CONTENT
Sponsored Content: What Does Wellness Have to do with Employee Engagement?
Sponsored Content: Agricultural Architecture: Inspiration by the Acre
The Wachters Are Still Leaving Their Mark on the BismarckMandan Community
Cam Knutson’s Ambitious Plans for Northwest Bismarck
A New Level of Work-Life Balance
Nonprofit of The Month: ND Assistive
Leading and Managing in a Small Business
Women You Should Know: Bailey Jangula and Jenny Samuelson
Publisher EDITORIAL Editorial Team Lead Editors
Art Director
Editorial Graphic Designers
Creative Strategist Content Specialist
Contributors
INTERACTIVE Business Development Manager Business Development Associate Videographer Director of Digital Advertising Results
Graphic Designer Web Designer
Social Media Specialist
ADVERTISING VP of Business Development
Sales Representatives
Mike Dragosavich
Brady Drake Brady@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Geneva Nodland, Grant Ayers, Sam Kise
Kim Cowles
Levi Dinh, Ty Betts
Josiah Kopp
Gary Ussery
Julie Hinker, Ladyboss Lifestyle
Nick Schommer
Kellen Feeney
Tommy Uhlir
Jonathan Chicka
Ben Buchanan
Kellan Benson
Ryne Bigelow
Paul Hoefer Paul@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Al Anderson
Al@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Devan Maki Devan@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Sales & Marketing Advisor
Tori Helland Tori@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Kacey Mongeon Kacey@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Marketing Associate
Client Relations
Client Relations Manager Marketing Coordinator Operations Assistant
DISTRIBUTION Delivery
Hailey Bebler
Hailey@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
ClientRelations@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Jenny Johnson
Jessica Mullen
Miranda Knudson
John Stuber
LEAVING AN IMPACT
In my time writing for Spotlight and its magazines, few stories, to date, have been as inspirational as Chad Wachter's. While a foundation was laid before him by Wachters that preceded him, much of his success can be directly correlated with and accredited to the hard work and ambition he poured into multiple projects and companies over the years. There's no question that the story of Wachter and his family tree can be taken note of and potentially spark inspiration when searching for your own path.
IIt's no secret that everyone's time on this planet is limited. When that time is up, all that remains is the legacy we leave behind for others. For architects, it may be the buildings they've designed. For entrepreneurs, it may be a successful brand or business they leave to others. For writers, such as myself, part of our legacy are the stories attributed to us.
For any reader contemplating what legacy they're going to leave behind, look to those community builders, like Chad, for inspiration. While the success that he's adding to his family name and legacy is quite impressive and remarkable, it's far from unattainable. With hard work and ambition, stepping out and making a name for yourself is far from impossible. If you're going to take anything from this issue, take with you the fact that you, too, can do great things.
Bis-Man INC! EditorCHECK OUT
SPOTLIGHT MEDIA'S OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Fargo Monthly is an award-winning publication dedicated to highlighting Fargo-Moorhead and what makes it a truly enjoyable place to live.
fargomonthly.com
facebook.com/fargomonthly Twitter: @fargomonthly Instagram: fargomonthly
Bison Illustrated is your number one source for all of the behind-the-scenes action inside the North Dakota State University Athletic Department.
bisonillustrated.com
facebook.com/bisonillustrated
Twitter: @bisonmag
Instagram: bisonillustrated
Fargo INC! is our very successful business magazine which covers all things business in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
fargoinc.com
facebook.com/fargobusiness
Twitter: @fargoincmag
LinkedIN: Fargo INC
Future Farmer is our farming publication which brings great tech-focused content to readers across North Dakota and Minnesota.
futurefarmermag.com
facebook.com/FutureFarmerMag
You may already be familiar with our Faces of Bismarck-Mandan publication which we publish once per year in order to highlight the faces behind all of the great businesses in the community.
AGRICULTURAL RCHITECTURE
INSPIRATION BY THE ACRE
HARVESTING PAST & PRESENT
To get ahead of today’s challenging climate, business owners and industry leaders are finding inspiration by the acre; between the corn rows, behind the barn and deep within the Quonsets of North Dakota’s family farms. Agricultural architecture is no longer rooted solely in small towns and rural shelter belts, its regional influence has grown into a long list of workplaces, industries, education centers and hot spots where we dine, shop and play.
Whether architecture is inspired by agrarian elements or designed to boost complex agricultural initiatives, JLG Architects is harvesting past and present by helping businesses educate and relate to the Bis-Man region, grow the workforce, enhance retention and streamline operating systems from the ground up.
JLG’s Designer Nick Lippert explained, “Agricultural design explores function and flexibility for future growth, challenging us to do more with as little as needed. When design responds to agriculture, buildings become approachable
BY TRACY NICHOLSON & JOSIAH KOPP PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JLG ARCHITECTSand honest while acknowledging our cultural heritage. Embracing our roots establishes a generational and widespread appreciation, from patrons and business owners to employee culture.”
PRESERVING COMMON GROUND
Trends may come and go, but advancing agriculture while conserving our land’s resources is timeless. JLG has recently unveiled the design renderings for Grand Farm’s Innovation Shop, a Casselton, ND project led by Emerging Prairie. The project, which officially broke ground in October of 2022, will be a part of a 142-acre project that will include both private and public research to take the future of autonomous
Farmhouse Bistro in Spearfish, SD
farming to the next level. Grand Farm capitalizes on the region’s potential and expertise in the agriculture and technology industries. Their Initiative provides common ground to accelerate research and technology, creating a farm of the future that can develop opportunities and solve worldwide agricultural challenges.
At Spearfish, SD’s Farmhouse Bistro, a skeletal barn invites patrons to an extraordinary destination that exalts the familiar by elevating regional agrarian forms, local materials and artifacts that support and connect the unexpected. The Farmhouse Bistro offers classic contemporary American dining in a rustic atmosphere.
JLG has also worked extensively on the NDSU campus, including the Beef Research facility which integrates sweeping rooflines and exposed technology. This project fits the mold of modern architecture yet unites historical context and honest expression of its functions for impactful design. The facility aligns with the aesthetic vernacular of our farms and ranches, provoking nostalgia with a familiar glow that resonates from porches and outbuildings across the region.
NDSU Beef Research Facility From calving pens to a laboratory space, this nearly-23,000 square foot building helps researchers meet the challenges of beef cattle production across America.Agricultural architecture is also influencing many of the region’s commercial endeavors. At First Western Bank in Bismarck, JLG’s design concept fused the site’s industrial character with the region’s past, present and future— leveraging local materiality, symbolic forms and panoramic views that capture the essence of an agricultural and industrial community.
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (coming in 2025)
As the Architect of Record for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) in Medora, JLG is continuing Roosevelt’s pursuit of conservation, carefully carving out modern and sustainable architecture in the historic Badlands. The firm is working with Confluence, JE Dunn, and Snøhetta to interpret the sweeping landscapes of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Looking to the horizon, JLG is helping drive the Dakotas and the surrounding region forward as great places not just to live and work, but also as a great place for visitors to experience. While we live in a world of ever-evolving trends, JLG has set out to make every design experience timeless, serving its communities for generations to come.
EXPLORE MORE AGRICULTURAL ARCHITECTURE
JLG’s agricultural architecture projects can be explored across the Midwest. From True North Equipment and Black Gold Farms to Amity Technology, Happy Harry’s, Living Word Lutheran Church, King’s Walk Golf Course and countless others.
First Western Bank & Trust in BismarckTHEODORE ROOSEVELT PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY’S DESIGN CONCEPT IS SEEING THE LANDSCAPE AS THE LIBRARY. THE DESIGN DISSOLVES INTO ITS SURROUNDINGS, RECOGNIZING THAT THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO LEARN AND EXPERIENCE IN THE BADLANDS.
THIS IS A CONCEPT OF CONSERVATION, RESTORING THE NATIVE ECOLOGY AND MANAGING IT WELL."
JENNIFER BURKE JACKSONCommercial
Studio Director, JLG
Wachters THE
Are Still Leaving Their Mark on the Bismarck-Mandan Community
Generations of Wachter Family Ventures
The Wachter family has had an extensive presence in and impact on the Bismarck-Mandan community for numerous decades, bringing to life different projects and ventures that have stood the test of time.
When Wachter’s ancestors first came to Bismarck from Germany, they entered the butcher business to make a living.
People used to keep their freezers cold by putting ice in their ice boxes. Wachter’s family used to be the city of Bismarck's main supplier of ice and coal.
With roots in farming and ranching, the Wachter family had one of the largest contiguous ranches in the Midwest until around 1983, with 28,800 acres. Did you know?
Wachter’s family was also involved in the dray business, hauling and storing goods and materials.
Chad Wachter’s History
Chad Wachter has deep roots in the business world, having grown up working for various family companies owned by his father. These companies spanned a wide range of industries, including banking, construction and real estate, encompassing businesses such as hardware stores, shopping centers and hotels.
"My father has been a major influence on my career, providing me with numerous learning experiences and opportunities to work in different areas of the family business," Wachter reflected. "These experiences have exposed me to a diverse range of business operations and taught me valuable lessons that I carry with me today."
Wachter's journey in business began in the construction industry, where he started working in the family's concrete business. He gained hands-on experience in pouring concrete for basements, footings, walls, driveways, sidewalks and more. This led to a summer working for one of the family's gravel mining operations near Riverdale, ND, where he gained a deeper understanding of the concrete industry and learned important skills that would serve him well in the future.
During that summer working for one of his family's gravel mining operations, Wachter learned about the importance of owning raw materials for the concrete business. "I learned that if you don't own the aggregate, your profits aren't worth it," he said.
After this experience, Wachter shifted his focus to the financial side of the business, working in the finance division of his father's construction and real estate development companies. He worked closely with accountants and gained valuable experience in accounting, finance and cash flow management. "I've always preached to people in business or aspiring to be in business that they need to understand accounting. You need to understand how much money you're making, how much you owe in taxes and where your cash flow is going," Wachter said.
Wachter left college after just one semester to focus on entrepreneurship and real estate development. "My dad encouraged me to learn the real estate development business," he said. "For me, real estate development is about buying raw land and putting in infrastructure and streets, then selling the property to someone else to build houses, apartment buildings or other types of mixed-use property."
Wachter has been a mentor to many and has always emphasized the importance of a solid understanding of finance and accounting in business. He has used the lessons learned from his early experiences to shape his successful career.
The Growth of Investcore and What’s Next
With Investcore, Wachter is a well-known name in the real estate industry. He started his journey on his own with Investcore, purchasing a few tax-lien foreclosure properties south of Bismarck. With an estimated cost of $10,000, Wachter transformed these properties into 50 single-family lots worth approximately $1.5 million in just two years, including a development titled Falconer Estates, named after the former family who owned the property.
Wachter's early days in real estate were marked by option agreements, where he explored the potential for making money by controlling large pieces of property for a small down payment. "There is a ton of money to be made in real estate option agreements. You just put a certain amount of money down for the seller to keep for the right to purchase their property by a certain date," Wachter said.
Investcore has come a long way from its early days, and now the company is gearing up for its next big project—a 2,000-acre development that's set to take place over the coming decades. The company's current project is a 4,500-unit development over the next 25 to 30 years, with an average unit price of $400,000, making it a $1.8 billion project.
Wachter's children are following in his footsteps and becoming a part of the family business. Derek, his oldest son, studied entrepreneurship at the University of North Dakota, and Kayley, his daughter, is currently studying entrepreneurship there as well. His youngest son, Preston, is studying business at the University of Minnesota Morris. Wachter stated that he is proud to have his children involved and feels it is a privilege to pass down his knowledge and passion to the next generation.
Wachter's real estate brokerage firm, Trademark Realty, has been in operation since 2005. It has 41 agents who help people in the Bismarck-Mandan area buy and sell properties. This company has proven to be an asset for Wachter, as he has been able to sell his developed properties through Trademark Realty. The company also works with builders who have bought land from Investcore, assisting them in selling their homes by using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system.
Wachter's approach to his real estate business involves working closely with homebuilders. The company's lot inventory is sold to these builders, who then sell their newly built homes through Wachter's real estate brokerage firm, Trademark Realty. Beyond just selling homes, Wachter and his team also offer construction loans and funding for other projects, giving Wachter the opportunity to indulge in another one of his passions. "I enjoy that aspect of the business because it gives me a bit of that banking and lending experience that I've always wanted," he said.
In his early 20s, Wachter took his real estate development company Investcore, Inc. and set out to bring it to the next level.
Impressive Volunteering Efforts
As a Bismarck resident and community leader, Chad Wachter has made a significant impact through his involvement with local nonprofits. Recently, Wachter played a key role in raising funds for a new hockey facility in the city. This accomplishment is just the latest example of Wachter's dedication to improving the community. In addition, Wachter has formed a partnership with Bismarck Public Schools to offer students real-life experience in the housing industry. The profits from this partnership will go toward creating student scholarships, furthering Wachter's mission to invest in the future of Bismarck's youth.
"Partnerships are not something I usually pursue, but this one is different," Wachter said, referring to his partnership with Poolman and Dr. Hollevoet. “I have great respect for both of them, both as individuals and as successful business people. It's been a truly rewarding experience."
As for his passion for the restaurant and hospitality industry, Wachter sees it as a fun and straightforward business. "The formula for success in the hospitality and restaurant industry is simple," Wachter said. "All you need is a good location, great service, delicious food and reasonable prices. I appreciate that my partners in these business ventures understand and agree with these fundamental elements of success in the industry."
Chad Wachter’s 5 Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
You have to be willing to put in the time.
Being an entrepreneur requires a lot of hard work, dedication and a willingness to put in the time. You can't expect to be successful overnight, and there will be long hours and late nights. But if you're willing to put in the effort, the rewards can be significant. Remember, success is not a destination, it's a journey. Building a successful business takes time and
effort, but the rewards are well worth it. Don't be discouraged by setbacks or obstacles along the way, and keep pushing forward. Successful entrepreneurs are those who are willing to put in the time and effort to make their dreams a reality. So, roll up your sleeves and get to work!
It’s important to have a really good accountant or somebody to give you good tax and financial advice.
Taxes are the largest expense you will face. Having a knowledgeable and experienced accountant or financial advisor is crucial for any entrepreneur. They can help you navigate the complex world of taxes, bookkeeping and financial planning so you can focus on growing your business. A good accountant can also help you identify areas where you can save money and make smart financial decisions that will benefit your business in the long run. They can also
provide valuable insights and advice on investments, business structure and tax planning strategies. Don't try to go it alone when it comes to your finances. Having a trusted advisor on your side can be a game changer and can help you avoid costly mistakes. Invest in a good accountant or financial advisor and you'll be well on your way to achieving financial success.
When borrowing money to finance your business, it's essential to focus on financing growth, not losses.
If you find yourself in a losing position, it's better to make the necessary changes to stop the losses, rather
than constantly extending your debt through a loan or line of credit.
Having a good understanding of accounting and finance is crucial for any business owner.
Starting a business can be a challenging and rewarding journey, but it's important to be mindful of your personal finances.
What is Investcore, Inc.? ?
Investcore Inc., a Bismarck, ND-based land subdivider, is making waves in the North Dakota real estate industry. The company specializes in subdividing land and creating new residential and mixed-use communities in the Bismarck area. With a focus on delivering high-quality projects, Investcore is dedicated to transforming the local landscape one development at a time. Whether it's creating new homes for families or expanding the city's commercial offerings, Investcore is committed to supporting growth and improving the quality of life in Bismarck and the surrounding areas.
CAM KNUTSON’S
AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR NORTHWEST BISMARCK
By Grant Ayers Cam Knutson Owner and Broker of KnutsonRaised in Bismarck, Cam Knutson has always had a passion for the city and its growth. Knutson’s family has been in the real estate industry for over 40 years. Having been surrounded by the industry for years, it’s no surprise that he found a passion and knack for the career. Read on to learn about his rise to prominence, upcoming projects in the area, his 2023 real estate outlook and more!
Knutson left Bismarck to attend North Dakota State University from 2008 to 2012, then worked for Kilbourne Group in Fargo, ND, for six years. He described his time there as “a total blessing to learn about the power of collaboration and intentional human-scale design in real estate.”
However, Knutson admitted that it was always in the cards for him to return to Bismarck. In late 2018, he moved back to work with his family and opened a real estate brokerage. Now, he operates primarily as a real estate developer, as well as a real estate broker.
Emphasizing a heavy focus on family-oriented work, Knutson is working on some more residential developments in the area across two primary projects, Summit Point at Hawktree and Elk Ridge.
THE NEW DEVELOPMENT
Summit Point at Hawktree’s 30-year master plan encompassing nearly 1,000 acres
“We have a new master-planned rural residential development called Summit Point at Hawktree that includes nearly 1,000 acres on the north side of Hawktree Golf Course. Another core area of focus is the Elk Ridge Development, which is a 600-acre master-planned development located in Northwest Bismarck. Two phases have been completed there thus far, with a total of roughly 130 lots, along with a 5.4-acre park in Phase 1 and a new elementary school in Phase 2,” Knutson said.
“At Summit Point at Hawktree, we spent roughly two-and-a-half years master-planning the development, which included involvement from departments within the city, county and state. The project benefits from being located alongside Hawktree Golf Course, a world-class golf course that’s an incredible asset to our community. The golf course itself is owned by a separate ownership group and we commend this group for the vision they turned into reality over twenty years ago. It’s truly amazing what’s been able to be built out there and we are grateful to play a role in the future of the overall Hawktree neighborhood.”
Knutson stated that Summit Point at Hawktree has been a big draw for families and golfers alike, primarily for its close proximity to the city, along with the beauty of the landscape. Over the last four years, Knutson and the team have worked with different families and builders to consider what additional amenities are desired in addition to the golf course.
“We looked at the initial vision that was cast for the area and considered ways to elevate our approach by including amenities rarely seen in
traditional rural developments. We really want to take advantage of the additional open space that's out there by dedicating these spaces to the future owners, as I'm a huge believer in shared community spaces,” Knutson said.
A large part of that focus has been dedicated towards new, forwardthinking amenities, as they’re becoming increasingly common in many other markets, specifically with multi-family and commercial office projects, according to Knutson.
“For decades, it’s always been the same three-story apartments with wraparound garages that are getting built all over the place. They tend to look the same in Bismarck, Fargo and everywhere else,” Knutson said.
“In many markets, we're beginning to see this focus on amenities in apartments, including examples such as gathering spaces, rooftop patios, shared grills and pools. Those shared spaces are something that people really value and get a lot of efficiency out of through the cost-sharing structure. We asked ourselves, 'how do we bring that same shared-use amenity concept to not only regular developments but rural developments, where it's not typically seen?' For us and the Summit Point at Hawktree project, we will be making a multi-million dollar investment into shared community spaces, with the hallmark being our planned Community Center. We're unaware of any examples of a rural development in the state which will be at the level of what we're building out here.”
“Our goal with Summit Point at Hawktree, Elk Ridge and the other projects we develop is to help others establish deeper roots within the community so they can join us in being proud to call our community home forever.”
- Cam KnutsonElk Ridge Elementary School is one of two new elementary schools that opened in the fall of 2022.
The Summit Point Community Center will be located on a five-plus acre lot that overlooks the golf course and is a place where residents can gather with their family, fellow neighbors and friends. The design will focus on year-round usage with an indoor fitness center, working nooks for those that work from home and want to get out of the house for a few hours, an outdoor swimming pool for use during the summer months and a sledding hill for outdoor activities during the winter. It represents the project’s pinnacle as it aims to unite the Summit Point community. As they began work on the project’s master plan, they realized that there are a limited number of lots with direct views of the golf course, so they placed the Community Center lot on one of the best golf course views allowing the breathtaking views of the course to be shared by all of the residents.
“The beauty of this area amazes me every time I’m out on the site. A key component that makes Hawktree Golf Course special is how expansive the course is with different degrees of topography throughout, making every hole completely unique. In the area where the Community Center is planned to be located, there is over 100 feet of elevation change from the buildable area on the top of the hill to Burnt Creek below. This elevated location of the Community Center will provide unobstructed views across the golf course and beyond,” Knutson said.
“We believe many people will appreciate access to shared amenity spaces due to saving opportunities
for their individual homes. There will certainly be owners that still build their own items featured in the Community Center, but we believe there are a lot more who would appreciate only having to invest a small fraction of the cost in the overall Community Center, along with a fraction of the maintenance and cleanup costs,” Knutson said.
“The community center is going to benefit not only neighbors who want a public place to get together, but also families looking to meet new people. It’ll be an amazing place for people wanting to meet neighbors and interact with one another, as well as a great space for the kids or grandkids to play.”
In addition to the inside of the Clubhouse and its amenities, Knutson and the rest of the team aim to develop plenty of opportunities for year-round activities. “We have this amazing topography that's perfect for sledding. We don’t want to create products that are going to be used for five months, then everyone goes into winter hibernation. Bismarck is going to have winter, so let's embrace it,” Knutson said.
Furthermore, trail access is of utmost importance to the team behind the expansive project. Knutson stated that they’re creating a trail connecting this new phase along the north side of the golf course to the existing development to the south, which also allows people ease of access to the Hawktree Clubhouse.
"We're going to have an amazing outdoor swimming pool, indoor fitness center and sledding hills for the colder months available to residents, which is really exciting for us moving forward."
- Cam Knutson
AMENITY-DRIVEN FOR ALL RESIDENTS
• New Community Center
• Outdoor Trails
• Open Spaces
• Additional Amenities Proposed in Future Phases
• New Roadways and Infrastructure
• Access to Neighboring Features:
Hawktree Golf Course
Christian Equine Center
Lewis and Clark Legacy
Bike Trail
Misty Waters Marina
Elk Ridge Park features tennis courts, a playground, plenty of open space and more.
“I'm not aware of any rural development elsewhere in the state that will have this caliber of open space, as well as amenity space. It'd be really tough to do this if it wasn’t for the recent surge of activity that we saw in this area over the last three years. As Bismarck continues growing northwest every year, Hawktree feels more and more connected to the city. Years ago, residents at Hawktree would be a 15 to 20-minute drive away from most places inside the city. Now, you're nearly five minutes from grocery stores, gas stations, the new St. Mary's High School and Elk Ridge Elementary School, with more businesses and destinations coming to Northwest Bismarck each year,” Knutson said.
“Our goal with Summit Point at Hawktree, Elk Ridge and the other projects we develop is to help others establish deeper roots within the community so they can join us in being proud to call our community home forever.”
A 2023 REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK THROUGH THE EYES OF CAM
We saw a huge boom in real estate activity right after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bismarck has always had a generally stable economy with consistently solid growth, and this was certainly seen in the last few years. We started to see things cool in mid-2022 with elevated construction costs and rapid increases in interest rates. We believe this will be a healthy adjustment long-term as we already see supply chain improvement and downward trends for a multitude of costs. I expect our area to settle back into a more sustained amount of new construction over the next few years with lower costs supporting new construction in 2023, and a more stable interest rate forecast further supporting new construction in 2024 and beyond.
MATERIAL COSTS:
We're already seeing material costs fall from the peaks seen in 2021 and 2022. Lumber is a perfect example as lumber futures are essentially back to pre-pandemic levels. At one point, lumber prices more than quadrupled from the lows in 2019 and 2020 to the highs in 2021 and 2022, which is far from normal for the market There’s a difference between an unfortunate, yet tolerable, 20% increase and a 300% to 400% increase with any material or product. A lot of products and materials trailed right behind lumber in spiking, so we expect many other categories to follow in settling back down in price right behind lumber, and that stability is going to be healthy as we get into the construction season of 2023.
INTEREST RATES:
Interest rate increases throughout 2022 were certainly another key factor leading to a real estate cooldown during 2022. For the last several months, we have actually started to see slight decreases in mortgage rates, which peaked last October and November. A lot of the current forecasting indicates that we'll start to see a pivot with a downtick in the federal rates, potentially by late 2023, and then continued reductions through 2024.
The combination of reduced and steady material costs with reduced and eventually steady interest rates will certainly help support stable growth in new construction and the entire real estate market. Stability will be very healthy for the real estate market long-term and will enhance a community like ours that is known for having consistent growth and a strong, steady economy.
: I'm originally from Williston, ND, born and raised. I attended college at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. After school, I came back to Williston and entered the oil and gas industry in early 2006. The industry was really starting to pick back up following a 20-year downturn that began in the mid-80s. I had initially learned about the oil and gas industry from my family, from which I am fourth-generation [working in the oil and gas industry]. My first employer was Halliburton, and after nine years in the industry and a couple of job transitions, I had the opportunity to start my own business. In 2014, with a business plan in hand and a couple of cousins circled around a kitchen table, we launched Creedence Energy Services, an oil and gas specialty chemical sales and service company. We started off with just two of the three founders on payroll because we couldn’t afford all three. Fast-forward to 2023, we now have over 250 full-time employees operating in seven states across the US, with half of the staff based out of western North Dakota.
: I was born and raised in Bismarck and attended college at NDSU. My introduction to the oil industry came through my family’s involvement. My grandad began his career in the oil and gas industry in 1957 as a "scout" for a California Oil Company, now known as Chevron. As a scout, he was the "eyes and ears" and
What Does "Title Curative" Mean?
Kate Black
sought out drilling information, such as the locations of new wells, leasing activity and securing geological information. He later went on to work in the land department where he was exposed to negotiating leases and perfecting titles. In 1967, he went off on his own and founded Inland Oil & Gas Corporation, a full-service land brokerage company to develop prospects, manage the leasing and title curative. My mom took
wyatt Black
Co-Founders of Creedence Energy Services!
over in the early 90s and by the early 2000s, they had seen significant success in the early leasing play of the Bakken/Sanish fields in Mountrail County. We still look for opportunities to lease today, but as the development of the Bakken has progressed, we’ve shifted our approach to purchasing minerals or leases already held by production.
LYNN MOSER PHOTOGRAPHY Malachi Black, Kevin Black and Wyatt Black: There’s a lot of high-fiving at the door. We have three daughters and they keep us very busy! Our girls are now old enough to play sports and we're loving supporting them. Wyatt and I have a shared calendar on our phones that we use to try to work around each other’s and the kids’ schedules. We attend many industry events together, which can be fun but also challenging when planning around the girls’ events and arranging childcare. When we spend time together as a family, we try to put all of our work aside and just be together.
: From the beginning, it’s helped that we both understand the nature of each other’s business and that there are really busy times and that there can be challenging times. There has always been a mutual understanding of the importance of our careers. There are some work-life balances and sacrifices in certain situations where I'm coming home from a trip and grabbing the kids as Kate is shooting off for a trip herself. When we're together, we really try to make sure that the times with each other are intentional.
: When you both love what you do, it's easy to understand when he puts in long hours or is gone because I also appreciate having that time to focus on my business and professional endeavors. There are a few times when it's rock-paperscissors to see who gets to go and we work together to find an alternative plan.
me, this work is about being able to contribute. I want a seat at the table and to have meaningful influence to help move whatever entity, association or project it is forward.”
Threegenerations of Inland Oil and Gas Corporation!
are my flex days, where I try to line up meetings or work on other projects. Though I'm not committed to being in the office on those days, I often find myself there. Our youngest daughter is five and will be going to kindergarten next year. So Fridays have become “our day” and together we run errands and knock out anything else on our to-do list all while prepping for what usually becomes a busy weekend of sports. I’m fortunate to have a lot of flexibility to set my own schedule; that's a luxury that I know a lot of people don't get, so I'm really thankful to have some flexibility that helps us balance family and our careers.
: Time is our biggest obstacle right now. One quick fix to save some time was instead of getting a gym membership, we built a gym in our basement. That saves us 20-plus minutes or so daily in just commuting. After a morning workout, we both help get the kids ready and take turns getting them to school. I’ve had the opportunity to work from home for over 10 years now but am frequently traveling.
: Inland Oil and Gas is always on the lookout for opportunities to acquire additional mineral assets, while being careful not to force a deal just for the sake of making a deal. We keep busy with consulting and appraisal work by assisting mineral owners, attorneys, estate planners and tax professionals manage or evaluate the value of their client’s minerals.
: Creedence Energy is on a pretty rapid growth trajectory right now. Our Williston Basin operation is now the largest employer in the production chemical space, which is a fun milestone. In our Southern Division, we are continuing to expand our footprint across Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. As if that doesn’t keep us busy enough, Kate and I continue to expand our holdings company focused on real estate and business venture investments.
Kate and Wyatt Black’s Influential Books
"About the Author: Tony Hsieh became involved with Zappos as an advisor and investor in 1999, about two months after the company was founded. He eventually joined Zappos full-time in 2000. Under his leadership, Zappos has grown gross merchandise sales from $1.6M in 2000 to over $1 billion in 2008 by focusing relentlessly on customer service."
- 'Delivering Happiness' Amazon Author Bio
"As the founder and CEO of Behance, a company on a mission to empower and organize the creative world, Belsky has studied the habits of especially productive individuals and teams across industries. Now he has compiled the principles and techniques they share, and presents a systematic approach to creative organization and productivity."
- Excerpt of 'Making Ideas Happen' Book Description
"Discover the life-changing memoir that has inspired millions of readers through the Academy Award®–winning actor’s unflinching honesty, unconventional wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction."
- Excerpt of 'Greenlights' Book Description
Chip and his brother Dan have written four New York Times bestsellers: "Made to Stick," "Switch," "Decisive," and "The Power of Moments."
Jon M. Huntsman is the chairman and founder of Huntsman Corporation. Author royalties from this book go to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.:
#1 Don’t let your fear of the unknown squash your dream. You can do it. If you’re a hard worker and are willing to work hard for someone else, you can work hard for yourself too. I think that a lot of people are fearful of “taking the leap” into entrepreneurship because they don’t know everything from A-to-Z about their business and what they want it to be. If you can see the next step in front of you, take it. Starting and running any business is a constant learning experience—the more things you figure out, the less daunting the unknowns are. When my grandad started buying minerals and leases on his own, he didn’t know what Inland would grow to be three generations later. When Wyatt and his cousins started Creedence, they didn’t imagine it would balloon into the business it is today. Both businesses’ successes are examples of just taking the business one step at a time and seizing opportunities as they present themselves.
#2 Get plugged into the industry you're in. Engage with others in your industry. Join a group or an association and be diligent about attending their events and absorbing their content. Be curious and ask good questions. You’ll be surprised how quickly your network will expand and those connections will prove to be valuable when you’re looking for input, solutions or ideas for your own venture.
#3 Attend industry events to connect with other business owners and entrepreneurs. I recall attending events in the early years of my career where I only knew
Creedence Energy’s initial fleet in 2015.
event, I grew my circle by a connection or two and now those connections have morphed into friendships that foster support, business opportunities and professional development, further enhancing my career.
:
#4 Don't be afraid to ask questions to those that have made the attempt, whether it was successful or not. Figure out what worked and what didn't. It's definitely going to be a roller coaster of emotion, so just expect that you're going to work harder than you ever had before, but the reward is definitely there. People have asked me what to do when starting a business. My response initially is “pray.” If you don’t know how to pray, find a good church and learn how to pray (laughing but serious). You need to understand that there are going to be many things that are outside of your control. You just have to accept the fact that when they are, control what you can. Make your best decisions based on the information you have and then you have to just let what's going to happen, happen.
#5 Take a strong initiative and make sure that you’re active in the communities where you’re doing business
Across Dickinson, Minot and Williston, we have team members on Chamber of Commerce boards and some of the Economic Development committees. This allows us to stay engaged with current affairs and participate in many of the community events that help promote business or community fellowship. It gives us the opportunity to give back to the people that helped support us from the beginning.
: Business is really a hobby for both of us as well. We’re always interested in investment opportunities and new business concepts. We’re trying our hand in the vacation rental space by building a vacation home in Medora, just north of the beautiful Bully Pulpit Golf Course. We’re hopeful Medora will be seen as more than just a day trip—that families will stay longer and revel in the beauty of the badlands!
progression throughout a season. Sports are an excellent opportunity for our youth to learn to work as a team and grow through both successes and failures. One of my favorite things about Bismarck is the vast array of opportunities for kids whether it be sports, music, 4-H or STEM programs.
: With Creedence, I want our company to be the preferred energy partner across the US. Kate and I want to continue to expand our network in the business community which will, in turn, allow us to diversify our knowledge and investments.
: Consistency. For us, it's about being ready when the right opportunities come along and not forcing them. In terms of personal goals, being involved in the community is important to me. I spend a lot of time volunteer-coaching my daughters' sports teams and love seeing the
: We live in such a businessfriendly, innovative state. If you want to start a business, this is the place to do it. The leadership from the governor's office is terrific in supporting the business community. North Dakota has made available many tax and grant benefits. It's evident that they’re here to help and make sure that you have every tool and resource available as you get started and set up. We truly couldn't live in a better place than North Dakota.
: North Dakotans are the best. It’s my theory that we’re just a few generations removed from some of the toughest, hardest-working, most determined people known to earth—the ones who braved the challenging conditions and homesteaded in North Dakota. Sure, we love to get out and travel, but ultimately couldn’t see ourselves living anywhere other than here, amongst genuine, honest and hardworking North Dakotans.
Nonprofit of the Month: North Dakota Assistive
AssistiveNorth Dakota Assistive was first launched in 2000 with the mission to provide assistive technology (AT) demonstrations and offer support device loans to allow people with disabilities to live independently. Furthermore, North Dakota Assistive was launched to serve people at an affordable cost under the operations of a nonprofit.
North Dakota Assistive was designated by former Governor Ed Schafer as the implementing entity for the Statewide Assistive Technology Act Program in 1993. North Dakota Assistive is governed by a Board of Directors and is provided program guidance through a Consumer Advisory Council. This council is made up of individuals and agency staff representing a range of ages, abilities and regions of the state.
Today, North Dakota Assistive is providing assistance and impacts thousands of people across the region. With a plethora of services, AT categories and funding opportunities, the nonprofit organization is committed to making a difference, one day at a time. I talked with Mike Chaussee, Executive Director of North Dakota Assistive, regarding North Dakota Assistive’s growth, impact on the community, its message for awareness and more.
By Grant Ayers | Photos Courtesy of Mike Chaussee and North Dakota“We are constantly following advances in the field of assistive technology so that we have the expertise to consistently provide comprehensive, quality services. The services that we provide can cover a broad range of needs. This includes assistance in the classroom, the community and at work, as well as technology to allow those experiencing the effects of aging to safely remain living in their own homes. Providing funding and distribution programs is another integral segment of our organization. We feel that all people should be given the opportunity to learn about, try and afford assistive technology devices.”
2000, the organization has grown tenfold and is continuing to expand its reach and impact further every year. Not only does the organization continue to grow in distance and audience reach, North Dakota Assistive is growing in the number of opportunities available for people with disabilities as well.
“We’ve taken on new programs, expanded into other parts of the state and continue to serve thousands of people annually. Through our role as the state’s Assistive Technology Act program, we are charged with serving the entire state of North Dakota. In looking for ways to spread awareness outside of Fargo and Bismarck, we’ve increased our marketing efforts and started the Rural Services Initiative. Our Rural Services Initiative includes an effort to get AT kits into 25 North Dakota communities,” Chaussee said.
“The kits house about 15 of our most popular AT devices. So far, we’ve recruited
nine “ambassadors” in smaller North Dakota towns who receive the kits and make the devices available for people in their communities. Additionally, we have started an evidence-based program called Community Aging in Place—Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE).
“The idea is that an occupational therapist (OT) and a registered nurse (RN) work with a handy worker to identify and make modest changes to someone’s living environment to ensure that they can live safely in that space for as long as possible. The evidence gathered will show that having an OT and RN involved will increase successful utilization of the modifications and/or adaptive equipment received by the person.”
North Dakota Assistive has remained committed to the same goals since the first day. The only things that have changed, however, are the scope of their mission, ambition and vision, as well as their range of services.
Did You Know?
North Dakota Assistive services are supported by a variety of funding sources including the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Community Living; the North Dakota Department of Human Services, Aging Services and Vocational Rehabilitation Divisions; the State of Minnesota, MN STAR; and private donations.
North Dakota Assistive also actively seeks other funding sources and projects that fit their mission.
What is North Dakota Assistive?
North Dakota Assistive is a nonprofit organization that strives to bring assistive technology devices and services into the lives of North Dakotans and Minnesotans of all ages who need it. The organization’s goal is to help bridge the gap between ability and disability by using assistive technology.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) is any device that can help someone overcome limitations. Think of AT as a tool in your toolbox for living. Just like a gardener uses a shovel or a farmer uses a plow, AT makes it possible to do something that at times seems nearly impossible. The organization likes to say that assistive technology helps people live, work, learn or play.
One of ND Assistive's clients playing a game with classmates in gym class—something he would have been unable to do without his Trexo walker device through ND Assistive!“The vision has grown exponentially. The pressure on people and communities due to the lack of workforce and the threat of isolation is dramatic. Assistive technology is a real, tangible answer to these problems,” Chaussee said.
Today, many of these threats are more present than ever before. Despite these challenges, North Dakota assistive has overcome obstacles to provide free devices for safety, communication, independence, hearing, speech and mobility to nearly 980 recipients at a value of more than $150,000!
Furthermore, North Dakota Assistive has offered demonstrations to more than 1,000 people last year alone. At the time of writing, they also have 37 financial loans out for people who need low-interest financing to afford things like modified vans, home modifications and other expensive equipment.
Q&A with mike chaussee
What sets you apart from other organizations in your community?
There are no other organizations that do this. There are places that recycle medical equipment—walkers, canes, scooters—but nobody works with AT like we do. The closest thing would probably be special education teachers in schools (there are AT professionals in some large school systems, including Fargo) who provide devices for kids so that they can succeed in the classroom.
Can you explain the services that you offer today and how they contribute to/ support the mission?
We demonstrate devices in an accessible location where clients can see them in action. We lend them out for free so people can try them before they invest in them. We offer training on how to use the devices. We also offer training to professionals who work
with people with disabilities. We have several programs that help people access devices for free if they can't afford them on their own. And probably most importantly, we open others’ eyes to possibilities that can come with assistive technology by promoting the benefits.
What services will a donor's money go to when contributing to the mission?
Every aspect of what we do is designed to get assistive technology into the hands of people so they can thrive wherever they choose to live. We do it in many ways, from gifting devices to just showing people how they work. Donor money helps make it all happen, including the gifting of devices.
What ways can people donate to the organization without giving money?
We would love volunteers to help us clean up the equipment that we get back after someone no longer needs it. Also, we think it would be super cool to have a couple of people available to help install devices in homes and troubleshoot when things aren't working right. There are times when something as simple as a dead battery keeps someone from using their device.
Both in and outside of North Dakota Assistive, Chaussee states that there is always a solution out there if you know where to start looking. North Dakota Assistive is always welcoming of donations to support their cause, financially and in other ways.
“Spread the word that assistive technology is a solution and there is a nonprofit that can help you or someone you love find the best technology for their needs. It's not scary! Anyone can use this stuff. In fact, if they can't, there's probably another assistive technology that can ensure they can,” Chaussee said.
Four Things You May Not Know About North Dakota Assistive and assistive technology
1: North Dakota Assistive’s devices and services assist caregivers nearly as much as the person who needs the device. There are few people on the planet who won't benefit from assistive technology at some point in their life.
2: Assistive technology doesn't mean complex digital systems all the time, it can be as simple as a rubber band placed in the right spot. Most people have no idea what kinds of technology are available to help them, but when they discover it, their lives are changed.
3 : When someone works with us, they usually benefit from multiple programs we offer—some of them provide devices for free. We know other funding sources and often leverage them for people when they need the support. We have helped people fund devices that cost less than $200 that have literally kept someone out of a nursing home for a decade or more.
4: We serve people of all ages and all disabilities, including those that emerge as we age.
- North Dakota Assistive
About the VBOC
SpecialistThe Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has 22 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as VBOCs.
Leading and Managing in a Small Business L
Leading and managing a small business can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Small businesses often have limited resources, including financial, human and technological resources, which can make it difficult to compete with larger companies. However, with the right leadership and management techniques, small businesses can not only survive but thrive in today's marketplace.
Leadership is the ability to guide, inspire and motivate a group of people toward a common goal. In a small business, the leader must wear many hats and be able to adapt to changing circumstances. They must be able to think strategically, make difficult decisions and effectively communicate with employees, customers and other stakeholders.
JulieHinker,Veterans Business Specialist
Being a leader of a small business requires a combination of strategic thinking, effective communication and strong management skills. Here are some tips on how to be a successful leader for your small business:
1. Creating a clear vision and communicating it to your team is one of the most important aspects of leading and managing a small business.
A clear vision provides direction, focus and purpose for your team and helps to align everyone's efforts toward a common goal. Here are some of the reasons why creating a clear vision and communicating it to your team is so important:
Motivation: When team members understand the company's vision and see how their work contributes to its success, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged in their work. This can result in increased productivity and higher job satisfaction.
Alignment: A clear vision provides a roadmap for decisionmaking and helps to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals. This alignment helps to avoid confusion and
reduces the risk of working at cross purposes, leading to more efficient and effective use of resources.
Focus: A clear vision helps to keep everyone focused on the most important tasks and objectives. It serves as a reminder of what is truly important, which can help teams to stay on track and avoid distractions.
Transparency: When team members are informed about the company's vision and goals, they have a better understanding of what is expected of them and can work more effectively toward meeting those expectations. This increased transparency can lead to improved trust and collaboration among team members.
Adaptability: A clear vision can help businesses to remain adaptable and flexible in the face of change. When everyone is working towards the same goal, it becomes easier to pivot and make changes, when necessary, without losing sight of the bigger picture.
This provides direction, focus and motivation, and helps to align everyone's efforts toward a common goal. By communicating your vision effectively, you can foster a positive and supportive work environment, increase transparency and create a culture of continuous improvement and growth.
Photo Courtesy of VBOCoftheDakotasHere are some of the reasons why being adaptable and flexible is so important:
Responding to Change: The business world is constantly evolving, and leaders must be able to respond quickly to changes in the market, technology and customer demands. An adaptable and flexible leader is better equipped to respond to new challenges and opportunities and to make the necessary adjustments to their business strategy.
Avoiding Stagnation: Being adaptable and flexible helps to avoid stagnation and keeps a business moving forward. By embracing change and trying new approaches, leaders can continuously improve their businesses and stay ahead of the competition.
Encouraging Innovation: An adaptable and flexible leader is more likely to encourage innovation and creativity within their team. By being open to new ideas and approaches, leaders can create an environment where team members feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things.
Improving Resilience: Being adaptable and flexible can help leaders and their businesses become more resilient. By being able to adjust quickly to changes and overcome challenges, businesses are less likely to falter and can continue to thrive even in the face of adversity.
Improving Team Morale: When leaders are adaptable and flexible, they create a culture of positivity and collaboration within their team. Team members are more likely to feel valued and appreciated when they see their leaders making adjustments to meet their needs and respond to changes.
Being adaptable and flexible is a critical trait for leaders in a small business. It helps to respond to change, avoid stagnation,
encourage innovation, improve resilience and boost team morale. By embracing change and being open to new ideas and approaches, leaders can create a thriving and dynamic business that is well-positioned for success in the future.
Integrity refers to a leader's honesty, ethics and values, and is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Here are some of the reasons why leading with integrity is so important:
Building Trust: Leaders who act with integrity are more likely to build trust among their employees, customers and partners. When people trust a leader, they are more likely to feel confident in their abilities and more willing to follow their guidance.
Improving Reputation: A leader who consistently acts with integrity will have a positive reputation, which can be a valuable asset for a small business. A strong reputation can help attract new customers, employees and partners, and can also increase the business's value.
Creating a Positive Work Culture: Leaders who act with integrity can create a positive work culture within their businesses. When employees see their leaders acting ethically and with honesty, they are more likely to follow suit and develop a strong sense of pride in their work.
Fostering Loyalty: Leaders who act with integrity are more likely to foster loyalty among their employees. When employees trust their leaders and believe in their values, they are more likely to stay with the company for the long term.
Encouraging Ethical Behavior: Leaders who act with integrity can set an example for ethical behavior within their business. By demonstrating a commitment to honesty, ethics and values, leaders can encourage their employees to act in ways that are aligned with the company's goals and values.
2. As a leader in a small business, being adaptable and flexible is essential to navigating the ever-changing landscape of the business world.
3. Leading with integrity is an essential trait needed for building trust and credibility in a small business.
Leading with integrity helps to build trust, improve reputation, create a positive work culture, foster loyalty and encourage ethical behavior. By consistently acting with honesty and ethics, leaders can build a strong foundation for their business and create a culture that is focused on growth, innovation and success.
4. Effective financial management is crucial for the success and growth of a small business.
Here are some of the reasons why managing finances effectively is so important:
Making Smart Decisions: By having a clear understanding of their financial situation, small business owners can make informed decisions about how to allocate resources and grow their businesses. This can include investments in marketing, product development and hiring new employees.
Staying on Budget: Effective financial management helps small business owners stay on budget and avoid overspending. By closely monitoring their expenses and revenue, owners can identify areas where they may be able to cut costs and maximize their profits.
Maintaining Cash Flow: Maintaining positive cash flow is essential for the survival of a small business. Effective financial management helps owners track their cash flow and ensure they have sufficient funds to cover their expenses, pay their employees and invest in growth opportunities.
Managing finances effectively allows us to make smart business decisions while staying on budget. This will allow business owners to ensure the long-term success of their businesses.
5. Encouraging and rewarding employees is essential for building a motivated and productive team in a small business.
Here are some of the reasons why managing finances effectively is so important:
Boosting Morale: Encouraging and rewarding employees can have a positive impact on morale. When employees feel appreciated and valued, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their work.
Improving Retention: Encouraging and rewarding employees can also improve retention. When employees feel fulfilled and satisfied in their work, they are less likely to leave the company and more likely to remain loyal over the long term.
Fostering a Positive Work Culture: A culture of encouragement and rewards can help create a positive
work environment and foster a sense of community among employees. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to collaborate and support each other, leading to a more productive and successful team.
Recognizing Achievements: Encouraging and rewarding employees provides an opportunity to recognize their achievements and contributions to the company. This recognition can boost employee confidence and motivation, and inspire them to work even harder.
Improving Performance: By encouraging and rewarding employees, leaders can improve their overall performance. When employees know that their efforts will be recognized and rewarded, they are more likely to work harder and perform at a higher level.
Encouraging and rewarding employees is an important aspect of leadership in a small business. It helps to boost morale, improve retention, foster a positive work culture, recognize achievements and improve performance. By taking the time to encourage and reward employees, leaders can build a motivated and productive team that is focused on the success of the business.
In conclusion, leading and managing a small business requires a wide range of skills and abilities. Strong leaders and managers must be able to create a clear vision, inspire and motivate employees, effectively communicate with customers and stakeholders, manage finances and make difficult decisions. With the right leadership and management techniques, small businesses can not only survive but thrive!
VBOC of the Dakotas
(701) 738-4850 und.edu/dakotasvboc
@dakotasvboc
@DakotasVBOC
4200 James Ray Dr Grand Forks, ND 58201
Women You Should Know
Bailey Jangula and Jenny Samuelson
Empowered by Ladyboss Lifestyle
Photos Courtesy of Annie Senne with Reel Love
Bailey grew up taking dance classes from her mom, competing all over the region. Once she graduated high school and wanted to continue pursuing dance, she packed her bags and enrolled in a year-long program in Las Vegas. After coming home for the summer, she taught some classes at her mom’s studio and fell in love with teaching. Bailey made the decision to stay and keep teaching with her mom.
“I basically created a position for myself that was hard to leave. Once you see the progress of the dancers and have that community surrounding you, it’s hard to say goodbye to that,” Bailey said.
That community has now become part of her family. Let’s Dance Studio is now run by Jenny, Bailey, Amy Mason, Tema Bold, Krysi Greff and a couple of other older dancers.
“I have probably 10 cousins taking classes at the studio, so I don’t just work with my mom and aunt, but I also get to see and be a part of the growth of my own family members at the same time," Bailey said.
I asked Bailey what it’s like working with her mom and what the studio means to her.
Women You Should Know
Let's Dance Studio offers classes for ages 18 months to 18 years of age, all hosted by dance professionals.
Bailey Jangula and Jenny Samuelson
“It’s such a shared passion; all of our conversations revolve around dance and the studio and work, but our conversations don’t feel like work," Bailey said.
This isn’t to say there aren’t struggles that come with a familyowned business. Bailey opened up about some of the difficulties there can be when operating a dance studio.
“The dance industry is really hard to be in, it’s such a niche. Bismarck doesn’t have a lot of industry professionals, so we really encourage our dancers to travel and compete all over. It’s good to get coaching from other professionals so they can get different perspectives and become the best dancers," Bailey said.
Luckily, their team has a very talented ballet instructor, Tema Bold. Tema is from Mongolia but was raised in Russia from the age of 11. He trained at a ballet boarding school until he turned 18. While traveling with his dance team in the United States, he came across Bismarck and met Jenny. After deciding he wanted to settle down in the city, he joined the studio and has been teaching ballet classes ever since.
“We’re so lucky to have him, he’s so knowledgeable in ballet and really enjoys it," Bailey said.
And speaking of enjoyment, I asked Bailey if she most enjoys teaching ballet or if there’s another class she likes teaching more.
“Technique. I think it’s almost like math in school, you can really structure it and see exact progress and how to manipulate your body. It comes so much easier when you start young because you’re doing the moves over and over," Bailey said.
Through this passion for the sport, Let’s Dance Studio has created a wonderful, family-like community in Bismarck. Let’s Dance Studio offers various class opportunities for those ages 3 to 18, with special opportunities for caregivers and toddlers as well.
Let's Dance Studio offers classes ranging from hip-hop to musical theatre and classical to contemporary!
“The loyalty here is so strong. Our dancers feel like family to us, even their siblings will come to the studio to watch them dance or play with other dance siblings because the studio really is all about family," Bailey said.
Outside of Bailey’s busy coaching schedule, she enjoys going to the gym, hanging out with her cats and her boyfriend in her newly built home and traveling. As far as the future of the studio, Bailey says they’re most likely to stick around Bismarck, with the possibility of other family members potentially opening a studio elsewhere.
“It really has become a labor of love for us. It’s hard to find people who care about the business as much as we do," Bailey said.
If you’ve been thinking about signing up for dance lessons or signing up your child, Let’s Dance Studio always welcomes new dancers to the studio. You can visit their website at letsdancestudio.com/contact or message their Facebook page to register.
Contact Let’s Dance Studio
701.222.1052
letsdancestudio.com/contact
letsdance@midconetwork.com
/LetsDanceStudioBismarck
@letsdancestudio
4600 N 19th St, Bismarck, ND 58503