Great Places To Work FMWF 2024

2024 FA R G O - M O O R H E A D - W E S T FA R G O

GREAT PLACES TO WORK How to Use Linkedin pg. 62

ANNUAL CAREER GUIDE

Local Networking Opportunities PG.48

How to Prep for the

Big Interview PG.18

The First Day Starter Pack PG.72

TABLEOFCONTENTS

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10 Enclave 14 Cardinal IG 15 Pactiv Evergreen 16 The City of Fargo 18 Prepping For The Big Interview 26 Swanson Health Products 28 Marvin

30 KLN Family Brands 32 Lifelong Learning = More Opportunities 36 Bobcat Company 38 Chick-fil-A West Acres 40 TrueNorth Steel 42 Dakota Fence 44 Hornbacher's 45 Marvin Composites 46 Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota 48 List of Networking Opportunities

54 McDonald's 58 American Crystal Sugar Company 59 Cash Wise 60 Precision Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Dirtworks 62 How To LinkedIn 68 RDO Truck Centers

70 Custom Graphics, Inc. 71 Red River Commodities 72 First Day Starter Pack 74 Mobile Pro 76 Pro Resources 78 By the Numbers

Volume 02 / Issue 2

2024

GREAT PLACES TO WORK Great Places To Work Magazine is published once a year and is free. Copies are available at more than 500 FargoMoorhead locations and digitally at greatplaces.work.

Publisher EDITORIAL Editorial Team Lead Editors Art Director Editorial Graphic Designer Creative Strategist Contributors INTERACTIVE Business Development Manager Business Development Associate Videographer Director of Creative Strategies Graphic Designer Web Developer ADVERTISING VP of Business Development Sales Representative Sales & Marketing Advisor Business Development Representative Client Relations

Mike Dragosavich Brady Drake Brady@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Geneva Nodland, Grant Ayers Kim Cowles Ty Betts Josiah Kopp Alexandre Cyusa, Ashley Morken Nick Schommer Kellen Feeney Tommy Uhlir Megan Suedbeck Ben Buchanan Austin Smith Paul Hoefer Paul@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Al Anderson Al@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Tori Helland Tori@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Austin Cuka AustinCuka@SpotlightMediaFargo.com ClientRelations@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Client Relations Manager

Jenny Johnson

Marketing Coordinator

Jessica Mullen

Operations Assistant DISTRIBUTION Delivery

Miranda Knudson John Stuber

Great Places To Work Magazine is published by Spotlight, LLC. Copyright 2024 Great Places To Work and greatplaces.work. All rights reserved. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced or distributed without written permission of Great Places To Work and Spotlight, 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, LLC accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers.

Spotlight, LLC 4609 33rd Ave S Suite #304 Fargo, ND 58104 or info@spotlightmediafargo.com ADVERTISING: 701-478-SPOT (7768)

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Maintenance Department

Safety and Sustainability Cardinal IG, recognized by OSHA as a VPP Star Worksite for its excellent safety and health programs, is committed to a safe work environment and sustainability.

It focuses on recycling and minimizing environmental impact.

United Partner and is among the Top 50 Most Generous Workplaces.

The United Way of Cass-Clay has recognized Cardinal Insulating Glass Fargo as the 8th Most Engaged Workplace and the 17th Most Generous Workplace in our community.

Celebrating Diversity Cardinal IG received the inaugural Chamber Choice Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from The Chamber in 2022. The company values diversity, believing it drives innovation. Cardinal IG Fargo's team includes individuals from five continents.

Career Growth Cardinal IG prioritizes career development, offering the Cardinal BedRock leadership training program and focusing on internal promotion, with many senior leaders starting on the plant floor.

Community Engagement Cardinal IG actively supports the community as a United Way Live

Inclusivity and Respect Cardinal IG respects its diverse workforce and has established a prayer room to meet employees' religious needs.

Great Benefits

Great Development Opportunities

Production Technicians Great Pay

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| 4611 15th Ave N Fargo, ND 58102 | cardinalfargo.com | mstenger@cardinalcorp.com

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Pactiv Evergreen’s manufacturing plant in Moorhead, MN is proud to be part of the Pactiv Evergreen system. Pactiv Evergreen is a leading manufacturer of food and beverage packaging in North America. Their products are essential and their industry is growing. The Moorhead plant was built in 1993 and has been owned by Pactiv Evergreen since 1999. In 2017, the Moorhead Pactiv Evergreen plant received the Pactiv Evergreen Environmental Facility of the Year award. Pactiv Evergreen Moorhead was also the Clay County Recycler of the Year in 2021. The plant is a 24/7 operation with about 175 employees. The building is approximately 150,000 square feet and produces molded fiber products. These products include egg cartons which are made from recycled materials, molded fiber hinged lid containers, and plates made from virgin fiber.

1.

2.

Printer Operators Hot Press Operators Shipping and Material Handlers

3.

They Do What's Right They act with uncompromising integrity and ethics, treating everyone with courtesy, respect, and dignity. Pactiv Evergreen protects our planet’s natural resources and innovates to deliver sustainably manufactured products.

Great Schedule Pactiv Evergreen offers both day and night shift opportunities with a 2-3-2 work schedule including a three-day weekend for teams every other weekend. Three-day weekends will be Saturday, Sunday, Monday.

Advancement Opportunities Pactiv Evergreen offers a Pay For Skills program that offers employees an opportunity to learn new skills. Employees are then compensated for each new position they learn and are assigned to.

Great Onboarding

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Great Benefits

Great Pay

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Label Operators Line Operators

| 3010 42nd St S Moorhead, MN 56560 | pactivevergreen.com | John.Larson@pactivevergreen.com

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As the regional leader, The City of Fargo is proud to employ nearly 2,000 team members who come to work every day with the mission of offering the best services possible to our community's residents, business owners, and visitors.

Luke Morman

LaVerne Buzick

Ahmed Shiil

As a Planner with The City of Fargo’s Planning and Development Department, Luke collaborates with property owners, architects, engineers, and developers to help guide growth throughout all of Fargo. Luke enjoys that the focus of his work is about answering the question “What’s best for the community?”

LaVerne, Community Service Officer (CSO) with The Fargo Police Department, responds to calls such as animal control, parking enforcement, found property, and traffic control. She landed on a career as a CSO because it was a good combination of law enforcement and animal rescue—two previous careers that she enjoyed.

As the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator for The City of Fargo, Ahmed uses strategy and education to foster a workplace culture where everyone feels valued. Before joining Team Fargo, Ahmed was already collaborating with employees at The City of Fargo through various community work. He said, “Joining Team Fargo wasn’t a tough decision—it was the right move for me to continue playing an important role in the Fargo community.”

With his background in Landscape Architecture, Luke says, “I can be innovative in helping others with their vision—we help them bring their ideas to fruition by navigating our policies and regulations.”

Aside from the work Luke does, he said, “There’s a genuine connection with the team and our leaders encourage us to prioritize our families and personal lives by utilizing annual leave when we need it.”

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One of her favorite parts of being a CSO is reuniting lost pets with their families.

She said, “The amount of tears we have seen fall when a lost pet makes it home safe is more rewarding than most things I can think of.”

LaVerne recognizes both the good and challenging experiences in her role have given her a depth of knowledge that would be hard to find in another work environment.

With a young family, Ahmed knew he needed to find an employer that was supportive of—and recognized the importance of—work-life balance. He also likes that The City of Fargo has career growth opportunities and a tuition reimbursement program.

Most of all, Ahmed chose a career with The City of Fargo because "It's an impactful community role and there are many opportunities to raise awareness about issues affecting all.”

Chandler Esslinger

Ryan Green

Tyler Ulven

Chandler chose a career at The City of Fargo because she wanted to make a positive impact through strategic work.

As the Community Liaison with Fargo Cass Public Health’s Harm Reduction Division, Chandler is advancing in a career that aligns with her passion— serving the community.

Ryan, a Multimedia Producer with the Communications and Governmental Affairs department, chose a career with Team Fargo because he wanted to feel valued in his work, earn opportunities to grow, be equipped with modern videography tools, and be a part of a supportive team.

Tyler started as an intern with MATBUS while finishing college courses at M-State and was later hired after graduating as a full-time Maintenance Technician for all MATBUS vehicles. In his day-to-day work, Tyler diagnoses issues and repairs MATBUS equipment.

Chandler said, “Not a day goes by that I am not researching and learning best practices to improve the health and well-being of our community; that is exciting to me.” Being surrounded by inspiring leaders and feeling supported by mentors has allowed her to develop leadership skills and have a positive impact.

Ryan likes that his work has been evolving since day one—projects have become larger in scale and scope, learning opportunities are frequent, and technology and equipment requirements are changing. He appreciates being part of an organization that is forwardthinking and provides him with the tools he needs to do this job well for our residents, business owners, employees, and visitors.

Chandler encourages those to apply for career opportunities with The City of Fargo because partnering with other local governments and the departments within The City of Fargo allows employees to maximize their collective impact.

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Most importantly, he feels that Team Fargo truly cares about him as an individual and enjoys working with them.

Tyler said, “This is truly fulfilling work and I love coming here each day.”

Ryan said “The City of Fargo stands out as an employer because of its workplace culture, benefits, career development opportunities, videography tools, and the consistently-evolving work.”

Great Development Opportunities

Great Benefits

Throughout his time at the transit department, Tyler has participated in various trainings to stay current with changes in his field. This training allows him—and the team—to work together and share ideas or questions.

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Great Commitment to Well-Being

| 225 4th St N Fargo, ND 58102 | FargoND.gov

2024

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Prepping For The Big Interview Understanding the Interview Landscape the dynamic world of business, acing a job interview can be the gateway to a flourishing career.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate stepping into the corporate arena, understanding the nuances of a job interview is crucial. This comprehensive guide, tailored for the ambitious professionals of Fargo-Moorhead, aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to make a lasting impression in your next big interview.

The Importance of First Impressions A job interview is more than just a Q&A session; it's an opportunity to present yourself as the ideal candidate. Creating a positive first impression is pivotal. Research indicates that interviewers form an opinion within the first few minutes of the interview.

Hence, it's vital to be punctual, professionally dressed, and prepared.

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Commonly Asked Interview Questions To navigate the interview successfully, anticipate and prepare for commonly asked questions. These include: 1. "Tell me about yourself." This openended question is a chance to succinctly highlight your background, skills, and why you're a great fit for the role.

2. "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Be honest but strategic;

By Grant Ayers

choose strengths relevant to the job and weaknesses that are genuine but not deal-breakers.

3. "Why do you want to work here?"

This question tests your knowledge about the company and the position. Show that you've done your homework.

Behavioral questions are based on past experiences, like handling a challenging situation or working in a team. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Researching the Company An informed candidate stands out.

Research the company's history, mission, values, culture, recent achievements, and challenges. Understand the industry trends and how the company fits into the bigger picture. This knowledge not only helps tailor your answers but also shows your genuine interest in being part of the organization.

Knowing the Job Description Study the job description thoroughly.

Understand the required skills and responsibilities. This will help you align your experiences and skills with what the employer is seeking.

Professionalism and Etiquette Professionalism extends beyond your attire. It encompasses your behavior, communication style, and overall demeanor.

Here are key aspects to keep in mind:

1. Punctuality: Arriving on time, or preferably a few minutes early, is crucial. It demonstrates respect for the interviewer's time and your interest in the position.

2. Body Language: Non-verbal cues like a firm handshake, eye contact, and good posture convey confidence. Be mindful of nervous habits like fidgeting.

3. Communication: Speak clearly and confidently. Listen attentively and think before you respond. Avoid using slang or overly casual language.

of references ready, preferably with prior consent from the referees.

Understanding the Company's Interview Process Each company might have a unique interview process. It could be a single interview or a series of interviews, including phone screenings, one-on-one interviews, panel interviews, or practical tasks. Researching or inquiring about the process beforehand can help you prepare accordingly.

4. Follow-Up: After the interview, a thankyou email reiterating your interest and appreciation leaves a positive impression.

Preparing Your Portfolio and References If relevant to your field, bring a portfolio showcasing your best work. Ensure it's wellorganized and up-to-date. Also, have a list

Dressing for Success—Tips for Interview Attire Where to Shop for Interview Attire in Fargo-Moorhead First impressions are often influenced by how you present yourself, and attire plays a significant role.

Fargo-Moorhead offers several stores where you can find professional attire suitable for an interview:

Other Local Boutiques

Halberstadt's

Men's Wearhouse

Department Stores

Offering two locations in the Fargo-Moorhead area, Halberstadt's is a premier destination for business suits and professional attire. With a reputation for quality and an impressive selection of classic and contemporary styles, this store is ideal for those looking to make a lasting impression.

As a well-known national chain, Men's Wearhouse offers a wide range of suits, dress shirts, and accessories. Their personalized service ensures that every client finds attire that not only fits well but also aligns with the latest professional trends.

Department stores such as Kohl's and T.J. Maxx are your go-to destinations for affordable yet stylish professional attire. This store is perfect for those who are just starting their career journey or looking for budget-friendly options without compromising on style and quality.

In addition to these stores, Fargo-Moorhead boasts a variety of local boutiques offering unique and fashionable options for interview attire. These boutiques provide a personal shopping experience and often feature local and regional designers, offering you a chance to stand out with a distinct style. Local boutiques include The Nines Fargo, SHANNALEE, Perfectly Beautiful Boutique, Willow District, Proper, The Mason Jar Boutique, Leela & Lavender, and many more.

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Understanding Industry Norms

Attention to Detail

Comfort Matters

Different industries have different norms for interview attire. For a corporate position, traditional business attire is appropriate. In more creative fields, smart casual may be acceptable. Research the company's dress code to strike the right balance.

Pay attention to the details of your outfit.

Ensure your clothes are clean, well-ironed, and fit properly. Choose colors that are professional and not too distracting.

Accessories should be minimal and tasteful.

While it’s important to look professional, comfort is key. Being physically comfortable will help you stay relaxed and focused during the interview.

Navigating Tricky Interview Questions and Situations

Handling Difficult Questions

Dealing with Nerves

Asking Questions

Interviews can include challenging questions intended to test your problemsolving skills, ethics, or adaptability.

Approach these questions with honesty and a positive attitude. For example, when asked about a failure or a conflict, focus on what you learned and how you grew from the experience.

It's normal to feel nervous. Practice deep breathing, positive self-talk, and visualization techniques. Remember, thorough preparation is key to boosting your confidence.

An interview is a two-way street. Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer, such as details about the role, the team, company culture, or future projects. This shows your enthusiasm and desire to learn more about the opportunity.

After the Interview— Next Steps

The Follow-Up Sending a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview is a courteous gesture.

It can be an email or a handwritten note, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the position.

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Managing Post-Interview Expectations Be patient while waiting for a response. If you haven’t heard back within the stated timeframe, it’s appropriate to send a polite follow-up email. Meanwhile, continue your job search.

Reflecting on the Experience Regardless of the outcome, each interview is a learning experience. Reflect on what went well and areas for improvement. This reflection will be invaluable for your future interviews.

Leveraging Online Resources for Interview Preparation Utilizing Digital Platforms for Research and Practice In today’s digital age, numerous online resources can aid in your interview preparation. Websites like Glassdoor offer insights into company cultures and potential interview questions. LinkedIn is valuable for researching the backgrounds of your interviewers and understanding the company’s workforce.

Online Mock Interviews Consider engaging in online mock interviews. Platforms like InterviewBuddy and Pramp provide simulated interview experiences with real professionals, offering feedback and tips for improvement.

Staying Informed About Industry Trends Keeping on top of the latest trends in your industry is crucial. Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, and news sources.

This knowledge not only helps in answering industry-specific questions but also demonstrates your passion and commitment to your field.

Balancing Confidence and Humility Projecting Confidence

Acknowledging Areas for Growth

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

Confidence is key in an interview, but it must be balanced with humility. Be assertive in presenting your achievements and skills, but also show your willingness to learn and grow. Avoid coming across as arrogant or overconfident.

It’s okay to admit areas where you're looking to improve. This honesty shows self-awareness and a desire for professional development, qualities valued by employers.

Adopting a growth mindset, where you view challenges as opportunities for development, can significantly influence your interview performance. It helps you respond to questions more positively and constructively.

The Importance of Company Culture Fit Understanding the Company’s Culture Research the company’s culture to understand what they value in their employees. This information can often be found on the company's website, social media, or through employee testimonials.

Reflecting on Your Values

Asking the Right Questions

Consider how your personal values align with the company's culture. During the interview, look for opportunities to demonstrate this alignment. Employers are not just hiring for skills but for someone who will thrive in their work environment.

Prepare questions that help you assess the company’s culture, such as their approach to work-life balance, team dynamics, and employee development. This shows your interest in being a well-integrated team member.

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Final Preparations and Mental Readiness

The Day Before the Interview

Mental Preparation

Visualizing Success

Ensure everything is ready the day before the interview. This includes your outfit, copies of your resume, portfolio, a list of references, and directions to the interview location.

Spend some time relaxing and mentally preparing. Review your notes, but don’t overdo it. A good night’s sleep is crucial to be alert and focused during the interview.

Visualize a successful interview. Imagine yourself answering questions confidently and making a positive impression. This positive visualization can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.

Managing Expectations and Dealing with Rejection

Realistic Expectations

Resilience and Persistence

While optimism is important, it’s equally important to manage your expectations.

Understand that not every interview will result in a job offer, but each is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Stay resilient and persistent in your job search. Each interview experience builds your skills and brings you closer to the right opportunity.

Learning from Rejection If you face rejection, seek constructive feedback. Use this as a learning opportunity to improve your interview skills for the future.

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Embracing the Journey Preparing for a job interview is a journey that involves much more than rehearsing answers. It's about understanding yourself, the potential employer, and the intersection of the two. By following the guidelines

outlined in this article, you'll not only be well-prepared for your next big interview but also set a strong foundation for your career growth.

Remember, each interview is a step forward in your career journey.

Embrace the learning opportunities it provides, and continue to develop your skills and network. With preparation, confidence, and a positive attitude, you're ready to make a memorable impression in your next big interview.

Key Takeaways and Additional Resources

Summarizing the Essentials 1. Preparation is Key: Research the company, understand the job description, and practice answering common interview questions.

2. First Impressions Matter: Dress appropriately, be punctual, and demonstrate professional behavior.

3. Communication Skills: Speak clearly, listen actively, and answer questions thoughtfully. Remember, body language speaks volumes.

4. Show Your Fit: Align your skills and experiences with the job requirements and the company’s culture.

5. Ask Insightful Questions: This demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

6. Follow Up: Send a thank-you note post-interview to express your gratitude and interest.

7. Learn and Grow: Reflect on each interview experience to improve your skills for the next opportunity.

Additional Resources for Fargo-Moorhead Professionals 1. Local Workshops and Seminars: Look for local career development workshops that offer interview skills training.

2. Career Counseling Services: Consider engaging with career counselors for personalized advice and coaching.

3. Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer courses on interview preparation and communication skills.

4. Community Groups: Join local professional groups or online communities where you can share experiences and get advice.

Embracing the Process Remember, the job interview process is not just about landing a job; it's a learning experience that contributes to your professional development. Each interview hones your skills, builds your confidence, and brings you closer to your career goals.

As you step into your next interview, equipped with these insights and strategies, remember that each interview is a unique opportunity to showcase your strengths and find the right professional fit. Stay true to yourself, remain positive, and embrace the journey. The right opportunity is out there, and with perseverance and preparation, you're well on your way to success.

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Swanson Health Products, a renowned name in the natural supplements and vitamins industry, invites you to become a part of its ever-growing family. Established in 1969 by Fargo native Lee Swanson, this company started with a singular mission to find natural remedies for common health concerns. Today, Swanson Health has over 1,600 health-promoting products, ranging from vitamins and supplements to beauty products, natural cleaning solutions, and healthy food and beverages.

For 55 years, Swanson has seen steady growth, a testament to its commitment to nurturing a thriving workplace culture.

Here, employees are valued and cared for, a philosophy echoed by their CEO’s mantra: "Work hard, play harder."

Swanson takes pride in offering an airconditioned, climate-controlled facility.

Additionally, its 'Think Safe Be Safe' campaign highlights their unwavering focus on employee safety.

Swanson understands the importance of holistic well-being. Their total wellness program includes mental wellness days, incentive dollars, and a summer wellness program offering additional holidays. They've introduced volunteer time off, empowering employees to engage in community service that resonates with them, from school involvement to local environmental initiatives.

Their workforce is as diverse as the range of products they offer. Celebrating this diversity, they display flags representing the countries of origin of their employees—currently counting 25 different nations.

Swanson goes beyond the norm with incentives like onsite massage therapy, CuraLinc text therapy, and a comprehensive Wellness Rewards Program.

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Customer Service Roles Various Remote Roles

Great Commitment to Well-Being

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Warehouse Associates Manufacturing Equipment Operators

Great Community Involvement & Volunteer Opportunities

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Great Remote Opportunities

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| 4075 40th Ave S Fargo, ND 58104 | swansonvitamins.com | SwansonHR@Swansonhealth.com

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SEE YOURSELF IN FARGO.

Expanding Footprint. Growing Careers.

Marvin is a family-owned and -led company driven by one purpose: to imagine and create better ways of living. Together, the nearly 7,000 employees across the United States design, engineer, and build premium doors, windows, and skylights.

In Fargo, Marvin's success and presence have grown significantly, now encompassing 10 locations in the area. Opportunities at Marvin are diverse, ranging from manufacturing and production to research and development, engineering, logistics, and distribution. If you're looking for a company that supports your wellbeing, at work and beyond, we invite you to see yourself at Marvin.

See Yourself at Marvin: Earn $20-$24/hour in a production role

Health benefits start first day

Profit sharing and 401(k) with company match

On-the-job training

$300 reimbursement towards your health + happiness

Check out what it's like to work at Marvin and build your career in manufacturing!

Scan code to watch the video 28 | GREAT PLACES TO WORK 2024

Apply today at marvin.com/fargo

KLN Family Brands, headquartered in Perham, MN, is a dynamic company known for manufacturing a diverse array of human and pet food products. The company encompasses four distinct entities: Tuffy's Pet Foods and Kenny's Candy & Confections in Perham, as well as Tuffy's Treat Company and The Spot by NutriSource in Delano, MN. Their product range is extensive, featuring brands like NutriSource, Finley's, and Natural Planet in pet foods, along with Wiley Wallaby licorice and Sweet Chaos popcorn for human consumption.

The company's CEO, Charlie Nelson, has profoundly influenced the organizational culture with a simple yet impactful motto: "Why are we here if we aren’t trying to make a difference?" This statement is reflected in the KLN WE GROW Learning & Development Program, which encompasses four key areas: skills, careers, leaders, and dreams. Particularly notable is the "We grow dreams" category, central to which is the KLN Dream Manager Program, available to all team members. This initiative underlines the company’s belief in supporting their employees' aspirations and dreams.

In 2023, KLN Family Brands demonstrated its commitment to its team and community by distributing over $6 million in profit-sharing to team members and donating over $1 million to community organizations and other causes.

KLN Family Brands prides itself on its manufacturing expertise in people and pet food. However, the company's vision goes beyond this, focusing on a "people-first" approach and aspiring to better the world through care and compassion.

The company offers unique benefits to its employees, including subsidized daycare, a free near-site clinic with over 300 free prescription medications, and a forgivable $10,000 home loan program for team members purchasing new homes.

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Pet Food Fanatics

Wallaby Wranglers Manufacturing Passionate Management Poppers Jack of All Operations Treats Quality, Confection Maintenance Perfectionists Finance Marketing

Accounting

Over 15 Internships

Sales Warehouse Automation

Great Development Opportunities

Great Benefits

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Engineering

2024

Great Commitment to Well-Being

2024

| 109 Lakeside Dr Perham, MN 56573 | klnfamilybrands.com | slindgren@klnfamilybrands.com

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Lifelong Learning = More Opportunities

CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN THE FARGO-MOORHEAD AREA TO BOLSTER YOUR RESUME

By Sam Kise ne of the most important things we can do as professionals is continue to learn and improve our skills. Continuing our education not only helps us get better at what we do, but it also helps us serve our clients and community better and can often give us new skills, too.

It can provide you with more opportunities for growth and development within your company and beyond. And while informal learning is a great way to learn new things, formal learning builds camaraderie between you and your classmates and widens your professional network in addition to providing you with knowledge. The colleges and universities in the Fargo-Moorhead area allow us access to professional development opportunities all the time, including continuing education through certificate programs. Check out some of the certificate programs that our local higher education institutions offer to business professionals in the area!

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Minnesota State University Moorhead Corporate Financial Management Certificate

Investment Management Certificate

The Corporate Financial Management Certificate will help you better understand investment as a career choice. Learning outcomes include applying Net Present Value and other investment criteria; evaluating capital budgeting proposals by generating pro forma financial statements and cash flows; applying the capital asset pricing model to estimate required return on investments; estimating the cost of capital for a corporation; evaluating the effects of alternative capital structure proposals; and more!

The Investment Management Certificate uses courses that are part of the Finance major to help professionals working in the investment management field better understand the industry. Learning outcomes of the certificate include distinguishing among major assets that trade in money and capital markets; discussing capital market theory and the use of CAPM in security selection; describing the process of bond valuation and various measures of returns; discussing bond features and sensitivity of its price to interest rates; describing the top down approach to security analysis; and more!

Course Requirement: 3 courses/9 credits Mode: On Campus

Learn more at mnstate.edu/academics/majors/finance/corporatefinancial-management

Course Requirement: 3 courses/9 credits Mode: On Campus

Learn more at mnstate.edu/academics/majors/finance/investmentmanagement

Concordia College Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate Course Requirement: 4 Weeks of Weekly Course Work Mode: Online This certificate is designed to help you develop your entrepreneurial mindset to better recognize opportunity, create value, and foster innovation in your classroom or organization. An entrepreneurial mindset shifts perspectives in a way that exposes opportunities, ignites ambition, and fosters innovation. In this online training, you will learn about the research behind the entrepreneurial mindset as well as the best tools to facilitate and encourage entrepreneurial behavior in the classroom, organization, and community.

In addition to live weekly Zoom sessions, the training will use an engaging mix of recorded presentations, small group and individual activities, discussions, and experiential, problem-based learning taking you through an Opportunity Discovery Process to solve real-time issues with your peers.

Upon successful completion of the certification training, participants will receive an Entrepreneurial Mindset Facilitator Certificate qualifying them to facilitate any of ELI's Ice House Entrepreneurship Programs.

Learn more at concordiacontinuingstudies.com/professionaldevelopment

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North Dakota State College of Science Business Management Certificate

Emphasis Options: Entrepreneurship, Finance, Management/ Supervision, or Sales Course Requirement: 16-18 credits, dependent upon emphasis Mode: Hybrid (On Campus and/or Online) The Business Management Certificate consists of four independent plans of study in the areas of Entrepreneurship,

Finance, Management/Supervision, and Sales. You may choose to complete any of these individual plans of study to earn a certificate in Business Management with an emphasis in that respective area.

Learn more at ndscs.edu/academics/academic-departmentsprograms/business-management

North Dakota State University Business Analytics Graduate Certificate

Digital Marketing and Innovation Graduate Certificate

This graduate certificate equips working professionals with the methodologies and analytical tools needed to analyze data available in modern organizations. You will learn to use advanced spreadsheet functionality, dashboard visualization tools, and report generators for descriptive analytics to understand and report on historical data.

Participants will use data mining and other advanced methodologies for predictive and prescriptive analytics to understand future trends.

The Digital Marketing and Innovation Graduate Certificate advances participants' knowledge and skill in areas such as marketing strategy, communication, and customer intelligence. Students learn about such topics as new product development, strategy analysis, search engine optimization, marketing analytics, integrated marketing communications, various media vehicles, and much more.

Course Requirement: 4 courses/8 credits Mode: On Campus

Learn more at ndsu.edu/programs/graduate/business-analyticscertificate

Leadership and Managerial Skills Graduate Certificate Course Requirement: 4 courses/8 credits Mode: On Campus

Course Requirement: 4 courses/8 credits Mode: On Campus

Learn more at ndsu.edu/programs/graduate/digital-marketing-andinnovation

Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate

Course Requirement: 4 courses/12 credits Mode: Hybrid (On Campus and/or Online)

The Leadership and Managerial Skills Graduate Certificate is designed to help participants improve their skills relating to decisionmaking, communicating, negotiating, working in teams, and leading.

In addition to learning theoretical aspects of these areas, the courses in the certificate also provide opportunities for students to improve their “soft skills” relating to working with other people and organizations.

The Graduate Certificate Program in Cybersecurity is delivered cooperatively among North Dakota State University, the University of North Dakota, and Minot State University. Students will learn best practices, new technology, and research in Cybersecurity. The certificate program can be completed completely online or through a combination of online and on-campus courses.

Learn more at ndsu.edu/programs/graduate/leadership-andmanagerial-skills

Learn more at ndsu.edu/programs/graduate/cybersecuritycertificate

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Minnesota State Community & Technical College Cisco Networking Certificate

Course Requirement: 4 courses/12 credits Mode: Online This certificate helps to prepare to take the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and the CompTIA Network+ certifications. Cisco-certified technicians have career opportunities related to designing, building, and maintaining information technology infrastructure. Prior experience with computer hardware, binary math, and basic electronics is desired but not required to enroll in the program. Learning outcomes include analyzing networking models and protocols; configuring local area networks and wide area networks; defining common industry terms and standards; and troubleshooting LAN/WAN systems.

Learn more at minnesota.edu/programs-and-degrees/cisconetworking

Cybersecurity Certificate

Course Requirement: 10 courses/30 credits Mode: On Campus Students in M State’s Cybersecurity program will gain a strong foundation in computer and network security, preparing for careers in the expanding and crucial fields of information security. The program focuses on IT security and networking skills with an emphasis on protecting data and networks from cyber threats. Students learn to perform penetration testing, perform and document results for security risk assessments and implement security measures. Many of the courses utilize specific industry certification standards. An industry advisory board actively guides class and curriculum development,

ensuring that students are learning the skills that are in demand in the IT and cybersecurity fields. Learning outcomes include using mechanisms available in an operating system to control access to resources; configuring infrastructure server roles; investigating various countermeasures and security controls to minimize risk and exposure; supporting the ethical responsibility of ensuring software correctness, reliability, and safety; illustrating through examples the concepts of risk, threats, vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and exploits; analyzing known security incidents to trace and document the steps in the incident; and more!

Learn more at minnesota.edu/programs-and-degrees/cybersecurity

Human Resources Certificate

Course Requirement: 6 courses/18 credits Mode: On Campus This program is designed to prepare students to enter the Human Resources field and supports continued professional growth for those currently in the field. This certificate will provide students with a basic understanding of key human resource practices and how to support and manage them.

Learning outcomes include understanding and applying applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations to human resource functions; understanding the strategic impact that human resources has within today's business environment; and utilizing critical thinking skills to analyze and solve problems related to human resource programs and situations.

Learn more at minnesota.edu/programs-and-degrees/humanresources

Though these aren’t the only certificate programs in the Fargo-Moorhead area, this list gives you a good place to start!

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About Doosan Bobcat For over six and a half decades, Bobcat Company has been a leading name in the compact equipment manufacturing industry, known for empowering people and shaping brighter futures.

At the heart of Bobcat's success are its people. Bobcat supports its employees through various programs— including The Legacy Builder program and LEAD (Leadership, Exploration, and Development) events.

The company's commitment to its employees extends to its Total Rewards strategy. This comprehensive approach covers a wide range of benefits, including health and wellness incentives, paid leave, and financial security plans, all designed to ensure a healthy balance between personal and professional life.

Bobcat's commitment to community service is deeply ingrained in its operations. Employees across North America regularly engage in community service activities, such as volunteering at local food banks, community parks, and other nonprofits.

With its North American headquarters in North Dakota, Bobcat is the state's largest manufacturer playing a significant role in the local economy. It employs over 3,800 people across its North Dakota facilities in Bismarck, Gwinner, Fargo, West Fargo, and Wahpeton. With roots in the state, the company's facilities span across the nation and worldwide.

Bobcat's commitment to fostering the next generation of innovators is evident in its significant donation to the NDSU Development Foundation, supporting the construction of a new engineering and computational sciences center.

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Great Office Vibes

Great Development Opportunities

2024

Great Commitment to Well-Being

2024

2024

Hiring For in 2024 Supply Chain Professionals

Embedded Software Engineers

Design Engineers (Hydraulic, Powertrain, Electrical Vehicle)

Product Management Professionals Business Analysts

Manufacturing Engineers

| 250 E Beaton Dr West Fargo, ND 58078 | bobcat.com | yourcareer@doosan.com

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At Chick-fil-A West Acres, they firmly believe that they aren't just in the chicken business; they're in the people business. Chick-fil-A West Acres is centered around this principle—they serve outstanding chicken sandwiches, but their true focus is nurturing and caring for their team members. They understand that by supporting and valuing their team, they, in turn, provide exceptional service to guests, offering delicious food in a clean, efficient, and friendly environment.

1.

2.

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People-First Culture: Their commitment to caring for their team is unwavering. They create a supportive environment where every team member feels valued and respected.

Educational Support: For college students, Chick-fil-A is more than just a workplace. They offer scholarships to aid in further education, ensuring their team members can achieve their academic and professional dreams.

3.

Real-World Experience: They provide valuable internships, offering practical business experience that forms a strong foundation for any future career path.

4.

Local Ownership and Involvement: The West Acres franchise is locally owned and operated by Kimberly Flamm, who is deeply invested in both the business and its people.

Working alongside the team, she ensures a hands-on approach to management and leadership.

5.

A Hospitable Work Environment: Recognized as a leader in fastservice hospitality, they pride themselves on having a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, both for guests and team members.

Catering Team Member

BOH Team Member am and PM

BOH Team Leader

FOH Team Member AM and pm

FOH Team Leader

Great Development Opportunities

Great Pay

2024

Team Appreciation

2024

2024

| 4100 13th Ave S Fargo, ND 58103 | chick-fil-a.com/locations/ nd/west-acres | cfawestacres@gmail.com

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TrueNorth Steel is a major manufacturer of steel-based construction and storage product solutions. With over 75 years of legacy in steel manufacturing, headquartered in the Fargo metro, TrueNorth Steel has become a cornerstone in the industry, serving sectors like commercial construction, architecture, infrastructure, and more.

The company's resilience and adaptability have been key to its success, especially in the face of rapidly changing markets. This success is rooted in the vision of its founders, who work to foster a culture of "Game Changers"—employees who embody the principles of personal responsibility, outcome focus, teamwork, positivity, trust, and commitment.

At TrueNorth Steel, you will find yourself part of a growing team of dedicated professionals in various roles, from inventory management and HR to IT and marketing. The company’s newly constructed corporate office is a hub of activity, supporting a team that extends to nine fabrication facilities (across five states); three of them are in Fargo-West Fargo, employing skilled workers like welders and machine operators.

As an AISC-certified steel fabricator, TrueNorth Steel is known for its adherence to stringent quality standards. Employees take immense pride in their contribution to building America, with projects spanning from regional infrastructure development projects to industrial and commercial structural steel for landmark buildings scattered across the nation. Notable national projects include work for Google, Disney, and Amazon, as well as significant local projects like Fargo’s Block 9 building and the Sanford Medical Center.

Working at TrueNorth Steel means being part of a company that values innovation and technology. Here, individual ideas and collaborative efforts are equally valued, ensuring every voice is heard and every contribution matters.

Employees enjoy a robust benefits package that includes health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, 401(k) with employer matching, wellness programs, and more.

40 | GREAT PLACES TO WORK 2024

Production TrueNorth Steel has worked on construction projects for Google, Disney, Amazon, and Bayer/Monsanto!

Professional Support

welders/ fabricators

machine operators

maintenance techs

Great Pay

Great Commitment to Well-Being

Great Benefits

2024

2024

TrueNorth Steel has a “Game Changer” recognition program for employees, rewarding those who demonstrate the company values of personal responsibility, outcome focus, team player attitude, positivity, trust, and commitment.

2024

| 4401 Main Ave Fargo, ND 58103 | 420 Main Ave E West Fargo, ND 58078 | 1522 40th St N Fargo, ND 58102 | truenorthsteel.com | info@truenorthsteel.com

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In 1972, Dakota Fence, an entity of DFC Company, was founded by Dave Currier, his brother Dan, and their father Dick Currier. This family-owned business, spanning three generations, began its journey in the backyard garage of the Currier family. Over time, the company experienced significant growth, moving beyond the confines of the garage and evolving into the entity it is today.

Each year, Dakota Fence provides employees with a benefit of 8 hours of paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO), which they can use to engage in volunteer activities at local charitable organizations of their choice.

Under the leadership of Joe Currier, who took over as president and CEO in 2015, DFC Company has continued to prosper. Joe, along with his siblings, John Currier and Amy Mickelson, owns and directs the company, guiding it towards future success.

Recognizing the importance of professional development, DFC Company launched DFC Academy in 2023. This learning management system (LMS) is designed to provide continuous training opportunities to employees, ensuring they remain updated with the latest industry trends and best practices.

DFC Company's commitment to employee growth extends to collaborations with local educational institutions. In recent years, the company has partnered with M-State Community College's Workforce Development Solutions program, offering offsite, hands-on training to its employees. The focus of these training programs is on leadership development as well as mechanical and electrical skills, enhancing industry-specific knowledge.

In addition to skill development, DFC Company places high value on employee recognition and loyalty. The Blue Yeah! recognition program, for example, allows employees to acknowledge and appreciate their colleagues who exemplify the company’s core values: Safety, Loyalty, Teamwork, Accountability, Innovation, and Service. This program has been instrumental in fostering a sense of gratitude and recognition within the company, enhancing the connection of the 'Blue Family' members to their work, colleagues, and the broader organization.

Great Development Opportunities

Great Benefits

Great Training

2024

2024

2024

| 1110 25th Ave N Fargo, ND 58102 | dfccompany.com | dfcrecruitment@dakotafence.com

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With nine retail locations across Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo, Hornbacher’s offers substantial opportunities for career advancement within the grocery retail sector, particularly for those passionate about their community.

The company, which was founded in 1951, has a fantastic track record of keeping employees for a long time. Why do people stay? Because they're happy working for a company that values them as people and shows it.

Hornbacher’s has significantly contributed to various local organizations, raising nearly $70,000 for the Great Plains Food Bank, $45,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and $8,000 in the 'Cherries for Charity' event. Their commitment was recognized with the 2022 Most Generous Workplaces award from the United Way of Cass-Clay.

For individuals who cherish our community, Hornbacher’s is an ideal workplace.

The company culture is built on teamwork, innovation, and fun. Hornbacher’s also invests in its employees' future through various developmental programs, including a Manager-in-Training program, preparing individuals for leadership roles. This emphasis on professional growth, community commitment, and a supportive work environment makes Hornbacher’s a great place to work for those dedicated to making a difference in the Red River Valley.

• Assistant Department Managers • Department Leads • Department Managers • Coffee Baristas

• Cashiers • Baggers • Guest Service Representatives • Stock Clerks • Deli Clerks • Meat Clerks

• Discount at in-store Caribou Coffee • 10% discount on grocery & liquor store purchases • Tools, Resources, and Encouragement for Career Development & Growth

• Bakery Clerks • Produce Clerks • Liquor Clerks • Overnight Store Clerks • Overnight Managers • Shift Managers

• 401(k) Plans with Company Match • Sunday Premium Pay • Paid Time Off • Holiday Pay

*Full-Time positions eligible for additional benefits

| hornbachers.com Visit in-store or online to learn more about our career opportunities.

Great Awards Won

Great Development Opportunities

2024 44 | GREAT PLACES TO WORK 2024

2024

Great Onboarding

2024

Marvin Composites is where history, innovation, and unwavering commitment meet. Originating as Tecton Products in 1992, the company's journey began in Fargo, navigating the era when 45th Street was a humble gravel road. The pivotal partnership with Marvin in crafting revolutionary composite materials marked a turning point in the building industry. In 2008, Marvin fully embraced Tecton's legacy of excellence and innovation, culminating in their complete integration.

In 2022, Tecton Products proudly transitioned to Marvin Composites, aligning seamlessly with the quality and innovation synonymous with the Marvin brand—a commitment ingrained in their DNA since day one. Operating in Fargo, Marvin Composites is the driving force behind the industry's strongest fiberglass window-framing material.

With a team now exceeding 250 in Fargo, the company's growth is a testament to its thriving environment. Remarkably, Marvin Composites has never had a layoff.

“Working at Marvin Composites has been extremely rewarding for me. I’ve been challenged, I’ve been celebrated, I’ve been mentored, I’ve been educated, and I’ve been entrusted with more responsibility. One of the things that I love about our culture is our winning spirit. We have a unique process and we’re the best in the world at it. Our people believe that and come to work every day thinking we’ll be successful and can get through anything that comes our way.”

-Nate Schultze, Plant Manager, 23 years

• Manufacturing Associates • Material Prep Associates • Maintenance Technicians • R&D Process Engineers • Interns • Engineers

in 2021, Marvin Composites initiated its second plant expansion, doubling its footprint. The expansion also included a new breakroom, a serene patio, and a cuttingedge training center, all designed with the team's well-being in mind.

| 4401 15th Ave NW, Fargo, ND 58102 | marvincomposites.com | hrtecton@marvin.com

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46 | GREAT PLACES TO WORK 2024

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By Grant Ayers

Fargo-Moorhead's Networking Tapestry Weaving Success Through The Power of Collaboration the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship and professional growth, the power of knowledge through networking is often overlooked. Yet, with the right people and connections, it can be invaluable. Here, we have assembled a list of several networking and collaboration opportunities to contemplate engaging with in our forward-thinking, passionate business landscape that we proudly call "home."

While we couldn't include every single one of the endless networking opportunities that are capable of elevating your ambitions to the next level, we're proud to offer a sample of what you can immerse yourself in. As we delve into this guide to networking organizations and opportunities in the Fargo-Moorhead area, one thing becomes abundantly clear: In this vibrant community, collaboration is not just a choice, it's an invaluable asset. *Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive list of the endless business networking opportunities in the FMWF region.

NIA (Network in Action) Next Level Networking

About: NIA Next Level Networking is a networking event hosted by Network In Action—Safe Harbor that takes place on the second Wednesday of each month.

The recurring event includes training, connecting, and masterminding. NIA is a networking organization that combines networking, pieces of training, mastermind sessions, and social media.

Agenda 2 to 2:15 pm: Meet & Greet Casual mingling and ordering drinks 2:15 to 2:30 pm: Intro to Relationship-Focused Networking Learn practical principles for strategically and reliably building authentic relationships for both personal and business success!

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2:30 to 3 pm: Speed Connections Rotate through small-group conversations with meaningful questions to help spark authentic connections with each other (no elevator pitches!)

3 to 3:30 pm: Networking Strategy Mastermind Join in a professionally facilitated collaborative discussion to help you develop your ideal support network for life and work!

Location: Second Floor of Blarney Stone Pub 1910 9th St E, West Fargo, ND 58078 To learn more, find upcoming dates, and get involved, head to networkinaction.com/index.php/find-a-group/unitedstates/nd/fargo

StartupBREW Fargo

About: "StartupBREW Fargo is a weekly event held at Brewhalla on Wednesday mornings from 8 to 9:30 a.m.

This event's mission is to learn, support, and inspire. This morning meetup is for entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives, and community members alike to come together and explore the entrepreneurial journey.

This event is built on the notion that entrepreneurs do better when they have access to each other and the greater community that supports them. Entrepreneurship is energized over brews—coffee, tea, beer, or others. Connection over coffee has been at the center of energizing our community, which is where the name StartupBREW came from.

At the core, this event will place an emphasis on connection in the program by limiting individual speaking time and increasing conversation. This is practiced through Coffee Club,

Did You Know?

a time to connect before the event, as well as a 20-minute Q+A session with the audience towards the end of the program." - StartupBREW Website

Schedule: 8 am: Coffee Club (time to drink coffee and connect) 8:30 am: Program Begins 9:15 am: Program Ends

Location: Brewhalla 1702 1st Ave N Fargo, ND 58102 To learn more, head to emergingprairie.com/startupbrew-fargo

Our Founder and CEO, Mike Dragosavich, had the honor of speaking at StartupBREW in 2022!

BNI (Business Network International)

About: BNI (Business Network International) North Dakota's purpose is to help businesses, large and small, grow their business and make more money. BNI helps members develop a structured, positive, and professional referral marketing program that provides them with opportunities to: • Gain new business.

• Receive business education.

• Improve business networking skills with positive business people.

• Speak about business before an audience of positive, likeminded business people.

• Develop business relationships and create a group of trusted advisors.

• Network and communicate with more than 279,000 members in more than 74 countries.

BNI North Dakota region is actively building business referral and networking groups. The best way to find out about BNI is to visit a chapter. To learn more, find upcoming dates, and get involved, head to bninorthdakota.com/en-US/findachapter CONTINUED GREATPLACES.WORK | 49

The Executives' Club of Fargo-Moorhead

About: The Executives' Club of Fargo-Moorhead is a membership organization for business and community leaders. The club is designed exclusively for presidents, CEOs, founders, and serial entrepreneurs. The club's focus is on candid conversations,

honest feedback, and real stories of failure and success. The club is a member-driven initiative where leaders share ideas, explore opportunities, and engage in trusted inner-circle discussions.

Contact Kurt McSparron, Founder, to learn more at the100.online/membership

Business After Hours

About: "Widely recognized as the region’s most effective networking opportunity, Business After Hours is the social event you don’t want to miss. Held several times a year at rotating locations, the events create and promote business opportunities for everyone involved. The relaxed, social atmosphere allows you the opportunity to meet top business leaders, mingle among trade show booths, and network with your peers to forge powerful partnerships for yourself and your company.

Delicious appetizers and cool cocktails don’t hurt either!"

- FMWF Chamber Website

Why register for Business After Hours?

• Network and make new connections.

• Snack on apps and visit the cash bar.

• Enjoy two free drinks with your registration.

• Enter to win door prizes from vendors.

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Check out this blast from the past!

• Visit our sponsor and other booths to learn more about local businesses.

Support and learn about other Chamber members.

Relax in the casual environment after work and end your day on a great note.

To learn more, and get involved, head to fmwfchamber.com/business-after-hours

Women Connect

About:

Goals:

"Women Connect is just one of The Chamber’s monthly event programs, aimed to target the needs and development of professional women. Each session is held on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Following each month's presentation, attendees are welcome to stay for additional networking and conversation.

• To connect women with one another and strengthen their professional and personal networks.

Each time you come to an event, you can expect knowledgeable speakers addressing a range of topics applicable to women in the modern workplace. But it’s not just inspiration and education that you can expect! There are also opportunities to network and connect with your peers and local leaders, delectable desserts to sweeten your day, social opportunities to keep the conversation going, and charitable opportunities to give back." - FMWF Chamber Website

• Promote and celebrate the significant role women play in the region’s economic strength. Women from a variety of sectors and career levels will learn from and be inspired to apply the information in their workplace, community, and home life.

Mission:

• Address the unique challenges women face in today’s business environment and provide the tools to develop skills necessary to positively affect their organization and community.

• Provide a courageous space for women to embrace their goals and pursue their dreams with grit.

To learn more, head to fmwfchamber.com/women-connect

• To bring women together in a unique, courageous forum that will build connections, provide a space to be brave, and explore what leadership means both personally and professionally.

Photo Courtesy of FMWF Chamber of Commerce CONTINUED GREATPLACES.WORK | 51

AAF-ND

About:

For more than 50 years, AAF-ND has:

"The American Advertising Federation protects and promotes the well-being of advertising. We accomplish this through a unique, nationally coordinated grassroots network of advertisers, agencies, media companies, local advertising clubs, and college chapters.

• Brings members together to deliver creative business solutions.

• Keeps members abreast of the latest trends in technology, creativity, and marketing.

• Promotes diversity and inclusion in advertising.

• Honors and celebrates advertising excellence.

• Develops the industry’s future leaders.

• Protects and promotes advertising at all levels of government through grassroots activities.

• Offers engaging programs to encourage local association volunteer leadership.

• Utilizes industry expertise to address community issues.

• Provides opportunities for professionals to build supportive relationships with others in the advertising industry.

Did You Know?

• Recognized creativity and excellence in advertising and marketing.

• Contributed to the vitality, economies, and cultures of Red River Valley communities.

Members also enjoy benefits such as: • Monthly professional speaker events featuring regional and national experts.

• Fun social activities and studio tours throughout the year.

• Many opportunities for students to network within the industry and learn from professionals.

• All members receive a ticket to the annual Addy Awards Show and a discounted rate for entries." - AAF-ND Website To learn more, head to aaf-nd.org/contact-us

"AAF-ND is open to anyone in a communication-related field. We are corporate communicators, public relations practitioners, journalists, designers, advertising specialists, musicians, and much more."

- AAF-ND Website

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• Provided our members with professional development and networking opportunities.

Young Professionals Network

About: The Young Professionals Network is quickly becoming a key place for up-and-coming professionals, offering its members a chance to be part of various committees. These groups use the different talents and know-how of members to make the Young Professionals Network a must-join community.

The main goal of the committee is to plan and organize a bunch of activities. These include training programs and networking events that don't cost too much but are helpful.

They're determined to assist young professionals grow in both their careers and personal lives and connect them with The Chamber, the wider community, and each other. The smaller groups within the committee focus on things like Professional Development, Member Engagement, Member Recruitment, Marketing, Corporate Cup, and Social events.

Being a part of the Young Professionals Network and its committees is very beneficial for entrepreneurs, no matter their experience or resume. Members get to meet new people and learn about businesses they might never have heard of. They also get to join events and training programs that open up new ideas and knowledge, which can make a large difference in their lives. Furthermore, getting involved helps members get better at leading and influences the future of the Young Professionals Network itself.

• Access to a wide variety of training programs specifically designed to heighten knowledge and contribute to the success of young professionals.

• Increased awareness about arts and cultural opportunities available in the community.

• Guidance from area business champions.

What is the age range of Young Professionals Network members?

• There is no age limit to join YPN, but you must be at least 21 years old.

Do I need to join the YPN or can I attend events without being a member?

• Many of our events are open to the public. Non-members will pay a higher cost to attend events and will not be eligible for many of the benefits members enjoy.

How many members are enrolled in the program?

• There are approximately 450 young professionals from throughout the region are involved in the YPN. How much does it cost to join the Young Professionals Network?

• The annual cost for membership is $55.

Learn more and get involved today at fmwfchamber.com/YPN

Young Professionals Network FAQ's What benefits will membership provide?

• Numerous opportunities to meet, socialize, network, seek advice, and share experiences with other ambitious and like-minded professionals.​ GREATPLACES.WORK | 53

With over 13,000 locations in the US. alone, there's no doubt that the Golden Arches are an iconic symbol. In fact, one in eight Americans will work at a McDonald's at some point in their life. As one of the most successful and well-established restaurant franchises in both America and the world, McDonald's provides opportunities, benefits, and so much more, while allowing each individual location to be independently owned and operated, just like your other local mom-and-pop shops.

"For us, it's all about the people. We consider the impact we have on our employees, and our guests with every decision we make. We believe McDonald's is a great place to work because McDonald's is a great brand that has a great system in place for running a great restaurant. In Fargo, they have a passionate franchisee who cares about his people and wants to see people grow—there's a great amount of growth opportunity with McDonald's. Whether you want to make your time with McDonald's short or longterm, there's a career path for you."

Founded and supported by McDonald's, the Ronald McDonald House in Fargo offers free living and meals to families while their child is receiving cancer treatment.

54 | GREAT PLACES TO WORK 2024

Crew

Crew trainers

Management opportunities

Janitor & maintenance

• Competitive Wages • Paid Time-Off • Medical Benefits Available • Half-Off Meals • Online High School Program with a High School Diploma • Tuition Assistance Through Archways to Opportunity • High School Classes Paid for, Free to Employees • Flexible Scheduling

GREATPLACES.WORK | 55

Working for McDonald's doesn't just have great benefits on the job, it also offers endless perks in other areas. Because McDonald's has partnerships with so many brands, those perks get passed along to employees through shopping discounts, phone, auto, and insurance discounts, subscription discounts, and much more.

"We believe in people first; that's our motto. We create a positive work environment that is focused on growth, development, and helping you achieve your goals. Above all, at McDonald's, we love to have fun. We provide a 'crew fund' that allows our team to plan and do fun things at the restaurant, whether it be decorating the restaurant for a holiday or having a party. Employee engagement is core to us and we want to help facilitate that however we can."

Great Volunteer Opportunities

Great Pay

2024

2024

| For the South Fargo 52nd Ave location text “ND43” to 38000 to apply. | For the West Acres 38th St location text “ND36” to 38000 to apply.

56 | GREAT PLACES TO WORK 2024

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Cash Wise Foods emphasizes the importance of its team and backs that up with their Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which was initiated in 2006. The company values diversity, believing a varied team fosters innovation and new opportunities.

Cash Wise stands by its vision to "Be Remarkable," by empowering employee-owners to create unique shopping experiences and exceed guest expectations. Core values like guest focus, innovation, and being the best place to work are central to the company's identity.

Work-life balance is a priority, with benefits tailored to employee well-being in career, financial, mental, physical, and social aspects. Initiatives like floating holidays, paid caregiver leave, and enhanced employee discounts illustrate this commitment.

Internally, Cash Wise encourages innovation and employee involvement through programs like "Bright Ideas" and various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is evidenced through initiatives celebrating female leadership, Pride Month, and educational campaigns.

Cash Wise is an attractive workplace for those seeking a dynamic, inclusive environment that values employee input and personal growth.

• Coffee Baristas • Cashiers • Baggers • Guest Service Representatives • Stock Clerks • Deli Clerks • Meat Clerks • Bakery Clerks • Produce Clerks • Adoption Reimbursement • Paid Caregiver Leave • Tuition Reimbursement • Paid Time-Off • Paid Floating Holidays • Employee Stock (ESOP)

• Liquor Clerks • Overnight Store Clerks • Pharmacy Clerks • Pharmacy Technicians • Pharmacists • Shift Managers • Department Leads • Assistant Department Managers • Department Managers • 10% Discount on Purchases for Employees and Immediate Household • Wellbeing App with Company Competitions • Get Paid Daily

| cashwisejobs.com Text "Coborn's" to 97211 to learn about jobs near you.

Great Development Opportunities

Great Benefits

2024

2024

Great Commitment to Well-Being

2024

GREATPLACES.WORK | 59

Precision started 20 years ago with Jon Hanson and a truck that he borrowed. From there he added in a few more employees every year until he developed a team he needed to start growing the plumbing side. A couple of years passed and Precision Heating and Cooling started, then along came Dirtworks.

Even though the company has three divisions, they function like one company and one family.

What makes Precision a great place to work? The employees—a team that works hard and has a good time doing it. They are family-focused, and act like one too—whether it's out golfing at the annual golf get-together or at one of the many company outings they do every year!

• Career Growth - Precision offers apprenticeships and encourages performance-based promotions.

• Hands-On Experience - Improve your technical and problemsolving skills by working hands-on with Precision.

• Latest Technology - Precision is always up to date with the latest and greatest tools to make everyone's job a little easier.

• Full Compensation Packages - Precision values its employees and offers many benefits.

• Competitive Pay • Medical Insurance • Dental Insurance • Vision Insurance • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance

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• Life Insurance • Paid Vacation • Paid Holidays • 401(k) Retirement Plan • Aflac

Plumbing Service Technician

HVAC Apprentice HVAC Journeyman Installer

Plumbing Apprentice

HVAC Service Technician

Great Pay

2024

| 1935 4th Ave NW, West Fargo, ND 58078 | precisionpe.com | service@precisionpe.com

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By Geneva Nodland

How to Your Digital Handshake aybe you've heard it before, maybe you haven't—regardless, most professionals will tell you how important it is to have an updated, complete LinkedIn profile. We're here to tell you the truth about the network, and give you some tips and tricks to creating the best profile to not only sell yourself to employers but to network with your community and to feel confident in your resume!

In the ever-evolving job market, where first impressions are increasingly made online, a polished LinkedIn profile isn't just a nice-to-have; it's your digital handshake. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a fresh-faced apprentice, an up-todate LinkedIn profile is a vital tool in your career toolbox. Let's break down why it's essential and how you can make yours stand out, regardless of your age or career path.

Why Does It Matter?

Over 700 million users strong, LinkedIn is where professionals mingle, recruiters scout, and opportunities knock.

• First Impressions Count: Think of your profile as your online business—it's often the first thing a potential employer or client will see.

• Beyond Job Hunting: It's not just for job seekers. LinkedIn is a platform for building a network, showcasing expertise, and staying informed about your industry.

How to Linkedin Your LinkedIn profile is your career storybook—write it well.

• It's a networking tool, not just a job search engine.

• Tailor your profile to your career level and aspirations.

• Keep it updated, engaging, and visually appealing.

• No matter your age or career, LinkedIn is a key player in your professional success.

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Do I Really Need It? Some argue that LinkedIn is just another social media time sink, or unnecessary for certain trades. But in a world where digital presence is synonymous with professional presence, can you afford to be the missing piece in the networking puzzle?

No matter your trade, no one is exempt from the "online stalk" that anyone with access to the internet does. When a potential employer or coworker Googles you, or really when anyone Googles you—it might make you feel better to know there's a reputable profile highlighting your best qualities at the top of that search.

Special Tips for Different Career Paths White-Collar Professionals Showcase Thought Leadership

update these regularly to reflect your growing skill set.

Publish articles or share insights on industry trends.

This positions you as a knowledgeable player in your field. Participate in relevant LinkedIn groups by contributing to discussions and sharing your expertise.

Network Expansion

Highlight Technical Skills and Certifications Include any technical skills, software proficiency, or certifications that are relevant to your field and

"Today, a white-collar worker generally refers to a professional who works in an administrative or office job, and a blue-collar worker is a professional who performs some type of skilled or manual labor. In contrast to how blue and white-collar workers were perceived in the twentieth century, in today’s society, the type of work does not define a person’s education or social class."

- from a LinkedIn News article, October 2022

Don’t hesitate to reach out with personalized messages to establish meaningful connections.

Visual Portfolio For roles in marketing, design, or content creation, use the feature to add multimedia elements to your experience section (e.g., presentations, videos, design work).

Blue-Collar Professionals Showcase HandsOn Projects Add photos or brief videos of projects you’ve worked on, especially those where you played a significant role or learned new skills. Highlight any unique or challenging aspects of these projects.

Certifications and Training List any trade certifications, safety training, or apprenticeships. These are crucial in many blue-collar industries and add credibility.

Remember to update your profile as you complete additional training or renew certifications!

Recommendations From Supervisors and Peers Request recommendations from supervisors, peers, or clients who can speak to your work ethic, skills, and on-the-job performance.

Personal testimonials can be very powerful in industries where trust and reliability are paramount.

Practical Skills Listing Be specific about your skills.

For example, instead of just “welding,” list the types of welding you’re proficient in— plus, include any specialized machinery or equipment you are experienced in operating.

By tailoring your LinkedIn profile to your specific career path and staying active on the platform, you can significantly enhance your professional visibility and open up new opportunities for career advancement!

CONTINUED GREATPLACES.WORK | 63

How To: Linkedin

How to: Craft a Profile for All Ages and Stages Skill Showcase: More Than Just a List List skills that are relevant to your desired career path, but also include soft skills like teamwork and communication.

Seek endorsements and recommendations from colleagues, mentors, and managers. They add credibility and a personal touch to your profile.

Making Connections: Networking Know-How Start with a Bang: The Headline and Summary Your headline isn't just your job title. Make it a catchy elevator pitch about who you are and what you bring to the table.

Summaries should tell a story, not just list skills.

Think of it as a professional bio that highlights your journey, aspirations, and unique value.

Experience and Education: The Meat and Potatoes Detail your work experience and education, but keep it crisp. Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences most relevant to where you want to go, not just where you've been.

If you're unfamiliar, you "connect" with other profiles on LinkedIn, like you "friend" other profiles on Facebook; so when making connections, remember quality over quantity. Connect with individuals in your industry, alumni, and groups that align with your career interests.

Engage with your network through thoughtful comments and sharing relevant content. Be a contributor, not just a consumer!

Profile Aesthetics: The Visual Appeal A clear, professional headshot is a must. It's like a firm handshake in digital form. A personalized URL is easier to share and looks cleaner on business cards.

Keeping It Fresh: The Power of Updating Regularly update your profile with new skills, accomplishments, or portfolio pieces. It shows you're active and evolving in your career.

For students and new grads

For the experienced professionals

Focus on internships, volunteer work, and relevant projects. Show your eagerness to learn and grow.

Highlight recent roles and achievements that reflect your current career trajectory.

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How to: Custom URL Log into your LinkedIn profile.

Click on your profile picture or the 'Me' icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage, then select 'View Profile.'

On the right side of your profile page, look for the 'Edit public profile & URL' link. This will direct you to a new page for public profile settings.

In the right-hand section titled 'Edit your custom URL,' you'll see a URL link that includes your name. Click the 'Edit' icon next to this URL. Your custom URL can contain 5-30 letters or numbers. Do not use spaces, symbols, or special characters. A good practice is to use a variation of your name that's professional and easy to remember.

For example, (http://www.linkedin.com/in/johndoe).

If your name is common, you might need to get creative by adding your middle initial, industry, or professional designation (e.g., JohnSmithCPA).

After choosing your new URL, click 'Save' to update your profile.

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How To: Linkedin

How to: Professional Headshot

Researching Local Talent: A Breeze in Fargo-Moorhead Booking a photographer for your professional headshot in Fargo-Moorhead is easier than you might think. With a ton of local talent, your photographer is just a few clicks away— Google, explore websites, check out online portfolios, and read reviews! Social media, particularly Instagram, is also a goldmine for discovering local photographers' work and style. Many photographers have an online booking system, making scheduling a session both convenient and flexible.

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Budget Friendly Headshots Understandably, not everyone has the budget for a professional shoot. If that's your case, don't fret! Taking your own headshot is a viable alternative. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when DIYing your headshot.

Camera Quality Matters Use the best camera available to you. A DSLR camera is ideal, but many modern smartphones come equipped with excellent cameras that can do the job.

Lighting is Key Natural light works wonders. Position yourself near a window with soft, indirect light. Avoid harsh sunlight or dark, poorly lit rooms.

Background Choose a neutral, uncluttered background. A plain wall or a simple outdoor setting free from distractions works well.

Dress Professionally Wear what you would for a job interview. Solid colors are typically best, avoiding overly busy patterns that can distract.

Camera Positioning The camera should be at eye level and not too close to avoid distortion. If using a phone, use the back camera for better quality. Speaking of, grab a friend, a parent, or even a nicelooking stranger to help you with this—meaning, no selfies!

Tip! Many smartphones have a portrait mode that helps to focus on the subject and blur the background.

Natural Pose and Expression Aim for a natural, approachable look. Practice your smile in a mirror; it should be genuine but professional.

Test and Review Take several shots with different angles and expressions. Use basic editing tools to adjust lighting and crop the photo. Avoid over-editing; the goal is to look like the best version of your natural self.

Your Digital Footprint in the Professional World Your LinkedIn profile is more than just an online resume; it's a living, breathing narrative of your professional journey. No matter the season of your career, your LinkedIn profile is a gateway to opportunities and connections in the modern workforce. Craft it with care, keep it updated, and watch as it opens doors to career paths you've yet to explore!

Now, go forth and network like a pro—your future self will thank you!

RDO Truck Centers, established in 1997, has become a significant presence in the commercial trucking industry, offering a full range of services including sales of new and used trucks, parts, and servicing.

The company, which started in Fargo, has expanded to 10 locations across North Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. It is an authorized dealer for renowned manufacturers like Mack, Volvo, Hino, and Isuzu. With a workforce of 235 employees, RDO Truck Centers has built a reputation for creating lasting customer relationships and aiding in the success of their clients' businesses.

The company's team includes highly skilled Mack and Volvo specialists, who are among the best in the nation. Their expertise spans various departments, including service, parts, and sales. The depth of knowledge within the team is substantial, with many members boasting over 30 years of experience in the industry.

RDO Truck Centers places great emphasis on internal growth and leadership development. Its entire leadership team has been promoted from within, which gives them a more comprehensive understanding of their roles. This allows the leadership team to work closely with team members to effectively address and overcome challenges.

Facilities at RDO Truck Centers, particularly in the Fargo dealership, are designed with employee comfort and efficiency in mind, featuring abundant natural light, heated shop floors, and ergonomic equipment.

Safety is a top priority at RDO Truck Centers.

The company ensures safety through monthly training and the use of appropriate technology and equipment. They also offer programs like Steel Toe Boot and Prescription Safety Glasses Reimbursement.

For students aspiring to become diesel technicians, RDO Truck Centers provides the Access Your Future Intern Program. This initiative offers financial and educational assistance to students pursuing a diesel technology degree.

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Service Technicians Preventative Maintenance Technicians Parts Specialists

Great Training

Great Development Opportunities

Great Benefits

2024

2024

2024

| 3401 38th St S Fargo, ND 58104 | rdotruckcenter.com | jblessum@rdotc.com

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Custom Graphics is more than just graphics, they are a fullservice sign installer, and manufacturer, and a great place to start a career. They install decals, interior signs, and exterior signs. They also manufacture over 4 million decals, signs, and wraps per year.

The team at Custom Graphics Inc. is proud to call their career more than just a job. Everyone who joins their crew will have steady hours, great benefits, and a fun and rewarding work environment. They are looking for eager, talented individuals — especially those with experience in the manufacturing, printing, production, and sign industries!

Custom Graphics has been making decals for 40+ years and signs for 20+ years, from a 5-person startup in 1982 to a 50+ employee manufacturer and full sign service and installation company.

Last year, the CG Team produced and shipped 700,000 magnets to VA clinics around the country for the veterans crisis line (988). Giving back to our veterans is something they enjoy and value doing.

Benefits PTO, Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 401(k) matching, and Employee Assistance.

Great Office Vibes

2024

• Coming into CG is a very welcoming experience.

• Friendly Atmosphere • Comfortable • Amazing Coworkers!

Great Development Opportunities

Great Pay

2024

2024

| 2501 3rd Ave N Fargo, ND 58102 | customgraphicsinc.com | careers@customgraphicsinc.com

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Did you know?

Red River Commodities was named the 7th most engaged workplace by the United Way of Cass Clay.

About Red River Commodities Founded in 1973, Red River Commodities has evolved from a specialty grain trading company to a key player in processing sunflowers and other select specialty crop agricultural products. Creating popular food ingredients and products like SunButter, wild bird food, and seasoned sunflower seeds, the company has marked its presence strongly in the food industry.

Red River Commodities is a wholly owned subsidiary of Acomo, an international entity known for its involvement in sourcing, trading, and distributing niche food products and ingredients.

A notable achievement of Red River Commodities is the creation of SunButter in 2001. Produced in Fargo, SunButter is a nationally recognized brand available across all 50 states in major grocery stores. It is a safe, allergen-free alternative to peanut butter, especially in schools across the United States.

In addition to SunButter, the company also produces and packages sunflower seed snacks for major US companies and has a wildlife division for wild bird seed, which is widely available on retail shelves throughout the country.

Red River Commodities is more than just a business; it's a community. The team's core values encompass family, pride, passion, safety, and integrity. The company culture promotes hard work, authenticity, and mutual support, striving to achieve collective goals while also focusing on individual growth.

The company actively invests in employee development and is currently adding a Learning and Development Manager to foster growth within its team. This effort is coupled with a strong commitment to community involvement, both financially and through encouraging employee participation in local initiatives.

Red River Commodities offers a comprehensive benefits package aimed at promoting work-life balance and overall employee well-being. Benefits include summer hours, community involvement, competitive pay, paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, profit sharing, and various learning opportunities, along with Employee Assistance Programs. These offerings reflect the company's dedication to its employees' personal and professional development.

| 501 42nd St N Fargo, ND 58102 | redriv.com | HR_RRC@redriv.com

Great Office Vibes

Great Development Opportunities

2024

Great Community Involvement & Volunteer Opportunities

2024

2024

Hiring For in 2024 • Administration • Sales • Finance

• Process Improvement • Operations

Always Looking For • Production Associates • Machine Operators • Maintenance Technicians • Automation Technicians • Quality Assurance Positions GREATPLACES.WORK | 71

First-Day Starter Pack The

By Geneva Nodland

o, it's your first day at the new job; you stacked your resume full of accomplishments, made the leap and applied, successfully completed the interview process, received the congratulatory call-back, and maybe even negotiated your salary—you've done it all to get to this moment right here, the first day.

But, are you ready?

If you go to your trusty search engine, Google, and begin to type, "what to do on your fi—" the very first auto-fills says, "what to do on your first day of work," beating out "what to do on your first date," and "what to do on your first day at the gym," and even "what to do on your first anniversary." So, you're not alone in wondering what exactly you should or shouldn't be doing on your first day. Yes, you've secured the job, but what's next?

Well, readers, friends, newly hired, you've come to the right place. Check out our first-day starter pack—your guide to the dos and don'ts of the first day at the new job—check it out!

Whether you're starting your first job or your tenth, the first day can be a blend of excitement and nerves, and it's not just about doing the right things, but also avoiding the wrong ones.

Universal Tips Do: Be Punctual Why? First impressions last. Arriving on time (or a little early) shows reliability.

BUT: There is simply no need to arrive more than 15 minutes early, be for real.

Tip! If you're nervous about timing your commute just right,

plan ahead! Take a drive before your first day to map your route, parking, and, of course, the best coffee spot on the way.

Don't: Shy Away from Asking Questions Why? Questions demonstrate engagement and a willingness to learn.

BUT: Don't make them hold your hand. You got the job, they trust that you know what you're doing.

Tip! Asking a question is the best icebreaker. From asking about the coffee maker to how to navigate the time tracking portal—why not make a friend on your first day and ask a coworker?

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Do: Dress Appropriately Why? Dressing for the role demonstrates professionalism.

BUT: While decades ago it may have been about blending in and not standing out in your typical job, the reins tend to be a bit looser nowadays when it comes to work-appropriate attire.

Tip! What's most important on your first day? Wearing

something that makes you feel confident and comfortable.

In general: Safety and comfort are priorities in your work attire. If unsure, err on the side of formal.

Extra Dos Do: Bring Necessary Documents Have any required paperwork, IDs, or documents ready and on hand that first day, you'll be filling out a lot of onboarding paperwork and getting your paycheck and potential benefits in order.

Do: Be Prepared to Learn Showing eagerness to absorb new information, whether it's about your role, company culture, or procedures, will not only benefit you but is a great skill to showcase to your employer.

Do: Listen More Than You Speak Being observant and attentive will help in understanding the work culture and dynamics better, better preparing you for day two!

Do: Be Positive and Open-Minded Maintaining a positive attitude and staying open to new experiences and people will only better your chance of getting comfortable in your new environment, as well as planting the first seeds to grow and excel in the future.

Age-Related Advice Youngins Show eagerness to learn.

Your energy and willingness to learn can make a great first impression. It's not make or break, but first impressions can do just as much for your confidence in yourself as someone else's confidence in you.

Network Intentionally Introduce yourself to colleagues and seek out potential mentors. Finding a mentor won't come immediately, but it won't come at all without making the first introduction!

Understand Your Role Clearly understand what is expected of you and how your role fits into the larger organization. Ask questions to figure this out and think critically about both your questions and the answers—it's not a test, but it's critical information for your position.

Manage Your Online Presence I know what you're thinking—lame. But, ensuring your social media profiles are professional or private is important. Hopefully, you have done this before obtaining the job, but it's a good idea to make sure your profile only shows content that you're comfortable bringing up in conversation with your coworker.

It doesn't mean you can't post that meme or that lyric from your favorite song—just make sure that it's something that you'd be comfortable talking about in the break room.

Remember that everyone is online!

Seek Feedback Be proactive in seeking constructive feedback to continuously learn. This is another way to show eagerness to learn, which we know is important to your first impression, understanding your role, and bettering your skills and career in the long run.

Let's look deeper intosocial dynamics and professional conduct in a new workplace.

Social Dynamics Transitioning into a new workplace involves a delicate balance of observation, engagement, respect, and adaptability. By embracing these, you can smoothly integrate into your new role and become a valued member of the team.

Observe First Observation is key in any new environment.

Pay close attention to the nuances of interactions among colleagues. This includes noting the formal and informal communication styles, the level of formality in meetings, and the general demeanor during work hours. Understanding these subtleties can help you integrate more seamlessly into the team.

Engage in Small Talk Small talk is a powerful tool for building relationships. It's not just about the weather or weekend plans; it's an opportunity to show genuine interest in your colleagues' lives.

Remember, while sharing about yourself, balance is crucial. Be open but not overly personal, and always be an attentive listener, showing genuine interest in what others have to say.

Be Respectful of Everyone Respect in the workplace goes a long way and should be universal. From the janitor to the CEO, every individual plays a vital role in the organization and deserves equal respect.

Acknowledging everyone's contribution, regardless of their position, helps to foster a positive and inclusive work environment.

Avoid Office Politics Office politics can be tricky and potentially damaging, especially for someone new. Stay clear of gossip and backbiting. It's wise to be observant and understand the dynamics, but participating in negative conversations can harm your reputation and professional relationships.

Find a Buddy Having a 'buddy' or a go-to person can ease the transition into a new workplace. If the company doesn’t assign one, take the initiative to connect with a colleague who can guide you. This person can be a valuable resource in understanding the company culture, processes, and unspoken rules.

More tips!

Lunch Etiquette Understanding the lunch culture in your new workplace can be more important than it might seem. Observe or ask whether colleagues tend to eat together in a common area or prefer to eat at their desks. If there is a trend of communal eating, it's a good opportunity to socialize and get to know your team better. However, if the culture leans towards solitary lunch breaks, respect that as well. In some offices, lunch hour may also serve as an informal meeting time, so be open and prepared for these dynamics.

Understand the Communication Style Every workplace has its unique communication style. Pay attention to how your colleagues and superiors prefer to communicate. Do they rely heavily on emails for formal communication, or do they prefer quick phone calls or direct messaging for immediate concerns? Is

face-to-face interaction favored for more detailed discussions? Adapting to the preferred communication style of your workplace can greatly enhance your effectiveness and integration into the team.

Set Personal Goals Setting personal goals is a proactive way to manage your career trajectory from the get-go. Start by setting achievable shortterm goals for your first week, such as understanding the company’s products or services, getting to know your team, or mastering a particular tool or process. For the first month, you might aim to complete a specific project or contribute to a team goal. By your first quarter, consider aiming for broader objectives like establishing yourself as a go-to person in a particular area or significantly contributing to a major project. Remember, these goals should be realistic and flexible enough to accommodate the learning curve associated with any new position.

Practice Self-Care Starting a new job can indeed be stressful, and it's crucial to take care of your physical and mental well-being during this transition.

Ensure you are getting enough rest; lack of sleep can affect your performance and ability to concentrate. It’s also important to maintain a healthy work-life balance from the start. Set clear boundaries between work and personal time. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to take short breaks to clear your mind or seek support from colleagues or a supervisor.

Remember, taking care of yourself is not just beneficial for you, but also for the quality of work you deliver!

The first day at a new job is about finding balance—balancing eagerness with patience, socializing with respect for individual space, personal ambition with team goals, and professional dedication with personal well-being.

By being observant, adaptable, goaloriented, and mindful of your own needs, you can make a positive and lasting impression while laying a strong foundation for future success in your new role.

Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Taking care of yourself and engaging with your new environment in a balanced way will pave the way for a rewarding career, no matter your age or profession—good luck out there!

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The lights come on. Thousands of fans start to scream and cheer in one of the most epic concerts you have ever been to. You find yourself moving to the music, watching the energy throughout the crowd. A team member calls you on your com headset with a request—the next light cue you programmed earlier in the day. You hit the button and the crowd goes wild. Another amazing show put on by an amazing team.

Mobile Pro, a leader in live event production, has been serving the region since 2014. Their core values revolve around the idea of being genuine in everything they do, while also striving to be innovative in their ideas and execution of every production.

Every year, their team completes hundreds of events throughout our region. Each event has a particular goal and objective for the client. Each team member provides vital expertise to complete the objectives for the event.

“Happy customers” may seem cliché in business, but Mobile Pro not only wants happy customers but wants every customer to feel like family.

From brainstorming sessions to onsite event execution, each team member contributes their unique strengths and perspectives, creating an electric synergy. Flexibility is key; they encourage autonomy and experimentation, empowering everyone to explore their talents and passions.

Mobile Pro isn't just about organizing events; it's about crafting experiences.

One of the best examples of making happy customers is a recent event in which they collaborated with an amazing client. Mobile Pro began the process by discussing the outcomes needed for the client. This included many factors of the entire day’s event schedule. The Mobile Pro team worked tirelessly to not only help vision out the event but also spent months working on the technical details needed to pull these shows off.

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Although Mobile Pro is in the hospitality sector, they are constantly striving to create flexibility through flexible scheduling so that team members can manage personal commitments while providing support to other team members. They provide resources like mental health support and wellness programs to help employees manage stress and maintain balance.

Open communication is highly encouraged to foster openness and trust within the entire organization. The saying, “If you are doing what you love, it doesn’t feel like work” is one of the key things Mobile Pro does to make the work as enjoyable as possible. Special events at Mobile Pro can spring up on a random day and sometimes at any given time. Social picnics with family and friends of Mobile Pro or random movie nights are a huge part of building great team camaraderie.

Mobile Pro is launching its first-ever production training academy at the company headquarters. Skilled technicians will provide a classroom-like atmosphere to better train, educate, and build skills for all new and existing team members. This new training lab will bring hands-on learning that will ensure everyone has a path to grow their skill sets.

The Mobile Pro path for success will help individuals grow not only within the company but within the industry. A truly good Mobile Pro team member must possess a team-like attitude to be successful within the company. Solid problemsolving in the industry is also a must to ensure the quality of the events produced.

| mobileproduction.net | info@mobileproduction.net

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As a business owner with expertise in a specific field—employee management and the administrative responsibilities that come with having employees can be time consuming and frustrating—enter PRO Resources, offering a comprehensive HR package to alleviate HR pitfalls, and mitigating risk, along with all those tricky compliance rules—giving business owners Big HR Value, On A Small Business Budget.

When a business partners with PRO Resources they gain both a highly skilled and collaborative team of human resource professionals and cloud-based technology. Their HR team brings expertise across various domains, including recruiting, onboarding, benefits, safety, workers’ compensation, payroll administration, risk management, loss prevention, human resources, and wellness—while the cloud based technology allows an employers and employees access to their information 24/7/365, from anywhere in the world.

PRO Resouces fosters a holistic work environment focused on several initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being and professional development of its employees. Quarterly meetings allow the entire organization to delve into the vision and strategy guiding the company. This approach ensures that every employee develops a strong connection to the collective path and is motivated to contribute actively towards shared objectives.

PRO Resources offers additional benefits to its employees, including corporate passes to fitness and cultural centers, ski and mountain biking passes, golfing discounts, an on-site gym, and ergomomic workstations. Also provided is a Lunch-Extension Program, allowing employees a convenient way to integrate fitness into their workday.

Established in 1991, PRO Resources is headquartered in Detroit Lakes, MN, and boasts additional offices located in Fargo, Grand Forks, Duluth, Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Sioux Falls. With hundreds of clients and servicing thousands of employees throughout the United States, PRO Resources has cemented its reputation as a Total HR Solution Provider.

76 | GREAT PLACES TO WORK 2024

Business Consultants: Detroit Lakes, Minneapolis, Remote

Client Account Manager: Detroit Lakes & Fargo Offices

Great Pay

Great Commitment to Well-Being

Great Benefits

2024

Human.

2024

2024

Resources. | 1111 Westrac Dr, Ste 108 Fargo, ND 58103 | 1271 US-10 Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 | proresourceshr.com | hello@proresourceshr.com

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By the N 26,000

Job openings as of October 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics

See a snapshot into North Dakota's job market! We've covered key employment stats as of 2023, including job openings, total jobs, and more.

Understand the state's median salary, wage growth, and unemployment rate at a glance— check it out!

78 | GREAT PLACES TO WORK 2024

26,282

Gross job gains between December 2022 and March 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics

439,000 Total jobs as of October 2023 Department of Numbers

Numbers $64,200

5.6%

Median annual salary

Job opening rate Bureau of Labor Statistics

Always Designing for People

8.5%

Growth in wages from 2022 to 2023

Always Designing for People

1.9%

Unemployment rate as of October 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics

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