JUMP’N & SLIDIN’ INTO BUSINESS
VLCEKS // pg 28
SECOND-HAND SUSTAINABILITY
KANNAN HARMS // pg 14
PIZZA, GAMES & FAMILY FUN
CRONIN // pg 8
SOMER KINGSBURY // pg 22
WHERE KIDS CAN BE KIDS
They say when one door closes, another opens—ours just happened to be a garage door!
South Dakota Overhead Doors was founded in 1996 by Rich and Kim Lundstrom, who built a thriving business known for quality and customer satisfaction. In 2023, ready for a new chapter, they sought the perfect successors. Expecting the search to take years, they were surprised to find the ideal match in 2024—Scott and Angie McBee.
Scott, a longtime Rapid City resident, spent years in the auto industry, running his own dealership before retiring in 2022.
Angie, a Rapid City native, built a successful 29-year career in automotive sales and management, retiring in 2024. Unsure of their next step, they turned to mentor Ross McKie, who posed a simple question: “Could you get excited about garage doors?”
After some research, Scott and Angie embraced the opportunity. Now, alongside their dedicated team, they are thrilled to be part of the overhead door industry.
MARCH MARCHMARCH
By Michelle Pawelski
Cover photo by Bailey Sadowsky
FAMILY FOCUSED
There’s a moment every parent knows well—the kids are bouncing off the walls, and you realize it’s only 10 a.m. on a Saturday. Finding ways to keep the little ones entertained, engaged, and happy isn’t always easy, but in Rapid City, families don’t have to look far. Whether it’s an afternoon of adventure, a cozy spot for making memories, or simply a place where kids can be kids, this city delivers.
What makes the Rapid City area so special isn’t just the playgrounds, parks, and kid-friendly attractions like Mount Rushmore—it’s the people behind them. The business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who recognize that a family-friendly city isn’t just a slogan. It’s a lifestyle. It’s about having things to do, creating places where families feel welcome, where kids can learn and explore, and where memories are made. It’s about building spaces that bring people together, reinforcing what so many already know: Rapid City isn’t just a place to live, it’s a place to grow.
Welcome to this issue of Elevate, where we highlight the businesses and people making Rapid City a more family-friendly place—one bounce house, arcade game, and toy shop at a time.
Take Trista and Jeremiah Vlcek, who saw a need for more indoor play options and created Jump ‘N Slide Adventure Park. Their inflatable-packed playground isn’t just a place to burn off energy, it’s a space where families can spend time together, no matter the season.
Then there’s Kannan Harms, the owner of Once Upon a Child, who understands firsthand that kids grow up fast and families need affordable options. Through her store, she’s making it easier for parents to find quality clothes and toys without breaking the bank—while also keeping perfectly good products out of landfills.
For a story about the mix of food and fun, Steve Cronin and Terry Larsen have spent the last 15 years turning Pizza Ranch into a go-to family destination. With their expanded Fun Zone Arcade and legendary buffet, they’ve created more than just a place to grab a meal. It’s a place where birthday parties, team celebrations, and family traditions come to life.
Finally, there’s the story of Somer Kingsbury, who has spent over a decade building Who’s Toy House into a national powerhouse of a toy store. It’s truly a place of wonder. Whether it’s a carefully chosen toy, a game that sparks creativity, or simply letting kids experience the joy of exploring, Somer has made it her mission to create a space where childhood is celebrated and honored. There are cities three times our size that would be lucky to have this amazing store.
So, whether you’re new to town, raising a family here, or just young at heart, this is the issue for you. Enjoy these stories!
Tom Johnson, President & CEO
Elevate is a monthly publication produced by Elevate Rapid City. It is the premier business magazine for the Black Hills region telling the stories that make our area unique and vibrant.
PO Box 747
Rapid City, SD 57709
605.343.1744
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
Rachel Nelson
WORKFORCE PLANNING DIRECTOR
Reese Niu
HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Laura Jones
ECOSYSTEM SUPPORT & PROPERTY MANAGER
Loni Reichert
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Kallie Ruland
BUSINESS PROSPECT MANAGER
Drew Staufer
CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER
Bailey Sadowsky
EXECUTIVE
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Ashley Simonson
8 13-15 12 6-9 14-23 1 2025
OPERA CHORUS FAVORITES
Black Hills Symphony Orchestra: Performing Arts Center app.arts-people.com
RAPID CITY RUSH VS. IDAHO STEELHEADS
The Monument themonument.live/events
BUFFALO BILL VERSUS THE MUMMIES
Homestake Opera House homestakeoperahouse.org/event
MOUNTAIN WEST WHISKEY FESTIVAL
The Rushmore Hotel & Suites mountainwestwhiskeyfestival.com
ROAD 2 DESTRUCTION TOUR
The Monument themonument.live/events
WO MOTORSPORTS INDOOR ARENACROSS SERIES
James Kjerstad Event Center centralstatesfairinc.com/events
R.E.S.P.E.C.T – A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF ARETHA FRANKLIN
The Monument themonument.live/events
RAPID CITY RUSH VS. IOWA
The Monument themonument.live/events
CABARET
Black Hills Community Theatre bhct.org
Seraphim Theatrical Entertainment seraphimte.com
WICHITA THUNDER
The Monument themonument.live/events
The Monument themonument.live/events
MARKET
LADIES
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
Louis Sandoval
DATA MANAGEMENT
Hannah Masters
OPERATIONS
Toni Kinney
CITY SOUTH DAKOTA
Mark Houston
Leslie Cline
Dean Taylor
Amy Rose
Mitchell Stafford
Oakley Tye
Brandon Jones
Gary Matthews
Francie Ganje
Another HomeSlice Audio Production
RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
DECEMBER
EXPERIENCE LEGENDARY
Pizza Ranch Owners Serving Up
Black Hills Family Fun for 15 Years
STORY BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI \\ PHOTOS BY BAILEY SADOWSKY
For Steve Cronin and Terry Larsen, Pizza Ranch isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a family tradition and a place where lifelong memories are made.
From their first jobs at 14 in Fort Pierre, S.D., to co-owning two thriving locations in Rapid City, the pair have spent nearly three decades creating legendary experiences for guests of all ages.
From kids’ birthday parties and the expanded Fun Zone to family gatherings around the buffet, Pizza Ranch has become a cornerstone of the Black Hills community, and Steve and Terry’s family.
“Our mission is to give every guest a legendary experience,” Steve said, reciting the organization’s longstanding credo.
The first Pizza Ranch opened in 1981 in Hull, Iowa, by 19-year-old Adrie Groeneweg, who had a vision of great pizza, excellent guest service and a community-focused attitude.
The company’s foundation is what has kept Steve with Pizza Ranch for so many years. “I didn’t dream I would still be here so many years later. I thought maybe through high school. Both of my older brothers also worked at the Pizza Ranch in Fort Pierre.”
Jim Larsen, Terry’s father, who opened the Fort Pierre family restaurant in 1992, was a mentor to Steve and the other teenage workers, Steve said. “Jim really took care of us. As I grew into an adult, I wanted to provide the opportunities Jim provided me during my first job. There is just so much to love about Pizza Ranch. It is not just about the food; it is the people, the employees, the guests, the kids who keep me young.”
Steve continued to work for the local Pizza Ranch while attending Chadron State College. It was his sophomore year at Chadron State when he decided to focus on building a career with Pizza Ranch. “I figured this is what I wanted to do and partnered with Jim and Anita in Fort Pierre. It is all history from there.”
In 2010, Steve and Terry opened their first location on Luna Avenue, and in 2013 opened the Stumer Road restaurant.
In 2022, they expanded the Stumer location by 3,000 square feet to enhance the Fun Zone Arcade and party rooms. The Fun Zone now spans 2,600 square feet, featuring a variety of arcade games, including basketball, Skee-Ball, claw machines, and a Virtual Reality roller coaster. Guests can also enjoy a massive prize wall, where both kids and adults can redeem tickets for rewards ranging from Tootsie Rolls to Dewalt tools and PlayStation 5 consoles.
“The Fun Zone has really provided a whole new dining experience,” Steve said. “We say ‘Make it a Buffet and Play Day.’ Come in for the buffet and stay to play. Kids’ eyes just light up when they come in.”
One of those kids is Steve’s three-year-old son, Crue, also known as chief product officer. “He makes sure the toys are good for all ages,” Steve said.
Steve’s 15-year-old daughter Myah also works at the Pizza Ranch. It was also her first job at 14. Steve and Terry are committed to offering young workers the same opportunities they once received from Jim. “We enjoy sharing our experiences and highlighting the potential for growth and advancement,” Steve said.
Another core value of Pizza Ranch is community involvement, and Steve and Terry are dedicated to giving back. Twice a week, both of their locations host community impact nights, where a portion of sales during specific hours is donated to local organizations.
“They come in, bus tables, interact with guests, and help us create that legendary experience—then we give back to them,” Steve explained. Over the past 15 years, the owners have contributed more than half a million dollars to the community.
“We take great pride in staying involved and supporting those around us,” Steve said.
With the Black Hills being a popular tourist destination, there are plenty of dining options, but Pizza Ranch prioritizes creating a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes all ages, Steve said.
“That’s the foundation of our culture— delivering a legendary experience from the moment guests walk through the door, to enjoying their meal, and finally redeeming their prizes at the end.”
As Steve and Terry mark 15 years in the Black Hills, their commitment remains strong —continuing to serve up family fun and legendary experiences for years to come. *
We say ‘Make it a Buffet and Play Day.’ Come in for the buffet and stay to play. Kids’ eyes just light up when they come in.”
- STEVE CRONIN
Nexus SD is a network of organizations across the state working to ensure people get help securing essentials, like food, housing, or transportation – without having to work extra hard to get it. When you sign someone up for Nexus SD, their record can be shared with our member agencies statewide. If there are opportunities to help, you can streamline communications and send secure referrals to each other, so help finds the people who need it. The more organizations that are part of Nexus SD, the more people we can help. Join Nexus SD today. Working together, everybody wins. We need your help to
MAKING 2
DREAMS COME
TWO
Bringing sustainability and hope to youth resale, Kannan Harms makes secondhand feel like magic
STORY BY JENNA CARDA \\ PHOTOS BY BAILEY SADOWSKY
“There is so much life left in children’s clothing and products once the kids have grown beyond their use. ”
- KANNAN HARMS -
Raising a family takes a village, and no one understands that concept more than Kannan Harms. As a mom of three little ones (ages seven and under), life is busy, and the kids… they keep growing! This made Once Upon a Child, a resale franchise that has been open in Rapid City for the last 10 years, an ideal spot to shop.
Once Upon a Child buys gently used clothes and products from its customers, paying cash for their selected inventory.
“I love the design and concept of this store,” said Kannan. “There is so much life left in children’s clothing and products once the kids have grown beyond their use. Having it available at an affordable cost for another family to use not only makes a great impact on the environment (keeping items out of the landfill), it is incredibly helpful to the communi-
ty for paying cash to help with bills, groceries–you name it–while also giving opportunity for other families to shop on a budget.”
Growing up in Wall, Kannan was very familiar with Rapid City. Though she and her husband moved around the midwest, the Black Hills has always felt like home. Now, after moving back to the area, they made the decision to put down roots.
When the opportunity to purchase Once Upon a Child came available, Kannan couldn’t pass it up.
“I had shopped here, and it aligns so well with my core values,” said Kannan. “I wanted to do something different from banking where I had been for the last decade before purchasing Once Upon a Child, and family is something I’m very passionate about.”
Since taking ownership in November 2022, Kannan has experienced the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
“We have busy and stressful days, just like any other business,” she reflected. “But what makes a huge difference is our amazing team and supportive customers. We are truly like family–a community within our community.”
Once Upon a Child has nearly 35 employees, half that are full-time and a portion of part time employees are students. With a positive culture at the forefront of Kannan’s work environment, the team thrives with a mixture of personalities, skills, and talents.
“This is a first job for many of our high school students working at Once Upon a Child, and I am honored to be leading the way for them. They have so much to learn and accomplish in their lifetime, and having them as employees gives myself and my managers
the chance to be a positive influence in their growth,” said Kannan.
Giving back to the community in one form or another has been Kannan’s mission all along. From offering individuals cash in exchange for gently used products, giving customers a place to purchase quality products for a fraction of the retail cost, and mentoring the next generation of workforce in Rapid City—Kannan and the team at Once Upon a Child are making an impact within this place they call home.
“I am so blessed with the team I have and the customers I get to serve. We just love being a part of families’ journeys,” said Kannan. *
ONCE UPON A CHILD
780 MOUNTAIN VIEW RD
605.430.2925
ONCEUPONACHILD.COM
JOYS TOYS THE
SOMER KINGSBURY IS BRINGING THE WONDER OF TOYS TO THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN RAPID CITY.
STORY BY CALLIE MEYER, DOWNTOWN RAPID CITY
\\ PHOTOS BY BAILEY SADOWSKY
The Downtown Rapid City we know today is strikingly different than that of fifteen years ago. The revitalization of downtown didn’t happen overnight, and it didn’t happen without the dedication and hard work of many people. But of those who believed in the potential of downtown, Somer and Clancy Kingsbury were at the forefront of helping create something meaningful for the community. With a vision of a community space, Who’s Toy House opened in 2010 with Somer at the helm since day one.
Having a toy store has been about so much more than selling a product. “It’s not about how much a customer spends; it’s about finding the right thing that fits the needs of the child,” said Somer. “I don’t take someone who is shopping for a 6-year-old girl right to the dolls, it’s not one size fits all. What we’re doing here is helping people create memories and experience new things that encourage kids to express themselves.”
As Who’s Toy House celebrates its 14th anniversary this year, Somer looks back at how the store came to be. Her first brush with retail was spending
time with her husband at his store, Who’s Hobby House. The hobby store, celebrating its 75th year of business in 2025, has been in Clancy’s family for three generations. Somer enjoyed keeping her husband company when he worked late nights, and she would eventually find a passion for designing the window displays at the store.
Their experience with the hobby store ignited something in the Kingsburys to continue investing in downtown, originally expanding to a game store in the space that is now Que Pasa Cantina. This venture fueled Somer’s love for creative spaces where people could make memories. Eventually, an opportunity to develop another space would start to take shape.
Ahead of Main Street Square opening in 2011, Ray Hillenbrand was breathing new life into what are now The Shops at Main Street Square. During a conversation with Ray, Somer casually mentioned that she could see a world in which she opened a toy store. Ray, a true visionary, loved the idea, and it just so happened he had a space that would make a great home for such a place.
“Parents will come in and want something extravagant but then the kids come in and want simplicity, something that allows them to use their imagination.”
- SOMER KINGSBURY -
|
Somer sketched up a drawing of the toy store of her dreams and suddenly the wheels were in motion to materialize this vision. Who’s Toy House, which today looks nearly identical to the original sketch, opened its doors in 2011.
When walking in to Who’s Toy Store, your eyes are instantly filled with toys, costumes, puzzles, games, and experiences galore. From the floor to the ceiling; rolling ladders, a glow-in-the-dark room, a giant super plexus, and an interactive patio have all come to life under the Who’s Toy House roof.
Throughout her time interacting with children, Somer has learned that the best thing she can do for her customers is to simply listen and allow kids to use their imagination. “Parents will come in and want something extravagant but then the kids come in and want simplicity, something that allows them to use their imagination.” Somer credits her own son in helping her learn this lesson. “I had some products I wasn’t sure about. They were ‘bad guy’ figures and I just didn’t think kids would like them, but my son loved them. He said ‘mom, how am I supposed to be a good guy if I don’t have any bad guys?’ and that just clicked with me.”
When people hear ‘toy store’, they typically associate them with children, but Somer believes Who’s Toy House is also for those who are kids at heart. And she experiences this daily, seeing a sparkle not only in the eyes of children but adults as well. “It’s a kids store, but a good toy store has stuff for kids of all ages. The store inspires a sense of wonder and a little bit of nostalgia too.”
For 14 years, Somer has watched as kids of all ages find joy when walking through the doors of Who’s Toy House. A joy that extends beyond a sales slip and into the hearts of those behind the counter as well. “I’ve been here long enough that I have watched families grow,” reminisced Somer. “Moms and daughters who have now become grandmas and mothers of their own. Those are lifetime connections and it’s a blessing to be a part of someone’s history.” Fostering these relationships and getting to know people and their stories is what Somer thinks being a community is all about, bringing her back to the original goal of the daydream that became Who’s Toy House.
For children, and those who honor their inner-child, Somer’s doors at Who’s Toy House are open to you, “This is a place of joy. The point is that everyone is welcome.” *
YEARROUND ENTERTAINMENT
Local Couple Creates Indoor Family
Adventure Park to Keep Kids Moving
STORY BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI \\ PHOTOS BY BAILEY SADOWSKY
Trista and Jeremiah Vlcek know just how long South Dakota winters can feel. With two energetic young children, they’re always looking for ways to help their 9-year-old son, Oakley, and 6-year-old daughter, Raelah, burn off energy.
“We have Run Wild, which is a great facility, and Jump Craze too, but every time we go, they are packed,” Trista said. “One day at Run Wild, we thought, ‘What if we brought another option inside Rapid City—something new to add to the community, especially during the winter?’”
That spark of an idea came in October 2023. A little over a year later, the Vlceks opened Jump ‘N Slide Adventure Park - an 11,000-squarefoot inflatable park featuring 12 unique attractions.
The response so far has been amazing, attracting birthday parties, school field trips and families looking to get out of the house.
“We want to give people opportunities to get out in the community, stay active and spend quality time together,” Trista said. “South Dakota winters are long. We also have windy and rainy summers, so having another place that is inside and safe from the elements to really promote active lifestyles and family time is huge for this community.”
Jump ‘N Slide Adventure Park is the perfect companion to another venture the entrepreneurial duo opened. In October 2021, they launched Jump ‘N Slide Enterprise, a bounce house rental business, after attending their niece’s birthday party in Iowa. “She had a large, inflatable outdoor obstacle course,” Trista said. “The whole family got together, and it was so much fun. We got to thinking there is nothing in Rapid City like that.”
What started as a passing thought quickly became reality when the couple began searching for inflatables and stumbled upon an auction in Washington, D.C.
JUMP’N
“On the spur of the moment, we bought seven of them and dove right in,” Trista said. “It was late in the season when we launched the business, but by the following spring, we were already booking rentals. Each year, it has gotten busier and busier, and we were able to expand year after year.”
Today, their inventory has grown to 20 inflatable rentals, including bounce houses, obstacle courses, water slides and even a jousting game.
The only challenge? South Dakota’s outdoor rental season is short.
That’s when Trista, also a real estate agent, began scoping out buildings to bring their inflatables indoors. Months later, the 27,000-square-foot Ziegler building became available – a perfect home for the couple’s newest dream.
Aside from an inflatable fun zone, the couple put in arcade games, a party area and is preparing to open the region’s first Gel Blaster arena. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Gel
Blaster is the original and leading water ball blasting brand.
“We had this extra 2,500-squarefoot space and decided to split it up to have a party area and storage for outdoor inflatables, but we also wanted to bring something really cool that would be good for our teenage population,” Trista said. “We heard about the Gel Blaster and instantly knew we had to have it.”
Jeremiah, a true jack-of-all-trades, has dedicated most of his time recently to building the Gel Blaster room, ensuring it’s ready for opening day. In the spring and summer seasons, he is all over the community setting up and taking down the rental inflatables. He ensures everything runs smoothly and everyone is having a great time.
Aside from running the daily operations at Jump ‘N Slide Adventure Park, Trista continues to work as a Realtor for Dupont Real Estate. She is also a United States Air Force Veteran and served as a dental assistant
JUMP’N SLID
“We wanted to bring something new to the community, and the response has been incredible.”
- TRISHA VLCEK -
in Okinawa, Japan, during her service.
As for Oakley and Raelah, they are the business’ quality assurance agents. When visitors have a good time, it is because they have given their stamp of approval.
“They test everything thoroughly,” Trista said. “Even when we set up inflatables at different locations, our quality
assurance team ensures they are ready to go.”
Jump ‘N Slide includes Hunt Brothers Pizza, ice cream and espresso, and Trista and Jeremiah are always on the lookout for new “adventures” to add.
With Jump ‘N Slide Adventure Park, the Vlceks have created more than just a business—they’ve provided a much-needed space for families to stay
active and engaged yearround.
“We wanted to bring something new to the community, and the response has been incredible,” Trista said.
As they continue to grow, the Vlceks remain focused on what matters most—keeping kids moving and creating a space where the whole community can have fun. *
JUMP 'N SLIDE ADVENTURE PARK
840 E CENTRE ST. STE. A & B
605.416.2831
JUMPNSLIDEPARK.COM
COLORECTAL CANCER
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all people at average risk begin getting checked at age 45. People at higher risk may need to be screened earlier. Ask your doctor about screening, as your ethnicity, lifestyle, and family history will impact when you should get checked.
Colorectal cancer has become a reality for many people younger than age 50, and it’s the only population with a rising incidence rate.
In the U.S., approximately 10% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in individuals under age 50.
Young-onset rectal cancer incidence has increased at nearly two times the rate of young-onset colon cancer.
Researchers predict that by 2030, colorectal cancer will be the leading cause of cancer deaths in people ages 20-49.