Fargo INC! December 2018

december

FACES OF

FARGO BUSINESS 2018

editor's note

THANK

You

O

ur Faces of Fargo Business issue is very special because it's our time to thank everyone who has helped us over the past year. As I sit here and begin to think about how to properly thank and celebrate so many wonderful people in the community, most of whom I have not yet had the pleasure to meet myself, I feel the need to take a step back.

Fargo Inc! is a resource to the Fargo business community that offers advice, useful information and content. It's a local publication that provides interesting and inspiring human interest stories that will help guide us along our professional paths.

Everyone who has contributed to the success of providing this resource deserves indescribable thanks.

Human Interest: noun. 1. a quality of a story or report, as in a newspaper or on a newscast, that engages attention and sympathy by enabling one to identify readily with the people, problems and situations described.

My last note in 2018 is to thank you. Thank you all for your support. Thank you for your dedication to this community. Thank you for building each other up. Thank you for contributing to Fargo Inc! where we can be each other's mentors, inspirations, cheerleaders and partners in battle. This issue includes one last thought for the year from many of the contributors in the area who helped make Fargo Inc! impactful in 2018. Thank you all! We could not have done it without you.

Jennifer Gades, Associate Publisher Still, I find myself asking, "What does it all really mean?" I think Mr. Webster nicely expounded on what we are trying to do here at Fargo Inc! with the following definitions: Resource: noun. 1. a source of supply, support, or aid, especially one that can be readily drawn upon when needed.

Advice: noun. 1. an opinion or recommendation offered as a guide to action, conduct, etc.

JenniferGades@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

DECEMBER 2018 Volume 3 Issue 12

Fargo INC! is published 12 times a year and is available at area businesses and online at FargoInc.com.

Publisher Mike Dragosavich Drago@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Chief Operations Officer Steve Kruse CREATIVE

Editorial Director Andrew Jason Andrew@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Associate Publisher Jennifer Gades Art Director Sarah Geiger Designer Sarah Stauner Creative Director Simon Andrys Photographers Hillary Ehlen, J. Alan Paul Photography Videographer Patrick Thompson Social Media & PR Coordinator Ariel Holbrook Web Editor Jessica Kuehn ADVERTISING

Associate Sales Director Neil Keltgen Senior Sales Executives Paul Hoefer paul@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Sales Executives Nick Linder NickLinder@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Ross Uglem Ross@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Associate Publisher, Design & Living Chantell Ramberg Chantell@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

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Fargo INC! is published by Spotlight Media LLC, Copyright 2018 Fargo INC! & FargoInc.com. All rights reserved. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced or distributed without written permission of Fargo INC!, and Spotlight Media LLC, is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to or reliance on such information. Spotlight Media LLC, accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers.

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This holiday season, bring joy to your home with Design & Living Magazine's globalinspired shopping guide. Within these pages, you'll find plenty of pattern and texture in neutral tones that you can leave out all winter long.

These pieces may represent the worldly design trend, but they have actually been sourced locally from your favorite shops and boutiques in Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo.

Fargo-Moorhead is growing and so is our team here at Fargo Monthly and our parent company, Spotlight. To get to know those included in our expansion, celebrate all that 2018 offered and to look forward to the year to come, we asked our newest team members to share notable bits from their year. From date-night spots to Fargo hidden treasures to charitable organizations, we reminisced on all that we loved in our community this calendar year.

Winter is here, Bison Nation. The most cold and chilling time of year is redeemed thanks to North Dakota State winter athletics. Whether you enjoy football, basketball, track and field or wrestling, these Bison sports are sure to keep you warm this winter. As for the athletes? They are ready to go to war with their nemesis on a daily basis.

FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

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DECEMBER 2018

We are pleased to present our second Annual "Faces of Fargo Business" coffee table book. In the following pages, we celebrate members of the Fargo metro area who were featured in Fargo Inc! over the past year. Aspiring entrepreneurs, CEOs, artists and countless others share one last note with us as we head into 2019.

FARGOINC.COM

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FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

If you could thank one organization that's contributed to your success, who would it be and why?

Thank you to all my scout leaders who helped me develop leadership skills before I knew what being a leader really meant. They also taught me that living by the scout laws (trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent) was a life worth living.

Alan Haut District Director US Small Business Administration 16

DECEMBER 2018

FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

If you could thank one person in the FM community, who would it be and why?

Greg Tehven as no one has done more to push us as a community and cheerlead for us to take pride in the community we are building, as well as being a vocal cheerleader to others around the rest of the world and how great our community is.

John Machacek Chief Innovation Officer Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation FARGOINC.COM

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CHELSEA BURNS

ALICIA UNDERLEE NELSON

Marketing Director Michael J. Burns Architects, Ltd.

Travel Writer, Photographer, Editor PrairieStyleFile.com

ABRIL ARCE Yea! Program Student West Fargo Sheyenne High School

MEREDITH WILLIAMS

JACK YAKOWICZ

Program Manager Razor Consulting Solutions

Marketing Director Office Sign Company

AMEENA JOVONOVICH Yea! Student Participant Fargo North High School

SHANNON PARVEY

KIM JORE

Partner Parvey, Larson, and McLean, PLLC

Artist/Hairstylist Riverzen

MICHELLE SCHUMACHER Group Finance Manager Microsoft 18

DECEMBER 2018

BRENDA JOHNSON Incoming President Fargo Moorhead Human Resources Association

ALAN HINTZ President Kinetic Leasing

DEB DAWSON Founder African Soul, American Heart

DARCY POPE-FUCHS President&CEO Payroll Express, Inc.

DANYEL MOE Co-founder Ladyboss FM

CHELSEA HANSON

MATT DUNLEVY

Traffic&Billing Coordinator Flag Family Media

Preident&CEO SkySkopes

ALAN DOSTERT President&CEO EAPC Architects Engineers

KIM LINSTER Co-owner Waxing the City Fargo

KENT KOLSTAD

PHIL SWAN

President&Technical Director Livewire Entertainment Media Services

Fraud Supervisor Gate City Bank

RYAN KEEL Owner CollegeSmart

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DECEMBER 2018

ANDREA HOCHHALTER

TASHA BARRETT

Founder&Process Facilitator Beyond Facilitation

Realtor Park Co. Realtors

FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

If you could thank one organization that's contributed to your success, who would it be and why?

Emerging Prairie and specifically their 1 million cups platform. I spoke on February 14, 2018 and it was an absolutely spectacular experience. It was a great way for us to get in front of a variety of people and share our journey to becoming an app. From that, we have made so many connections that branched into more opportunities. We certainly have relied on our own networks as we’ve started up, but that was a big catalyst for us to expand into areas we didn’t know about. Prior to 1 million cups, we didn’t have a good grasp of the vibrancy of the entrepreneurial culture of Fargo, even though we were technically a part of it.

From that point on, we have felt much more connected.

Cindy Gillund Founder and CEO Go/Do 22

DECEMBER 2018

What lesson have you had to learn the hard way?

Some people will say no to you in business. Some people will say yes. But their choice isn't a reflection on you or what you do.

Michaela Schell Elite Level V Lexus Achiever Rodan + Fields

What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?

Tirelessly listen to everyone’s advice until someone’s – anyone’s – matches what your gut was telling you, then commit to it.

Kurt McSparron Founder the100, inc.

FARGOINC.COM

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LAETITIA HELLERUD

DAVID BATCHELLER

UBUNTU Consulting

President/CEO Appareo Systems

JOE RASO President/CEO Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation

BREWER DORAN Dean Concordia

SUE MULLINS

CORY STEINER

Executive Director Heartland Healthcare Network

Superintendent Northern Cass County Schools

DEREK JOHS Yea! Student Participant West Fargo High School

BLAYNE MAGDEFRAU Assistant Store Leader Scheels 24

DECEMBER 2018

MORGAN SCHLEIF Lead Graphic Designer Eco Chic Boutique Owner/Photographer M.Scheif Photography

MALLORY VORWERK Accounting Assistant Peterson Farms Seed

BRANDI HEDIN Commercial Account Executive Dawson Insurance Agency

JAMIE MAGUIRE Senior Solutions Engineer High Point Networks

FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

What motivates you?

People that are ready and willing to dive in to make positive change in their life. The best part of my day is when I get to learn more about financial priorities through our Honest Conversations exercise. Honest Conversations is a card game that make money and priorities easy to talk about and also helps people gain control over their financial life.

Paul Jarvis Managing Director United Capital FARGOINC.COM

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MARQELLE ALBRECHT Doctor of Chiropractic Healing Touch Chiropractic

ASHLEY MORKEN Unglued

DAVID MARKEL President Prairie Practice Management Professionals

BETH SLETTE Assistant Superintendent for Elementary West Fargo Schools

DELRAE AMANN Owner Professional Resources, Ltd.

COREY ELMER Attorney Vogel Law

JOANNA SLOMINSKI

SUMMER HANSON

Construction Executive Mortenson

Director of Finance&Administration United Way of Cass Clay

LISA RICHTER

DAN JOHNSON

Pharmacy PGY1 Residency Program Director&Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist Sanford Health

Controller Moore Engineering

KEN MARTIN President M.I.G. Holdings

FARGOINC.COM

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FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?

Follow your passion, not the money. If you follow your passion, you will figure out a way to make enough to keep doing it. If you follow the money, you probably won't enjoy it. If you are unsure of your "Passion" then just start rowing in the next indicated direction. By paddling in life, you will began to realize what fuels you and what doesn't.

Scott Bintz Lead Rebel Red Headed Rebel FARGOINC.COM

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FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?

Don't try to be something you are not. Do find out what turns your crank and then DO IT. Even if it takes quite a few years, it'll be worth it. AND...those mistakes you make along the way, those places you stumble and fall, they will all come in handy someday. No better place to learn than on your knees. Think .38 Special and Hold On Loosely.

Rob Swiers Executive Director New Life Center 32

DECEMBER 2018

FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

How does the reality of your job differ from people's perception of it?

I have had people ask me if I set an alarm and shower since I don't clock in at an office with others around.

Yes, I set an alarm. Yes, I shower and get ready for the day. Do I sometimes workout at 10 a.m. on a Thursday when others are sitting in a meeting in a conference room? Yes! There are also times I'm working at 10 p.m. on Sunday night. Owning your own business, even a business of one, affords you flexibility. Yet, I leave this week for vacation and will have my laptop in tow and my international phone plan in effect, because it’s a rarity for me to be fully disconnected, as my clients are of great importance to me.

Amanda Mckinnon Bodacious Brander & CEO MSPIRE FARGOINC.COM

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FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

What motivates you?

I don't just kind of believe the arts are a key problem solver to so many of the issues plaguing our communities, I KNOW they are. I have the proof that they are an economic driver, that they attract and retain potential employees, that they help kids deal with bullying in schools, that they assist people managing mental health issues and So. Much. More.

The arts matter, and I am motivated to help others not just give lip service to that but to truly understand it and support it.

Dayna Del Val President & CEO The Arts Partnership 34

DECEMBER 2018

What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?

Take it all in! Jump into every opportunity that is provided for you. You can learn from everything. Don't be afraid to step out of the known. By taking chances, you'll grow and learn so much more about your strengths and passions!

Amanda Torok

Vice President of Culture Gate City Bank

What are your favorite media recommendations?

"Principles to Fortune" by Scott Bintz, "Building a Story Brand" by Donald Miller

David Dvorak

CEO Field of View

ALEXANDRA FLOERSCH Content Writer Bell Bank

SCOTT HOLDMAN

MATT GADBERRY

Impact Institute Director Impact Institute

Vice President Magnum

RANDY JOHNSON

ANNA HANSON

VP of Corporate Services Wanzek Construction

Yea! Program Student Homeschool

BEN CARLSRUD President NetWork Center

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HANNAH SLATER

COLE DAVIS

Yea! Student Participant Fargo North High School

A01 Foundation

DECEMBER 2018

SYDNEY BOSCHERT

MARGOT PETERSON

Stability Lead Swanson Health

Senior Communications Specialist Sanford Health

What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?

Get involved in what's happening in your community, and surround yourself with people that will challenge and motivate you to be the best you. Remember that there is not one right path, or formula for life!

Erica Johnsrud Development Director Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley

What motivates you?

I'm motivated by the energy of those working to make Fargo a more creative place. This can be through business, art, science or hobbies, but the creative spark of Fargo continues to motivate and inspire me.

Jeff Knight Co-owner/Designer Cereal

FARGOINC.COM

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BRITTANY LAFORTE Realtor Hatch Realty

ALYSSA WALKER Promotional Consultant Probitas Promotions

EMILY CARROW Supervisor Solution Specialists Discovery Benefits

DARREN HUBER Media Strategy&Internal Communications Director Sanford Health

CHRIS EDGERLEY Founder Imagination Builders

BARRY BATCHELLER

KATIE BERTSCH

President&CEO Appareo Systems

Attorney Ohnstad Twichell

DANELLA MYERS Communications Manager Emerging Prairie

SHELBY COCHRAN Director of Operations&Merchandising dogIDs 38

DECEMBER 2018

STEVE DUSEK President&CEO Dakota Business Lending

FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

What motivates you?

Our youth. I am motivated every day to ensure that I am doing everything I can to provide the best instructional program we can for all children in Fargo Public Schools.

The thought of even failing to do that for one child motivates me to work harder each day.

Rupak Gandhi Superintendent Fargo Public Schools FARGOINC.COM

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How does the reality of your job differ from people's perception of it?

There's nothing glamorous about it, despite the portrayal of entrepreneurship in certain publications... my house is a mess, I get airBnB's in trailer parks, I sometimes drive 15 hours in a day. Definitely not Elon Musk.

Peter Chamberlain

Founder & CEO WalkWise (formerly WalkSmart)

What's one thing you want the local business community to know about you?

I love collaborations! Some of my best classes and events have been working with other small, local businesses through date nights, pairing classes and volunteering.

Megan Lewis

Owner and Cheesemonger Milk Made Catering

FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

If you could thank one person in the FM community, who would it be and why?

I would like to thank my wife, Julia. Without her support and encouragement, I would have passed countless opportunities. She encouraged me to move back to Fargo while we were having our third baby, gave me the strength to transition from a full-time job to running my own business, endured a year of low income and constant risk.

Peter Schott CEO & Co-Founder Genesis Feed Technologies FARGOINC.COM

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SARAH BUSSE SCS Proposal&Implementation Specialist Border States Electric

HEATHER AAL Program Manager Center for Technology of Business

ALLIE MORTH

AMANDA PIETERS

Collaboration Specialist Corelink Administrative Solutions

Assistant Director of Orientation&First-Year Transitioning Programming Concordia

ISABELLE CHAMBERS Yea! Student Participant Homeschool

CECELIA JORUD Personal Banking Officer Bell Bank

CRAIG WHITNEY

JAKE MONSON

President&CEO FMWF Chamber of Commerce

Yea! Student Participant Park Christian Senior High School

AMBER BREKHUS

KELLY HALVORSON

Yea! Program Student West Fargo Sheyenne High School

Talent Acquisition Specialist Eide Bailly

FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

If you could thank one resource that's contributed to your success, what would it be and why?

I went through the SBA Emerging Leader Program this past year and this helped me to take a good look at our business through a different lens. Meeting with other CEO's frequently and bouncing ideas off them has allowed EHP and Elevate Human Potential to grow.

The second would be the United Way's 35 Under 35 Women's Leadership Program. This has allowed me to grow as a person and as a small business owner so that I can be a greater leader in this area.

Karla Wolford CEO, DC, MS, CCSP, CSCS EHP CrossFit and Elevate Human Potential 44

DECEMBER 2018

AMY FELAND

ZACH WENTZ

ROB LEE

Workforce Development Case Manager United Way

A01 Foundation

Executive Vice President Wanzek Construction

BRIAN LARRY

TAYA SPELHAUG

Founder/CEO ConnectLabs

TechSpark Manager Microsoft

IVY MASTRUD Yea! Student Participant Ben Franklin Middle School

CRYSTAL COSSETTE

MATT CHAUSSEE

Owner/Baker Sugarplum

CEO Be More Colorful

ROBYN GATZ

NICOLE ROUSER Vice President&Retail Services Manager BlackRidge Bank

ZOE BUNDY Yea! Student Participant Discovery Middle School Owner Brainy Ladies

Operations Assistant+Joy Maker Hope Blooms

JOSH HUMBLE Cofounder/Owner Hurd ProNetwork Co-owner Project Manager Cerulean Properties CEO/Owner/Creative Lead Finnu Designs

FARGOINC.COM

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If you could thank one person who's contributed to your success, who would it be and why?

Kirsten Jensen of Next Action Digital. She not only partnered with me to train organizations and individuals on the power of gratitude, but has been a constant soundboard, confidant and advice-giver on shaping the future of Do Good Better.

Patrick Kirby Founder Do Good Better Consulting

What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?

The best advice I can give in business is to listen to people who are already successful, and to take their lessons and improve upon them.

Gary Tharaldson Owner Tharaldson Hospitality Management

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DECEMBER 2018

FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

How does the reality of your job differ from people's perception of it?

There are so many movies, TV shows, and news stories that portray law enforcement a certain way that is not accurate or is entirely false. We are constantly dealing with stereotypes in our profession of who we are and what we do. I would encourage people to join a Citizen's Police Academy or do a ride along to increase some understanding.

Toby Krone Sergeant Moorhead Police Department FARGOINC.COM

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FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

What's one thing you want the local business community to know about you?

Fargo is a very special place to live, with a lot of opportunity and great people. I would not want to live anywhere else.

Sandy Kielvik SVP of Human Resources Discovery Benefits 48

DECEMBER 2018

SARAH LAU

BRAD SMITH

Senior Internal Auditor Discovery Benefits

President Microsoft

ANDY SCOTT

ANTHONY HOUKOM

Director of Employer Engagement Dakota Medical Foundation

Senior Vice President Kinetic Leasing

CAMILLE GRADE Vice President of Sales&Marketing Myriad Mobile

TRAVIS CHRISTOPHER

MERIDETH BELL

Resource Development Director United Way Cass Clay

Safety Coordinator&BIM Engineer Sun Electric

DAVID GADBERRY

EMILY SWEDBERG

Vice President of Logistics Magnum

Founder Amped School of Music Owner/Baker Lucid Bakery

PAT TRAYNOR

MINDY HOGNESS

Executive Director Dakota Medical Foundation

Sales Support Manager Bobcat FARGOINC.COM

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FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

If you could thank one organization, resource or individual that's contributed to your success, who would it be and why?

The FMWF Chamber was a major catalyst to my career growth since moving to Fargo. From the connections made early on in Leadership FMWF to chairing the former Public Affairs Committee - now 'Eggs and Issues'. The Chamber is a fabulous way to get engaged in the business community.

Becky Walen AFC(R), CFP(R), Senior Vice President Bell Bank Wealth Management FARGOINC.COM

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CASEY SANDERS

JACK MACHACEK

Membership&Retention Director YMCA Cass Clay

Yea! Program Student Oak Grove Lutheran High School

CARRIE GRESS Cass County Sheriff's Office

IRINA SAGERT Financial Analyst Sanford Health

TRACY KUZNIA Financial & Operations Director Plains Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery

JEANNA COOK

JEFF THOMAS

Owner Northstar Coffee

Market President for Fargo-Moorhead Cornerstone Bank

TIFFANY MCSHANE Community Engagement Director United Way Cass Clay 52

DECEMBER 2018

KELLY LINSTER Co-owner Waxing the City Fargo

RYAN SWANSON Co-founder/Owner COR Robotics

JOE KRAMER Owner Remark Technology Consulting

NICK HOROB Owner Harvest ProAg

KRISTA ANDREWS Co-founder PartUs Partner Anderson, Bottrell, Sanden & Thompson

FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

What 2018 accomplishment are you most proud of?

In 2018, I am most proud that I was able to bring something brand new to the Fargo-Moorhead area.

The Himalyan Salt Cave is truly a unique experience in itself and something everyone needs to try. Combine that with all of the other amazing services Inspire has to offer and you have something truly unique. Bringing all of our services together and creating something brand new and healing for the community is what I am most proud of.

Amanda Brunelle Owner Inspire Health & Wellness Spa 54

DECEMBER 2018

What lesson have you had to learn the hard way?

Resumes are awful! When you are trying to find qualified, talented and personable teammates, a resume doesn't do a person justice. As we have worked to find new teammates, I have discovered that the best candidates sometimes have the "worst" resumes that don't communicate their passions, experience or skills. Dialogue and interviews are key!

Lindsay Breuler Director of Strategic Initiatives Emerging Prairie

What's one thing you want the local business community to know about you?

Being genuine is the backbone of our culture. Our culture is built on the premise that the character of our employees is equally as important as their competence.

The result is a highly successful team that genuinely cares for each other and our clients.

Toby Kommer CEO Aspire Financial/ Haga Kommer

FARGOINC.COM

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THOMAS HILL Community Impact Director United Way Cass Clay

TYLER NIEMI

JOELLE SUESS

BRITTANY OLSON

Beachbody

Fargo Public Schools

BRANDON LUNAK

Yea! Program Student Oak Grove Lutheran High School

Superintendent Moorhead Public Schools

JOHN VAN LISTENBURG Yea! Student Participant Fargo Davies High School

LISA BORGEN

KENDRA GOETTE

VP Administration American Crystal Sugar Company

Industrial Staffing Consultant Preference Employment Solutions

JOHN LILLESTOL

NICK GRUBER

Commercial Realtor Goldmark Commercial Real Estate

Owner Gruber Guitars FARGOINC.COM

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FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

Likewise, If you could thank one person in the FM community, who would it be and why?

I would like to thank the FM community as a whole!

This past year I have been reaching out to many individuals, businesses and organizations. I appreciate their flexibility and history. It has helped shape our organization and our work plan!

Derrick LaPoint President/CEO Downtown Moorhead Inc. 58

DECEMBER 2018

FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

If you could thank one organization, resource or individual that's contributed to your success, who would it be and why?

Man. This is tough. So many people and organizations have helped me. If I had to pick one it would be Kirsten Jensen. She has been a thoughtful listener, giver of sound advice, challenger of my self-doubt moments and overall inspiration for becoming a solopreneur.

Sara Stolt Founder + CEO The Project Co. 60

DECEMBER 2018

What 2018 accomplishment are you most proud of?

I'm most proud of the real connections made between women in our community. Ladyboss is about supporting women, and that's exactly what we've accomplished in this first year.

Laura Caroon

Co-founder Ladyboss

What's one thing you want the local business community to know about you?

I want to leave this world a better place than I found it. Integrity, hard work and humility are among my most cherished values.

Shane Cullen

Realtor Park Company Realtors

JACOB DAHL Director of Business Development OnSharp

JENNY OLSON Managing Director Office of Governor - State of ND

DAVID HUNNICUTT Dakota Medical Foundation

DR. J.J. JOHNSON Saving Smiles Dentistry

DEENA SUTTON Assistant General Manager Holiday Inn Fargo, Brandt Hospitality

RAINI ENDICOTT Yea! Mentor

What lesson have you had to learn the hard way?

Never leave a Sandy’s doughnut in the bag overnight thinking “It’ll still be just as soft in the morning.” It won’t be.

Eat it and treat yoself to a new one!

Chelsey Ehlen Owner/Master Barber Everett’s Barbershop

What 2018 accomplishment are you most proud of?

Part of the Chamber Leadership program is to implement a Community Change Project. Our project was Professioanlly Paired, pairing non profits with professionals, and the 1st event was a hit with 175 professionals attending!

Danne Doering Banker Choice Bank

FARGOINC.COM

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FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

If you could thank one organization, resource or individual that's contributed to your success, who would it be and why?

The CEO of Lutheran Health Systems once told me that success is about “trying to make a difference” and the only person you must answer to is the one you see in the mirror. He said this before sending me—then a 26-year-old man—to an organization needing a major turnaround. His message was simple. All he wanted me to do was try. He emphasized that “trying” comes with success and failure. And failure is not an end but rather an opportunity to use what you learn to keep trying.

Success is sometimes the result of failing. Thirty-four years later, I remember that conversation like it was yesterday. When you try—and keep trying, no matter how difficult—and stay true to your beliefs—you can always be proud.

Paul Wilson President/CEO Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (Noridian) FARGOINC.COM

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FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

If you could thank one organization, resource or individual that's contributed to your success, who would it be and why?

Sandi Piatz, Microsoft Fargo, Site Lead and her team – Katy Avery, Jodi McGregor, Scott Steinmetz – at Microsoft Fargo. Even though I’m not in the same organization as Sandi, she took me under her wing and helped me navigate the complexities of Microsoft.

Sandi embodies Microsoft’s mission of helping every individual and organization on the planet to achieve more. Her insightful questions and genuine caring spirit have truly helped me achieve more. Similarly, her team has been an amazing support system and are always willing to go the extra mile. I sincerely value and appreciate them all.

Taya Spelhaug TechSpark Manager Microsoft 66

DECEMBER 2018

MATT BITZEGAIO

KRISTINA HEIN

Founder DonorDock

Marketing & Brand Management Director United Way of Cass-Clay

KEVIN FITZ

KRISTI ULRICH

VP/Business Banking Town&Country Credit Union

Executive Director Face it TOGETHER FM

ASHLEY HALVORSON Attorney Conmy, Feste Ltd

KURT LYSNE Water Resources Group Leader Moore Engineering

ERIN HAGEN Development Officer Hospice Red River Valley

STEVE SMITH

KATIE CHAUSSEE

President YMCA Cass Clay Counties

President Be More Colorful

HANNAH SAVOY Marketing Manager dogIDs FARGOINC.COM

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PUJA SHARMA-HUSMANN Enrollment Manager Minnesota State Community and Technical College

PAM MCGEE

MARK KENNEDY

ERICA MEECH

President UND

Owner Pink Luxe Boutique

BECKY TORKELSON

JACK STOPPLEWORTH

Computer Support Specialist Leader Scheels

Yea! Program Student Kindred High School

Assistant Vice President Academic Innovation&Engagement - MSUM

KARA JORVIG Founder/CEO Allegro Group

JOSH HEGGEM Attorney Pemberton Law Firm

JASON MCLEAN

LINDSEY LITTLE

Partner Parvey, Larson, McLean

Real Estate Agent Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties FARGOINC.COM

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FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

If you could thank one person in the FM community, who would it be and why?

I would like to thank Mike Zimney at Kilbourne Group.

Every time we needed help or had questions about the construction process (and trust me I had many), Mike made himself available, even on weekends! His passion for downtown Fargo is evident and was crucial to our successful opening.

Josh Ulrich Owner Scoop N Dough FARGOINC.COM

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FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

How does the reality of your job differ from people's perception of it?

Outside of law school I’ve never set foot in a courtroom.

Most people think lawyers just argue in front of a judge. My job is much more business-focused and collaborative and non-confrontational than people realize. I view my job as to find agreement and get deals done, arguing is counterproductive.

Thomas Loegering Assistant Corporate Counsel Wanzek Construction, Inc. 72

DECEMBER 2018

NOW OPEN

FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

What motivates you?

I’m really goal-oriented and am intrinsically motivated by the desire to achieve my goals, no matter how big or small. I also love the challenge of managing projects that have a lot of moving parts, so I feel energized when I’m presented with a task that requires attention to detail, strategic planning and efficiency.

Katie Ralston Manager Education Initiatives and YEA!, Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce FARGOINC.COM

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FACES OF FARGO BUSINESS 2018

How does the reality of your job differ from people's perception of it?

People think we just fly drones all day and it's the most care-free, fun job in the world. Flying drones for work is great, but there are some pressure situations and weather conditions we wouldn't consider "fun". Also, flying drones is only a small percentage of the work we do, as we plan missions, process the data and complete the bulk of our work in the office.

Joey Schmit President/CEO FlightPros 76

DECEMBER 2018

TERI WINKELMAN

JEFF PEDERSON

Workforce Planning&Sourcing Specialist Essentia Health

CEO The Village Family Service Center

JESSICA THOMASSON

EMILY FINLEY

CEO Lutheran Social Services of ND

Rustic Oaks

SCOBIE BATHIE Yea! Student Participant Fargo North High School

SIMONE WAI

KAYLA LEIER

Co-Founder Folkways

Relationship Manager U.S. bank

CHELSEA THORSON Director Make Room

MARK PUPPE

KIMBERLIE LARSON

Writer/Communications Specialist Master Manuscripts

Partner Parvey, Larson, McLean FARGOINC.COM

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