Fargo Monthly March 2014

M O N T H LY

These guys are

excited

about something...

FARGO

Publisher

An Exciting Time to be a Fargoan Five Years ago I had an idea to start a resource for the people of Fargo. My biggest reason was because I didn’t think that there were enough people as excited as I was about this town. Now, I am being proven wrong.

Mike Dragosavich - Publisher

START IT UP

What is a startup? In my mind, it’s a pretty general term. Most people associate it with Silicon Valley. I associate it with starting a business, and when it comes to creating a business, I don’t think there is a more opportunistic place than Fargo and North Dakota. I can say first hand that this community is the reason I am still going strong. The support of the great people here, the economic growth and stability, the low operational costs associated with the area, the excitement and support of other businesses and much more have helped me grow this company. In bigger cities it’s tough to start

The February issue was a huge success. I have never seen magazines fly off the shelf quicker. Food rules! Check out our steak section in this issue.

Check this out!

a company from scratch. You need more money and time, less competition and better ideas. There is no patience for small businesses in big cities and that’s a huge reason for new company’s success. We wanted to highlight some local startup companies in this issue and show you some people who are helping connect the dots for all entrepreneurs. I hope you enjoy this issue, and reach out to myself or the guys at Emerging Prairie if you are looking to start a business or grow your existing business. This is a special place and we all want to pull together and help each other succeed.

I would like to thank North Dakota Today for having me on the show to talk about Fargo Monthly and Fargo trends of the month.

Check it out at valleynewslive.com. (Click “What’s on” then the ND Today LInk.)

Mike Dragosavich, Publisher 2

Have you gotten your tickets for Jake Owen yet? // Fargomonthly.com

email: drago@spotlightmediafargo.com

PROMOTION 6

Josef's Annual Fashion Awards, held on

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January 31, 2014 was a huge success and proudly claims its name as the Biggest and Best Runway Show in the Midwest! Over 250 models walked the runway and Josef’s once again set new standards in the industry awarding four trips to the TIGI Academy in New York City to top placing students and alumni. Josef’s believes that competition is an integral part of their education program giving students the opportunity to push boundaries both personally and professionally.

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WHAT’S YOUR CAREER PATH? If you want to start your career in a fast paced, exciting industry then contact Josef’s School of Hair Design. With a tradition of more than 50 years that includes many of the leaders of our industry, you will know you are on the right path.

CONTACT Tricia, Admissions admissions@jsohd.com 701.306.0712 701-235-9910 For more information go to JSOHD.COM 3

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8.

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From Left to Right: TIGI Global Creative Director Nick Irwin, Elaine Olivieri, Joseph Olivieri, TIGI Global President Tom Monaghan, Mario Olivieri, TIGI US Vice President Tom Buffano, TIGI US Creative Director Thomas Osborn 5

1. Doll Makeup by Olivia LaRae France 2. Mr. Joseph welcoming the crowd 3. Avant Garde Model by Elaine Olivieri 4. Judges evaluating Doll Makeup Models 5. Model by Lindsey Singer 6. Downtown Warriors take the stage (Women’s Cut/Color category) 7. VIP Pre Party; Brittney Gould, Michelle Hermann, Kelli Karn, Elaine Olivieri, Kathy Colvin 8. Josef’s West ‘Tea Party’ model by Maddison Kitko 9. Jungle Fever/Avant Garde models by Lillian Fehn & Heather Stach | Photos by Jenna Lenertz and Kaytlin Dargen

FARGO

Contents

Emerging Prairie New startups are popping up all the time in Fargo. We celebrate the fact that the FM area is an emerging prairie.

12 The Man in the Driver’s Seat West Fargo is one of the fastest growing cities in the state. We sit down with Mayor Rich Mattern to talk about the success.

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47 High-end Steaks

From Barley to Brew

Your mouth will be watering when you read this article. We hit the town to find some of the best steaks.

It is a long road to bring your favorite Anheuser Busch beer to your hands. A crucial part of that process takes place in our area.

52

Culinary Spotlight

Mezzaluna is one of the hottest restaurants in town right now. Our columnist Eric Watson tells us how he keeps his business going strong.

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Fargo’s Super Group

The new band Boots is a type of Fargo super group as it’s composed of so many Fargo notables. Learn who they are and what they’ve done.

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Live Music

Once again we have the live music schedule so you can find out where your favorite band is playing.

On The Cover Andy Christensen, Miguel Danielson, Jake Joraanstad and Greg Tehven from Emerging Prairie stopped by to show their excitement about startups and entrepreneurs in the area. These four guys are on the forefront of the startup community in Fargo.

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Event Calendar Stay on top of what's happening this month with our event calendar.

GET WITH IT. SPOTLIGHT MEDIA 502 1ST AVE. N, FARGO

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INFO@SPOTLIGHTMEDIAFARGO.COM

701-478-7768

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Which celeb do you think will drop in for the Fargo Film Festival? // Fargomonthly.com

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FARGO

Team

Meet our Team!

We are the people of Spotlight Media.

Every month, Spotlight Media brings you Fargo Monthly, Stride, Bison Illustrated and Design & Living Magazine. Here are the people who make these wonderful mags.

MIKE

NICK

JESSE

TRACY

PAIGE

ALEXIS

CODEY

DENNIS

ERIKA

PAUL

MADALYN

SCOTT

JOE

NATHAN

ANDREW

SARAH

PS

MEAGAN

MICHAEL

BRENT

ERICA

ANDY

GEORGE

LISA

NICK

JAKE

BOUGIE

BEN

To learn more about the team at Spotlight Media and our four magazines, go to spotlightmedia fargo.com

GET TO KNOW JESSE Jesse from J. Alan Paul is our head photographer and loves shooting people. Pun Intended) See all his work at jalanpaul.com.

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How about those Bavarian pretzels from W端rst Bier Hall? // Fargomonthly.com

Volume 4 / Issue 4

March 2014

Fargo Monthly Magazine is published 12 times a year and it’s free.

Copies are available at over 800 Fargo-Moorhead locations and digitally at fargomonthly.com.

A Spotlight Media Production

Publisher General Manager

CREATIVE

Editorial Director

See our favorite Fa HOTSpots t rgo his month.

Mike Dragosavich

drago@spotlightmediafargo.com

Brent Tehven

brent@spotlightmediafargo.com

Andrew Jason

andrew@spotlightmediafargo.com

Art Director

THE LOBBY BAR AT THE RADISSON

Graphic Designers Head Photographer

Andy Neidt

design@spotlightmediafargo.com

Sarah Geiger, Mike Dragosavich, George Stack

CAJUN CAFE

Jesse Hoorelbeke jesse@jalanpaul.com

Photographers

SILVER DOLLAR PIG

Ben Gumeringer, Andrew Jason, Paul Flessland, Heidi Jaeger

Contributors

Andrew Jason, Eric Watson, Seth Holden, Lisa Marchand

Copy Editors

Meagan Pittelko, Sarah Tyre, Madalyn Laske, Lisa Marchand, Paul Flessland, Josie Eyers, Alexis Klemetson

Web Developer Marketing

HOTEL DONALDSON

Nick Schommer Scott Eickscen

Advertising Sales Manager

Paul Hoefer

paul@spotlightmediafargo.com

Senior Account Manager

Tracy Nicholson tracy@spotlightmediafargo.com

Marketing/Sales Administration

SMILING MOOSE DELI

Dennis Britton, Nick Bruns, Paul Bougie

CHUBS

Erika Olson

Circulation

Circulation Manager Delivery

Codey Bernier Chris Larson, George Stack, Matt Johnson

Fargo Monthly is published by Spotlight Media LLC. Copyright 2014 Fargo Monthly Magazine & fargomonthly.com. All Rights Reserved. No parts of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission of Fargo Monthly. Fargo Monthly & spotlightmediafargo.com will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions found in the magazine or on fargomonthly.com. Spotlight Media LLC., accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers.

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Why would you ever have to pick between beer and bacon? // Fargomonthly.com

GRAND FORKS: 2702 Gateway Drive 2051 32nd Avenue South

FARGO: 1125 19th Avenue North 1621 45th Street SW

FARGO

Editor

The Dream of Not Having a Boss

I

think it’s a universal dream to start your own business. Imagine not having a boss. Wouldn’t that be the best thing ever?

(No offense Drago.) I’m sure everybody has had that stroke of genius where they come up with the next million-dollar idea that will change the world. However, there’s one thing that stands between the dreamers and the achievers and it’s pretty simple. The dreamers only dream and the achievers actually achieve.

I know that sounds really dumb but it’s true. Nobody became a millionaire by lying around thinking about how great their idea is. The cold hard fact is that in order to achieve something, you must work for it. I was inspired by the different entrepreneurs I worked with this month. We asked each one of them for five tips about getting a startup off the ground and told them the tips needed to be specific instead of giving us the same old platitudes.

While they were all nice enough

to oblige us, the simple fact is that they could have all said the same thing: Work hard.

Fargo has one of the hottest economies in the country. Our area is ripe for anybody brave enough to take the risk and start their own business. The support that the startup community shows for each other is incredible. However, the simple fact of the matter is that nobody’s going to do the work for you. It’s up to you to get out there, make the connections and start busting your hump to get it off the ground.

So whether you want to be the next Microsoft or the next Nichole’s Fine Pastry, the opportunities are out there. You just need to make it happen. Please use our resource guide.

Be inspired by the stories of other entrepreneurs. Reach out to SCORE. Go to Startup Drinks. Do something to make your dream happen. Now is the time to finally achieve that dream of not having a boss.

Andrew Jason, Editorial Director facebook.com/fargomonthly

twitter.com/fargoandrew

PS

Editor’s Choice

My Must Sees These are some of my must see events this month. They’re sure to be a good time.

Fargo Bacon & Beer Festival Why would I miss this event?

There’s no possible reason why somebody wouldn’t check this out.

It combines the two best ingredients of all time. I’ll see you at the Scheels Arena on March 5.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade On March 15 I’m letting out the Irish inside of me. I will be cheering on the parade as it goes down Broadway. Look for me. I’ll be the guy in green.

Fargo Film Festival I love movies. I love the Fargo Theatre. I can’t wait to check out the annual Film Festival. There are so many gems that are played at the festival that it’s a shame to miss it.

Correction In our February Fargo Monthly, the number for Pizza Patrol is incorrectly noted. It is 701-241-9000.

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Have you seen the FM Derby Girls in action yet? // Fargomonthly.com

Fe e d b a c k andrew@spotlightmediafargo.com

FARGO

Business + West Fargo

The Man IN THE

Driver’s Seat THE AMOUNT OF GROWTH WEST FARGO HAS SEEN IN THE LAST DECADE IS INCREDIBLE. THE POPULATION GREW FROM 14,940 IN 2000 TO 25,830 IN 2010, AN ASTOUNDING 72.9 PERCENT GROWTH IN 10 YEARS. BUSINESSES ARE POPPING UP THROUGHOUT THE CITY. SCHOOLS ARE BEING BUILT AT A REMARKABLE RATE. ALL IN ALL, IT’S A GOOD TIME FOR WEST FARGO. WE CAUGHT UP WITH ITS MAYOR RICH MATTERN TO TALK ABOUT THIS GROWTH. Interview by Andrew Jason Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

West Fargo was named North Dakota’s City of the Year for 2013.

What was it like to receive that?

“We’ve received, through the years, a number of awards for various things but when you are voted City of the Year by your peer cities, it was a judging group from the North Dakota

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League of Cities, I think that is really the biggest award you can get. It’s not just me. It’s the staff and the other commissioners and we all share in that award, because it’s through everybody’s hard work that we’re given that award. That you’re seeing this tremendous growth.

How many Shamrock shakes have you eaten so far this year? // Fargomonthly.com

“There are various things that I wanted to accomplish when becoming mayor and one of the things I wanted to do, since I’m in the PR business, I wanted to get West Fargo more on the map. Mayor (Dave) Stedman before me always shied away from interviews and those kinds of things. Given my background I

About Mattern For the last 12 years, Mattern has been leading West Fargo as its mayor. This Strasburg, ND, native started off as a reporter for KXMB in Bismarck before moving on to KXJB in Fargo where he worked for 13 years. He eventually got his masters at NDSU where he now works for the Ag Communication department.

thought the reverse should be true.

We should be in on a lot more things and get out there. We needed to get more retail. When we were a much smaller community, it was a given that people felt that West Fargo was a bedroom community of Fargo. Some people were happy with that. I just felt that, and the commissioners with me

have felt, through the years we really wanted to see some growth in West Fargo. We worked hard at that. ... We’ve really seen some tremendous growth.”

Was that exposure why West Fargo joined the Chamber and the FargoMoorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau?

“That was a Chamber decision. We had a West Fargo Chamber. They decided to merge with the bigger organization.

I think that has worked out really well for everybody. We had not joined the FMCVB. We always kind of said that when we’d get more hotels and those kinds of things, we would join. We are getting a hotel convention center. It’s

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FARGO

Business + West Fargo

“

The West Fargo residents have supported education and voted to build more schools. I think that the residents deserve a lot of credit for doing that.” down there it changes. It’s been incredible.”

Schools are being built like

crazy in West Fargo. Can you talk about that?

Mattern participates in the 2014 State of the Cities last January along with other local mayors. (Top) Mattern awards Lieutenant Duane Sall an award for employee of the year.

(Bottom)

a smaller convention center but it’s really desperately needed in our community. We felt that the time was right to join the FMCVB. We had our own visitors committee and that’s still in operation but for the most part that money that is collected from the hotels now goes to the FMCVB. “I worked with Charley (Johnson, President/CEO of the FMCVB) at KXJB so I’m very comfortable with Charley and he’s very comfortable with me. We got together to chat about it and I told him that ‘Well, once the hotel ground breaking begins then we’ll join.’

He convinced me to join before that. They’re even promoting that spot right now even before it opens its doors. I think it’s a good relationship.”

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In Minneapolis you have uptown and downtown. We’ve heard people say that Veterans Boulevard may someday be the uptown of FargoMoorhead. What do you say about that?

“I never thought of it that way to be honest with you. That place has been exploding, as you well know if you drive down there. There are some upscale apartment buildings and different types of housing. We have North Dakota’s first Costco store there.

Once that Sanford hospital is built, I think you’re going to see even more growth. It has exploded more than I thought it would before that hospital is finished. One side of the road is Fargo; the other side is West Fargo. I think when you look at how it was even a few years ago and you compare it to today, it’s incredible. Every time I drive

Have you tried out the 3 story-tall Ultra screen at West Acres 14? // Fargomonthly.com

“I just noticed that the school district is doing another Name the School Contest. At the rate we’re building schools, I think we’re going to run out of names. When you look at the school district and the way it’s growing, it’s incredible.

Just incredible. The school district is larger than the city of West Fargo. The school district goes into Fargo. West Acres is in the West Fargo School District so it gets part of the property tax money from West Acres, which is a pretty good deal. Harwood and Horace are in the West Fargo School District.

It’s a very large school district but with the tremendous growth that we’ve had even in the city of West Fargo, they have to keep going…

The West Fargo residents have supported education and voted to build more schools. I think that the residents deserve a lot of credit for doing that.”

You can read the full interview with Mattern at fargomonthly.com.

Community

PROTECTING FARGO’S

CHILDREN

BY ANDREW JASON PHOTO BY J. ALAN PAUL PHOTOGRAPHY

NOT ALL POLICE WORK IS DONE ON THE STREETS. SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT WORK IS DONE BEHIND A DESK. DETECTIVE JUNELL KRABBENHOFT OF THE CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN UNIT CAN ATTEST TO THAT. SHE WORKS WITH ANY CASE WHERE A CHILD IS INVOLVED, WHICH KEEPS HER QUITE BUSY. LAST YEAR THE CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN UNIT WAS INVOLVED IN 99 DIFFERENT CASES. IT IS THEN KRABBENHOFT’S JOB TO FOLLOW UP ON THE CASE.

A

nother important part of Krabbenhoft’s job is something that was not around 20 years ago. She works heavily with cyber crimes against children. This has become a widespread problem that has been getting worse.

“These kids just don’t seem shy anymore about anything,” Krabbenhoft said.

“They’ll sit and have a conversation with me about sex. They don’t seem to have any filters or barriers.”

Krabbenhoft’s life wasn’t always involved in police work. Originally from Sabin, MN, she went to the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, for mathematics and computer information before moving out to California. She finally realized where her true calling was and went to the police academy in Sacramento, CA. “It was something (police work) I’ve always been interested in. … I went into computer and math first because I liked that stuff and tried it but I didn’t find it very rewarding… I like this a lot

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better. The longest job I’ve had is in law enforcement.”

Krabbenhoft’s job is not an easy one. It can be hard for her to separate work from life. She is a proud aunt, which allows her to escape from the horrors she faces at her job.

“It helps to play around and be goofy and go out to eat and see kids in a normal environment that aren’t exposed to a lot of the unfortunate things that the other kids are exposed to. It makes me feel a lot more blessed to have family and friends and nieces and nephews that aren’t in that type of situation.”

How to protect your kid from being a victim of cyber abuse: Krabbenhoft had some important advice for parents to protect their own child from cyber abuse. She also recommended parents check out the website netsmartz.org for advice on how to teach your child to be safe while online.

Know what your kids are doing online and establish rules on the use of cell phones and computers.

Teach your children to abstain from sharing photos or videos that might cause them problems if other people see them, especially people who are not their friends.

Despite it all, it is important that she does everything she can for the kids. After all, that’s why she does it.

Tell them it’s important that they tell you if they are a victim so you can help them.

“Sometimes it’s hard. You see these small kids that can’t even walk sometimes and they have broken bones. You think, ‘These people are monsters.’ You do what you can for them and help them out.”

If you learn your child is a victim, keep all the evidence, block the suspect on social media and contact police.

Did you know that Deek's Pizza is open until 3 a.m.? // Fargomonthly.com

JUNELL KRABBENHOFT

is a detective for the Crimes Against Children Unit of the Fargo Police Department. It is her duty to follow up on any case that involves children.

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DOWNTOWN FARGO | (701) 232-2491

www.royaljewelersfargo.com

Community 119 EMPLOYEES. EIGHT MILLION

FROM

BUSHELS OF MALT.

MILLIONS

OF DOLLARS OF ECONOMIC IMPACT. This is how North Dakota barley is turned into beer and how FargoMoorhead reaps the benefits.

TO

By Andrew Jason Photos by Ben Gumeringer, Heidi Jaeger and Andrew Jason

T

he next time you’re sitting down to enjoy a Budweiser, Bud Light, Shock Top or any of the number of Anheuser Busch’s products, think of the long process that brought that beer to you. That process likely started here in North Dakota.

FIND OUT HOW

This plant plays a role in bringing you some of your favorite beers.

This is the way it works: Farmer Joe, or at least we’ll call him that for this story, grows barley in the region. That barley is then shipped to silos in West Fargo for storage. From there, that barley is hauled to the malt plant in Moorhead. At the plant, the barley goes through a process to create malt that is shipped off to an Anheuser Busch brewery where it is then turned into one of their numerous products.

Once the barley is turned into malt at the Moorhead plant, it is transported down to one of Anheuser Busch’s numerous breweries. Once the beer is brewed, it is then shipped back up north to FargoMoorhead where DS Beverages takes over. They distribute the beer to more than 600 retail locations in a 100-mile radius. It finally ends up in the hands of the consumer. Let’s take a closer look into two of the more complicated processes.

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Community

TIME FRAME The time the entire beer mak-

ing process takes, from barley in the field to a beer in your hand, takes roughly one year.

Mostly by rail, the grain travels to one of several breweries before it is a product available to consumers.

I

t’s hard to miss the Anheuser Busch plant in Moorhead. The malt plant employs 41 full-time employees, takes up 150 acres, is 345,000 sq. feet and is the largest utility user in Moorhead. Every year, the plant produces about eight million bushels of malt. According to Judd Carlson, the plant’s manager, the goal of the plant is “to provide high quality barley malt to our breweries at the lowest cost possible.” Since Anheuser Busch is such a large organization, it is important that they have a steady stream of malt to keep up with their rapid production rate.

The plant runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Carlson reported that the barley is grown in this region, brought to the plant, cleaned and graded and put into storage silos until they’re ready to begin the malting process. Once the process is ready to begin, it is separated into batches and put into steep tanks where the kernels are immersed into water with fresh air blown through to hydrate the barley. The Moorhead plant uses 500,000 gallons of water every day.

From the steep tank, the barley goes into to the germination stage. “Judd is basically farming in a controlled environment,” said Alan Slater, director of North America Barley Operations at Anheuser

THE PROCESS It’s a complicated process, so we broke it down for you.

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Busch. “He only has so many days to do it to get his yield and results. … The farmers would love to have that control that he has.”

ing,” Carlson said. “You’re stabilizing the kernel for storage but you’re also forming all the color and flavor that’s going to end up in the beer.”

Once the barley has grown enough, it is moved to the kiln, similar to one used in pottery. The kiln reaches temperatures around 145 to 190 degrees and dries the barley from 50 percent moisture to only 15 percent moisture in one day and then down to four percent moisture the second day. “You can think of it like bak-

From there, the malt makes its long journey to the Anheuser Busch brewery. According to Carlson, about 40 percent of the malt is shipped by train to St. Louis, while the remaining 60 percent is shipped to various breweries across the country. Eventually, it makes its way back as beer to Fargo-Moorhead.

THE FIELD

Farmer Joe grows the barley in his field. It grows to be tall and luscious.

What was your favorite Winter Olympic event? // Fargomonthly.com

SILOS

The barley is shipped from across the region to the silos in West Fargo. That plant holds around five million bushels.

(Bottom photo) The Moorhead Malt Plant is hard to miss as it takes up 150 acres, is 345,000 sq. feet.

(Right photo) Alan Slater, Judd Carlson and Doug Restemayer (left to right) show off the barley at the Moorhead Malt Plant.

to overconsumption, a lot of corruption and little selection. At the end of Prohibition in 1933 with the passing of the 21st Amendment, a three-tier system was established to prevent future issues. “We’re the buffer between the brewery and retail,” Restemayer said. “Our function is to get the product from the brewery into the hands of retail.”

Fast-forward several years to 1968 when Restemayer’s father-in-law, Don Setter Sr., founded the company. Restemayer eventually purchased the company from his father-in-law in 2000 and continued to grow the business.

T

he distribution industry was a product of necessity. According to Doug Restemayer, president of DS Beverages, the distribution industry came about because prior to prohibition in 1920, brewers not only made and distributed their product but also could own the retail joints. This arrangement led

MOORHEAD PLANT

From the silos, the barley is shipped to the plant in Moorhead.

They ship out around eight millions bushels of malt every year.

DS Beverages’ job has gotten trickier in the last few years with the resurgence of craft beers and the expansion of different package sizes. According to Restemayer, they are distributing over 1,200 skews, when three years ago they did less than half that. Even with this rise in craft beers, the most popular beer remains Bud Light, with it being almost one out of every five beers consumed, Restemayer said. “If you take Budweiser and Bud Light together, it’s one out of every four beers. If you throw in Busch Light and Golden Light, you’d have almost one out of every three beers,” he said.

MAKING BEER

The malt is shipped down to one of four breweries, the primary one is in St. Louis. After roughly 30 days it is shipped back up back to Moorhead.

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Community

BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW

Have you ever heard the term “lock, stock and barrel”? The phrase refers to the fact that the brewers owned the lock on the front door (the retailer), the stock in the back room (distribution) and the barrel (the brewer) the product came in. According to Restemayer, this term is one of the reasons why the distribution industry was created. According to Restemayer, the negative connotation of this term dates back to the corruption in the alcohol industry due to this arrangement.

T

he economic impact DS Beverages has on the community is large. They employ 56 people with a payroll of over $2.5 million per year. In fact, according to a report produced by the Center for Applied Business and Economic Research, the total economic impact of beer distributor operations, investment and community involvement in North Dakota is 938 jobs and contributes $48,883,364 in wages and salaries.

With such a large inventory, it is imperative that they get the products to the retailers as soon as possible. They send out 10 trucks daily and deliver within a 100-mile radius.

One of their biggest challenges is ensuring quality. Their 83,000 square foot warehouse has both refrigerated and non-refrigerated sections. Restemayer said that when they receive draft beer it is only 2-3 days old. They must turn it over quickly as 50 days is the usual shelf life of a draft beer. It is imperative

DS BEVERAGES

DS Beverages receives the beer and sends out around 10 trucks daily to roughly 600 bars and liquor stores.

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Where are you going to get your green beer this St. Patty's day? // Fargomonthly.com

that they get the beer to the retailer as soon as possible to ensure the quality stays up to the brewer’s expectation.

Finally, after a long and complicated process involving thousands of man-hours and millions of dollars of production, the beer reaches the retailer where the consumer can get their hands on it.

TO THE HANDS OF A CONSUMER

After that long process, the beer is finally reaches the consumer. The entire process takes roughly a year.

Community

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FARGO

Business

FARGO-MOORHEAD IS AN...

EMERGING A BOOMING ECONOMY. STARTUPS POPPING

UP ALL THE TIME.

SUPPORTS ONE ANOTHER. JUST ANOTHER AVERAGE DAY IN

Miguel Danielson He is a practicing intellectual property attorney that focuses on tech companies and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

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Andy Christensen Christensen works at Arthur Ventures as an associate.

PRAIRIE AN

WORDS By Andrew Jason Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITY THAT

AMERICA'S EMERGING PRAIRIE.

Greg Tehven Jake Joraanstad Joraanstad is the co-founder of Myriad Mobile.

Tehven is a connector that helps organize TEDxFargo, Startup Weekend Fargo and more. He is an adjunct Professor at the Offutt School of Business.

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FARGO

Business Common belief unites Andy Christensen, Miguel Danielson, Jake Joraanstad and Greg Tehven. They all believe in the power of Fargo. These four men play an important part in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether it’s by being part of a startup, connecting startups or funding startups, they believe that the most important resource for entrepreneurs is other entrepreneurs.

“If you read Brad Feld’s book ‘Startup Communities’ out of Boulder, CO (he says that), what an entrepreneur needs most are other entrepreneurs,” Tehven said. “Initiatives that are led by entrepreneurs have a higher likelihood to supporting entrepreneurs.”

According to Joraanstad, Emerging Prairie’s goal is to “inform, connect and then let the entrepreneurial community activate around all these different things.” They do this through a variety of means. They publish stories important to entrepreneurs on their website, emergingprairie.com, host networking events like Startup Drinks and One Million Cups and highlight startup job openings in the community.

to world class resources; later in the year, a co-working facility is planned for downtown.

The second is to support the E-commerce community, which is a rapidly growing sector in startups in Fargo startups. Finally, they want to help university, government and economic development organizations better understand how to support and grow startups.

“The biggest thing that we’re trying to do is raise the profile of what’s happening here,” Tehven said. “We feel that the entrepreneurs and risk takers aren’t quite getting the coverage and recognition they need.”

They aren’t just aiming for people within the community; they hope to showcase the fact that people from this area are making a difference across the United States. Greg Brockman, the Chief Technology Officer of Stripe, a company that creates a platform for web and mobile payments, will be coming to town to speak at the Midwest Mobile Summit. The Thompson, ND, native will speak about the talent this community has to offer.

Along with this effort, they have three main goals for 2014. The first is creating collaborative spaces for startups. Danielson is spearheading the creation of the Fargo Startup House – a house where startup founders can live and build their businesses together while gaining access

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“We need to get behind the entrepreneurs… versus trying to tell them what to do,” Tehven said. “They’re trying to disrupt industries. They’re trying to shift the way the world works.... Innovation in its essence is about new things. Traditional and historical organizations, sometimes have a hard time,adapting to benefit such radically different businesses.”

When it boils down to it, Emerging Prairie is trying to get people to know one thing that Christensen summed up.

“If I want to start a company, I know I can start it here. A lot of the mentality is that I need to go to a bigger metro … It’s getting people to know that they can take a risk here and the community will be supportive of them and will tolerate failure and embrace whatever they’re trying to do.”

FARGO

Business

RESOURCES for STARTUPS

There are many resources in the FM area for those looking to get their startup off the ground. Check them out to help your dream come true.

1 Million Cups Each week 1 Million Cups meets up to bring entrepreneurs together to talk about what’s happening in different industries. Every Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Plains Art Museum, different entrepreneurs give a presentation on their company. There is then an opportunity to meet and network with other entrepreneurs. fargo.sites.1millioncups.com

Arthur Ventures This company assists startup businesses in the upper Midwest that need initial guidance and financial support. With a $45 million fund for startups, they focus on helping companies that use technology to solve problems. Their mission is “to improve the human condition, while satisfying the economic conditions that support a continuous cycle of innovation, entrepreneurship, investment and global growth.” arthurventures.com

Center for Technology and Business The goal of the Center for Technology and Business is to grow North Dakota’s economy by providing small business owners with training, technology and business development. They provide

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many resources for anyone interested in startups as well as offer training on a number of subjects. trainingnd.com

Emerging Prairie Think of Emerging Prairie as a community for entrepreneurs and startups. According to their website, they are committed to “informing, connecting and activating the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the upper plains.” The website has news about startups and has all the information on their upcoming events. emergingprairie.com

Fargo Startup Weekend March 7 at 6:30 p.m. at ecce art + yoga

The Startup Weekend brings together developers, designers and non-technical people in the pursuit of starting a new business. The idea is that teams will form and over the next 56 hours the groups will band together to create, design and market their product. At the end of the weekend the teams pitch their ideas and judges will vote on the winner. fargo.startupweekend.org

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Fargo’s Startup House Fargo’s first Startup House is Emerging Prairie’s newest project. The idea is to bring six to seven entrepreneurs together under the same roof while they build their business. This will give the startups that live under the roof the opportunity to meet other startups and connect with people. This new project is set to open its doors this month. emergingprairie.com

Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation The GFMEDC acts as a connector. They are great at helping people out when they are first getting started. They also facilitate programming like 1 Million Cups and Fargo Startup Weekend and other events that help and support the entrepreneurial ecosystem. gfmedc.com

Health Pitch Fargo Aug. 14 at 3 p.m at The Stage at Island Park

This annual showcase will feature 15 speakers from around the region who are working on innovating the healthcare and wellness arenas. Each speaker will have three minutes to pitch their idea and explain why it is the most likely to improve lives. The health and wellness topics will cover three general ideas: Personal, Community and Global.

Keep an eye on emergingprairie. com/epnews for more information.

Innovate ND When an entrepreneur signs up for Innovate ND, they are given a $2,500 voucher to be used through a certified entrepreneurial center, access to a venture building process, online

FARGO

Business

RESOURCES for STARTUPS

advice for small business owners in the area. concordiacollege.edu/ academics/departmentsprograms/business

Startup Drinks Innovate ND Continued...

entrepreneur education, business planning tools and boot camps for anyone starting their own company. commerce.nd.gov/innovate/ innovatend

MELD Workshop Think of the MELD Workshop like a gym. However, instead of exercise equipment, members have access to all of their technological equipment. MELD has 3D printers, laser cutters and a lot of other equipment. Along with access to the equipment, they offer classes that range from 3D printing to laser cutting and engraving. meldworkshop.com

Midwest Mobile Summit This two-day conference will teach emerging companies how to utilize mobile technology to enhance their business. This year they are bringing in mobile technology from companies like Microsoft, Apple and AT&T. There will also be breakout sessions, case studies, keynotes and even Cinco de Mayo rooftop parties.

May 5-6 midwestmobilesummit.com

ND Center for Innovation This is another great resource out there for anybody getting involved in a startup. Opened in 1984, the Center for Innovation is located in Grand Forks and can help startups get off the ground,

30

secure funding both publicly and privately and launch new ventures. innovators.net

North Dakota Small Business Development Center This is another great resource for anyone just getting started in beginning their business. The NDSBDC offers plenty of services like business planning, financial analysis, operating challenges, funding your venture and much more. ndsbdc.org

NDSU Incubator The NDSU Incubator gives a place for technology startups to call home. The list of services they provide include networking, mentoring, assisting in figuring out finances and so much more.

Located in the NDSU Research and Technology Park, some of its previous occupants include Appareo Systems, Intelligent InSites, Myriad Mobile and Pedigree Technologies. ndsuresearchpark.com

Offutt School of Business Concordia College’s business school has a long history of “preparing the next generation of business leaders.”

In fact, Bill Gates spoke last year at the dedication of the Grant Center, home to the Offutt School of Business. Along with several other business-focused centers on campus, the Hamm Center for Entrepreneurship offers hands-on

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March 13, location TBD

The folks at Emerging Prairie believe that one of the most useful tools for entrepreneurs is the opportunity to talk to other entrepreneurs. That’s what Startup Drinks hopes to accomplish. This networking event connects people and gives them the chance to talk about the next great idea in a fun atmosphere.

Watch emergingprairie.com for more information.

SCORE SCORE should be your first stop when starting a business. Their team of retired professionals has plenty of resources to help you out when you’re first getting started.

They offer local workshops and one-on-one mentoring. This national organization has plenty of templates and tools at your disposal. fargo.score.org

Small Business Administration This organization provides many resources for those looking to start a small business. They provide access to capital, offer education in a variety of ways, help secure government contracting if applicable and are an advocate for small business. More information can be found on their website. sba.gov

FARGO

Business

MEET

5

STARTUPS meet Five Startups That prove that

Fargo-Moorhead is ripe for the taking for anybody with a good idea and the courage to chase their dreams.

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How dreamy was Jake Owens? // Fargomonthly.com

FARGO

Business

DOG IDS CLINT HOWITZ

It’s amazing what an appearance on “Good Morning America” can do for a business. Fargo-based company Dog IDs has appeared on the show five times since 2011.

Each time they were on the show, the company saw 20,000-30,000 unique visitors in a day because of a 15-second promo on the national TV program.

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I

t took a long time for Clint Howitz, the founder of Dog IDs, to work his way up to that success, though. Back in the 1990s, Howitz started a company called Mendota Products that focused on selling high end sporting dog products to retailers. While doing this, he began making personalized IDs for dogs.

He soon sold Mendota but kept engraving IDs. “We started doing engraving because that’s one thing back then (that) was hard to find… I decided to keep the personalization business separate because I was going back to work at the time and my wife could run it out of the house in a corner in the basement while I was traveling for work. I built the website and treated it like a hobby business for a few years.”

“You have to remind yourself all the time to think uniquely and keep taking chances and making mistakes, otherwise you’re never going to differentiate.”

In 2010 he moved to Fargo and focused all his attention on Dog IDs. The company has grown rapidly and last year shipped more than 30,000 orders and sold over 60,000 items.

They now sell a wide variety of products that range from dog IDs to personalized water bowls to collars.

Howitz, who is a dog lover, has found a job that allows him to follow his passions.

Originally from Wahpeton, ND, Howitz owns a Great Dane named Syrus and a Golden Lab named River who eagerly greet visitors at their office in south Fargo. These two pets have, for the most part, become the spokesdogs for the company, appearing in numerous ads on their website dogids.com.

Howitz recognized that his products served a purpose.

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Business

“There’s a safety aspect. That’s making sure people put contact information on dogs. They should always have contact information on their dogs if there are those times when they get away and get lost. We try and keep dogs at home with their families as much as possible.”

Dog IDs has been around for a long time but Howitz and his team of six full-time staff and three interns are trying to innovate the industry. One of their signature products is called the scrufftag collar. This tag is built into the collar so there’s no annoying jingling of the ID against the collar or threat of losing the tag by it getting caught on something.

With more than 1,000 different products in their catalog, Howitz and his team have found a successful recipe for a business. Since forming his company, Howitz has learned many lessons but there’s one that stands out.

“You have to remind yourself all the time to think uniquely and keep taking chances and making mistakes, otherwise you’re never going to differentiate.”

Clint’s

FIVE TIPS

TO A SUCCESSFUL STARTUP

1. Avoid naysayers and fearful

people: You have enough adversities

Make sure they have strengths that you are missing. This is tough and will be uncomfortable at times. They will also push you outside your comfort zone and force you to grow both personally and as a business.

2. Encourage open minds and take

5. Sales and profit will grow your

3. Never be satisfied with the status

36

4. Hire people that challenge you:

in front of you and need to surround yourself with people who will support you. These people will also become your best friends as your business evolves. chances every day: When mistakes happen, own them, share them, learn from them and move on with one more team learning experience under your belt.

Dog IDs has more than 200 of their own products and over 1,000 total products for sale on their website.

(From left to right) Eric Schafer, Lacey Guck, Clint Howitz, Bethany Howitz, Shelby Cochran and Chuck Bucholz form part of the team at Dog IDs.

quo: Leave that to your competitors.

Find your unique edge and be proud of being different. Your customers will love you for it while the others will think you are insane, which is good.

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business: Sales will most likely be the pain reliever to many business conflicts you encounter, especially if you are bootstrapping. If sales are rolling before anything else, things will always seem to flow much easier.

dogids.com Search for “dogids”

FARGO

Business

MYRIAD MOBILE

RYAN RAGUSE & JAKE JORAANSTAD (left to right)

Jake Joraanstad and Ryan Raguse have

become the poster boys for a successful startup in Fargo. The two of them created Myriad Devices, now called Myriad Mobile, in 2011. Today they have over 30 employees and hope to have around 60 employees by the end of the year. They have done all of this by the age of 24. So it begs the question, what’s their secret?

“W

e’re focused on mobile technology only, so therefore when we come up against a competitor they probably don’t only do mobile … we stand out in that process every time because that’s all we do,” Joraanstad said. “Because we’re niched, focused and aggressive in our sales strategy, that’s why we’re winning.”

Raguse and Joraanstad teamed up while they were both in school at NDSU. However, Joraanstad was quick to point out

38

that he had a 2.7 overall GPA while Raguse noted that he skipped almost every day of his small business and entrepreneurship class because he was starting his own business. He did receive an A in the class though. Despite their young age, the young entrepreneurs have reached an enormous amount of success.

“We were able to leverage some of the success stories we heard early on and when you do that you kind of build your way into credibility,” Raguse said. “Generally, in our

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industry, when you have a conversation with a customer and they can see how much you know, it (any doubt) all goes away.”

The growth of their business has not come without challenges. They have recently expanded to Minneapolis and Atlanta and hope to branch out to Kansas City, Chicago and Denver in the near future.

Raguse and Joraanstad’s roles have changed dramatically in the last couple years as their company has grown. Now that they

are branching out across the nation they have to reformat the way things are done at Myriad, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“You have to keep changing who you are to get to the next level,” Raguse said. “A $1 million company thinks differently than a $10 million company and a $10 million company thinks differently than a $100 million company… You have to be able to identify ‘How am I going to do things differently? How am I going to be a better leader?’”

The business partners must have found a process that works as they have worked with Fortune 500 companies like Bobcat, Crystal Sugar and Microsoft. Raguse and Joraanstad ­aren’t forgetting where they came from, though. They have seen the startup community grow in Fargo and they have helped contribute to it.

Maintaining that entrepreneurial spirit is very important to them.

“It’s fun for us because in the startup community, we’re the big dogs in a way…” Joraanstad said. “That just gives us as much opportunity to help as we can… Everybody in the company is involved, in one way or another, helping other startups… That’s fun that we can do all that and contribute and grow the community.”

“Because we’re niched, focused and aggressive in our sales strategy, that’s why we’re winning.”

- Jake Joraanstad

Jake & Ryan’s

FIVE TIPS

Myriad’s “Winter Survival Kit” app was their first app to receive national exposure.

Myriad also develops apps for businesses such as the one pictured above that was made for Bobcat.

TO A SUCCESSFUL STARTUP

1. Know the difference between

4. Invest your life in your

most of your time doing the tactical work. That’s what will actually start paying the bills. Strategy can only enhance the company; tactical work will actually create it.

hours is out. If you still want to work traditional hours then you probably still view this as a job and need to find something else that you are passionate enough to take on wholeheartedly.

strategy and tactical work: Spend

2. Keep overhead low: When

inexperienced people start a company, they think the first thing they need is a fancy office and great letterhead; do these last. Any money should go straight to product development and/or into direct costs.

3. Blow peoples' minds: When new,

you probably have no marketing budget and nobody knows about you. Focus on doing things that blow peoples’ minds or gets people talking in a big way. Do something big.

business: Working traditional

5. Ideas are useless without

execution: Forget about how great your idea is and focus on building a team to execute greatly on that idea.

myriadmobile.com facebook.com/ myriadmobile linkedin.com/ company/myriaddevices-llc

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FARGO

Business

OFFICE SIGN COMPANY RYAN FRITZ

Ryan Fritz just wanted to spend more time with his daughter. He felt he was missing her childhood because he was always working.

That’s when he came up with foundability.com.

This was set up to help companies with their search engine optimization. He created Office Sign Company as a test client.

“I

wanted to promote my marketing company, but what really happened was that I guess I marketed it so well that Office Sign Company became real,” Fritz said.

In 2008, Office Sign Company became a reality. This company, as the name suggests, specializes in any custom made sign for offices. With over 200 products, 24 employees and a new expanded office in downtown Fargo at 310 NP Ave. N, the company has taken off across the country.

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This Grafton, ND, native grew up in Fargo and went to Fargo South High School. He worked at a number of different jobs and quickly came to the realization that most entrepreneurs stumble upon: he did not enjoy having a boss. That’s when he set off on his own.

“It may sound cliché, but you can’t go into it for the money,” Fritz said. “It’s true about the whole do what you love type of thing.

For me, I really thought that I would wear the same shirt every single day for the rest of my life, but I just wanted to spend more

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time with my daughter.”

His love for his daughter led him to the creation of Office Sign Company. In fact, he jokes that his daughter Ceely is the Vice-President of the company at the age of 12. While Office Sign Company started because of his daughter, it has grown and become so much more. Fritz and his company have done business with L’Oréal, Yahoo and many other companies. One thing hasn’t changed since the beginning though and that’s their commitment to quality.

“What did we focus on? It’s back to the aesthetics. It’s back to the quality and service,” Fritz said. “Those things are hard to maintain.

It shouldn’t be a secret for anybody that quality and good service is what everybody wants.”

Since its beginning, the company has been expanding and has reached a point where there’s not much they can’t produce. Fritz wants his customers to know that if they want something printed, Office Sign Company can make it happen. He also believes that’s one of the things that separates him from the competition.

“We like them to know that they can do anything. I think that’s where we tend to set ourselves aside.”

Despite all the success Fritz and his company have reached, he believes they are at a comfortable spot. However, he’s not sure if he has much control over where they go.

“Part of me doesn’t want to grow anymore.

It seems like the more we grow the more challenging it becomes but I can’t slow us down.”

“It may sound cliché, but you can’t go into it for the money... For me, I really thought that I would wear the same shirt every single day for the rest of my life, but I just wanted to spend more time with my daughter.”

- Ryan Fritz

Ryan’s

FIVE TIPS

TO A SUCCESSFUL STARTUP

1. Don’t go into it for the money: It’s

cliché, but you have to do what you love.

That’s why I got into this business for my daughter.

2. Look at your former bosses:

Eventually you’re going to be in a position where you are in charge of other people.

Look at former bosses and decide what you liked and what you didn’t like about them.

3. Define culture: Everything you

do at your office will affect culture. It is important to create a vibrant culture that will encourage people to enjoy the work they do.

4. Find people to help you along the way: Many people helped me along the

way. Doug Burchill at Bell State Bank and Trust and John Machacek at the Greater FM Economic Development Corporation were a great help for me in the beginning.

5. Surround yourself with good

people: It can be hard to find the right talent. Make sure you find people who care about the company. You’ll see some good and some bad, but be sure to keep the good ones.

Office Sign Company can make thousands of different products and everything is customizable.

officesigncompany.com Search Office Sign Company

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FARGO

Business

FARGO 3D PRINTING JOHN SCHNEIDER & JAKE CLARK (left to right)

3D printing is going to change the way things are done. At least that’s what Jake Clark and John Schneider of the Fargo 3D Printing are banking on. Their new company hopes to bring 3D printing to the area.

“S

eeing how 3D printing has changed in the last year and a half and seeing where it’s going to be in the next year and a half to five years is pretty incredible,” Schneider said. “3D printing is going to be a game changer in a lot of things.”

The last five years have seen a rapid expansion in the way 3D printing is done.

The technology has improved drastically and Schneider believes this will allow for more completely customized products.

“We’re not talking about getting shoes in the color you want,” Schneider said.

“We’re talking about getting shoes that are designed specifically for your feet.”

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The technology is advancing quickly and Schneider and Clark hope to bring the industry to Fargo. Started in January, Fargo 3D Printing has made it possible to find a local source for 3D printers. Schneider believes that 3D printing makes it feasible for a small business to be able to make some of their dreams come true.

“We want to be able to make 3D printing more accessible to smaller manufacturers or entrepreneurs who might have an idea but they don’t have the money to spend $10,000 on a part prototype. Instead they can spend $2,000 on a 3D printer or pay us a couple hundred dollars to have something custom 3D printed and it’s a lot less expensive.”

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Clark and Schneider share a common thread in the fact that they both have an entrepreneurial spirit. Clark’s dad started his own company and that passion for being his own boss was passed down to his son. Schneider’s first foray into business was bee keeping in the eighth grade. He saw that there was money to be made by selling honey. Their paths finally met up last summer at a 3D printing event held in downtown Fargo. The idea for Fargo 3D Printing was born.

Through their website, fargo3dprinting. com, anyone is able to purchase a printer, printer parts or inquire about having something custom printed.

HAPPY HOUR

Mon-Fri 3-6 | $1 off all drinks and appetizer specials

While they are passionate about what they’re doing, in the end it boils down to being able to do what they love and creating something on their own.

“I’ve always been interested in doing my own thing,” Clark said. “Working for some corporate guy was never in my idea as a person. I want to look back on my life when I’m 70- or 80-years old and say ‘I did something’ versus ‘I worked for somebody and made them a bunch of money.’”

“Working for some corporate guy was never in my idea as a person.”

MONDAY INDUSTRY NIGHT

Free wings | $2 wells, taps and wine

TUESDAY FACULTY NIGHT

$2 Wells, taps and wine | Happy hour app specials all night

WEDNESDAY

Half price bottles of wine!

-Jake Clark

Fargo 3D Printing has several different 3D printers that anyone can buy by going to fargo3dprinting.com.

Jake & John’s

FIVE TIPS

TO A SUCCESSFUL STARTUP

1. Focus on what you’re

4. Fargo has a lot of good

your strengths and weaknesses.

It’s important to know when you’re not good at something.

Development Center was really good at helping us figure out our financials. The Small Business Administration can help as well.

specialized in: You have to know

2. Focus on what your

immediate needs are: We’d love to have three or four printers but we can only afford one so we’ll make that work at maximum capacity. You need to work with what you have.

3. Identify how you’re going

resources: The Small Business 700 1st Ave N Moorhead, MN 56560

5. Networking is crucial:

We’re part of the Young Professionals Network for the Chamber of Commerce. We also go to Startup Drinks, Startup Weekend and any other events where we can meet people.

to make money: It’s one thing if you’re doing something you love, but you need to be able to support yourself while you’re doing it. We both still have our full-time jobs.

(218) 287-0080

Patio opening soon! fargo3dprinting.com facebook.com/ fargo3dprinting

Private Banquet Room | The Hunt Club Special Events | Weddings | Grooms Dinners | Birthdays, Anniversary's Graduation Parties

FARGO

Business

BEACH INTERACTIVE SARAH ENGLISH & KYLE WEIK (middle & second from left)

“I

’m a big fan of education and learning,” English said. “I have always wanted to revolutionize education but it doesn’t work like that so I was like, ‘Well, I’ll start a company that creates a product and is a solution and maybe it will change something.’”

English then met Kyle Weik, who has a background in design, and explained her vision. He was able to help make her dream attainable. Beach Interactive was born and their first project, The Abettor’s Letters, began.

“We wanted a new, exciting way to learn that wouldn’t rely on a flashcard…”

Weik explained. “We wanted it to be an interactive world.”

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The idea started 4,000 miles away. Sarah English studied in France while in high school.

When she graduated, she started traveling and wanted to be able to communicate with the locals. She began to think that there had to be a better way to learn a language and soon realized that she could help others.

Slowly their team began to form until there were five members. McCal Johnson, Andrew Ihla and JoJo Seames, along with English and Weik, began to work on the project. The idea is simple. They are creating a game that puts players in the shoes of an American spy, the abettor, in France who has defected and has been hired to investigate different crimes. The player will then learn French, along with the Abettor, as they investigate the crimes.

The team is in the early stages of this massive undertaking. They are currently working with Myriad Mobile in creating a working demo to pitch to investors. Once they find an investor, the team is going all in to finish up the game. They have plans to branch off into other languages.

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“Once this game gets made, it’s going to be so obvious that it’s great that we then just need to kick back and make the next one,” Seames said. “... We feel completely confident in this game.”

They are priding themselves on the look of the game. Seames is the character artist while Johnson is the environments artist and Weik handles the user interface. While they all have different backgrounds, they have been able to work together very well.

“What’s nice is that we form this pentagram of experience…” English said.

“Everybody has this crossover.”

English pointed out there is a strong entrepreneurial spirit in Fargo-Moorhead

and that there is a community that will back anyone up in their goal of chasing their dream. It doesn’t mean it’s an easy journey though.

“Entrepreneurship is lonely and scary because you’re going against the grain of all the worldly wisdom that your parents and relatives are giving you,” English said. “It is hard, but that’s why you have to be a bit nutter butters to pull it off.”

“Entrepreneurship is lonely and scary because you’re going against the grain of all the worldly wisdom that your parents and relatives are giving you. It is hard, but that’s why you have to be a bit nutter butters to pull it off.”

- Sarah English

Beach Interactive is doing everything they can to make “The Abettor’s Letters” as visually pleasing as possible.

theabettorsletters.com facebook.com/ TheAbettorsLetters

OLD

FARGO

Food

5 STEAKS HIGH-END

Forget that salad. It's still winter.

We need to get some meat on our bones. We hit the streets to find five quality steaks that will get your mouth watering. Trust us, these are as good as they look... if not better.

By Lisa Marchand Photos by Paul Flessland & Andrew Jason

1

Beef Tenderloin

Maxwells 1380 9th St. E, West Fargo maxwellsnd.com

This steak is practically a piece of art. Topped with creamy boursin cheese and red wine crimini mushrooms, the steak is executed flawlessly. With your choice of vegetables and a starch, the kitchen will be sure to arrange a perfectly-designed plate that will be almost too attractive to eat. Almost.

• At any given time Maxwells has 200 types of wine.

• The kitchen's theme song is "I Love It" by Icona Pop. • The French-inspired restaurant features an extravagant brunch every Sunday.

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FARGO

2

Food Steak Frites

Beefsteak Club 612 1st Ave. N, Fargo bscfargo.com

This ribeye is enough to turn the most devoted vegetarian into a red meat fanatic. Topped with a wild mushroom demi-glace and garnished with fresh asparagus, this dish is the Beefsteak Club's best seller. Their house-cut seasoned fries are cooked in duck fat and make a perfect complement to the savory demi-glace. Executive Chef Scott Motschenbacher took over last February and did a complete menu overhaul: new dishes, better prices.

• They get their grass-fed beef from Rolling Hills Traeger Ranch in Avon, MN. • They dry age their beef in order to intensify the flavor.

2

• Everything on the menu at the Beefsteak is made from scratch.

3

Centercut Filet

Cork ’N Cleaver 3301 S University Dr, Fargo fargocork.com

Cork ‘N Cleaver sure knows how to serve a meal.

This 14 oz. filet comes with your choice of soup or salad, a starch side and a fresh-from-the-oven sourdough roll big enough for two. The Sterling Silver grade beef is marinated in olive oil and Himalayan sea salt before being seared over the open flame of a cast iron grill. It takes 30 minutes to perfect a medium rare steak, but it is definitely worth the wait.

• Cork ‘N Cleaver has been a Fargo staple since 1970.

• Their Sterling Silver grade beef is between Prime and Choice.

• Their daily salad bar features dressings made from scratch.

4

10 oz.

Filet

Basies 1635 42nd St. S, Fargo basies.com

Cut in-house from the finest Certified Angus Beef, this classically simple dish is heavenly. What sets their meat apart from the rest is their 1,000 degree

48

Where is your favorite downtown lunch joint? // Fargomonthly.com

3

broiler that sears the steak on contact. The end result is a dynamic steak that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Seasoned only with salt and pepper, served with pickled onions and garnished with a homemade herb puree, this steak will keep you coming back for more.

• Basies is managed by local restaurant connoisseur Monte Jones.

• Their 1,000 degree broiler is the only one of its kind in North Dakota.

• They have six in-house steak and chicken rubs, all made in house.

5

Steak Oscar

sauce, this dish is the most popular steak on The Gallery’s menu, and for good reason. The steak itself is unbelievably tender and is accompanied by asparagus, a choice of potato, veggies and a salad. Guests can choose from the 6 oz. petite size or opt for the 8 oz. tenderloin. It would be a shame to let this restaurant or the Steak Oscar go under your radar.

• It is located in the Holiday Inn, but is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• They get their beef from Quality Meats & Seafood in Fargo.

• Their restaurant often caters up to four weddings a night in the summer.

The Gallery 3803 13th Ave. S, Fargo fargohi.com/restaurantlounge.html

This tenderloin is some of the finest Certified Angus Beef, a cut above Prime, Choice and Select. Topped with shredded crab and creamy house made béarnaise

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5 49

FARGO

Drinks

Alison Buecksler Buecksler has been serving at Dempsey’s for the last four and a half years.

MIXOLOGIST

Dempsey’s bartender Alison Buecksler may be your new favorite bartender. This blond bombshell can stun you with her looks and whip up a potent drink. By Andrew Jason | Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

W

hether it was the time she put the guy in a full nelson for throwing glasses on the floor or the time she served Justin Timberlake’s guitarist, Alison Buecksler has seen a lot during her time at Dempsey’s.

Like the other great mixologists around town, Buecksler has been serving for a number of years. She has worked at a number of places including Buffalo Wild Wings, JL Beers and Bertrosa’s but has been at Dempsey’s for four and a half years. Despite the years of serving, there is one thing that keeps her at it.

“The people. Getting to know everybody downtown. Knowing the regulars. Regulars always love that you know their drink right when they walk in. It makes them feel special.”

Buecksler, a self-confessed beer girl, has recently been on a kick with a new drink.

The Snake Bite is half Angry Orchard and half Guinness. It’s an appropriate drink for her since she serves at Dempsey’s, an Irish bar, which is just the way she likes it.

Anybody who has been to the Dempsey’s on a weekend night knows how busy it can be. This can prove to be a challenge but it also helps the night fly by.

“Bartending is fun because you get people come right up to the bar and give them their drink and they’re out of your face…”

Buecksler said. “The night goes by quick.”

“We’re pretty much considered a whiskey bar,” Buecksler said. “Nothing fruity tooty.

Nothing fancy... It’s quicker pace. People

DRINK LIKE A PRO

dempseyspublichouse.com

Buecksler isn’t much of a whiskey girl but this is one drink she can drink all day long.

Honey Pot 1 oz. Jameson ¾ oz. Tuaca Fill the glass with Ginger Ale Splash of Bitters 1 lemon 1 lime Honey 50

get the best service here, at least I think so because you can get drinks right out here.”

Combine ingredients with ice in a regular glass. Top the rim of the glass in honey.

Are you going to Kevin Nealon at the Fargo Theater in April? // Fargomonthly.com

facebook.com/ Dempseyspublichouse

226 Broadway, Fargo

701-235-5913

SAMANTHA MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY

A Destination For Any Wedding

FARGO

Food

ERIC WATSON’S

THE 40 PERCENT RULE

W

ith all of the recent restaurant openings in Fargo-Moorhead, it only seems logical to discuss the inevitable. Trust me, I’m not a pessimist by any means, quite the opposite. I’m a realist. However, statistics suggest that out of every 10 new restaurants that have recently opened, no more than four will still be open for business in two to three years. Yes, Mezzaluna is only two years old so, that means I’m not in the clear either.

So, what does it take to be one of the 40 percent who will make it? For me, two options come to mind. Either you posses a tremendous business strategy and business plan, or you have so much money that you don’t mind wasting it on a failing operation. Personally, I prefer the first scenario. We have a business with overhead that is kept at a bare minimum, a staff that is well trained and a turnover rate that challenges the industry averages. Not to mention, good food.

So many folks have dreams of investing in or operating a restaurant. It sounds fun that’s for sure. However, the reality is that it could leave you emotionally beat down and financially devastated.

After all, the average net profit margin of a restaurant with a $25 average ticket price or higher, is a very modest 1.8 percent. So, when mom and dad were persuading us to be doctors and lawyers, maybe we should have listened.

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On the other hand, what about passion?

By the time I was 14 I knew I wanted to cook for a living. There was no way I was going to pursue a career that required an office and a chair. I spent several hours a month as a high school student experimenting with food and recipes. I remember always preparing a sauté of fresh mushrooms and feeling like it was just too boring. So, I took my step-father’s Jack Daniels out of the cupboard and took those mushrooms to a whole new place (trust me, I only cooked with it). To this day one of my favorite side dishes is Bourbon Crimini Mushrooms. If you told me in high school that I wouldn’t make a dime in the restaurant business I’m sure I would have pushed forward regardless. It’s like telling an aspiring musician or actor that they’ll get eaten alive if they move to Los Angeles. You simply need to try or you’ll never know.

I am not an expert on the subject of financial success. Nor am I an expert regarding success in general. I am, however, a good example of someone who has failed more than once and keeps pushing forward, trying to accomplish good things and trying to find success.

This may sound a bit cliché but everyone knows that behind any successful man is a brilliant woman. After all I’m just a cook.

So, if anyone asks me how I’ve managed to be part of the 40 percent for the past 10 years the response is easy: I married my beautiful wife, Sara.

What is the best steak in Fargo? // Fargomonthly.com

“This may sound a bit cliché but everyone knows that behind any successful man is a brilliant woman. After all I’m just a cook. So, if anyone asks me how I’ve managed to be part of the 40 percent for the past 10 years the response is easy: I married my beautiful wife, Sara.”

Eric Watson is the owner of Mezzaluna and Mosaic Foods in Fargo. He is also the founder and president of the Fargo branch of the American Culinary Federation.

BOURBON CRIMINI MUSHROOMS INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

• 1 Large Shallot, thinly sliced

Bring a large sauté pan to medium high heat and quickly sauté shallots and garlic in olive oil.

Add mushrooms to the pan and continue to sauté on high heat until mushrooms are tender.

Deglaze the pan with Bourbon (remember to stand away from the burner while doing this as mixture surely will ignite over an open flame). Once the flame is gone, continue to cook on high heat to quickly reduce the remaining liquid. Add the butter and quickly mix into the mushrooms to give a glossy appearance. Season with fresh herbs, salt and pepper. Top with bleu cheese and bacon and serve immediately.

• 2 tsp. Fresh Garlic, minced • 2 oz. Olive Oil • 2 lb. Crimini Mushrooms, or baby Portobello mushrooms, washed and halved • ¼ cup Bourbon • 1 oz. Butter. Room temperature • 2 tsp. Fresh Thyme, chopped • 2 tsp. Fresh Parsley, chopped • 2 oz. good quality bleu cheese, freshly crumbled • 3 slabs bacon of thick cut, cooked and roughly chopped Serves 4-6

• Salt & fresh ground black pepper, as needed

FARGO

Music

THENESTOR A New Home For Music

When you think of the Nestor Tavern, you may not think of big name artists. A recent remodel has brought with it a fresh music scene. Electronic Dance Music (EDM) lovers are sure to be pleased. We sat down with exclusive promoter Michael Jordan to talk about the recent changes. By Sarah Tyre | Photos by Ben Gumeringer

What will people notice about this transformation?

“Basically it was a punk rock kind of venue. We got a new stage, new paint, new ceiling and everything. We want to make it a more established music venue.”

What has the process of establishing yourselves as an EDM venue been like?

“We want to compete with some of the other places and get a lot of the big touring acts that are coming through.

It’s just establishing ourselves. We’re more connected now with our booking agencies. Once you keep going all these agents start to know you.”

There are other venues in town that focus on EDM. How are you different from those venues?

“It’s kind of tough. It’s the Nestor, so we’re trying to strive for a more friendly atmosphere than some of these other places. Some of these places are so in your face with everything and really hostile. Everybody at our place is really friendly, there’s never any fights or anything. We’re just trying to have a safe and friendly environment for everybody to come hang out.”

Do you have a favorite Nestor performance?

“Mochi Pet – he’s a really cool DJ from California that wears a purple dinosaur costume. He’s probably one of our biggest acts. He actually gave Sovereign Sect a record deal and everything. As far as

Michael Jordan Jordan is the owner of The Nestor Tavern.

The Nestor has become a home for those who want something different.

coming up I’m excited about An’ten’nae, they’re a pretty big artist too.”

Fargo has a budding EDM scene. Do you feel the Nestor is responsible for that?

“It already existed, we’re just providing another experience and another opportunity to check out the electronic scene. It’s always existed in the background but it’s sort of coming to the front ground now and everybody loves it.”

Why do you think it’s just coming out now?

“Electronic music was looked down upon by a lot of music venues. People just thought of it as the rave scene, basically it came out of the warehouses and now it’s in legal venues. It used to be a gray area and now it’s more of an accepted thing.

It’s more mainstream now.”

thenestortavern.fourfour.com Search for “The Nestor Tavern” for upcoming events 1001 NP Ave. N, Fargo 701-205-1967

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Did you know that The Radisson is the tallest building in Fargo? // Fargomonthly.com

Photo courtesy of Plains Art Museum

Expires 4/1/14

Buy any regular priced beer or drink and get one FREE!!

Excludes pitchers and discounted drinks or specials. One drink per person, per day.

FARGO

Funnies

Prime Comedy Club Last month the Prime Comedy Club opened up in the Hub to a packed house.

L AU G H I T U P Last month Jade Presents saw an opportunity to help area comics out so they opened the doors of Prime Comedy Club inside The Hub and it’s already lured in budding comedians and national acts alike. By Lisa Marchand | Photos by Paul Flessland

An Untapped Market

Before last month, only four open mic nights and one comedy club existed in town. So Prime’s Acting Manager Aaron Duma said there’s more than enough room in the market for another comedic outlet.

Courtney’s Comedy Club in Moorhead has had a stable set of comics in the past, so Duma said that Prime wants to give younger, edgier comedians the chance to flex their comedy muscles.

“We have these amazing young talents coming out of this area,” Duma said. “I feel like we have the ability to put some of these young people on the stage and really shine on a local level.”

But Prime isn’t interested in taking over the comedic market. They just want to help out their fellow comics to ensure more room to play. Prime’s emcee and local comedian JD Provorse explained that more comedy rooms means more chances to work.

“Our attitude is that we’re not going into competition with anybody,” Provorse said.

“Our attitude is there’s this great market and potential for comedy, and anything that’s good for that is good for everybody.”

The Perfect Fit

For years The Hub struggled to fill the space between Cadillac Ranch and The Venue. It’s been a steakhouse, a martini bar and even a casino. In early January, Starmark Hospitality and Jade Presents concocted the idea for Prime. By midFebruary its doors had opened and the weekend line-up was set into March.

Now, Prime is proud to call the space its home.

“It’s a great use for the space,” Duma said. “I think this makes a lot sense. It’s an entertainment destination, so to add the comedy element is the perfect addition.”

The cozy space seats about 100 people.

Thanks to Duma’s extensive mixology background, guests can choose from a long list of cocktails, beer and wine. Their menu will also include a handful of appetizers and desserts.

A Two-Hour Vacation

Prime’s weekend line-up has been impressive from the get-go. Amber Preston, a Fargo native now based out of LA, opened the club Valentine’s Day weekend with a charmingly sarcastic set.

Other nationally-known acts pepper the schedule, from former WWE wrestler Mick Foley to Cy Amundson who won CMT’s Next Big Comic in 2011. But the local comedy scene remains the focus of Prime’s mission. Every Sunday at 4 p.m., aspiring comics can come out and practice their stand-up at Open Mic night.

No matter the act, audience members can unplug and get away for what Duma calls a two-hour vacation.

“Nowadays it’s so hard to live in the moment because we’re always thinking about where you should be, where we were 20 minutes ago, instead of just enjoying where we are,” he said. “A comedy club embraces the idea of living in the moment, laughing in the moment... and laughing with the person you’re with.”

primecomedyfargo.com facebook.com/ primecomedyfargo Inside the Hub at 2525 9th Ave. SW, Fargo 701-205-1967

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Have you checked out the new exhibits at the Plains Art Museum yet? // Fargomonthly.com

Amber Preston Q&A

We chatted mustaches, Midwesterners and Mexican Village hot sauce with Prime’s opening act and Fargo native Amber Preston.

What’s the audience in California like?

Is it a little bit more laid back than the Midwest?

“I will say that Midwesterners, even when they’re enjoying themselves, they don’t show it. There’s not a lot of emotion.

There’ll be this Scandinavian middle-aged man with his arms crossed as tight as he possibly can, and then after the show he’ll come up and tell me how funny I was. ‘Well you could have cracked a smile during the show.’ (laughs) So Midwesterners maybe don’t show it as much, but they certainly have a good time.”

So if being an awesome, successful comedian hadn’t worked out, what was your Plan B?

“I don’t know. I still think I need to have a Plan B. I guess I always wanted to do some kind of performing... I don’t know, I haven’t thought about a Plan B. I’m avoiding that. Plan B is coming up with a Plan B.”

I hear you’ve got a slight obsession with mustaches. If you could grow a mustache, what kind would you rock?

“Oh gosh. If you’re going to do it, go all out, like Tom Selleck it up. Don’t baby step around it, just something really big and bushy. You know, something to rest your pizza on.”

What’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get back to Fargo?

“Probably get some Mexican Village hot sauce and eat an entire bag of chips and an entire tub of Mexican Village hot sauce.

That is always on my radar.”

Prime Comedy Club is only the second comedy club in town. What are your hopes for the Fargo comedy scene? Where do you see it going?

“There’s a lot of people there that are looking for things to do.

Comedy is a fun night out... you can laugh and have a drink if you want to, and it’s something new and exciting. I hope it goes well because I think people want something to do because there’s so much town, so many funny people in Fargo-Moorhead and even in Minneapolis, it won’t be hard to get really great shows. (I hope) it will bring more exposure to both clubs.”

Movies • Parties • Special Guests D E TA I L S AVA I L A B L E AT:

fargofilmfestival.com

FARGO

}

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Music

More Info: facebook.com/ BOOTSTHEBAND bootstheband.bandcamp.com See them yourself: They are playing at the Hotel Donaldson on March 27.

}

Which comedian would you like to see at Prime Comedy Club? // Fargomonthly.com

SUPER GROUP

“

Boots is a type of Fargo super

group. The members will be familiar to anyone who knows anything about Fargo music. Composed of Travis Atwood, Nate Pitcher, Mark Reitan and Rob Ashe, Boots’ music harkens back to days gone by. With one EP under their belt and new original music in the works, this band is just getting started.

”

By Andrew Jason Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

Origins

The four of them have known each other for a number of years because of the Fargo music scene but Boots officially formed to open for the bluegrass band Pert Near Sandstone last April. They have since created a self titled EP that is available on their website, bootstheband.bandcamp.com.

Music

Described as “folk gumbo” by Ashe, Boots’ music combines country, folk, blues and even a little funk to create an original style that only these talented musicians can pull off. “What we shoot for is timeless,” Ashe said. “Music that sounds like it’s from another time but is still fresh and modern and will still sound good ten years from now.”

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FARGO

Music What do you think of the Fargo music scene?

These guys have been around the Fargo music scene and involved in so many different bands that we figured they would know what’s going on with the Fargo music scene.

“There are always different bands and musicians and no two bands or musicians will sound the same, so as long as different people play music, music will always change.”

Mark Reitan

Vocals, Mandolin Former band: Johnson Family Band

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When was the last time you stopped in for a show at the Fargo Theater? // Fargomonthly.com

“With Fargo growing we are seeing a lot more national acts.

Since Fargo’s a smaller community, there is more opportunity to hang out with many of the musicians that travel through the city.”

Nate Pitcher

Vocals, Flat-top Guitar Former bands: Inside Out Strings, Gashouse Gang

“Over the past three to five years the FM music scene has really blossomed into a vibrant and diverse community of talent. We are fortunate to have many different venues.”

Rob Ashe

Vocals, Flat-top/slide guitar, harmonica Former bands: Solo Musician, Five Star Fracture

“There’s a great music scene in the FM area right now; probably better than there’s ever been. Take a chance and get out and see someone you’ve never heard of.”

Travis Atwood

Vocals, Upright Bass Former bands: 24Seven, Carmen the Cactus, Pat Lenertz Band

FARGO

Music the same time it’s really scary because you know, you might be going home any second. Your best friend that you made might be going home. And it was just a rush, it was crazy.”

You want to be the first idol from ND, and you want to put ND on the map. What does that mean to you?

ANDRINA BROGDEN Andrina Brogden is hoping to put North Dakota on the map. This 19-year-old has called West Fargo home since she was 6. She made it to “American Idol” in Omaha, Neb. Her performance of Beyonce’s “Halo” earned her a golden ticket from celebrity judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick Jr. This means that she made it past the first round and moved on to Hollywood where she made it into the top 15 women but was eventually kicked off. We chatted with her to find out what the experience was like. Interview by Madalyn Laske

How much time did you spend with the celebrity judges?

“You basically just walk in and sing your song and they critique you and you go to Hollywood or you go home. It felt like a very long time, I’ll say that. I don’t really know how long it was. But it felt like a very long time because you have those nerves and you’re hearing them critique you so much and you just want to hear their verdict. It really was not that long.”

How did it feel the moment you found out you were advancing?

“I was going through a little mini shock because I mean, I’m my biggest critic and that was not my best, you know, that 62

wasn’t my best audition, that wasn’t my best song and in my head I was just like there is no way they are going to want me right now. And then when all three said yes I was just like, ‘This is crazy! This is the best thing ever.’ I was just so happy I wanted to go show my mom.”

What has the whole experience been like for you?

“So far it’s just been a rush, I mean, it was crazy to make it through and when I got to Hollywood a week ago it was just go, go, go. It was a lot of stress, but also really fun just because you know you are there with all these amazing singers.

And you get to hear them sing. But at

What was your best method of staying warm during this year's sub-zero winter? // Fargomonthly.com

“If I could go all the way and you know, and actually win this competition where people would be like ‘that’s Andrina, she won American Idol. She’s from North Dakota.’ That would be one of the best things ever just because, you know, we have some people that are really awesome from North Dakota. Like Wiz Khalifa was born in Minot, Josh Duhamel was born in North Dakota, however most people still aren’t aware that North Dakota even exists. I mean, I’ve talked to people and they are like, ‘Oh, I didn’t even know North Dakota was a state.’ I would really love it someone was like, ‘Yeah, North Dakota is a place where a superstar can come from.’ That would be the greatest thing ever.”

Is this what you knew you wanted to do your whole life?

“I mean, growing up I went through the phases just like any other kid. I wanted to be a whole bunch of different things; I always changed my career choice. But I’ve always loved singing and music ever since I was little so and it has always been in my family, so growing up, going through those stages it was always a fall back and eventually I was like, ‘You know what? This is what I want to do.’ As I got older I was like ‘this is what I want to do,’ and I’m just going to do it.”

What have you learned since auditioning?

“I have learned a lot actually. Just from other people and from critiques that I’m getting. Just like be a good person basically, common sense stuff. Be nice to people, don’t say stupid stuff on social media. But basically singing-wise I’ve learned like, to be fearless. Don’t doubt yourself, just be positive. I was feeling a lot of anxiety and I was really nervous to

sing at my audition and I really just gotta learn that you just got to do it. And even if you think you don’t have what it takes, you actually do. And if you go for it with your all that’s all that matters.”

We heard your uncles are in the Blenders, has that helped you out?

“Oh yes, definitely.

I’ve watched them, two of my uncles are in the Blenders. I’ve watched them singing at home, and singing at church but a lot when they have done holiday tours and stuff. I’ve done that every year. Just watching them on stage, I learn a lot because I analyze them. Because, I mean, I’ve seen the show a bajillion times so I basically have it memorized like the back of my hand, so I’ve gotten to the point where I just want to analyze what they do, how they get the crowd worked up and happy, and how they keep every one entertained and I try to incorporate that into what I do or what I could do one day. I take pointers, you could say.”

Is there anything that you’d want to say to the people of Fargo?

“I would say, ‘vote for me.’

Because that would be so fun!

Obviously. But I mean you know, any words of advice I have started saying this now, since I’ve had this experience, I’ve gotten advice from judges, is just be fearless and be yourself no matter what, because that’s the most important thing in the world. You can be the most talented person ever, you can sing like a god but if you aren’t yourself, if you don’t have the guts to actually do something, you won’t get anywhere.”

“

...just be fearless and be yourself no matter what because, that’s the most important thing in the world.”

Read the full interview at fargomonthly.com.

FARGO

Music

SETH HOLDEN’S

MUSIC SPOTLIGHT IN THE JANUARY 2014 ISSUE OF FARGO MONTHLY I discussed several points in my column that I felt every aspiring young musician should know. They were things I’ve learned and that I thought could help young musicians in their quest to turn their passion into a career. A couple of those points deal with the business side of being a musician and given that this issue of Fargo Monthly is focused on business, I think that I will dive a little deeper into a few from that previous column. ,In January I suggested learning to live on

the bare minimum of expense. When you are starting your band or project I would suggest taking this idea to the extreme.

Before you decide to take the plunge of going out and taking your band on the road, use the time you are taking right away to improve your live performance and build your local following to also build capital. Don’t pocket any money from these performances. Instead, reinvest it. Use it to record an album, get all the gear you will need to hone in your sound, buy a van, buy a trailer, buy a sound system, buy a light show, rent a practice space, start a website or invest in merchandise that you can sell at your shows. Basically, reinvest everything back into the band until you have everything you will need to hit the road. Going out on the road is expensive enough in itself, you should spare yourself any extra expenses by taking care of all your investments while you are playing to big hometown crowds, have no travel expenses and still have jobs.

While you are playing locally, building your hometown fan base and investing in your project, you should be marketing yourself heavily online both locally and nationally. Push your band online by posting your music and videos on websites like Bandcamp, Soundcloud, YouTube and others. Seek out bloggers to write about your music and promote it on their blogs and join online music contests. Most importantly, get your local

64

fans and friends involved in your online presence. Anyone can post things online, it’s the people in your community that support you and have seen you live that can validate your online presence. This presence is extremely important when you are getting ready to hit the road as it will allow you to create fans in markets that you have never played, giving you an enthusiastic crowd your first time playing somewhere. This will also impress any club owner by showing them that you already have a fan base before even showing up to play at their venue.

Always remember this is a business and you should treat it like one. I’m not saying that you should get a time clock, that you should have a manager that makes sure everyone is showing up to work on time, pay day is every other Friday and you’re not open on federal holidays because that would take away the very essence of being an artist. But every business requires investments; it needs capital, a product to sell, customers to sell to, marketing to gain customers and a means to deliver its product to its customers. It needs a plan, a vision, a strategy for success and team members that care so much about the business that they are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure its success.

Your band is no different. I know this may sound very unappealing because after all you’re an artist, not a business person, right? Well, if you want to concentrate on being an artist, you might be better

How often do you use MATBUS to get around town? // Fargomonthly.com

off finding someone to take care of the business side of things for you, a manager. However, this person should be almost less of a manager and more like another member of the band. He or she should thoroughly understand the music business, but should also be willing to make the same sacrifices; be an equal stakeholder and share the same ideas and vision for the future as all the other members.

Always remember that this is a business and you should treat it like one.”

I made the point back in January to take the time to learn the music business.

Even if you decide to hire a manager, I still feel that this is very important and I think that every musician should know at least the ABC’s of the music business. But having a manager that has your vision and your best interests in mind could be beneficial to your band’s success and could also help you follow my last point from January’s column...

Never stop having fun!

seth.holden.722@gmail.com

Seth Holden is a local promoter and drummer for several local bands.

FARGO

Music Calendar

LIVE MUSIC March 2014 | Live Shows

The Aquarium

226 BROADWAY, 2ND FLOOR (ABOVE DEMPSEY’S) DOWNTOWN

3 Nervosas 5 Go Murphy 7 Trill Logic 8 Daft Punk Tribute 12 Sleepy Sun 14 That One Guy 15 Poitin 17 St. Patty’s Day Party 19 Electric Six 20 Islands 21 Pimps N Hoes Party 22 The Quarterly 28 Sean Anonymous & DJ Name 29 Future Islands

Bar Nine

1405 PRAIRIE PKWY #301, WEST FARGO

Cadillac Ranch

2525 9TH AVE. S. (INSIDE THE HUB) SOUTH FARGO

WEST FARGO

5 Lars & Joe Pony Show 12 David Lee 19 Anthony Chaput 21 Ciro & Topher Show 26 The Vinegar Strokes 28 David Lee

7 Rhyme or Reason 14 Silverado 21 Jake Owen Pre Party and 2 Mile Final 28 Troubadour

THE KEY TO THE MUSIC CITY. DOWNTOWN

WEST FARGO

SOUTH FARGO

MOORHEAD

Tell us who your favorite local act is by emailing info@spotlightmediafargo.com.

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FARGO

Music Calendar

Dempseys

226 BROADWAY, FARGO DOWNTOWN

101 BROADWAY, FARGO DOWNTOWN

JC Chumley’s

1608 MAIN AVE, MOORHEAD MOORHEAD

7 D Mills and The Thrills 8 Heavy is The Head 14 San Haven Chuckle 15, 17 Poitin 21 Curlister Crumplebee Orchestra 22 Rock Paper Scissors 28 Boys Of Summer

3 2nd Annual Darrin Wentz All Star Birthday Ramble 6 Bros on Broadway 12 FM Operas Young Artists 13 The Ericksons ft. Molly Maher 20 The Pat Lenertz Band 27 Boots

8 Silverado 27 The Vinegar Strokes

JT Cigarro

Lucky’s 13

Maxwells

4554 7TH AVE. S, FARGO WEST FARGO

4301 17TH AVE. S, FARGO SOUTH FARGO

1380 9TH ST. E, WEST FARGO WEST FARGO

7 The Roosters 8 Arena 14 Van Ruins 15 Save Me CJ 21 Slamabama 22 Ciro & Topher 28 Back 4 More 29 24Seven

7 Generator 8 Sideline 14 The Groovetones 15 MOD 21 The Neptune Men 22 Paul Peterson Project 28 The Measures 29 Ciro and Topher

6, 13, 20, 27 Dave Ferreira Trio

O’Leary’s - Moorhead

O’Kelly’s

Pickled Parrot

808 30TH AVE S, MOORHEAD MOORHEAD

22 The Arthurs 29 Davis

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Hotel Donaldson

3800 MAIN AVE, FARGO SOUTH FARGO

7 The Plowboys Unplugged 14 Neptune Men 21 The Troublemakers 28 Blues Valley Band

What do you to keep yourself entertained when stuck behind a train? // Fargomonthly.com

505 3RD AVE. N, FARGO DOWNTOWN

7, 8 Contention 14, 15 Helena Handbasket 21, 22 Mourning After 28, 29 Someday Heroes

Red Raven

916 MAIN AVE, FARGO DOWNTOWN

Rick’s

2721 MAIN AVE, FARGO SOUTH FARGO

Shotgun Sally’s

1515 42ND ST. S, FARGO SOUTH FARGO

6 Outlet Open Mic Poetry & Greg Rekus 8 The Cello Quartet 13 Old Time Jam 27 Celtic Jam 29 Robbers Roost

7, 8 Mourning After 9 Jayne Marek Benefit 12 Jack Daniels Party 14, 15 Twice As Hard 21, 22 Misschievious 27 Holiday Knockouts Dancers 28, 29 Roadtrip Radio

7 Redline 8 Boomtown 14 Hitchville 15 Slamabama 21 Tune In Tokyo 22 October Road 28 Sell Out Stereo 29 Brat Pack Radio

Sidestreet

Spirit Lounge

VFW Downtown

301 3RD AVE N, FARGO DOWNTOWN

7 Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank 29 Heavy Is The Head

3803 13TH AVE. S, FARGO SOUTH FARGO

7, 8 Save Me CJ 14, 15 Ciro & Topher 21, 22 The Coolers 28, 29 S.O.L

202 BROADWAY, FARGO DOWNTOWN

7, 8 Flashback 14 Pat Lenertz 15 Karaoke King 21, 22 Neptune Men 28, 29 The Groove Tones

Breakfast The most important meal of the day...

All day...

Daily breakfast, lunch, & Dinner specials If you’re looking for a great restaurant with an inviting ambiance and down home cooking style, visit The Shack On Broadway.

3215 Broadway, Fargo

6am-8pm

(701) 356.2211 | theshackonbroadway.com

6am-2pm

Weekdays

Sat. & Sun.

Eggs Benedict

FARGO

Music Calendar

Crossing The Line for 22 years

March 6th - 8th

VFW: West Fargo

308 SHEYENNE ST, WEST FARGO

Heath Harmison Opener- Ryan Wingfield

WEST FARGO

7, 8 The Shakers 14, 15 Billy D and the Crystals 21, 22 Silverado 28, 29 Hollywood Knights

March 13th - 15th

Kris Shaw Opener- Daryl Horner March 20th - 22nd

Windbreak

3150 39TH ST. S, FARGO SOUTH FARGO

6 32 Below 7 Dream League 8 Maiden Dixie 9 24Seven 13, 14 Dirty Word 15, 16 Tripwire 17 Pony Show 20 October Road 21 Junk FM 22 Johnny Holm Band 23 8th Hour 27, 28 Back For More 29, 30 Boomtown

Jamey Stone Opener- Sean Webb March 27th -29th

Mark Poolos Opener- Joe Cocozello

for tickets:

Hey bars and music venues! Email info@ spotlightmediafargo.com with your lineup for the upcoming month and we’ll get it in the mag.

218-287-7100 Inside the Moorhead Days Inn off 8th St. & I-94

600 30th Ave S

.

Moorhead, MN

courtneyscomedyclub.com

Thurs: Shows Start at 8 pm (Must be 18+)

Open Mic. After Main Show - Sign up at 9:30 pm

Fri/Sat: Shows Start at 8pm and 10:30pm (Must be 21+) 68

FARGO

Event Calendar

EVENTS March 2014 | Event Calendar

ARTS

MUSIC

Fargo Film Festival ARTS

4th - 8th This celebrated full week event is back! This year will include feature films, animation, documentaries, shorts and local films as well as the popular two minute movie contest. Keep an eye out for surprise guests. Go to fargofilmfestival.org for information and the full schedule.

Fargo Theatre

7 16 M a i n A v e , F a r g o

NIGHTLIFE

COMMUNITY

Prime Comedy Club, Cy Amundson NIGHTLIFE

FAMILY

SPORTS

Red River Valley Sportsmen’s Show SPORTS

6th at 7 p.m. and 7th-8th at 7 & 9:30 p.m.

This young comedian is quickly establishing a name in the comedy community. He won CMT’s Next Big Comic in 2011, he’s performed on “Conan” and the “Bob and Tom Show” and is stopping in Fargo for the weekend. Tickets for the 21+ show are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.

6th - 9th This is the ultimate event for any outdoorsman. It will be five shows in one: camping, boating, hunting, fishing and travel with seminars & exhibits at the FargoDome. Go to fargosportshow.com for more information.

FargoDome

18 0 0 N U n i v e r s i t y D r , F a r g o

The Venue at The Hub

2525 9th Ave. S W, Far go

Twilight of the Golds ARTS

6th - 8th at 7:30 p.m. and 8th & 9th at 2 p.m.

The Tin Roof Theatre Company will be preforming Johnathan Tolins’ “The Twilight of the Golds”, a play that asks the question, “If your parents knew everything about you before you were born, would you be here?”

For more information and to reserve tickets visit, tinrooftheatre.org.

The Stage at Island Park

Laser Shows

Celtic Festival

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

8th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m

7th - 13th Over the course of six days the MSUM Planetarium will be showing 30 laser shows.

The shows range from the educational to resurrections of the 80s rock and roll. For a full schedule, visit mnstate.edu/planetarium.

Costs range from $5 to $8.

MSUM Planetarium

11 t h S t . a n d 8 t h A v e . S . o n c a m p u s , B r i d g e s H a l l 16 7

Come celebrate the culture and history of the seven Celtic Nations by enjoying live music, dancers, activity booths, food and presentations about the history and traditions of Brittany, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Galicia, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Hjemkomst Center

2 01 1 s t Av e . N , M o o r h e a d

333 4th St. S, Fargo

Fargo Film Festival

Celtic Festival

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FARGO

Event Calendar

Percussion Ensemble and Choir Concert

James Sewell’s Ballet: Dante’s The Inferno

James Sewell’s Ballet: Dante’s The Inferno ARTS

8th at 7:30 p.m.

James Sewell’s ballet company will be performing at the MSUM’s Hansen Theatre with the original soundtrack. Proclaimed to be Sewell’s magnum opus, the performance will be sure to wow you even if you aren’t familiar with Dante’s The Divine Comedy. Buy tickets at mnstate.edu/perform.

The Wonder Years

FM Derby Girls SPORTS

8th and 22nd at 7 p.m.

The derby girls will face off against teams from around the country. Join the fun and watch these ladies tough it out before their fifth season ends in April. Go to fmderbygirls. com for more information.

Fargo Civic Center 207 4th St. N, Fargo

2nd Annual Business Summit COMMUNITY

12th at 8 a.m.

This event features two keynote speakers and nine breakout sessions for individuals looking to learn and customize their own business opportunities. Registration cost is $49 for Chamber members and $59 for general admission. Visit fmwfchamber.com to register.

Percussion Ensemble and Choir Concert MUSIC

13th at 7:30 p.m.

MSUM will be presenting their percussion ensemble and choir concert at this event. The event is free and open to the public.

Center for the Arts

8 0 1 13 t h S t . S , M o o r h e a d , M N

Hilton Garden Inn

4 3 5 1 17 t h A v e . S , F a r g o

MSUM’S Hansen Theatre 11 0 4 7 t h A v e . S , M o o r h e a d

Fargo Bacon & Beer Festival NIGHTLIFE

8th at 5 p.m.

Beer and bacon lovers unite at this first annual event highlighting the area’s greatest pork and craft beer. This 21+ celebration will feature more than 100 specialty craft brews and the first-ever Squealer Award, which will be awarded to the area restaurant with the best pork dish.

Tickets are $30 at the door.

The Concordia Choir Home Concert MUSIC

9th at 4 p.m.

Come and enjoy the music of the Concordia Choir as they wrap up their latest tour. The tour will have taken them from Minnesota to Washington to Hawaii and back. This event is free to the public.

Trinity Lutheran Church 210 7 t h S t . S , M o o r h e a d

Scheels Arena

5 2 2 5 31 s t Ave . S , F a r g o

Prime Comedy Club, Andrew Sleighter NIGHTLIFE

13th at 7 p.m. and 14th-15th at 7 & 9:30 p.m.

The Wonder Years with Fireworks, Citizen & More MUSIC

Sleighter worked for the “Sports Show” with Norm Macdonald on Comedy Central and appeared on MTV’s prank show “Money From Strangers.” He has recently appeared on Nuvo TV’s “Stand Up and Deliver.” More information can be found at primecomedyfargo. com.

14th at 6:30 p.m.

2525 9th Ave. S W, Far go

Gio’s Grill & Bar

The Venue at the Hub

The Wonder Years has become a pop punk sensation over the last few years. With one Vans Warped Tour, an Alternative Press cover and three fulllength albums under their belts, this Pennsylvania band is making a pit-stop in Moorhead for an all-ages show this month.

12 3 2 1 s t S t . S , M o o r h e a d 70

Have you checked out what MELD Workshop is doing? // Fargomonthly.com

FARGO

Event Calendar St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Mike Merryfield

Fargo Force vs.

Lincoln Stars

Fargo Force vs.

Lincoln Stars SPORTS

St. Patrick’s Day Parade COMMUNITY

14th at 7 p.m. and 16th at 3 p.m.

March 15th at 2 p.m.

Come watch the men of the Fargo Force take on the Lincoln Stars in this two-day series over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Buy tickets online at fargoforce.com.

Broadway will be closed immediately before and after the event. There will be free parking in the city lots and on the side streets. To register to be in the parade visit fmstpats.com. Go to lakeagassizpacers.com for information on the St. Patty’s Day 5K.

Scheels Arena

5 2 2 5 31 s t Ave . S , F a r g o

Broadway, Fargo

Leading Ladies Luncheon COMMUNITY

19th from 11 a.m. to -1 p.m.

The Center for Technology and Business will be celebrating Women’s History Month with a panel of outstanding North Dakota women that have made a significant impact on their communities and the state. Register early, tickets will not be available at the door and this was a sold out event last year.

Go to trainingnd.com/event/leading-ladiesluncheon-fargo for more info.

Holiday Inn

10 4 0 4 0 t h S t . S , F a r g o

ND Class B State Girls Basketball SPORTS

20th to 22nd from 1 to 6 p.m.

The best of the best for North Dakota girl’s state basketball is coming to the FargoDome. This three day event begins March 20. Tickets and more information can be found at fargodome.com.

FargoDome

18 0 0 N U n i v e r s i t y D r , F a r g o

Prime Comedy Club, Mike Merryfield NIGHTLIFE

20th at 7 p.m. and 21st-22nd at 7 & 9:30 p.m.

This 21+ show features comedian Mike Merryfield, third season winner of Comcast’s Trial by Laughter and one of the original members of “Lucky 21” at the HBO Comedy Festival on TBS. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door and guests can enjoy early or late performances.

The Venue at The Hub

2525 9th Ave. S W, Far go 72

Did you buy your dog an ID from local company Dog IDs? // Fargomonthly.com

Jake Owen: Days of Gold Tour MUSIC

21st at 7 p.m.

Fargo will be Jake Owen’s second stop on his “Days of Gold” Tour that continues on through October. Jake says, “This tour is going to be one big party and everyone is invited.”

Go to jakeowen.net/events for tickets.

Scheels Arena

5 2 2 5 31 s t Ave . S , F a r g o

FARGO

Event Calendar

Barnum Benefit National Book Awards

celtic fire

Michael Londra’s Gungor: I Am Celtic Fire Mountain Tour MUSIC

MUSIC

22nd at 8 p.m.

23rd at 8 p.m.

Experience live Irish music and dancing at this event. The show is based in the traditions of Ireland with a splash of the modern. All ages are welcome and tickets can be purchased at jadepresents.com/celtic-firefargo.

Gungor will be performing music from their 2013 album “I am Mountain.” Michael Gungon shares the vocals with his wife Lisa on their journey “of stories told, some personal, some allegorical, but all honest and forthright.” Tickets can be purchased at tickets300. com/gungor-fargo.

Fargo Theatre

3 14 B r o a d w a y , F a r g o

Fargo Theatre

3 14 B r o a d w a y , F a r g o

The Poe Project - Buried Alive & Embedded ARTS

NIGHTLIFE

28th at 7:30 p.m. and 30th at 2 p.m.

27th at 7 p.m. and 28th-29th at 7 & 9:30 p.m.

This event features two one act operas written in response to the question “What would Edgar Allen Poe write if he were alive today?” The shows feature six singers and an 18-piece orchestra. Tickets can be purchased at fmopera.org.

Tim Harmston has appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, and is the recipient of the 2003 Funniest Person in the Twin Cities award. Come see him at the Hub for $10 advance tickets or $12 at the door. This is a 21+ event.

15 11 12 t h A v e . N , F a r g o

2525 9th Ave. S W, Far go

NDSU Festival Concert Hall

74

Prime Comedy Club, Tim Harmston

Concordia College Three Choirs Concert MUSIC

16th at 7 p.m.

National Book Awards ARTS

27th at 7:30 p.m.

Concordia’s Cantabile, Mannerchor and Bel Canto choirs will be performing a variety of music including the works of Franz Schubert, Daniel Gawthrop and some traditional music of the Xhosa people of South Africa. This concert is free and open to the public.

Readings and conversations with finalist for Fiction, Rachel Kushner, and finalist for Non-Fiction, Wendy Lower. Kushner’s novel “Flamethrowers” explores the life of a young woman in the 1970s New York art scene while Lower’s book “Hitler’s Furies” takes a hard look at the role of women in the killing fields of Nazi Germany.

9 01 8 t h St . S , M o o r h e a d

9 01 8 t h St . S , M o o r h e a d

Concordia College, Memorial Auditorium

Concordia College, Knutson Campus Center

Barnum Benefit

Mason Jennings and Iris Dement

COMMUNITY

30th from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Come support Jim and Lynne Barnum with a silent auction, bake sale, food and social gathering.

The couple has had their share of hardships and need help to “put the pieces back together.” For their story and more information about the event search “Barnum Benefit” on Facebook.

American Legion

303 30th St N, Moorhead, MN

The Venue at The Hub

Did you build a snowman in the nice weather this last month? // Fargomonthly.com

MUSIC

April 4 at 8 p.m.

The one man show based on the New York Times Best Selling Book covers everything from dating to marriage to the bedroom. Lighthearted and hysterical Peter Story stars in this show. This is an adult show. Go to jadepresents.com for more information.

Fargo Theatre

3 14 B r o a d w a y , F a r g o

Mason Jennings and Iris Dement

Griz

PRCA Championship Rodeo SPORTS

28th & 29th at 7:30 p.m.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is the highestpaying American rodeo organization in the world. It sanctions rodeos in 37 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces and it is coming to Fargo! Doors open at 6:30. Go to fargodome.com for more info.

Fargo Force vs.

Tri-City Storm SPORTS

28th & 29th at 7 p.m.

Come cheer on the men of the Force as the face off against the Tri-City Storm. Buy tickets online at fargoforce.com.

Scheels Arena

5 2 2 5 31 s t Ave . S , F a r g o

FargoDome

18 0 0 N U n i v e r s i t y D r , F a r g o

Better Choices, Better Health Workshop COMMUNITY

Six week program Fargo Sanford Health is providing a free workshop for individuals with on going health problems. Research shows that the Better Choices, Better Health workshop are effective in helping people gain better health and more active lifestyles. For more information visit sanfordhealth.org and search ‘Better Health Better Choices’. To register, call Sanford Health at 701-234-5570.

Location varies

Griz MUSIC

April 4 at 8 p.m.

Grant Kwiecinski, better known as Griz, has been bringing his saxophone sounds to the dance floor.

He toured with Bassnectar, Pretty Lights and Big Gigantic. That lead to his own headlining act. More info can be found at jadepresents. com/griz-fargo.

The Venue at The Hub

2525 9th Ave. S W, Far go

FARGO

Photos

A LOVER’S GATHERING

Last month, hundreds of people packed the ballroom of the Holiday Inn for a night of good food, live music and auction to support the Ronald McDonald’s House of the Red River Valley’s mission.

Sweetheart Ball Photos by Ben Gumeringer

You can learn more about the Ronald McDonald House at rmhcfargo.org.

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When was the last time you had sushi at Wasabi? // Fargomonthly.com

We seek to minimize the stress of taxes on individuals and businesses by providing proper financial planning.

1201 Page Drive Suite 100 Fargo, ND 58103

701-478-7040

www.reliancecpas.com

Place your trust in a responsive team armed with a growing knowledge of ever changing tax laws and the insight gained from experience.

Reliance Associates is a full service, diversified firm offering an integrated approach for all your business and tax needs. We maintain an objective focus while sharing a commitment to your financial goals. Our clients include large corporations, small and medium-sized businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals.

OUR STRENGTH IS YOUR NUMBERS. We are here for all your business and professional needs.

FARGO

Photos

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS

On Valentines Day, people filled the Comstock Memorial Union at Minnesota State University Moorhead to celebrate the MSUM Founder’s Gala. There was great food and music to support the Founder’s Scholarship at MSUM.

MSUM Founder’s Gala Photos by Heidi Jaeger

You can learn more about the Founders Scholarship at mnstate.edu/foundersgala.

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What is your favorite coffee shop in Fargo? // Fargomonthly.com