Bis-Man INC! June 2023

Sponsored Content: Mobile Pro Setting the Standard for Live Production

Sponsored Content: Halberstadt's is Going Above and Beyond in Bismarck

Sponsored Content: Go Promo's Team is Pushing Each Other to New Heights

The Ambition of Endurance Industries

An Update from The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC

Nonprofit of the Month: Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park

A Small Business Owner's Journey to Soundtracking Bismarck-Mandan Good

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

Director of Creative Strategies

Graphic Designer Web Developer 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

Ty Betts, Levi Dinh

Josiah Kopp

Gary Ussery

Wendy Klug, Arielle Windham, Ladyboss Lifestyle

Nick Schommer

Kellen Feeney

Tommy Uhlir

Jonathan Chicka

Megan Bergeson

Ben Buchanan Kory Powell-Oliver

Ryne Bigelow

Paul Hoefer

Paul@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Al Anderson Al@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Devan Maki Devan@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Sales & Marketing Advisor

Marketing Associate

Client Relations

Client Relations Manager

Marketing Coordinator

Operations Assistant

DISTRIBUTION Delivery

Tori Helland Tori@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Hailey Bebler Hailey@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

ClientRelations@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Jenny Johnson

Jessica Mullen

Miranda Knudson

John Stuber

ADVERTISING: 701-478-SPOT (7768)

PUSHING EACH OTHER TO THE TOP

behind multiple ventures underneath their parent company, Endurance Industries. The duo behind companies such as CityScapes Landscaping, Vantage View Decks, and Nordak Sauna Co. have continually pushed and supported each other for years. Through thick and thin, they've stood by each other and ensured that each new business venture finds growth and success greater than the one launched prior.

While they've faced their fair share of challenges and hurdles to overcome since the beginning of their journey, they've found it much easier to take on new obstacles as a team. While their story is nothing short of inspirational, that doesn't make their success any less obtainable. If there's any message to take away from their story, it's to find your own teammate to grow and develop with.

Too often, entrepreneurs take pride in saying they accomplished things singlehandedly. Admitting, and using, a little extra help can make a dramatic difference in a person's entrepreneurial trajectory. A show of support, no matter how small, can be all that's needed to give someone the confidence to take their venture to the next level.

Very few successful entrepreneurs out there would say that they made it as far as they have without anyone in their corner. Nearly everyone in the world of business has someone to credit as a mentor, role model, or inspirational partner. Having that extra person or team as support can provide some further insight, knowledge, and motivation to reach new goals. To myself, Michael Schwieters and Nathan Schlosser are the perfect embodiment of this type of supportive working relationship.

In this month's issue of Bis-Man INC!, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Schwieters and Schlosser, the brains

Whether it be a lifelong friend or a new customer, find that person to be in your corner and support you. Or, even better, be that person in someone else's corner. If Schwieters and Schlosser have made anything clear, it's that people can do remarkable things with a little support from others around them.

MIKE BRADY KIM

LEVI TY

GENEVA

GRANT

SAM JOSIAH

JENNY

AL DEVAN TORI

HAILEY MIRANDA

JESSICA

NICK

KORY MEGAN

TOMMY JONATHAN

RYNE JOHN

What are Wrap Documents?

today's fast-paced business landscape, efficiency and compliance are paramount to achieving sustainable growth. Amidst complex legal and regulatory requirements, organizations are turning to wrap documents as a strategic tool to simplify operations, mitigate risks, and ensure adherence to industry standards. In this article, we explore the significance of wrap documents and how they can enhance efficiency while maintaining compliance.

What are Wrap Documents?

Wrap documents, also known as wrap plans or summary plan descriptions, serve as comprehensive frameworks for employee benefit plans. They consolidate various benefit provisions, such as retirement plans, health insurance, life insurance, and other welfare programs, into a single document. This consolidated approach streamlines the administration process by providing employees with a clear overview of their benefits and rights.

Simplifying Compliance

One of the primary advantages of wrap documents is their ability to simplify compliance efforts. By combining multiple benefit plans into a single document, businesses can ensure consistency and accuracy in communicating plan details to employees. This eliminates confusion and reduces the risk of non-compliance due to discrepancies or incomplete information.

Moreover, wrap documents assist in complying with regulatory obligations imposed by entities such as the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). These documents outline the requirements and parameters of various benefit plans, enabling businesses to align their practices with legal standards.

Enhancing Efficiency

By consolidating benefit

information, wrap documents

significantly enhance operational efficiency. Employees can access and understand their benefits more easily, reducing the time and effort required for inquiries and support. The simplified approach also facilitates the onboarding process for new hires, as they receive a comprehensive overview of the organization's benefits in one document. Additionally, wrap documents streamline administrative tasks for HR personnel. Rather than managing separate documents for each benefit plan, HR teams

701.751.0141

contact@strohandassociates.com

StrohAndAssociates.com

can update and distribute a single document, saving time and resources. This centralized approach ensures consistency across all benefit communications and reduces the likelihood of errors or omissions.

Mitigating Legal Risks

Compliance errors and inadequate documentation can expose businesses to legal risks and financial penalties. Wrap documents act as a safeguard by providing organizations with a comprehensive record of plan terms, disclosures, and participant rights. In the event of an audit or legal dispute, having a well-drafted wrap document can serve as a critical defense, demonstrating that the organization has made diligent efforts to comply with legal obligations.

Seeking Professional Guidance

Creating a robust and compliant wrap document requires careful consideration of legal and regulatory requirements. Engaging the services of legal professionals or benefits consultants with expertise in employee benefits can ensure that the document is comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date. These experts can assist in tailoring the document to specific organizational needs and help navigate the complexities of benefit plan compliance.

In an era of increasing regulatory scrutiny and the need for operational efficiency, wrap documents have emerged as invaluable tools for businesses. By consolidating benefit plans into a single, well-structured document, organizations can simplify compliance efforts, enhance operational efficiency, and mitigate legal risks. Investing time and resources into developing a comprehensive wrap document is an investment in streamlining business operations and ensuring employees have a clear understanding of their benefits.

By Josiah Kopp

ou have a big event coming up, and you're feeling the pressure of making it a home run with your guests. Maybe you've worked with live production crews in the past and the experience was overwhelming. With so many moving pieces that go into an event, that's completely understandable, which is why you need a team that's going to make everything from planning to execution a breeze. That's exactly where Mobile Pro shines. From lighting, sound, video and visuals, the team at Mobile Pro are your go-to gurus for an out-of-the-park successful event. The team at Mobile Pro is here to make your next event a huge success, all while relieving pressure from you, the client.

| Photos submitted by Mobile Pro

University of Jamestown's Dine and Bid Gala

One of the hallmarks that Mobile Pro prides itself on is sustainability within the live production industry. By nature, live production is a high-pressure industry, covering numerous events back-to-back-to-back. That's why CEO Brian Bestge is laserfocused on creating not just a great experience for clients, but also creating a sustainable ecosystem for his team. What that looks like for Bestge is having the ability to invest in his crew and support a robust, experienced team, creating efficiencies, and encouraging a work-life balance.

"We have a lot of people who were with us when we started Mobile Pro that are still with us," Bestge said. "So when we talk about sustainability, it's consistency to the client, and it's consistency to the overall product we're putting out."

One of Bestge's main goals for Mobile Pro is to support that sustainable growth. To achieve that, Bestge is future-focused and open-minded, always looking at new opportunities and unique ways to create outstanding experiences for clients, whether that's implementing new technologies or pushing the envelope on what is "possible." At the end of the day, Bestge's mission is to make a positive difference for the client and for the community.

Another way Bestge is helping promote sustainability is by giving his team the leadership to be creative in making each event unique. Mobile Pro often works with nonprofits that rely on the success of their fundraising event for a prosperous year of operation, so there's a lot at stake in making their event enjoyable and memorable for their guests. Additionally, some clients don’t have a solid idea of what they need, and look to Mobile Pro to provide expert recommendations, thinking outside the box offering innovative and unique solutions.

Nick Walters switching live video content at a morning event in Grand Forks.

The entire process of working with the Mobile Pro team couldn't be more seamless. From day one of booking an event, Whitney Wright, executive director of client services is at the forefront of communication with the client, asking all the right questions to ensure a seamless planning and estimation process. This is especially important when working with nonprofits on fundraising events. "We want [our clients' fundraisers] to be super successful, so that drives us to do things differently," Wright said.

Once Wright has confirmed the booking and their vision for the event, Mobile Pro's Director of Client Experience Shannon Jacobson takes the baton. Jacobson is there from beginning to end to make sure the client has a great experience and every detail of planning is treated with care. “The best part of my job is working with my production crew to bring our client’s vision to life.”

"We often work directly with the venue and hired event planners to ensure everyone has the same details and is on the same page. The more we can correspond directly with each other helps to alleviate that stress from the client," Jacobson said. "We will also coordinate details and answer questions with keynote and breakout session speakers, musical acts, and other talents to ensure all of their technology requirements are met."

But what if you as the client aren't sure of everything you want? Rest assured—as the live production experts, Jacobson and the

Before (top) and after (bottom) shows how Mobile Pro is able to take a space and magically transform it to fit any style or theme of event, creating an unforgettable experience.

Mobile Pro team are always ready to provide thoughtful recommendations and guide the initiative for the best possible outcome.

"Whether it’s a gala fundraiser, an important company meeting, or a multi-day conference, first impressions play a major role in event success. We’re here to be the experts in production," Jacobson reassures. "Tell us your vision and with a few answered questions we can offer our insight and suggest the right technologies to make your guests’ experience unforgettable from the moment they step in the room."

This is the moment! It's the day of your event, and it's time to bring every planned detail to life. This is where Video Specialist Nick Walters (more from him on the next page) and the rest of the technical team come in, executing every detail seamlessly behind the scenes, ensuring the entire event runs smoothly and creates an impactful experience engaging all the senses.

And it doesn't end when the night is over; after each event, Jacobson sends out a survey to the client and internal meetings are held to ensure constant room for growth and efficiencies. For them, it's all about finding a formula that works and then personalizing each experience so that every event is unique from the next.

This approach has proven to be successful for the Mobile Pro team, as they're continuing to reach new growth goals and setting themselves apart as a long-term player in the

industry; as other businesses are scaling back, Mobile Pro is scaling up.

As Mobile Pro continues to grow, Bestge's hope is that people will be attracted to Mobile Pro's journey and mission, whether working with them as a client or joining the team. When you work with Mobile Pro as a client, you're treated like family: "We always call our clients family members, because you become part of the family once you're a Mobile Pro client," Bestge said. "And even with our employees, it's the same thing. We're a family. We look at the person as a whole not just as an asset that does work for us."

With values like this in place, it's no wonder people love working with Mobile Pro and continue working with them year after year. Mobile Pro isn't just another live production crew—they go above and beyond the status quo, from providing unforgettable experiences for clients and longlasting nurturing for team members. Below are a couple of client testimonials on why they love working with Mobile Pro for their events, as well as hear from Nick Walters, one of Mobile Pro's team members, on why he loves working at Mobile Pro and learn about what his role looks like.

Mobile Pro is the production company we at the University of Jamestown use for a variety of events but primarily, our annual gala fundraiser, Dine and Bid. Mobile Pro constantly takes our events to the next level, which is why we have worked with them for over 10 years and counting! Their attention to detail and wide array of equipment is perfect for any themed event we could ever envision. Their staff is accommodating, creative, and diligent in creating the best production possible."

- Bryce Nybo, University of Jamestown

Mobile Pro has been our go-to event production company at BIO Girls for years. Brian and his team have never failed to fuel our event vision with creativity and passion. Each year they bring new ideas to the table to help us share our mission in unique ways. Their organization, communication, and ability to go above and beyond are unmatched! This fall will be our fourth gala produced by Mobile Pro."

- Macy Kraemer, Bio Girls

By Grant Ayers |

Halberstadt’s in Bismarck proudly aims to have every one of their customers leaving their doors satisfied with their wardrobing experience. The locally owned and operated full-service men’s store holds the customer’s expectation of experience with the highest of priorities, as great word-of-mouth and customer service are some of the many qualities that bring customers back to Halberstadt’s time and time again.

We connected with Alex Dahl, co-owner of Halberstadt’s Bismarck, where we discussed a standard shopping experience at Halberstadt’s, how they’re setting themselves apart from the competition, the latest products on the market, the benefits of being a long-term client, and much more.

Meet The Team at Halberstadt’s in Bismarck!

Photos by Josiah Kopp

At the beginning of any customer’s wardrobing experience, they want to ensure that each and every client feels heard by one of their team members. Whether you’re shopping to plan for a wedding, or just looking to add to your casual everyday style, a Halberstadt’s team member will work alongside you every step of the way.

Longtime customers have the added benefit of an in-depth connection with one of their devoted team members. As they’ve grown with you, they’ve come to learn your sense of style and what works best for you.

A Halberstadt’s team member will then take the customer’s fitting measurements to find the perfect fit, no matter the occasion. Ensuring comfort during any occasion is one of the highest priorities for Halberstadt’s, as feeling comfortable is one of the key traits to looking confident.

One of the many benefits of developing a connection with a Halberstadt’s team member is knowing a customer’s measurements. While they always want the most up-todate measurements to ensure that only the most accurate of styles are leaving their doors, they’ve formed a connection with the customer over time and have developed that connection.

Choosing items based on the customer's needs

Recommending additional secondary items

Trying on items for fit

Showing the customer how to wear

After all measurements are taken, a Halberstadt’s team member will begin recommending items based on the occasion, fit, what’s trending, the client’s personal preferences, and more. The items recommended to you take many factors into consideration, including budget, style, and more.

For any long-term customer that has grown that bond between team member and client, the experts at Halberstadt’s know what you like, as well as what you don’t like. After having gotten to know you, they can avoid recommending products that aren’t in line with your taste, or showcase new products that may be just the thing for you.

Lastly, the team at Halberstadt’s will showcase and recommend any other additional items that may pair well with the style and fit currently selected by the customer. It could very well be the “cherry on top” to enhance your wardrobe and take your outfit to the next level.

With longtime customers, they may have already found these additional items, as Halberstadt’s team members have previously learned about your personal taste and style preferences. That deep-rooted bond allows for an improved experience that comes with knowledge.

Showing items for special order Putting

1. Johnston & Murphy shoes

2. G/FORE vests

3. G/FORE Snapback Hats

4. Peter Millar polos

5. Peter Millar quarter zips

6. 7Diamonds pants

“We have some upcoming community events, including a golf scramble! We try to get out and have fun in the community, such as at Chamber EDC events. We’re always looking to take our customers out to lunch and get to know them better. We focus on building a partnership and getting to know our community, so each day is a new adventure.”

- Mel Garner, Account Manager Mel@justgopromo.com | 701.219.7310, ext 704

Go Promo’s Team is Pushing Each Other to New Heights

By Grant Ayers | Photos by Josiah Kopp

el Garner and Jocey Braunberger, account managers of Go Promo in Bismarck, are having the time of their lives leaving a positive impact on the Bis-Man community. The two employees primarily represent Go Promo’s Bismarck location as the company spreads further across North Dakota. I sat down with Mel and Jocey to discuss how they first crossed paths with the business, the value of client relationships, and more.

Before her introduction to Go Promo, Mel spent several years in the medical field. She grew up alongside Randy Glandt, owner Casey Glandt’s wife, who asked her if she would be interested in joining their team as they expanded west into Bismarck. Mel started shortly after that conversation when she was hired as an account manager for Go Promo.

“It was entirely new to me, but customer service has always been a strong point of mine. I’m extroverted and like to get out in the community, so I knew that it would be a great fit! As the face

of Go Promo in Bismarck at the beginning, I was responsible for representing our customer service, authenticity, and integrity that we hold to high standards in our business. Now, I feel like I'm growing as a person by being more brave to get out there and more confident in my knowledge of the field,” Mel said.

Jocey, on the other hand, attended VCSU, where she played golf and studied business with a marketing focus. When she was formerly working at a country club, Casey Glandt’s brother, a customer of hers, mentioned that Casey was

looking for a hard worker to join his team and thought that she would be an excellent fit.

Jocey came on as a project specialist at the top of 2022, where she helped account managers, such as Mel, with everyday tasks and picked up experience. Since she joined, Jocey and Mel have grown both Go Promo as a whole, as well as in their professional careers through business experience.

“When I became an account manager in the fall of 2022, I started to take on accounts and have a more hands-on role

within the company. When I graduated college, I switched to full-time shortly after. Now I’m pitching ideas, rather than just helping get things done. Plus, Mel and I have become really close; I consider her one of my best friends. Her clients are so lucky to have her! We have a great team culture that anyone would want to be a part of,” Jocey said.

“Jocey’s a young and ambitious go-getter, so we’re just kicking butt and meeting new people in the Bis-Man business world. We push each other to be more productive and at the end of

The dynamic duo at Go Promo’s Bismarck location!

“Our Bismarck office is a little bit smaller than what we have in West Fargo now, but West Fargo’s office took 10 years to develop. Imagine where we can be in just a few years. My customer service and communication skills have grown so much since starting. It’s much easier to make phone calls to potential clients and communicate transparently with clients to make their job easier. It's been a fantastic first year of a real career.”

- Jocey Braunberger, Account Manager

Jocey@justgopromo.com

| 701.219.7310, ext 712

the day, we go home feeling much better about what we accomplished during the day. This can be a competitive field, so it's nice to work together as a team to come up with the best solution for each customer,” Mel said.

What is Go Promo?

Go Promo is the BismarckMandan area’s “B2B Promo Powerhouse” that specializes in custom apparel, promotional products, embroidery, screen printing, graphic design, and much more!

When working together, no day is the same for Mel and Jocey. Throughout the day, they’re tackling everything from building pop-up stores and fulfilling warehouse orders for their clients, to coordinating t-shirt design requests and putting quotes together for fresh products that are unique to a customer’s specific brand and budget.

As Go Promo expands west, they’re aiming to connect with more people and brands in large and rural communities across the region. “I grew up farming and ranching in a small town in North Dakota, so I’m especially looking forward to expanding our boundaries through farmers and seed companies across the region,” Mel said.Keep an eye out for Mel and Jocey as Go Promo expands further throughout the region.

While they like to have fun in the office and make each day a memorable one for each other, Josey and Mel have never been more motivated than alongside each other. As they push each other to greater heights in the business world, they’re also pushing Go Promo to new heights as well.

“We try to keep things as positive as possible around here. We’re very lucky to have amazing clients that we work well with. We don't want it to feel too business-like; we want something that's very natural for everyone involved. We love to meet the people that we’re on the phone with, take them out to lunch, and get to know them better. We’re always open to connecting with new people and seeing what we can make happen,” Mel said.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALs

“Go Promo has been great to work with! Mel is wonderful and answers all our requests in the most timely manner, and gets us the products we need quickly. They have helped us with an online company store, warehousing items, and shipping; which makes our lives SO much easier. We definitely appreciate Go Promo and their staff for everything they do.”

- Emily Steffes, KLJ

"Working with Go Promo has been an absolute pleasure. Their team of professionals is not only knowledgeable but also dedicated to providing top-notch service and support. Jocey took the time to understand our needs and exceeded our expectations. I cannot recommend Go Promo highly enough for any business seeking promotional products and exceptional customer care. Jocey has been a delight to work with! "

- Rachael Renaud, Falkirk Mining Company

701.219.7310

JustGoPromo.com

orders@JustGoPromo.com

/JustGoPromo

@JustGoPromo

@GoPromo3

/company/go-promo-llc

4023 State St. Ste 10, Bismarck, ND

By Grant Ayers | Josiah Kopp

ichael Schwieters and Nathan Schlosser share a close bond, formed at an early age, and are driven by their mutual passion for building and growing businesses. They began their entrepreneurial journey by working together on lawn mowing and cleanup services.

Despite having different dreams, they recognized the synergies between their paths and supported each other's aspirations. I sat down with Schwieters and Schlosser to discuss their respective companies, how working together has pushed them further than they once imagined, what’s next for the team, and much more.

Schwieters and Schlosser both knew what they wanted out of life, even if they didn’t know exactly how they would achieve it. While Schlosser wanted to build a construction company, Schwieters wanted to build and own companies in the service industry. At the time, the duo didn’t know what that would mean, what it would require of them, where it would take them, or how they would achieve it.

“We were only 17 at the time, but we were committed to the endeavor and to helping each other in the pursuit of ‘Success’ and the achievement of our goals. Having massive goals keeps us pushing each other to continue to develop and grow into individuals with the leadership, vocabulary, education, wisdom, intuition, humility, and awareness required for the attainment of the goals,” Schwieters said.

As life progressed and evolved, so did their goals and dreams. They studied business, finance, and leadership together, gaining knowledge from books, mentors, and their own experiences. They quickly had to develop support for one another’s goals and aspirations and push each other to obtain knowledge and experience on how to achieve each other’s goals.

Along the way, there have been innumerable peaks and valleys. During those trying moments, they had two choices: quit or stay committed to their goals. As they worked through the unknown, they helped educate, lead, inspire, motivate, and give each other perspective to help navigate through the

challenges. Schlosser’s dream was to establish a construction company and develop projects.

"I thrive on the exhilarating process of envisioning and crafting projects and business models and taking them all the way to the stage of revenue generation and growth. My strengths lie in strategically building and shaping businesses, rather than solely maintaining and expanding them once the concepts and roadmap have been proven. I’m wired to create synergies and drive efficiency by constantly exploring new project formations,” Schlosser said.

Michael's passions, however, lie in building and developing businesses and people within his companies and growing them to a large scale. “I’m wired to build an operation by getting talented people on the team. It’s ultimately the people that build a company; no one individual in all of history ever did anything of any significance on their own,” Schwieters said.

Schwieters continued, “We need people around us, and we need help if we’re going to really succeed in life. There are things that I’m very good and effective at, and there are things that I’m terrible at. Reversely, there are others who are incredibly talented in the areas I am not, but may not have the proclivity towards the things I do. This is the reality of the human experience and the sooner we are able to ask for help or work together, the sooner we advance in our development.”

"Starting companies from the ground up when you’re young and ambitious with no capital, wisdom, or experience is an extremely challenging endeavor. It has tested us far beyond what we would have ever imagined; but when you’re working with someone you have great respect for and are accountable to, you tend to be able to fight on."

- Michael Schwieters

“We've gained a lot of experience and we've always shared that with one another. It was hard to get people on our side when we didn't have any proven success in the beginning, but we had each other and some key mentors along the way to push us further.”

- Nathan Schlosser

In 2013, Nathan started New Horizons Contracting Inc. (now Vantage View Decks), which experienced rapid growth due to early commercial project signings. The success of these early buildout projects provided capital and opportunities for expansion. However, as the company took on various projects outside of its area of expertise, profits began to erode.

“It became necessary to reevaluate our approach and make adjustments to ensure the survival of the business. We made the decision to specialize in deck construction, focusing our business knowledge, tools, and resources on that particular revenue stream," Schlosser said.

Their first objective was to build a focused revenue stream that they were intentional

with. Starting with decks built for local home builders, they honed their processes, developed a small team, and reinvested in the necessary tools and marketing efforts. As they became more efficient and gained expertise, they attracted more work directly from homeowners, which improved profit margins.

“We quickly realized what was and wasn’t working, and started adding key ingredients to keep the fire going. We still journal within our company today for improvements, as it can be incredibly impactful. Journaling is meditative and allows me to come up with serious, effective solutions. Without even knowing it, we built processes behind everything,” Schlosser said.

Throughout their respective journeys, Schwieters and Schlosser maintained a partnership, sharing their experiences and implementing successful strategies from each other's businesses. This collaboration and support played a crucial role in their individual and collective growth, leading the two businesses to merge into one operation.

Vantage View Decks, while profitable, faced limitations in terms of its infrastructure for rapid expansion. On the other hand, CityScapes Landscaping had already developed a robust operating infrastructure but lacked the ability to fully utilize its capacity. Additionally, CityScapes needed additional income streams to support the maintenance of its existing infrastructure.

Josiah Kopp

By merging the two businesses under Endurance Industries, they aimed to capitalize on their respective strengths and bridge their gaps. The profitable nature of Vantage View Decks provided financial relief for CityScapes, while CityScapes offered the operational infrastructure for Vantage View Decks to grow the business model more efficiently and effectively.

“The decision to merge Vantage View Decks with CityScapes Landscaping was driven by the realization that both businesses were actively involved in supporting each other's growth. Michael and I realized that we were thinking too small with our goals. Through our collaborative efforts, we identified

numerous similarities and recognized opportunities where synergies could be harnessed,” Schlosser said.

“Through this merger, we created a more comprehensive and integrated business entity. It allowed us to leverage the existing expertise, resources, and customer bases of both companies, resulting in improved efficiency and a broader range of services for our clients. The synergies generated from the merger enabled us to achieve accelerated growth, optimize operations, and create more opportunities for our incredible team.”

Brad Slaubaugh

Brad Slaubaugh

Having found success with CityScapes Landscaping and Vantage View Decks, due in part to their streamlined processes, Schwieters and Schlosser have taken the next steps to expand Endurance Industries with Nordak Sauna Co.

“If you look at cultures over the past 1,000 years, there have always been elements of heat or sweat therapy. As people moved west, they must have forgotten about that. In Finland, the population is roughly 5.5 million, while there are 2 million saunas in the country. They’re further north than us and deal with winter, yet they embrace it and claim to be a very happy and healthy country,” Schwieters said.

“They embrace it as cold weather and heat therapy go hand in hand, whereas when we see snowflakes, we're not coming out for a while. Here in North Dakota, people dread winter for the incredibly challenging weather conditions. The community and people either go into hibernation or leave, which can be a great recipe for mental issues and seasonal depression. All too often, we’re caught up in technology and unable to decompress, relieve stress, and build community.”

When integrating Nordak Sauna Co. into their portfolio, Schwieters and Schlosser

decided to establish it as a separate and distinct company, rather than merging it with their existing ventures such as Vantage View Decks and Cityscapes Landscaping.

The main reason behind this decision, as explained by Schlosser, was to mitigate risk for the two divisions with a proven track record of growth and profitability. While they were willing to take on the risk of the unknown with Nordak Sauna Co., they were not willing to jeopardize the current company's growth and borrowability.

“Although we have tremendous belief and faith that Nordak Sauna Co. will be a great expansion for Endurance Industries, we must first have proof of concept and ensure growth capabilities before merging under Endurance Industries,” Schlosser said.

“Right now, Vantage View Decks and CityScapes Landscaping are on a path to great growth and we must not slow that down. Our intention is to maintain the ability to borrow funds for Vantage View Decks and CityScapes Landscaping to keep up on the current and future bottlenecks we may face, which in many cases requires capital investment.”

Schlosser acknowledges that it can be tempting to leverage the advantages and resources of their other businesses. “We need to build this division no different than the others; from the ground up. The company needs to support itself and fix the bottlenecks in the revenue being produced. Our business model or roadmap is built upon this concept and will be implemented with structure as follows.”

Nordak Sauna Co. operates with a business model consisting of three divisions, each serving a specific purpose within the company's overall strategy. Their first division focuses on creating custom-built wellness rooms that incorporate sauna therapy, primarily catering to the local market.

“Currently, we have a smaller but highly skilled production team in place. As the demand grows, the company plans to expand its employee base and infrastructure to meet the increasing needs of customers. As this division grows, which allows for additional investment, our next move is to establish a sauna experience center for the community. The purpose of this division is to educate the community about the various health, cultural, and community benefits of heat therapy.

Josiah Kopp

Brad Slaubaugh

Brad Slaubaugh

Brad Slaubaugh

Brad Slaubaugh

“We've learned a tremendous amount about this industry, and we want to share that with others that are interested. Once people know and understand the benefits, they're going to want one of these saunas incorporated into their life. Our location can book guided sessions with us to learn more about the sauna culture,” Schlosser said.

By providing an opportunity for people to experience the benefits firsthand, the company hopes to generate interest and encourage individuals to incorporate sauna therapy into their lifestyles. Additionally, the experience center serves as a platform for marketing content and introduces new products to potential customers, allowing them to try before they make a purchase.

Once the sauna experience center is successfully established and generating revenue, the company plans to invest the earnings of both divisions into expanding its custom wellness rooms and manufacturing exterior sauna units. This investment will allow the company to grow at the pace of demand with the ever-growing market of wellness and heat therapy. Simultaneously, the company intends to expand its marketing efforts on a national level. This strategic move aims to increase brand awareness and reach a broader customer base beyond the local market.

By developing a comprehensive business model that incorporates these three divisions, Nordak Sauna Co. seeks to cater to the local market, educate the

community, expand manufacturing capabilities, and extend its marketing efforts nationally. This approach allows the company to grow its presence, introduce new products, and capitalize on the benefits of sauna therapy in various aspects of individuals' lives.

“Our intention is to get customers to socialize in their backyards with friends and family, as we know that those relationships are very important to the community’s health and well-being, and are largely built through outdoor experiences. We have something that allows people to have intentionality in their life again. This gives them a slice of community and something to do outdoors,” Schwieters said.

With multiple ongoing business ventures in need of being tended to and improved upon over time, Schwieters and Schlosser are determined to continue finding people who are as passionate about the industry as they are. Over the last two years, especially, the two have attracted bright minds and key individuals to push their vision forward.

"We’re building a team around this, as people are going to be what aids us in this endeavor. We’ve developed all of our businesses with synergy between one another in mind. That's how we build our connections and networks. With synergy, everybody wins. It's much more enjoyable and rewarding when you can design and implement ideas and strategies that give back to one another,” Schwieters said.

“There are many companies out there that provide decks or landscaping, but

they aren't doing what we're doing with a win-win philosophy. Everything that we do within these companies is about everybody needing to win, including the employees. Cash flow is critical when your team’s individuals rely on the operation as their financial livelihood. The decisions that we make daily, weekly, monthly, and annually have a substantial impact on the individuals currently both a part of and not a part of the company.”

When incorporating Nordak Sauna Co. into their portfolio, the duo made the decision to make their sauna branch a unique company, rather than adding another arm to one of their other ventures, such as CityScapes Landscaping. The reason for doing so, according to Schlosser, was to avoid risk.

“We were willing to risk the profits from Vantage View Decks and CityScapes but

weren’t willing to risk the companies themselves. We wanted to keep [Nordak Sauna Co.] outside of the current business operations that build capital. Our thought was to operate knowing that we wouldn’t affect our borrowability of Vantage View Decks or CityScapes Landscaping,” Schlosser said.

“It can be scary because you want to be attached to those other businesses to the point of using the advantages that those two businesses have built. The infrastructure is similar, as we have a lot of the same people involved. That was when we felt comfortable taking on debt to help leverage our growth. It would have been incredibly risky, but we’ve built a great infrastructure, hiring process, and team. Our risk for borrowing capital goes down significantly because of our proven track record.”

As Schwieters and Schlosser break new ground with Endurance Industries, their eyes remain locked on the prize ahead of them. Currently, each division has specific, unique characteristics. However, they’re in the midst of creating a unifying bond between the companies with a singular streamlined process among employees.

With crews able to be moved around throughout the year to make the most of a seasonal industry like landscaping, Nordak Sauna Co. looks to give them the release needed regarding seasonal work. By 2025, Nordak Sauna Co. expects to be manufacturing custom exterior saunas and shipping them nationwide.

“We're going to be building our manufacturing and aiding the growth of all three divisions, with revenue being our key driving force. Nordak Sauna Co. can have a profound impact on those invested in it, and it's going to allow us to have a larger presence. It's our roadmap to get into the national market, which is what we're really driving for,” Schwieters said.

“Within the next five years, we plan to be doing 90% of our operations and product distribution outside of the state of North Dakota. North Dakota is still going to be very much involved in and purchasing products from us, but our state is only so big. To succeed in what we want to accomplish, we know that we're going to have to deliver a national-scale product to spur growth across other communities.”

Josiah Kopp

Michael Schwieters

Nathan Schlosser

Josiah Kopp

“We're super proud of what we built. When we first started, we were very much broke. All we had was our vision, which hasn’t changed from 15 years ago. It's amazing how far you can go when building that synergy with someone super important in the beginning. You’re able to make it through the challenges of life easier and learn a lot of life lessons along the way,” Schlosser said.

“When it comes to building great companies, we need to earn a lot of money to bring great people into the operation to do what they’re highly skilled at. Doing that across multiple sectors within industries is not easy, but it's extremely worth it. This isn’t about the money; it's about the impact we're creating on people!”

Josiah Kopp

An Update from the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC

Last year, we connected with the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Leadership Team to showcase the unique offerings and benefits that they bring to the BismarckMandan community. Recently, we caught up with them to discuss what community members can expect from the Chamber EDC, the most hidden Chamber EDC advantages in their eyes, and much more!

Brian Ritter President & CEO

Nathan Schneider Vice President

Christine Nelson Vice President of Sales & Events

Matt Sagaser Director Innovation Accelerated at Doosan Bobcat

Wendy Van Duyne Principal and Business Center Practice Leader, Stantec

2023 Chamber EDC Board Chair

2024 Incoming Board Chair

Brian Ritter

President & CEO

Brian Ritter has been with the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC and its predecessors since 2003, starting as an intern. Ritter eventually worked his way up the ladder at the Bismarck-Mandan Development Association, becoming the organization's president in 2013. In 2017, Ritter added duties as the President of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce.

Two years later, in 2019, he oversaw the merger that formed the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC and has been the organization's only President & CEO since. In his position, Ritter leads the organization’s advocacy efforts, oversees the organization’s day-to-day operations.

“I've worked for the Chamber EDC and our predecessors, the Chamber of Commerce & Bismarck-Mandan Development Association, for two decades now and the reason is simple; the people. Our team, our leadership, and our members are incredible to work with and to work for,” Ritter said.

Ritter is a lifelong Bismarck-Mandan native and a two-time graduate of the University of Mary as well as the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. He is married to his wife, Kim, and has two daughters named Claire and Eve.

What Chamber EDC advantages have you learned over the past year that you don’t believe are fully appreciated?

My 'wish' is that more of our members would use us at the Chamber EDC to connect with other members. Most members will utilize Chamber EDC events to meet other members, but we're always ready to help connect members with one another, one-on-one. If there's another Chamber EDC Member that you want to meet, let us know and we'll be happy to make an introduction.

What can community

members expect from the Chamber EDC this year?

We've just rolled out a new strategic plan that really quantifies our value proposition to the membership and answers the question of, "What am I paying for?" We've done that by putting all of our efforts into one of five foundations; economic development, policy development, leadership development, network development, and professional development. For example, within network development, the Chamber EDC recently launched a brand new networking group called Empowering Women in Business and it filled in a matter of days!

What are some of your favorite events and offerings in the Bismarck-Mandan area?

The Chamber EDC's Annual Dinner is one of, if not the biggest, business gathering of the year and this year's edition had record attendance! Heading into the summer, we've got our Outdoor Golf Scramble and Lemonade Day before Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan in the fall. It's going to be a busy few months!

To me, however, there's nothing better than fall in Bismarck-Mandan. Maybe it's a Friday night football game at the MDU Resources Community Bowl or Starion Sports Complex, a beautiful day walking or shopping downtown, or even just a walk along the Missouri River. There's just so much you can do here during the fall.

What do you appreciate the most regarding your involvement with the Chamber EDC?

If there's something that I've come to appreciate most at the Chamber EDC, it's the opportunity to impact our community in a very real way. Our business advocacy efforts, economic development programming, and more all have an impact on Bismarck-Mandan and its future.

What are three of your

biggest professional accomplishments in the last year?

1. A second consecutive, recordbreaking membership year.

2. Record-breaking attendance at two events; ‘State of the Cities’ and ‘Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan.’

3. The creation of a brand new Strategic Plan that clearly defines our five 'foundations.'

What are your biggest hopes and goals for the remainder of 2023 and the beginning of 2024?

My greatest hope is that we can build on the momentum we've generated over the past two years and take both the Chamber EDC and our community to new heights.

The Chamber EDC's Board of Directors, all 19 members, are leaders in our community who are familiar with the challenges and opportunities facing Bismarck-Mandan. They bring that unique perspective to our organization and help us shape efforts and initiatives that will address those challenges and opportunities.

What are three business tips you can give?

1. Use the Chamber EDC as a 'connector' to meet other Chamber EDC Members by reaching out directly and asking for an introduction. It's free for Chamber EDC Members!

2. Utilize the Chamber EDC's publications such as the Connection and Economy at a Glance to enhance your understanding of our economy or help business plan for the coming months. Again, they're free to Chamber EDC Members.

3. Access the Chamber EDC's Business Development Series for free professional development programming. New editions are added quarterly.

nathan schneider Vice President

Nathan Schneider, a graduate of North Dakota State and the University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute, grew up in Harvey, ND and moved to BismarckMandan in 2005.

Over the course of his career, Schneider has spent time in private banking, worked for the North Dakota Department of Commerce, and since 2019, has worked as the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC’s Vice President where he "leads the organization’s economic development efforts."

At home, Schneider is husband to his wife Emily and father to his "funloving and kind-spirited" 8-year-old son, Hudson.

What Chamber EDC advantages have you learned over the past year that you don’t believe are fully appreciated?

In the last year, the Chamber EDC engaged an outside consultant to perform an economic developmentspecific strategic plan that will drive our economic development efforts for the next five years. The Chamber EDC has introduced a new partnership with John Maxwell Leadership to offer leadership training and introduced a womanspecific program called Empowering Women in Business.

What can community members expect from the Chamber edc this year?

Continuing our evolution! The Chamber EDC board, leadership, and staff are always looking to make things better! The Chamber EDC will never use the excuse "that's the way it is done because that is the way we have always done it." So be on the lookout for new things!

What are some of your favorite events and offerings in the Bismarck-Mandan area?

I really enjoy the Chamber EDC summer

events. We have our golf scramble in June, our monthly membership lunch on the patio starting in June, and our clay shoot in August.

Personally, I love the outdoor amenities and opportunities! Typically my family and I use them in the summer but our golf courses, walking paths, parks, and of course the river are all favorites.

What are your biggest professional accomplishments in the last year?

I think the completion of the Chamber EDC's Economic Development Strategic Plan, navigating staff turnover within the Chamber EDC, and all of the businesses that the Chamber EDC assisted in the last year.

Moving forward, we’re looking forward to the implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan and continuing to evolve at the Chamber EDC.

What are three business tips you can give?

1. Build a support network around yourself.

2. Utilize available resources, such as the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC.

3. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

“The entire staff at the Chamber EDC is incredibly talented and ,overall, just a fun group to be around. I truly enjoy and appreciate everyone throughout our office.”

Christine Nelson

Vice President of Sales & Events

Christine Nelson is a Bismarck native and graduate of the University of North Dakota. At UND, Nelson earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Political Science. After graduation, Nelson traveled the country because of her job, making stops in Texas, New Mexico, Illinois, and Missouri, "but I always knew that I wanted to come back to Bismarck." Today, Nelson and her husband are heavily involved in the fitness world and enjoy traveling, especially to tropical destinations.

Nelson has been with the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC for three years. Currently, she is the lead Chamber EDC representative for the Local Issue Committee. She also serves on the Bismarck State College BILT (Business and Industry Leadership Team) Marketing Committee.

What Chamber EDC advantages have you learned over the past year that you don’t believe are fully appreciated?

1. ‘Empowering Women in Business’ Class: The mission of this class is to bring women together to learn, discuss and hit on hard truths of what it means to be a woman in business. This BRAND NEW class explores what it means to be a leader in the business world.

2. Professional Development: The Chamber EDC offers several classes throughout the year with partnerships with local businesses as well as John Maxwell. Check out our professional development tracks on our website!

3. Deals and Discounts: All members are able to add special deals, discounts, and offerings to other members on our website. This aspect is gaining traction and I highly recommend taking a look!

What can community members expect from the Chamber EDC this year?

They can expect growth! From economic development to events and membership,

we are growing! With growth comes opportunities to become bigger and more substantial in every aspect. 2023 and 2024 will be years of goal-breaking, so stay tuned!

What has been your favorite aspect of the Bismarck-Mandan area in the past year?

The people! We are always building to be better. We constantly see economic development at its finest with new business openings, new land projects, and new ideas. We are truly lucky to live in a community that is innovating for the next generation.

I've always known we have amazing advocates for the Chamber EDC but I didn't realize how far the “advocate band” spans. The organization is beyond lucky to have cheerleaders in every corner.

What are your favorite events, programs, or offerings from the Chamber EDC?

Since I am heading the Empowering Women in Business class, I am truly excited to see the 16 participants grow and make connections with other women. The networking piece of the class is priceless!

“The reason that I remain so involved with the Chamber EDC is simply because I love my job! The people, atmosphere, and members make every day worth it!”

What are three of your biggest professional accomplishments in the last year?

1. I was promoted to Vice President of Sales & Events at the Bismarck

Mandan Chamber EDC.

2. I started the ‘Empowering Women in Business’ Class.

3. I also moderated a panel of amazing women in business!

Interested in registering for next year’s ‘Empowering Women in Business’? Registration will open in late 2023/early 2024 for 2024’s class! To learn more, contact Christine Nelson at: cnelson@bmcedc.com

What are your biggest hopes and goals for the remainder of 2023 and the beginning of 2024?

Our President & CEO, Brian Ritter, preaches to take large goals one step at a time which will add up to big results. So, we have goals for events, goals for sales, and goals for the entire team; but again, we take these goals one day at a time. I know we will look back at the end of the year and see how far we have come as an organization.

What business tips can you give?

Use the Chamber EDC to your advantage! Come to mixers, attend an event, get involved with a committee. Connection and networking are invaluable and the Chamber EDC has a wide range of opportunities to become more connected to not only other business professionals but the community.

What’s next for the Chamber EDC?

Our motto this year is "Fail Forward.” We are never afraid to try something new, innovative, or different. This motto helps us to continue to push each other to make the organization even better.

van

Principal and Business Center Practice Leader at

Wendy

duyne

Stantec

In 2020, Van Duyne was recognized by the Engineering News Record (ENR) as one of the top 40 under 40 young professionals in the Mountain States Region. The year prior, she was included in the 2019 class of 40 under 40 business professionals by Prairie Business Magazine.

Wendy Van Duyne and her family moved to Bismarck, North Dakota from Lawrence, Kansas eight years ago, and have fallen in love with the metro since arriving. Van Duyne has a degree in Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University and has been working in the community planning field for more than 17 years.

Van Duyne is actively involved in the community and has served as a former board member of the Bismarck-Mandan Development Association, and current vicechair of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC.

Additionally, Wendy serves on the Bismarck Planning and Zoning Commission, the North Dakota Capitol Grounds Planning Commission, and the Missouri Valley YMCA Board of Directors. She currently works as a Principal and Business Center Practice Lead for Stantec Consulting, a professional consulting company for planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics in Bismarck.

What urges you to stay involved with the Chamber EDc?

It's important to me to be an active member of the Bismarck-Mandan community, including the business community. We face so many important issues that impact community development and quality of life, and I love that the Chamber EDC leads the way in bringing stakeholders together to address them.

What Chamber EDC advantages have you learned over the past year that you don’t believe are fully appreciated?

The Chamber EDC actively engages the private business sector, public agencies, local political subdivisions, and legislative representatives on a regular basis. Participating in discussions that are affected by key decision-makers is important to making progress in our communities. The Chamber EDC takes a

role in this through its monthly Local Issues Committee meetings, quarterly meetings of local political subdivisions, and regular conversations with legislators.

How does your company or organization benefit from the Chamber Edc?

Over the past year, the Chamber EDC has expanded its continuing education programs for our member businesses. Taking advantage of these programs, such as the newly released Empowering Women in Business course, is a great way to support the professional growth of our team.

What can community members expect from the Chamber edc this year?

More focus on our Economic Development Strategic Plan. Last year we completed this effort, and I'm looking forward to moving forward with our economic development priorities so that we can continue to bring more people to our community and grow opportunities for business.

What are some of your favorite things about the Bismarck-Mandan area?

Our growth has afforded us more of the amenities of a larger metropolitan area, but Bismarck-Mandan still feels like a close-knit community. The relationships we share, and the amenities we continue to develop for our residents, contribute to a quality of life that we should all be proud of.

What are your favorite events, programs, or offerings from the Chamber edc?

I'm really excited for the Empowering Women in Business Class. We have such a talented business community, and it's great to see more opportunities for women to lead and serve in our community. Supporting the next generation of women leaders is important, and I'm glad that the Chamber EDC can take an active role in this initiative.

Have you learned of or come to appreciate any specific aspects of your involvement with the Chamber edc?

I appreciate having an opportunity to serve in a leadership position with the Chamber

EDC. Through the investment of my time, I have been rewarded with opportunities to build relationships that, otherwise, wouldn't have been possible. Connecting with people across different backgrounds, professions, and experience levels has been so rewarding.

What are three of your biggest professional accomplishments in the last year?

1. Serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC.

2. Being named among the Top 25 Women in Business by Prairie Business Magazine.

3. Continuing to lead our teams of planners, engineers, and landscape architects on a variety of projects across our region.

What are your biggest hopes and goals for the remainder of 2023 and the beginning of 2024?

It's going to be interesting to see how the second half of the year plays out. We've been fortunate to experience a very strong economy for the past several years and I think we're all feeling the winds of uncertainty as economic conditions are forecasted to shift. As we go into the remaining months of the year, I hope we can all remain open and flexible to weathering whatever lies ahead, and that our communities can lean on each other to get through it.

What are three business tips you can give?

1. Make relationships a priority.

2. Listen more than you speak.

3. Always be open to new opportunities.

Is there anyone, or any aspect of the Chamber edc you would like to show praise or highlight?

The Chamber EDC has evolved and grown a lot over the past several years-- and for the better! Change is never easy, but Brian and the team continue to strive for excellence and are always looking for ways to do things better. While this attitude for continuous improvement can be hard sometimes, it has served our communities well and we're fortunate to have this organization serving Bismarck-Mandan.

Matt Sagaser

Director Innovation Accelerated at Doosan Bobcat

Matt Sagaser was a key leader in the design and construction of the Acceleration Center in Bismarck.

Matt Sagaser is a long-time member of the Bismarck-Mandan community. Since 2008, he has worked with both the BismarckMandan Development Association and the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC as a board member. In addition to his work with the Chamber EDC, Sagaser has worked for Bobcat Company for 28 years, where he has held many different leadership positions.

What urges you to stay involved with the Chamber Edc?

The Chamber EDC provides not only expertise from its lengthy experience in both commerce and economic development, but connections to many businesses with value propositions that might relate to scaling growth of a business or data to support business attraction to the Bismarck-Mandan area.

What Chamber EDC advantages have you learned over the past year that you don’t believe are fully appreciated?

I believe that the Chamber EDC provides value in several key ways that are easy to either overlook or miss. The first of these is the Chamber Mixer opportunity. The value created from speaking to local business leaders far exceeds virtual or email dialogue. The second is the leverage and strength of the Chamber EDC Board. There are often questions or needs that businesses have that go "unsaid" because they seem too difficult to field when in reality the communication and reach are very simple.

The third is the real connection between economic development to the Bis-Man Chamber EDC. When the BMDA merged with the Bis-Man Chamber EDC several years ago, both strategies were combined into one which may have inadvertently diluted the understanding of each strength. Economic development is a real strength of the Chamber EDC and may not be fully understood by some of the Chamber EDC members.

How does your company or organization benefit from the Chamber edc?

The biggest advantages that our organization

has from its relationship with the Chamber EDC relates to communication and strategic connections with the community for the growth and development of both our business and the business connections that our employees' families might have in the community. In addition, having a local entity that is focused on the success and overall operation of each business provides for quick reactions and stronger strategies for multifaceted needs.

What can community members expect from the Chamber edc this year?

In 2023, the Chamber EDC's strategic plan is set up for even greater success than in the past. Its focus on membership and the benefits that are available to members are proving to be more valuable than ever before. Open communication with sharing details about this year's legislative session is an added benefit from the Chamber EDC.

What are some of your favorite things about the Bismarck-Mandan area?

The Bismarck-Mandan area provides excellent access to the Missouri River and all of its value, including fishing and recreation. The Capital City also provides unique access to both the east and western parts of the state. But most important are the people. Bis-Man has a unique culture that provides opportunities for families and businesses alike to thrive.

What are your favorite upcoming events, programs, or offerings from the Chamber edc?

The monthly mixer events provide valuable networking opportunities for members. The events that the Chamber EDC sponsors are also opportunities for members to collaborate and learn a little more about some of our community activities. The website is also a great, easy virtual connection to tools and methods for local involvement with Chamber EDC members. Participating in Chamber EDC-sponsored events is a really cool asset in bringing people together.

What are three of your biggest professional accomplishments in the last year?

Dramatic business growth and the ability to hire people to meet the growing demands of our customers. Continued advancement of strategies to bring technology to products that typically are not known for innovation.

Further pioneering being first in multiple industries to keep our business more than viable in North Dakota!

What are your biggest hopes and goals for the remainder of 2023 and beginning of 2024?

From a business perspective, everyone fears a recession and the potential backslide from success, but I am hopeful that we are set up to withstand and manage any potential recession by following the current strategy. In fact, I am excited that 2023 and 2024 are going to exceed all expectations because of the momentum and customer excitement that we have.

Have you read or heard any new leadership books or podcasts that you recommend people check out?

One resource that I highly recommend is a friend by the name of Jeremy Gutsche. He owns Trend Hunter. Trend Hunter has podcasts, books, and conferences that focus on the front end of innovation with both emerging and existing or expanding trends.

Is there anyone, or any aspect of the Chamber EDC you would like to show praise or highlight?

Brian Ritter is the epitome of success at the Chamber EDC. Organizations are typically as successful as their leadership and equally as efficient or inefficient as their strategy. Brian leads with strategy but manages day-to-day by leveraging relationships. This is the magic sauce, and it takes talent to make it successful.

Nonprofit of the Month:

Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park

Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park, or simply SHTAP, is a nonprofit outdoor production theatre that aims to educate young community members, highlight local talent, and enrich the Bismarck-Mandan community. I connected with Susan Lundberg, Executive Director and Co-Founder of SHTAP, to discuss the organization’s unique origins and history, how the organization can be supported, upcoming events, and much more!

By Grant Ayers | Photos by Josiah Kopp

Pictured: Stephanie Delmore, President of SHTAP (Left), and Susan Lundberg, Executive Director of SHTAP (Right)

The Brainstorming Family

• Robert H. “Bud” Lundberg (Father) Attorney, Farmer-Rancher, Community Activist

• Evelyn Olson Lundberg (Mother) Artist and Musician

• Stephanie Lundberg Delmore & Susan Lundberg (Daughters) Artists and Arts Administrators

• Stephanie's son, Shane

• Susan's daughter, Melissa

The idea for SHTAP was first birthed in the late 1980s on a Lundberg family road trip. In the car, the question was asked "If you had unlimited time and money, what would you do in Bismarck?" The result that stemmed from the car ride was “a theatre for young people,” as Lundberg put it, that would bring the community together and give students in the Bismarck-Mandan community an outlet for their creative energies and talents.

Susan knew that she and Stephanie would have leaped at such an opportunity when growing up in Bismarck, and that led them to realize that such a need still existed within the community’s youth. Formally founded in 1990, Susan sees the official launch happening in part due to the stars aligning, with SHTAP being the “right project at the right time.”

“Bismarck's 1989 Civic Center expansion had recently cut a proposed theatre, so that was eliminated as a possibility. Family members also realized students were rightly busy with school activities during the school year,” Susan said.

“Desiring a new arts experience, the focus became a theatre in the summer when students had more time and quickly moved to an outdoor musical theatre experience, which simply did not exist in central North Dakota.”

A “Corporate/Business Sponsorship" features a named night, banner, introductions from the stage, facility tour, and an intermission reception. All donations directly support youth education and growth.

DID YOU KNOW?

The first production in 1990 was a rendition of ‘Annie Get Your Gun,’ featuring a live horse and pre-show by Governor Arthur Link and a trio of musicians. Subsequent shows featured a Wells Fargo Wagon, Gov. Ed Schafer's 1950s convertible, and former North Dakota Governor Hanna's vintage buggy.

Professional-level lights, sound, and sets complement the theatre presentations, all of which SHTAP constantly upgrades.

SHTAP is completely accessible with not only restrooms but also wheelchair use, sidewalks, parking, and the staging of benches to allow periodic rest.

Sleepy Hollow Productions costumes show and stage/ decorate events regionally as well as throughout the state.

SHTAP’s Mission

Eagle and Girl Scout projects have positively enhanced the Sleepy Hollow physical site, including the entrance bridge, east stage, boardwalk bridge, backstage deck, stairs, Gazebo Annex building, pergolas, portable shelving units, and Sleepy Hollow benches.

"Our summer musical theatre productions are featured in an attractive outdoor prairie setting, complete with strutting vocal pheasants and other wildlife. It’s their home and we are the visitors!"

- Susan Lundberg

When returning to Bismarck from their road trip, the Lundberg family networked and connected with city and park administrators and other friends, leading to public meetings for community input. After attendees shared their excitement in agreement, the small idea quickly became a dream come true with a 32-acre park on the eastern outskirts of Bismarck.

“Walking across the prairie and over a seasonal creek, the core theatre and arts friends envisioned what would become Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park. This included the location of a stage in order to avoid looking directly into what would be the summer setting sun,” Susan said.

These art friends initially included First Lady Jane Sinner, theatre director Jane Stewart, actress Sheila Schafer, playwright/teachers Ev Miller and Richard Barbie, and the Lundbergs, the latter of whom remain involved today.

“Developing Sleepy Hollow has been a labor of love, growth, and commitment. With great enthusiasm and ambition, SHTAP engaged creative board people who worked together as a focused team. From the very first show in 1990, people lined up more than a block long

to Divide Avenue. Outdoor theatre was appealing,” Susan said.

SHTAP’s theatre productions evolved from one show annually to two, and as many as four shows in some years. Furthermore, various classes and camps of the arts take place annually in June, as well as a variety of concerts and festivals. SHTAP’s attractive gazebos and stage sites also host weddings and special events in the summer months.

Attendees are invited to a world that enables them to temporarily "forget" the troubles/challenges that everyone knows by being immersed in an appealing musical theatre production that almost "suspends" time, according to Susan.

“Walking across the entrance bridge, being visually greeted by attractive surroundings, and settling in for a lovely evening "under the stars" on the North Dakota prairie—it's exactly what people need as they revel in our long summer nights,” Susan said.

While SHTAP may already have a rich and extensive history, the organization and its leaders have their sights set on goals and ambitions greater than

“To play a significant role in the welfare and educational growth of our citizens while nurturing youth by providing quality pre-professional educational opportunities in the arts that result in the cultural enrichment of our communities and state.”

- Susan Lundberg

ever before. One of these goals is “The Pavilion at Sleepy Hollow,” a brand new pavilion that aims to save the stage from the damages brought forth by wind, rain, hail, snow, and sun damage, among other natural wear-and-tear.

According to Susan, “The Pavilion will also enable the expansion of the production season, provide needed security, and attract increased community and tourism numbers to take in an unusual and positive outdoor cultural experience.”

Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park looks to bring the community together and inspire North Dakotans far and wide of all ages, one season at a time. As they host record-breaking crowds in recent years, there are no signs of SHTAP’s popularity and attraction fading anytime soon. “Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park is the epitome of grassroots people brainstorming what communities needed, attracting others to share the journey of enhancing the lives of students, attracting audiences of all ages, and staying the course with

determination, vision, and enthusiasm. Sleepy Hollow acknowledges and enjoys a positive working relationship with the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District,” Susan said.

“The need for our mission continues. Through Sleepy Hollow involvement, students learn more than performance skills—they live the work ethic and learn teamwork, cooperation, and consideration plus critical thinking. Our students exemplify the ultimate goal of education, which is to become contributing members of society. Sleepy Hollow is planting trees, both physically and metaphorically, under which all of us may not stand. However, our young people will… and our communities will benefit and grow as a result.”

Head to their website or social media to check out the schedule for upcoming productions to attend, book the location for a wedding or special event, and more!

We believe the arts feed the soul. We evolved from an idea, a need, and the diligent work of community members. Hundreds of volunteers staff our annual production needs including construction, audience counters, concession and novelty workers, cleanup crews, setting up/taking down chairs and sets, and more.”

SHTAP’s Awards and Achievements Include

• The North Dakota Governor's Award on the Arts

• The J.C. Penney's Golden Rule Award

• The CSTAND (The Communication Speech and Theater Association of North Dakota) Organizational Award

• Impacted 82 North Dakota communities

A Worldwide Impact

“During Governor Sinner's tenure, an envoy of Japanese businessmen visited our production of ‘Oklahoma’ and presented Sleepy Hollow with a series of $100 bills, which initiated the establishment of The Sleepy Hollow Foundation. They loved the outdoor American experience and enjoyed singing the production songs—a clear result of bringing strangers together!” -

Susan Lundberg

- Susan Lundberg

Take a behind-the-scenes sneak peek as SHTAP brings their next musical to life, 'Willy Wonka Jr.'!

A Q&A with Susan Lundberg of SHTAP

What sets SHTAP apart from other organizations in the Bismarck-Mandan community?

Sleepy Hollow is the only organization of its kind in the state of North Dakota, as it involves and educates young people in outdoor summer theatrical experiences attracting and benefiting large numbers of members of our community and state.

Our Sleepy Hollow "graduates" include accomplished people from all walks of life including professional opera, vocal artists/actors/teachers, and directors.

Sleepy Hollow produces educational camps, classes, and large-scale musical theatre productions entirely involving and benefiting young people. The events are presented with professional-level lights, sound, sets, and purposely designed ambiance for the enjoyment of thousands of people of all ages.

Do you have any upcoming events or ways to get involved in person?

Willing, working hands are always needed for all kinds of summer projects, both small and large. Each year, we clean, trim and enhance the production site, which will be especially needed this year after 101.2 inches of snow!

In what ways can readers support SHTAP?

“Donors may contribute to programming, student scholarships, and physical improvement projects including The Pavilion covering the stage. Your support will make a significant positive difference!”

Attending and enjoying Sleepy Hollow events is the best support!

• Volunteers may donate their time and abilities to help build and strike sets, set up/take down chairs, hand out programs, and sell concessions/novelties. Costume seamstresses are often needed as well.

• Helping to staff the productions is needed, as well as donations of vintage clothing to our Costume Shop.

• Financial donations of all sizes directly support programming and our mission. Please consider including Sleepy Hollow in your will or estate planning.

• Additional income from weddings and costumes/space rentals both further and directly support Sleepy Hollow's mission.

A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER’S JOURNEY

TO SOUNDTRACKING BISMARCK-MANDAN

Live Music, Crate Digging, and more at Rhythm Records Music Café

ounded in 2011 by Robbie Montgomery and Richard Lowen, Rhythm Records Music Café has evolved over the last decade to become a hub for music lovers in the Bismarck-Mandan area. The store has found success through unique business tactics to interest people, including live music events in the space.

I sat down with Gus Lindgren, current owner of Rhythm Records Music Café, to discuss the business’s journey through the pandemic, how Rhythm Records is positioning itself in the center of the Bis-Man music scene, how Lindgren took over the business, and much more.

After successfully running the store together for years, Lowen bought the business outright from Montgomery to take over and continue operating Rhythm Records. Meanwhile, Lindgren was playing in a handful of local bands alongside Lowen. According to Lindgren, Lowen was unsure how well the store would perform when it began to fall on hard times during renovations and changes being made.

Those obstacles didn’t stop Lindgren’s entrepreneurial spirit from wanting to keep going and see which direction he could take the business. “Around 2018, I got involved because I appreciated not only having a local record store but also a place with live music that acts as an incubator of sorts for new bands to perform in the community,

before working their way up to playing larger venues in town. So, I decided to help run the store, chill for a few hours, and let Richard do his thing,” Lindgren said.

Lowen and Lindgren ran Rhythm Records together for two years before Lowen exited the business in pursuit of other ventures. Lindgren made the decision to purchase the business outright from Lowen in January 2020, which was less than ideal timing for Lindgren.

A few short months later, COVID impacted the entire business landscape and the future of the business was uncertain. “It was definitely rough and a lot to deal with, but I’m glad that I did. If our situation was any different, there’s a chance that the store may not have survived. Rhythm Records got through COVID after waiting out most of 2020. We didn’t really get back into it until Christmas shopping at the end of 2020,” Lindgren said.

During that time, however, Lindgren saw an opportunity. The decision was made to move down the street to a new space within the historic Anderson building and reopen in the new location in June of 2021.

“[The new location] has been great for business. People are loving the location and it has been a blast. We have great neighbors and we have yet to receive any noise complaints for our rock shows! I'm happy with the store being here and it has been making great progress over the last two years. It’s always great to see fresh faces coming in through the door, and I’m looking forward to more of that this summer,” Lindgren said.

One benefit of the new space is the setup to easily incorporate live musical acts and performances within Rhythm Records Music Café. Live music events are one of Rhythm Records’ qualities that sets it apart from the majority of other record stores, and most small businesses, in Bismarck-Mandan.

Rhythm Records Music Café offers hundreds of titles in new vinyl records, with many, many more used vinyl records for sale.

Rhythm Records Music Café’s vinyl record catalog on sale is roughly 75% new records and 25% used records.

While they aim for three to four shows per month to keep people returning to support local artists, that number oftentimes doubled throughout 2022. While it may have been a lot to organize and keep control of for Lindgren, he believes that he knows why the surging number of musicians were itching to play for the public.

“It was a lot to handle, but I think so many of the bands were just ready to perform. Whether they had an album to promote or a tour that they'd been putting off, people were excited to both play live music and get out and hear live music,” Lindgren said. “We plan to have more live music and continue hosting shows with a variety of different genres of bands and continue to develop the collection. There's a lot going on in the Bismarck-Mandan area and we’re happy to be a part of it.”

Through rocky times and uncertain futures, Lindgren has sharpened his entrepreneurial skillset through Rhythm Records Music Café and the challenges that come with operating the business, just like any other. Through a pandemic, relocation, and many more challenging circumstances, Lindgren has pushed

Rhythm Records to come out on the other side of situations stronger than ever before.

“When I started working with Richard, I was not a businessman by any means. I did my last two years of college and had no plan to get into business at all. I was looking for something else to do and this simply caught my attention. There’s much more to running a business than I ever would have expected. It's been overwhelming, but after realizing what I didn't know about Rhythm Records after surviving COVID, I really want to see how far I can take this and how successful I can make Rhythm Records Music Café, so that's a huge personal motivator,” Lindgren said.

“It's a wonderful place for people to hang out, hear some music, and run into like-minded individuals that enjoy music. I love when customers are browsing and start connecting with one another over a certain band or singer. It's the sort of place that sparks those interactions that few other places genuinely can. I get a real kick out of it and love seeing those individuals come together.”

“TO ANSWER THE MOST COMMON QUESTION THAT I GET WHEN PEOPLE COME INTO THE STORE, YES, WE DO BUY RECORDS! IT DEPENDS ON WHAT SHAPE THEY'RE IN, OR WHETHER PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR THOSE RECORDS, BUT I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO TAKE A LOOK.”

- GUS LINDGREN

Rhythm Records Music Café’s mission is to provide interesting new records, affordable used records, and live, local music to the Bis-Man community.

A Q&A WITH GUS LINDGREN Owner of Rhythm Records Music Café

Are there busier times in the year for you or is it pretty consistent?

It's been pretty busy lately. January and February are the only really slow months, but people have been coming in the door more often as it’s warmed up outside.

What made you want to get involved with, and eventually take over, Rhythm Records?

I love having a space that I enjoy going to, doing music at, and meeting new people at. I think that Rhythm Records sits in a sweet spot for record stores, as you can get new records and mainstream releases, but also stumble upon that old record that you’ve been searching for. People can also find new releases a bit off the beaten path, so we’re really doing something that nobody else in the area is doing.

I couldn’t help but notice the photos on the ceiling. Is there a story behind those?

This year, I started using a daily calendar that showcases one piece of album cover artwork per day. Rather than getting rid of them, I’ve been putting them on the ceiling. I didn’t want to change too much when taking over, but people have been loving it and I feel that it adds to the aesthetic and heart of the store.

Looking ahead, do you plan on offering more than records, or are people solely coming for the records and shows?

We may offer some collectibles down the road, but we’re definitely tight on shelf space. There’s so much music coming out every week, and we want to offer as much as we can to the people that walk through our doors. I've been ordering more copies and doing more pre-orders for now, but we may expand into collectibles down the road.

Where do you get the majority of your records from?

The new records come exclusively from my distributor. I've made a point of not really going out of my way to find used records. I don't go competing with people at yard sales, mostly because the vendors upstairs also have a great selection of used records that is worth checking out. This building is like a destination for vinyl music, and I love that.

How many vinyl records do you own yourself?

I own somewhere around 600 records. Around a third of my records came from my dad's collection. I visit my parents back in California two to three times a year, so I’ll always bring back some of that collection since my dad made the switch to CDs.

GUS LINDGREN’S JOURNEY TO NORTH DAKOTA

Lindgren, originally from California, finds himself a long way from home in Bismarck, ND. The “Golden State” native followed his then-girlfriend, now-wife north to North Dakota when she accepted a job in the area. Now, Lindgren has been in North Dakota for roughly 15 years, and he seems to have settled down and enjoys the different environment.

“It was a commitment in itself to move all the way up here, but I really love it. I really enjoy the slower pace of life where you don’t have to get on the chaotic freeway or make your way through a crowd, no matter where you want to go.”

- Gus Lindgren

UPCOMING ACTS

Wed. 6/21 | Open Mic!

Wed. 7/5 | Open Mic!

Sat. 7/15 | agonystevo and the Agony Boyz (hip-hop)

Wed. 7/19 | Open Mic!

Wed. 8/2 | Open Mic!

Mon. 8/7 | County Conservation District (synth ambient)

Wed. 8/16 | Open Mic!

Sat. 8/19 | Faith Kelly Art & Music & Caswyn Moon (americana)

All events all ages, 7pm, $7 door unless noted. More shows being scheduled, stay tuned!

What are your thoughts on people switching music formats to vinyl after so many switched away years ago?

Personally, I don't think a person should have to switch formats more than once. If you've already switched to CDs, don't let anybody twist your arm into going back or switching again. As a kid that grew up with CDs, vinyl is super exciting to feel and look at.

I don't think there's anything wrong with streaming music. I stream music all the time. You'll hear a bunch of audiophiles go off about how streaming ruins the sound, but I think it’s really good for exploring new music. Music can be heavily explored at a low cost, and I think we owe it to ourselves to be able to explore. If you want to have a collection, I think it's clear that vinyl has come out on top for that.

There's something a bit more special and tactile about having a vinyl record, compared to a CD. There’s an intention when it comes to putting on a record, sitting down, and enjoying it. No other listening experience is even comparable, like a 6-CD player or streaming music on your phone. You could

shuffle dozens of different artists and it’s not the same as sitting down with a certain record for the next 40 to 50 minutes.

I think there's something fascinating about going out and spending that extra money for a large physical copy, compared to streaming. Today, people are able to explore thousands of songs at a time. If you truly love a certain record that you hear, I think it’s totally worth owning a physical copy and adding it to your collection.

How has Rhythm Records embedded itself in the Bis-Man (music) community?

As far as live music goes, Rhythm Records Music Café is part of a loose network of DIY venues. Richard [Lowen] paved the way by putting the word out that a band or artist can come here, play a show, and make some gas money. This spot has a great love for independent artists, and people in the Bismarck-Mandan community turn out to support them. It’s a great feeling to make things happen for bands and musicians that are trying to get their name out there or just have a good time on the stage.

701.426.7348

Good Ol’ Fashioned Marketing Still Works

By Wendy Klug, VBOC of the Dakotas Director

Photo Courtesy of VBOC of the Dakotas

About the VBOC

The 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.

"Back in my day, we used to pick up the phone and call our clients to let them know that their photos were ready to be picked up,“ exclaims Wendy. “Now you receive some automated message that tells you when your items are ready for pick up." It may seem like Klug is as old as a dinosaur and that she needs to realize it is 2023, but the fact is she is not that old. She is actually me and I’m forty-something! Times have changed extremely fast due to technology. 15 years ago, which is not that long ago, people were still using other marketing methods other than social media. And guess what, they worked!

This brings me to ask you a question. When was the last time you received a handwritten thank you? When was the last time you received a special request to present at a small business after-hour

event? It may have just been yesterday (lucky you if it was) or it may have been so long ago you can’t remember.

How did you feel getting something personalized in your mail or inbox? Did it make you jump for joy and holler loud enough for all your neighbors to hear, “I didn’t just get junk mail today! I received a letter hand-addressed to me! Yeah!”

Times have changed but people still want to feel special and sought out. Whether you are marketing online or sending a personal greeting card, it is still considered marketing. The core concept hasn’t changed, just the delivery methods have! All marketing methods are to reach out and let someone know they are special and you are thinking of them. Good ol' fashioned marketing may take more time, but the return on investment (ROI) may have a greater impact with a lasting impression which can result in dedicated customers.

What are some of the good ol’ fashioned marketing methods that work and how do you go about completing them? Let’s get started.

1. Handwritten

Notes/Letters:

My Realtor just sent me a birthday card with a free dessert or drink ticket for a local restaurant. Not only was I pumped about mail, but now I get to enjoy a free dessert. Guess who I will call when it is time to sell our house and look for another one? There is nothing sweeter than seeing your name handwritten on the envelope. It’s almost nostalgic. Think about special opportunities that you could send this out such as holidays or customers’ birthdays. Do make sure you do more than just sign your name, that itself is generic! This way you aren’t taking too much time writing letters every month and the customer doesn’t start to feel like it is no longer special, but annoying.

2.

Personalized Email:

Worried you don’t have good handwriting and nobody will be able to even read what you write? You are in luck! A personalized email to a customer is the next best thing to a handwritten letter. You can send these out with a little less effort but still make the customer feel special. Just be sure to not sound too sales-pitchy in this email. If you are going to personalize it, refer to a service you provide them or even about the last time they were in the store (something that shows that you know them separately from all the other customers). Simply putting their name in the subject field doesn’t make it personalized. If you do want to talk about a special, perhaps put it in the footer section with a link for them to view the specials, discounts, and events happening. Of course, time is of the essence. You want to send out personalized emails to your biggest cheerleaders, those that utilize your services often and will spread the word about your business.

3.

Message On Invoice/Receipt:

Taking the time to even write “thank you for your order” with your signature will make you stand out from other small businesses. It seems like such a small gesture, but it is one that will not go unrecognized. It is something that makes you stand out from all the big box names!

4. Support Another

Business: There are so many great reasons to support another small business but don’t get me started! Not only are you supporting other entrepreneurs and your community, but you are also building an ecosystem of support for your business. Nobody can do it all on their own. This is where I believe we talk about karma. The good you do for other small businesses and your community will be rewarded back to you and your business when you most need it!

5. Host a Special Event:

Just recently, Lovely Lashes in Fargo ,ND held a special venue event for other veteran-owned small businesses to come into the studio and sell their products. Lovely Lashes is a veteran-owned small business supporting other veteran-owned small businesses to celebrate Veteran’s Day. Now that is a special event! Not only does it celebrate a national holiday, but it also supports other businesses. Hosting a special event is a good excuse to provide extra content for social media or word-of-mouth which gets your business out in front of others. Holidays are always a great time to host a special event! Throw in “limited to only

20 attendees” or “VIP event” and people will feel special and want to attend the event.

6. Speak at a Local Event:

This is something that we do right here with VBOC of the Dakotas. We know that when we provide education and support for other organizations, we will see a few benefits in return. We will speak at local base events, chambers, and more. We aren’t in it just to see how it benefits us, but let’s be honest. We all need to make sure that where we put our valuable time somehow returns a benefit for our business or program. I highly suggest putting together a plan for how much time you must do events because quantity is not quality. You want to make sure that the event aligns with your business goals and mission.

7. Share Your Expertise:

Share your skill set and share that with others by hosting a workshop or speaking at a university to students that are looking to major in your expertise area or field. This will help circulate word about your business and how you give back and care about others. It will also help potentially reach new customers that would otherwise not filter into your sales funnel.

8. Sponsor Another Event:

Sponsoring another event doesn’t mean that you must spend $1000 on a booth at a tradeshow. Get creative! Perhaps you can hold a clothes drive for the homeless shelter and have the drop-off station located at your business. Or perhaps you can donate some of your employees' time to serve at a local food bank drive. This is a great way to show your support for the community while having an excuse to market your business at the same time.

9. Attend Networking Events:

Word-of-mouth is still one of the best ways to market your business because people trust people, not generic advertising. When you attend a networking event, you are making valuable connections with others while also having the opportunity to promote your business. Don’t forget to bring with you a few business cards with your QR code that connects them to your social media pages.

10. Ask For Referrals:

Unfortunately, great service is not enough to get a consistent flood of word-of-mouth referrals. If your customer has purchased a service or product from you and is happy

with it, they likely know somebody that would like it too. Be sure to guide your customers on how to make a referral. Are you just hoping they are going to go tell someone how awesome you are or do you have a plan in place? What does your referral system look like and how are you going to implement it?

Do you believe me when I say that old-fashioned marketing still works? And the bonus is you can take all these methods and combine them with online marketing to create even more marketing for your business. This can seem overwhelming and quite honestly daunting, but let team VBOC of the Dakotas get you started. We can show you how to start some of these marketing strategies above and how to develop them into a year-long marketing plan. Once you see how to complete your first month of marketing using old-fashioned methods combined with online marketing, you will have a blueprint of how to continue your marketing for months to come.

VBOC of the Dakotas

(701) 738-4850

und.edu/dakotasvboc /dakotasvboc @DakotasVBOC

4200 James Ray Dr Grand Forks, ND 58201

Photo Courtesy of Haylie Flesness

Women You Should Know

Amanda Godfread

Regional Director of Make-A-Wish North Dakota

By Arielle Windham Empowered by Ladyboss Lifestyle

Amanda Godfread, the Regional Director of Make-A-Wish North Dakota, spends her days helping grant wishes for critically ill North Dakota children. She is also a well-known columnist for the Bismarck Tribune and cohost of the “Welcome to Our Box” podcast. Ladyboss caught up with her to discuss service, motherhood, and balancing it all.

“It’s the best job in the world,” Godfread said. “Kids with critical illness hear ‘no’ a lot. No, you can’t do this or that because of your health. With us, they get to hear ‘yes’! It is such a blessing to watch these kids just get to be kids. These families just get to be families. And that brief relief can bring great healing to the point where kids who receive a wish often do better than those who don’t.”

Granting Wishes on the Prairie

Bismarck Woman Connects Local Community with National Nonprofit

What should people know about Make-A-Wish North Dakota?

Most people have at least some familiarity with the MakeA-Wish Foundation, however, as with so many nonprofit organizations, much of the truly important work doesn’t make the evening news.

“Wishes come in all shapes and sizes,” Godfread said. “The public is more aware of the bigger ones, but we grant about 50 wishes each year for children across the state. It could be something as simple as adaptive play equipment or as grand as a vacation to Hawaii—anything to make these kids feel like kids.

“One of my favorite wishes was for a boy named Beckett who asked for an adaptive swing set. Beckett loved to be outside. He is also nonverbal and uses a wheelchair, so he can’t swing at some of the parks near his home. We granted Beckett’s wish, but that wasn’t all. The neighborhood kids were fascinated by the construction. By the end of the build, Beckett had a new playset and a new set of friends!”

One of the biggest misconceptions many people have about Make-A-Wish, according to Godfread, is where the money

Women You Should Know:

Photo Courtesy of Haylie Flesness

Photo Courtesy of Jesse Nelson

Did You Know?

Amanda Godfread is a co-host of the popular podcast “Welcome to Our Box."

goes. The answer—it stays right here. Money raised in North Dakota is used to grant wishes for children in North Dakota. The organization operates on an average of about $12,700 wish—$7,500 in cash, and an additional $5,200 in-kind donations—then works to grant as many wishes as possible with available funds.

“People in the Midwest are very self-reliant, “ Godfread said, “so sometimes parents don’t choose to seek extra services like Make-A-Wish, but it is never a question of who deserves it more or if referring your child will take away resources from another family. We do our best to grant every eligible child’s wish because everyone deserves a chance at happiness and freedom from the stress critical illness causes to the body and soul.

“So, I think this advice is important for any parent. Be the squeaky wheel for your child. Be their champion in every situation.”

How has your work with Make-A-Wish North Dakota impacted your personal life?

“I’ve tried a few different types of communication work. I began by working with the University of North Dakota Alumni Association for many years,” Godfread said. “I spent a few years on the political side of things with Governor Jack Dalrymple, then a stint with Odney. At the end of the day, though, my heart belonged to the nonprofit sector. And as motherhood became a larger part of my personal identity, I was excited to find an opportunity to connect with other mothers and families in North Dakota.”

Celebrating Make-A-Wish children has become something of a family tradition. Godfread’s three kids are often part of the sendoff or welcoming committee at the Bismarck airport. They help make signs and are always ready to help with fundraisers.

“It’s important to me that they realize giving back isn’t a chore,” Godfread explained. “It can be a joy. It can be a chance to connect with the larger community. As they grow, those connections will keep them grounded in who they are and what they represent.

“This goes for adults, too. As women, and as mothers, we need community. Motherhood is an amazing journey. But it can also be an isolating one. The clash between motherhood and business is real. And it is a challenge for many mothers. We need resources. We need support groups. We need to share our stories and hear from others. I am so happy to be one of the voices in our community facilitating these things both professionally and personally.”

Where can we learn more?

For more information on Make-A-Wish North Dakota, Godfread recommends visiting their website, wish.org/northdakota. It provides information on referring a child, getting involved, and more.

Those wishing to connect with Godfread about the journey of motherhood and create a more empathetic and flexible professional space for women are encouraged to reach out, as well. Her podcast, "Welcome to Our Box," is returning with new episodes soon, available on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. She also provides a monthly editorial column for the Bismarck Tribune.