tom Johnson, President & CEO
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
elevaterapidcity.com/news
PRESIDENT & CEO
Tom Johnson
SENIOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
DIRECTOR
Taylor Davis
SENIOR MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRE CTOR
Shiloh Francis
SENIOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Lori Frederick
SENIOR PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR
Garth Wadsworth
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Liz Highland
EVENTS & MARKETING DIRECTOR
WORKFORCE PLANNING DIRECTOR
Reese Niu
HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Laura Jones
ECOSYSTEM SUPPORT & PROPERTY MANAGER
Loni Reichert
Ashley Simonson Elevate
Rachel Nelson
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Kallie Ruland
BUSINESS PROSPECT MANAGER
Drew Staufer
CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER
Bailey Sadowsky
EXECUTIVE
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
July 1 – 13
LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL Black Hills Playhouse blackhillsplayhouse.com
July 2
LIVE ON THE LAWN Main Street Square visitrapidcity.com
July 3 – 7
FIRECRACKER TOURNAMENT
Rapid City, SD post22baseball.com
July 3
INDEPENDENCE DAY PARTY WITH FIREWORKS
Elks Lodge and Golf Course facebook.com/events
July 3 – 8
NATIONAL TEAM ROPING COWBOY CHRISTMAS
Central States Fair & Rodeo centralstatesfairinc.com/events
July 4
BLACK HILLS SPEEDWAY
Black Hills Speedway blackhillsspeedwaybhs.com/ schedules/event
July 9
CONCERT IN THE PARK Memorial Park rapidcitymunicipalband.org
July 11 – 12
CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL OF THE BLACK HILLS Journey Museum cmfbh.org
July 12
MOTLEY 2 RETURNS The Park thepark.ticketspice.com
July 14
MOVIES ON MAIN
Main Street Square visitrapidcity.com/event
July 18
TRAMPLED BY TURTLES
The Monument themonument.live/events
July 19
CAR SHOW AT THE PARK The Park thepark707.com/event
July 19 – 20
HILLS ALIVE Memorial Park lifelight.org/hills-alive
July 19
RAD CITY: 80S & 90S CAR SHOW
Central States Fair & Rodeo radcitysd.com
July 19
WAITRESS: THE MUSICAL Black Hills Playhouse app.arts-people.com
July 23
WYNONNA JUDD
The Monument themonument.live/events
July 26 – 27
42ND ANNUAL GEM & MINERAL SHOW Central States Fair & Rodeo wdgms.org
Events are curated with the most accurate information available at the time of print. Please check the event website for full details or changes.
RAPIDCITYBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM
Rapid City Business Journal is a weekly show and a business news website produced by Elevate Rapid City and The HomeSlice Group. We strive to produce daily and weekly business news supporting Rapid City, The Black Hills, and South Dakota.
333 West Boulevard Ste. 200 Rapid City, SD 57709
605.343.6161
rapidcitybusinessjournal.com
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Mark Houston
PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTOR
Leslie Cline
IT/ENGINEERING
Chris Jaques
PRODUCER
Amber Clement
PRODUCTION Oakley Tye
PROMOTIONS
Mitchell Stafford
WEBSITE DESIGN
Brenna Sherry
DATA MANAGEMENT
Hannah Masters
OPERATIONS
Toni Kinney
THE CAST
Mark Houston
Leslie Cline
Dean Taylor
Amy Rose
Mitchell Stafford Oakley Tye
Brandon Jones
Gary Matthews Francie Ganje
Another HomeSlice Audio Production
EVENTS 2025 JULY
WORKFORCE SUMMIT WORKFORCE
WHAT IMPACT DOES AI HAVE ON THE WORKFORCE?
AI isn’t a future trend, it’s already changing the way we work. Join us for Elevate Rapid City’s second Workforce Summit as we take a closer look at how artificial intelligence is impacting jobs, hiring, and the policies that shape our workforce.
This half-day event will feature a keynote speaker, an expert panel, interactive tabletop discussions, and updates on local labor trends and unemployment insurance changes. You’ll walk away with insights, ideas, and real strategies to help you and your team navigate the AI shift.
Whether you’re already using AI tools or just trying to figure out where to start, this summit is for you.
DR. LANE FREEMAN State Director of Online Learning
CELEBRATING BUSINESS
GEORGE GEORGE DO IT LIKE
GEORGE GEORGE HARLOW DR. MARK GEORGE AWARD
Mark Louis Harlow was born and raised in Burlington, Wisconsin. Upon graduating from Burlington High School he attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois on an athletic scholarship.
After graduating he spent three years working in the field of biomechanics, which sparked an interest in pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery. He attended the Medical College of Wisconsin receiving his MD degree in 1986. He completed his orthopedic residency in Wisconsin in 1991 and then completed a fellowship in joint replacement surgery at the University of Utah. He and his family arrived in Rapid City in 1992. He, his wife Micki, and their four children (Dani, Katie, Greg, and Bethany) settled right in and were welcomed by their new community. He joined Black Hills Orthopedics as only the fourth member of that organization and was subsequently elected to leadership roles at Rapid City Regional Hospital (now Monument Health).
In 2007 he faced a life-threatening medical problem which took several years to resolve. Upon recovering, he had to reinvent himself, and shifted his focus from surgery to broader
THE TIME-HONORED GEORGE AWARD WAS ESTABLISHED BY THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN 1981. NAMED AFTER GEORGE WEEDMAN, THE AWARD RECOGNIZES AN OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADER WHO HAS GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND THROUGHOUT THEIR LIFE TO BRING ABOUT POSITIVE CHANGE AND IMPACT ON THE RAPID CITY COMMUNITY; THEY DIDN’T “JUST LET GEORGE DO IT.”
efforts to improve healthcare for our region and state. Following a medical mission trip to Haiti after the catastrophic earthquake, he realized he could make a profound impact closer to home. He established a clinic at the Pine ridge Hospital and provided care and did surgeries there for five years. This work paved the way for his role as the chief medical officer of the Oyate Health Center where he has served since 2019. Their work was recognized nationally for their efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
His philanthropy spans decades. He has been a board member at the Cornerstone Rescue Mission for 18 years and has served as president for the last six. He cofounded the Rapid City Flame Special Olympics program in 2008, securing facilities, funding, and equipment to ensure young athletes with dis-
abilities could thrive. He served for 10 years on the board of the South Dakota State Medical Association and for five years on the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care. He is on the board of private businesses and is an associate professor at two medical schools including the University of South Dakota and the Medical College of Wisconsin. He served 12 years in the Army National Guard and retired at the rank of Major. He endowed a scholarship with the Monument Health Foundation that preferentially provides opportunities for young Native American men and women who wish to pursue a career in healthcare.
Dr. Harlow embodies selflessness and service and leads by example to create a lasting impact for South Dakota and beyond. *
Robert Dyer Photography
Photos submitted.
GRANITE GRANITE SOLID AS
THE GRANITE AWARD IS GIVEN TO A BUSINESS THAT IS AN ASSET TO THE AREA AND IS A PILLAR OF OUR COMMUNITY. A BUSINESS THAT IS STABLE AND SOLID AS “GRANITE”.
Liberty Superstores and the Patnoe family have been in the automotive business in western South Dakota for four generations. It all started in Norris, South Dakota, when Earnest Patnoe owned and operated the Patnoe Garage, a Chevrolet and Goodyear tire store. Earnest Patnoe’s original slogan was, “We smile when you come, you smile
when you leave”. Over the decades, this slogan has evolved into, “Simple, Worry Free Car Buying”, but the customer-centric philosophy remains the same.
Earnest Patnoe’s son, Larry Patnoe started working in the automotive industry in the 1960s and eventually purchased the Liberty Super-
GRANITE GRANITE LIBERTY SUPERSTORES
GRANITE AWARD
stores parent company, Liberty Motors, Inc. in 1984. Larry’s son, Don Patnoe, joined the business full-time in 1995 and the fourth generation, Max Patnoe, came into the business full-time in 2011. Additionally, Liberty is proud to employ numerous team members whose families have been working in Liberty dealerships for multiple generations.
Today, Liberty Superstores has grown to six dealership locations, representing ten new car franchises, a body shop and a seventh dealership location to be announced soon! This growth and success is only made possible by the incredible Liberty Team and many loyal, repeat Liberty customers.
Liberty is honored to be an integral part of our community and economy. Throughout each year, Liberty contributes to dozens of organizations in our community including two, large annual giving campaigns with United Way and Youth and Family Services. The entire Liberty Team is encouraged to
support these two large campaigns with Liberty matching 100% of all Team Member contributions. Collectively the team consistently raises over $30,000 each year for these two organizations. In addition to financial contributions, the entire Liberty leadership team and numerous team members serve in a variety of roles throughout community organizations.
Recognizing the importance of economic success in our region, Liberty has been a committed member of Elevate Rapid City for over 25 years and is excited to be part of the continued community growth.
Over the past few years, Liberty has been fortunate to receive numerous awards including being voted the Best New Car Dealer and Best Used Car Dealer every year for the past five years by the Rapid City Journal, South Dakota Franchised Dealer of the Year, and Prairie Family Business of the Year among several other awards and accolades. *
Vinyl and Mesh Banners printed in-house
IN THE moment
THE BEAUTIFICATION AWARD IS FOR THOSE BUSINESSES WHO HAVE INVESTED IN THEIR CURB APPEAL, ADDING BEAUTY TO RAPID CITY.
PETERSON, LTD. CASEY BEAUTIFICATION AWARD
Casey Peterson, Ltd., has transformed one of Rapid City’s most iconic landmarks—Turnac Tower—into a modern symbol of revitalization and pride. Once the home of First Federal Savings Bank, this prominent glass-andwhite tower has stood tall since 1974, anchoring the western gateway to our downtown. Now, thanks to a major exterior renovation led by Wyss Associates the property has been reimagined as “909 St. Joe.”
This sweeping project included elegant monument signage, colorful concrete plaza paving, landscape lighting, native grasses, flowering perennials, and more than 350 carefully selected plants. Ten-foot concrete pads were installed under the canopy of existing honey locust trees—leaving room for future sculptural art. The result is a vibrant, inviting, and sustainable landscape that not only honors the building’s legacy but elevates the look and
feel of downtown Rapid City. But what makes this recognition even more special is how perfectly it reflects Casey Peterson’s values.
For nearly 50 years, this full-service CPA and financial advisory firm has built its reputation not just by crunching numbers, but by building relationships—with clients, with community members, and with the city they call home. Their commitment to excellence extends beyond their profession and into every corner of Rapid City. At Casey Peterson, community impact is not a box to check, it’s a way of doing business.
Through their investment in 909 St. Joe, they’ve given downtown Rapid City a facelift that reflects who they are: thoughtful, forward-thinking, and deeply rooted in our community’s continued growth and vitality. *
Founded in June 2022 by Dan Jensen and Mike Albin, Black Hills Running Company set out to be more than just a specialty shoe store. They envisioned a place where runners and walkers of all levels could feel supported, understood, and inspired. From day one, their mission has been clear: create a welcoming space where people feel valued, where service is personal, and where expertise meets heart.
What started with five shoe brands grew rapidly into a full-service specialty store featuring all major running brands—surpassing industry expectations in just the first year.
But their impact goes far beyond shoes. Black Hills Running Company has em-
braced community engagement not just as a value, but as a strategy—launching group runs, training programs, and hosting events that bring people together. In doing so, they’ve created a true hub for active living in the Black Hills. They are not just selling shoes—they’re building a culture of connection, movement, and wellness.
In just three years, they’ve expanded their reach with a new online store and mobile app set to launch this year allowing them to connect with even more customers across the region.
Black Hills Running Company has achieved remarkable growth, earned community trust, and built something far more lasting than a storefront. EvTHE EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD HONORS COMPANIES WITH 25 OR LESS EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE BEEN
BLACK HILLS EMERGING
YOUNG PR
Ketel Thorstenson, known as KT,—is more than a full-service CPA firm. It’s a workplace intentionally designed for young professionals to thrive. KT offers much more than accounting and audit services. What sets them apart is the culture they’ve built—one that values mentorship, collaboration, and innovation at every level. From structured internships to hands-on leadership opportunities, young professionals at KT aren’t just welcomed—they’re empowered.
At KT, team members are invited to contribute ideas, shape strategic initiatives, and even help develop new service lines. Young professionals are part of the conversation and part of the direction of the firm.
Their focus on work-life balance is more than a talking point. With flexible work arrangements, remote options, and a strong emphasis on well-being, KT
ensures employees can build fulfilling careers and maintain meaningful lives outside the office.
Ketel Thorstenson’s employee-relations philosophy is centered on fostering a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. They believe that a strong, engaged workforce is essential to delivering exceptional service to their clients and achieving their business goals.
They also know the power of recognition, offering a range of employee recognition programs to celebrate achievements both big and small. KT makes sure hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. With a clear path for career advancement and continuous learning, young professionals see more than a job—they see a future.
THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BEST PLACE TO WORK AWARD IS FOR EMPLOYERS THAT INVEST IN YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND CULTIVATE FUTURE LEADERS.
OFESSIONALS BEST PLACE TO WORK
Outside the office, KT encourages its people to lead in the community, volunteering, serving on boards, and representing the firm at local and regional events. It’s all part of their belief that strong professionals help build strong communities. Ketel Thorstenson leads with integrity, invests in its people, and proves every day why it’s one of the very best places for young professionals to work. *
BUSINESS BUSINESS LARGE COCA -CO LA HIGH COUNTRY
THESE BUSINESSES ARE PRIVATELY HELD, FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS WITH OVER 25 EMPLOYEES WHO USE THEIR SIZE TO NOT ONLY STRENGTHEN THE ECONOMY, BUT GIVE BACK TO THE AREA IN WHICH THEY LIVE.
BUSINESS BUSINESS
Coca-Cola High Country has been a proud, fourth-generation, family-owned business since 1956, nearly 70 years of refreshing beverages, community investment, and regional impact. Headquartered right here in Rapid City, this company serves over 2.4 million consumers across parts of seven states, with nearly 1,000 employees and 162 team members based at their Rapid City headquarters.
What started as a small bottling operation in a former gas station has grown into a regional powerhouse, yet never lost sight of its people. Coca-Cola High Country honors its employees in meaningful ways. In 2024 alone, 88 team members were recognized for a combined 1,155 years of service.
And when it comes to giving back, Coca-Cola High Country leads with heart. Their generosity touches nearly every
corner of our region—from children’s charities and food banks, to shelters, schools, and first responders. Through volunteerism, sponsorships, and scholarships—including $95,000 awarded locally over the past five years—they are building stronger communities and opening doors for the next generation.
As they approach 70 years, every bottle Coca-Cola High Country delivers carries not just refreshment, but a legacy of faith, family, and a heartfelt promise to continue serving the people and community that have always been at the heart of who they are.
For over 76 years, the YMCA of Rapid City has been a steady hand and a guiding light in our community.
It’s where kids take their first swim lessons, where teens find their voice in leadership programs, and where seniors rediscover friendship and movement. It’s where working parents find peace of mind, knowing their children are cared for, supported, and growing. And it’s where people of all ages come not just to be healthier—but to belong.
The YMCA’s mission is simple but powerful: to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. And they live that mission every single day.
Their impact in 2024 was incredible serving more than 15,000 people. But it’s not just about reach. It’s about response. When the community needs affordable child care, the
Y steps up. When youth face rising mental health challenges, they respond with compassion and new support services. When someone walks through their doors, they are welcomed with care and dignity no matter their story.
At the heart of the YMCA’s work are four timeless values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. These aren’t just words; they’re lived out in classrooms, on playgrounds, in wellness studios, and through partnerships across the region. The Y doesn’t just build programs, it builds trust, resilience, and hope.
They’ve shown that being a nonprofit doesn’t mean thinking small—it means leading with purpose. It means creating spaces where people are empowered, included, and seen. Their greatest success isn’t found in membership totals or square footage; it’s in the community they’ve helped shape: stronger, healthier, and more connected. *
YMCARAPID CITY
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
For 20 years, Black Hills Adventure Tours has redefined what it means to explore the region, offering immersive, eco-friendly experiences that connect visitors to the natural beauty, history, and culture of the Black Hills. From private sightseeing and hiking excursions to kayaking adventures and women’s outbound trips, every journey is customized, personal, and unforgettable.
Built on the values of authenticity, sustainability, and excellence, Black Hills Adventure Tours leads with a deep respect for community and place. Their team partners with local businesses and Indigenous communities, including a collaboration with the Tribal Tourism Alliance to train Native American tour guides—ensuring cultural stories are shared with authenticity and care.
Even in the face of challenges like the pandemic, this small business continued to grow. Recent milestones include expanding their fleet, opening a new 3,500-square-foot facility, and earning
prestigious honors like the George S. Mickelson Award for outstanding hospitality.
Their impact goes far beyond tourism. Since 2019, they’ve partnered with Ellsworth Air Force Base to provide welcome tours for incoming airmen, helping military families connect with local resources. They also co-host the Women’s Adventure Film Series and actively support environmental stewardship initiatives.
At the heart of their success is a dedicated, empowered team. Through training, mentorship, and professional development, they’ve cultivated a culture of inclusion, leadership, and passion.
Black Hills Adventure Tours isn’t just guiding people through the Black Hills— they’re helping shape its future. Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and community makes them a true standout and a well-deserving Small Business of the Year. *
BUSINESS
THESE PRIVATELY HELD, FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS HAVE 25 OR FEWER FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES, BUT THAT DOESN’T STOP THEM FROM MAKING AN IMPACT. THEY ARE JOB CREATION POWERHOUSES AND CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ECONOMY BY BRINGING GROWTH AND INNOVATION TO THE COMMUNITY.
RESPEC is more than an engineering consulting firm, it’s a company built on ownership, innovation, and heart. With services spanning energy, mining, water, infrastructure, and technology, RESPEC delivers integrated solutions to clients across North America while staying firmly rooted in Rapid City.
In 2024, RESPEC expanded its headquarters, adding 70,000 square feet of workspace and room for 200 more employee-owners. But the real impact goes beyond square footage. It’s reflected in the interns who become full-time hires, the South Dakota graduates who come home to launch careers, and the early-career engineers who
feel empowered to lead community initiatives of their own.
Last year alone, RESPEC grew to over 600 employee-owners in more than 30 offices across the U.S. and Canada. The company completed three acquisitions, launched new service lines, and surpassed its revenue target—one full year ahead of schedule.
Their expansion wasn’t just about space. It was about opportunity. Opportunity for jobs that stay here. For leaders who rise from within. And for a company that believes business growth and community impact can and should go hand in hand. *
EXPANSION EXPANSION BUSINESS RESPEC
THE BUSINESS EXPANSION OF THE YEAR AWARD HONORS A BUSINESS THAT HAS ENHANCED THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN RAPID CITY AND WHO HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY BY EXPANDING AND ALSO SHOWS CONTINUAL COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY.
STURGIS BROWN HIGH SCHOOL COMMONS & KITCHEN EXPANSION
STURGIS, SOUTH DAKOTA
Common goals Uncommon good
Enjoy the rewards of a life well-lived
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