Fargo INC! December 2019 by Spotlight Media

december 2019

12 veterans talk about how service prepared them for entrepreneurship.

All Eyes On Veterans In Business

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// DECEMBER 2019

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28 Sponsored Content: The Easiest Event You’ve Ever Thrown 70 How You Can Take Advantage Of Today’s Low Interest Rates For Wealth Transfer Purposes 72 Your Holiday Reads 74 Why North Dakota? 76 Faces Of Business: Preston Braathen and Rylan Drake 81 Who The H%*# Said Work Can’t Be Fun 85 A New Type of Living - Life at the Lights 88 Academic Insight 90 10 Advantages Of Veteran Business Owners

Veteran-Owned

Veterans are heroes. Their training, experiences on the battlefield, and discipline make them obvious candidates for entrepreneurship. We here at Fargo INC! set out to highlight the entrepreneurial efforts of a few of these heroes by showcasing 12 local veteran entrepreneurs.

60 Veteran Resources

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DECEMBER 2019

92 How American Crystal Sugar Company Uses Facebook to Connect With the Red River Valley 94 Grow With Purpose: Big Decisions Shape A City’s Future 96 Lady Boss Of The Month: Dani Leverington 101 Business Events Calendar 111 Gracious Givers: Lotus Touch Massage and Nodak Insurance

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editor's note

The Desk Drawer

First off, a thank you to the owner of Spotlight, Mike Dragosavich. I would be nothing professionally without you. You have pushed me. You have pissed me off. You have driven me crazy. I couldn’t be more thankful for you doing these things.

Each item brings along its own form of nostalgia. And I’m OK with this. As I wrap up my last magazine I’ll ever produce, I’m letting it wash over me.

You gave this kid a chance. You had faith in me when I didn’t have faith in myself. It seems like yesterday that I’d stick around the office on a Thursday just so I could ride your coattails and get a free supper out of you. I truly mean it when I thank you and Spotlight for everything.

s my wife will be the first to admit, I’m not the most organized guy. In fact, my desk drawer is almost a kind of time capsule. If I dig through it, I’ll find old ticket stubs to the Burger, Brews & BBQ Festival I planned…five years ago. A flat plan for the May 2016 Fargo Monthly. Thank you cards from employees who left five years ago.

After eight and a half years, over 400 issues, 35,000+ pages of magazines and working with hundreds of people, I’m hanging up the press pass. It’s been a hell of a ride for this kid who showed up to an interview for an unpaid internship in cargo shorts and a loose-fitting polo. I can’t begin to describe how lucky I am. I’ve literally gotten a front seat to the growth of the FM community.

Andrew Jason, Editorial Director 10

DECEMBER 2019

Secondly, a thank you to all the staff I’ve worked with over the years. I have so many fond memories and it’s been a thrill for me to watch you all go on to such great things. To the staff at Spotlight now, I have the utmost faith in you that you’ll take the company and magazines to the next level and I can’t wait to watch. Finally, thank you to the community. I came from a town of 600 where I was a big fish in

Andrew@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

a little pond. When I came here, I was a fish out of water. Without a doubt, the best part of the job was meeting people and getting to tell their stories. You all inspire me every day. With all this being said, I’m not going that far. I’m excited to announce that I’m taking on the Director of Ecosystem role with Emerging Prairie. For anybody who has followed Fargo INC! closely, you’re probably familiar with Emerging Prairie. With a mission of promoting the entrepreneurial ecosystem, I get to continue having lots of conversations with changemakers and visionaries. I can’t wait to continue to watch the growth of the community as told by Spotlight. I’m excited to be reading about it, just like everybody else.

Andrew Jason Andrew Jason

EDITORIAL BOARD We at Fargo INC! want to make sure our content is unbiased and reflects the FMWF business community. That's why we meet regularly with our seven-member editorial board to discuss local business issues and trends and ensure we are living up to our core values.

KRISTI HUBER

JOHN MACHACEK

United Way of Cass-Clay

One of United Way of CassClay’s goals is to find long-term solutions to reduce homelessness for local youth and families. We are tackling this challenge with strategies similar to what the state of Minnesota is using to end homelessness for veterans. With the innovative use of analytics, agencies have taken a collaborative approach, which has eliminated lists of Minnesota veterans seeking housing. State officials predict that by 2020, Minnesota could become the fourth state in the nation to effectively end veteran homelessness.

President

GREGORY WALD

COURTNEY LARSON

Greater FM Economic Development Corporation

Communications Manager

Moore Engineering, Inc.

Communications and Marketing Officer

It’s December - if you’re like me, you may wonder how did the year go by so fast? In my economic development role, there continues to be so much activity that not only do my days go by fast, but when I’m walking back to my car each night, I feel really good about the work and everything our community is doing. I’m grateful for each day of 2019 and I look forward to seeing what our community can do in 2020.

Twitter told me Robert O’Neill (formerly SEAL Team Six) was in Fargo on Veterans Day. It reminded me again how compelling his Voices of Vision presentation was a couple of years ago. The stakes were literally life and death for him – as they are for all combat soldiers. His advice for getting through tough times? Keep your head down. Always move forward. And never quit.

A few years ago, the FM Area Foundation partnered with the Clay County and Cass County Veterans Officers to create a fund to assist veterans within our community who have fallen on difficult times. Federal and state programs are available; however, there are gaps that often leave veterans without support. The Veterans Service Officers from both Cass and Clay counties provide oversight on eligibility and referral, working with the Foundation to issue gift cards, motel payments and other forms of assistance for veterans while they pursue longer-term solutions.

Chief Innovation Officer

FM Area Foundation

If you’d like to donate to this charitable fund to support local veterans, visit areafoundation.org, click Give Today and find the Clay/ Cass Veterans Assistance Fund.

DECEMBER 2019

SCOTT MEYER

Ozbun Executive Director of Entrepreneurship

NDSU College of Business

Entrepreneurship accounts for nearly all net new job creation (Kauffman Foundation). After World War II, 49.7 percent of veterans returned home and started their own businesses. Since 9/11, only 4.5 percent of veterans have opened businesses. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why this issue is so important to highlight the need to celebrate veteran-owned businesses and support other veterans interested in creating their own opportunities.

STEVE DUSEK

CRAIG WHITNEY

Dakota Business Lending

FMWF Chamber of Commerce

President & CEO

Having worked with numerous veteran-owned small businesses and listened to their stories, we often hear that the challenges they face as a veteran-owned small business are no different than that of other small businesses. Finding and hiring qualified workers is definitely their number one challenge as it seems to be for many businesses in North Dakota. After that, it would have to be making a profit as costs continue to rise for various reasons and the retail prices to consumers continue to fall in our market. Lastly, they work hard to form loyal partnerships that make a difference and contribute to their own success, partnerships that seem to be a thing of the past and replaced with how I can make a dollar off mentality. A veteran small business is not any different than any other small business in America, with one exception â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they put their life on the line for the rest of us so that we can all continue to work with small businesses and see them succeed in the greatest county in the world.

President and CEO

Just wrapping up a month centered around thankfulness, it is fitting to reflect on the unapparelled dedication our service men and women and their families have for the missions they carry out on our behalf. For us, dedication to the military means engaging business and military leaders through a Military Affairs committee, honoring veterans through the Honor Star program, interacting with public officials to strengthen the Happy Hooligans, hosting military appreciation events, and educating the community on the economic impact the guard has on our region. It is an honor to advocate for our military men and women as they give so much to our community, states and nation.

December 2019 Volume 4 Issue 12

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

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Mike Dragosavich Drago@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Andrew Jason Andrew@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Sarah Geiger Hillary Ehlen Photography@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Brady Drake Andrew Jason, Brady Drake, Jessica Foss, Shontarius Aikens, Steve Dusek, Kirsten Lund, Adrienne Olson, Katie Beedy Gary Ussery Nick Schommer nickschommer@spotlightmediafargo.com Tommy Uhlir Kirsten Lund Patrick Thompson, Laura Alexander Kellen Feeney

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Design & Living's annual winter shopping guide is here! We are showcasing products from local shops that will help you and your loved ones stay cozy all season long. Whether you are looking to check off items from your gift-giving shopping list or you are looking for inspiration on how to decorate your home for the season, we've got you covered. Enjoy these merry and bright finds and get in the mood to be home for the holidays!

To commemorate the year 2019, we decided to shake things up a bit. Rather than taking a trip down memory lane, we wanted to recognize all of our great staff here at Spotlight! Without them, you would not be reading this magazine right now. So, get to know our staff and find out their favorite places in Fargo-Moorhead. Find out our staff picks now!

Oftentimes, NDSU coaches and student-athletes refer to their respective programs as "developmental". Coming to campus ready to be molded into a top-tier Division I student-athletes, the next generation of Bison is forever stocked for the future. Plenty of studentathletes are already making an impact in their field of competition as just freshman and sophomores. It is these student-athletes that are on the rise at North Dakota State with success on the horizon.

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Last month, Choice Bank had its annual anniversary party where they brought all of their employees. They’ve been doing this event at the Delta for the last 18 years and now have 650 people at the event.

Left to right: Laura Paulson (Event Specialist Manager) and Carol Johnson (Director of Sales)

A Culinary Experience You’ve probably heard Eric and Sara Watson mentioned in the pantheon of Fargo restaurateurs. The former owners of Mezzaluna and Rustica have brought their skills to Delta and the Urban 42 restaurant in the hotel. After successfully running their own restaurants, Eric and Sara both felt a little restless and were looking for a new challenge when the opportunity at Delta presented itself. “The opportunity to join Delta Marriott is exactly what we were looking for,” said Sara. “It’s a beautiful restaurant and bar and a fantastic banquet facility that fits the challenge perfectly. The options to grow/learn under one roof are a culinarian’s dream.” Mosaic catering, which is the first business they launched in 2003, is now being run out of Delta and is the official catering service of Delta Hotels by Marriott. Along with catering the events taking place inside the hotel, Mosaic will also serve the FM community

What Makes Them Unique for events outside the hotel. This opens the Watsons and their team up to more culinary possibilities.

In any given year, they host 3,500 events that range from 10 people to 1,000 people.

“The merger will give our clients many new options that keep up with culinary trends,” said Sara. “In addition to the standard menu, our clients will have an opportunity to visit with us personally about these new trends and ideas that might be perfect to incorporate into their special event. Our team at Delta is very interested in continuing education and this provides us with an opportunity to try new things and delight our clients with a unique event.”

Delta Marriott is currently the only certified American Culinary Federation training site in North Dakota. Any of their employees in the culinary department can have the opportunity to “Earn while you Learn.” By joining the apprenticeship program, their staff can work towards professional credentials that will further the success of their culinary careers. More information on that can be found at acfchefs.org/ACF/ Education/Apprenticeship/ Apprentices.

The Watsons are only two people, though, so they’re only as good as their team, which is something that Delta is really focusing on. By encouraging continuing education in their team, their culture has attracted a good group of individuals who are genuinely interested in job growth. “I personally believe in order to feel successful in your career

Delta Hotels by Marriott Fargo completed a totalproperty renovation and conversion to the Delta Hotels brand in 2017. They also offer the largest conference center in the Fargo-Moorhead area.

choice, this is necessary. It is what leads to job satisfaction,” said Sara. “When employees feel wanted/needed and also have opportunities to continue to learn, they share that with the guests, clients and fellow co-workers that we are serving. It is evident when you come in and see the smiles on our employees’ faces. The business we are in is hospitality. We truly enjoy working together and learning from each other and sharing the sense of ‘family’ with the folks that we serve. The industry is known for long hours and strange schedules (the hotel operates 24-7). Putting together a team of folks willing to work together to cover everything needed is not easy but it is indeed here at Delta.”

To learn more about how Delta Hotels by Marriott Fargo can make your next meeting, conference, banquet or gathering an event to remember, give their Sales and Catering team a call at 701-281-7164.

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Veteran Owned Veterans are heroes. Their training, experiences on the battlefield, and discipline make them obvious candidates for entrepreneurship. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2012 tally, found that 2.52 million businesses are majority-owned by veterans. We here at Fargo INC! set out to highlight the entrepreneurial efforts of a few of these heroes by showcasing 12 local veteran entrepreneurs. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more? We included a resource guide to help other veterans who might want to do the same! BY Brady Drake PHOTOGRAPHY BY Hillary Ehlen

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Kenville served as a flight instructor for 32 years with the Air Force and Air National Guard. He also was the CEO of several different companies.

Aviation: A Service And A Business Some individuals simply go above and beyond in their pursuits. Thomas E. Kenville, a veteran and former owner of multiple businesses, including Mid-America Aviation, is one of these such people.

DECEMBER 2019

Kenville standing on the wing of a plane. This picture was framed and “gifted” to him by his daughter for Christmas.

Kenville, who lives with his wife Carol, has a resume that extends far beyond his service days, which alone could account for a lifetime’s worth of achievement. He is a family man with four children, 10 grandkids and one great grandkid. He is also a former owner of multiple businesses and has been a pillar in the economic development of North Dakota. homas E. Kenville, 78, got his first airplane ride at the age of 10 from a veteran who purchased an old P-51 Mustang after World War II ended. The veteran, George Cox, offered Kenville a ride in return for washing off all the bugs that had splattered on the plane during a previous run. The second two-year stint paid $1 per day.

“It’s not for everybody, but if it’s for you, it’s the most fun you can have with your clothes on,” is how Kenville now describes what it was like to fly planes for a combined 32 years with the Air Force and Air National Guard, a career that might not have begun without a few too many dead bugs.

Born in Madison, Wisconsin, but raised in Grand Forks, Kenville attended the University of North Dakota from 19591963. When Kenville enrolled as a freshman, two years of participation in either the Army or Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) was mandatory for every ablebodied male student attending a land-grant college. After the first two years of ROTC, students had the option of either signing up for another two years of participation, which also came with a promise of service after graduation or simply attending classes and cutting military ties.

“Most everyone said enough of that.” Kenville may have chosen the latter, but the Air Force captain called him in one day to inform him that he had 20/15 vision, which gave him a greater chance to qualify for pilot training. He chose to enroll for his second two-year stint and take the same path to military service that a cousin took before him. The allure of flying pulled at Kenville again on his graduation day. Originally, he was seeking a deferment of his service in order to attend law school. However, after being told that he wouldn’t be allowed to fly after his deferment, Kenville chose to cancel the deferment, which meant being immediately commissioned. “If graduation was at 2 O’clock, you were going to get commissioned at 10 in the morning.” Kenville started his military training at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma upon graduation. A friend of his had an aunt that was in charge of assigning pilots to their bases

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When selecting students for his pilot training, Kenville picked students inside the zone detailed above. “That’s the heartland of what we call the midwest work ethic. If they’re from there, I took them.” He believed those students worked harder and therefore were more likely to succeed.

so Kenville was able to pick his base, though he went with her recommendation. “She said that you’ll learn a hell of a lot more flying in a place with wind like Enid than you will in a place like Arizona.” The Enid base also happened to be the closest base to Grand Forks. “If you have a choice between good and lucky, always pick lucky.” Service Begins In Enid, Kenville went through a 54-week pilot training program, which he describes as, “a fulltime job.” After completing his training, Kenville went on to be an instructor pilot at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas from 1963 to 1969. During his time in Del Rio, Kenville escaped a near-death experience by ejecting from his aircraft with a student. “I told my students, ‘The word that you never fool with is

DECEMBER 2019

the word bailout. And when you’re flying with me I’m going to say the word bailout (the term bailout was used to tell pilots to eject from the aircraft) three times. You just heard it twice.’” That day, Kenville said “bailout” a third time and became a member of “the caterpillar club.” (Parachutes were made of silk in those days, so anyone who ejected from a plane, gained membership into the caterpillar club). He also realized the truth of the saying, “Flying is hours and hours of boredom interrupted moments of stark terror.” Kenville also worked with a specialist on the base to develop the first visual flight simulator. On average, the simulator allowed students to learn a maneuver 1.8 hours faster, which if you know anything about the cost of airplane fuel, is a big deal. “We’re talking billions of dollars,” explained Kenville.

From Flying to Business Once Kenville finished his service in the Air Force, he enlisted in the Air National Guard and used his extra free time to attack his business pursuits. His business career began with him working at a car dealership for his father-in-law. After two years, Kenville quit and purchased a dealership of his own in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. He owned the dealership for 15 years. In 1992, Kenville’s business efforts turned from automobiles to his natural calling, aviation. Though Kenville says his father never would have called it a “natural calling.” “If God wanted you to fly he’d have given you feathers. That’s what my father said.” That “natural calling” led Kenville to become the

A humble man, Kenville attributes his success to those around him. “I had the privilege to work for and with some great people from 10 years old and up and they all did the right things and were great mentors to me.”

During the last six to eight years of his 28 years in the guard, Kenville got involved in the political side of things. In two years, Kenville was able to fund $93 million worth of armories in North Dakota without spending a dime of the state’s money. For this, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the highest award the ND National Guard bestows.

“Flying is hours and hours of boredom interrupted moments of stark terror.”

President and CEO of MidAmerica Aviation, a company that overhauls and repairs critical aircraft components for the U.S. Air Force, NASA and 16 foreign countries.

Kenville sold MidAmerica Aviation in 2010. The company still runs out of West Fargo.

Kenville says his time in the military helped him with his “ability to evaluate talent in people and surround himself with good people.” He also learned the importance of promoting good people from within the organization. Kenville estimates that around 75 percent of his former MidAmerica Aviation employees were veterans. Of course, even Kenville realized the importance of building a culture and

Kenville stands outside of a C-130 airplane at the Air National Guard base in Fargo.

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While consulting on the economic development of Fargo, Kenville helped secure a location for Marvin Windows (Techton) to relocate to Fargo, creating 1,100 new jobs in the process.

Kenville also owned a company called Roll-A-Ramp for a time as well as a company called Skeet-R-Gone.

Kenville has won numerous awards, including the 2005 Great North Dakota Chamber of Commerce Vision Award.

commitment to excellence when the work of each individual in the company holds such great responsibility.

the facility to remind each mechanic that even the tiniest piece of equipment was vital to a much larger whole.

“With an airplane, if you make a mistake, somebody’s going to die. This isn’t like fixing a scooter for some kid because a ball bearing came out. We’re talking about stuff that turns at 20,000 RPMs.”

Kenville’s commitment to excellence also extended to the business side of the company. During its first year in business, Kenville says the company lost $1.4 million. The next year, it made $2.2 million. Kenville insists that the improvement wasn’t just the result of operational tweaks, but also from the setting of a culture.

To drill this home and prevent mistakes at Mid-America Aviation Kenville created a checklist: • Find out what needs to be done. • Find out when it needs to be done. • Do it the best that can be done. • Do it that way every time you do it. He also put up pictures of different airplanes around

“We took turns cleaning the bathrooms. How do you make $2 million? Don’t hire a janitor.” As for his current business ventures... “Carol and I are putting 10 grandchildren through college, that ain’t a project you want to take on.”

Out of all of Kenville’s pursuits, this is what he now prides himself on most. His rules for the grandchildren are as follows: • Don’t major in anything your parents want you to be. “Go find something you really like.” • They don’t get a dime of grandpa’s money until they bring him a completed degree. Though his “traditional” business ventures are limited these days, Kenville still serves on the board of directors for the Cass County Historical Society and the Horace Lions Club. And of course, he still flies. He also remains a Certified Flight Instructor and in the winter, he teaches kids how to fly at the Naples Civil Air Patrol in Florida.

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Sycorr: A Veteran Co-Founded Business Many say that military units have a sense of brotherhood, a togetherness. Even those who serve in different units have a sense of respect and knowing between one another. The founders of Sycorr, Jeremy Neuharth and Max Pool, have turned their brotherhood into a partnership.

DECEMBER 2019

within the Fargo area. “We’ve known each other for the majority of our professional lives,” Pool said. He estimates this to be a combined 15 years.

euharth (seven years) and Pool (eight years), both rural North Dakota born, served in the Army National Guard prior to founding Sycorr, a software company of eight team members focused on automating back-office operations for the financial industry. During their service, they both learned a lot about teamwork and sacrifice. Both found themselves called into active duty while in the military. Pool was deployed to Iraq in 2004 where he served for a year. Neuharth was activated in 2002 in response to 9/11 and was given the mission of “securing United States’ assets from secondary attacks.” Although they were aware of each other before their respective active service, they didn’t serve together in the military or even cross paths until after they returned home. Still, their business partnership arose organically with the two software savants gaining an appreciation for one another while working on different software projects together

Sycorr, which they founded in 2010, focuses on, “creating efficiencies for back-office operations at banks” according to Neuharth. However, the company is best known for its product called Permission Assist which helps banks shrink permission reviews. The software saves banks time by streamlining the process and helping banks ensure their employees only have access to the functions and data they need. This helps banks meet various regulatory requirements and enhances security for their customers. Our average mid-sized bank client typically shortens the process of reviewing access from eight weeks down to one,” explained Neuharth. How did your relationship evolve from one of knowing of each other to starting a business with one another? MAX: Long story short we were working on some mutual projects together. Jeremy was hatching what is now Sycorr. It really made sense for us to work together once we started to talk about alignment and where we both wanted to take our future professional careers. We have a great relationship. If I were to put it into one word I would say complimentary.

Something that really cemented the idea of working together were some personality tests we took at a business seminar nearly a decade ago. To nobody’s amazement, we were completely opposite characters. However, a second test measured morals and values with the results being nearly identical. I think this is important in any healthy relationship. You can have a difference in character but need a strong agreement about what you value in life. JEREMY: The reason we work well together is because we have different strengths. From an outside perspective, it’s easy to think, ‘why are those two knuckleheads hanging out together, it doesn’t really make much sense’ but in other ways, we are extremely similar. We both appreciate solving business problems with technology. We both get satisfaction from using technology as a tool and helping others become more effective in their work. MAX: I think a lot of those values stem from our military backgrounds. We both grew up in small-town North Dakota. We both grew along with the military, so I think we approach business and problem-solving in similar ways. We’re not ones to lean on gimmicks but instead lean on a hard work ethic. We are not ones to lean

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on salesmanship, but instead rely on sincerity. Just like in the military… once you have a shared mission - a shared goal - with people behind you that are also bought into committed to it, you can accomplish a lot more as a team than you can as individuals. Do you think you guys pass that sense of teamwork down to the people at your company? JEREMY: As you might expect, we have some days that are better than others. One thing that we do try to reinforce is a deep trust in fellow team members. We spend time clarifying goals, explaining where we want to be. We might not get there the way we thought we were going to get there, but everybody in the organization knows the direction that we’re going. Having everyone going in the same direction, that sort of unity is very powerful. I believe this is one of the secrets of our success that has been very impactful in our company. MAX: Unity brings a lot of different things such as discipline and loyalty... Having everybody on the same page, driving towards a mutual goal. With unity four people can do more work than 40 who are divided. Even if it’s the wrong direction, those four people will be wrong faster and better than anyone else.

DECEMBER 2019

What made each of you want to enlist? JEREMY: I love the U.S. As a country, we are a special place where the people stand for freedom and liberty at their core. Although we are not perfect, the amount of opportunity available here is just not present in other places. As an individual you have the right to choose what you want and how you want to do it. One of the primary reasons I enlisted is the fact that I wanted to give back to this wonderful country. A secondary reason was the terrific possibilities to learn skills in the military and in college. I was able to leverage college programs such as tuition assistance, completing my degree with far less debt than a lot of other kids that were going to university at that same time. MAX: My grandfather was a Korean War Veteran, a man I admired and wanted to emulate. As Jeremy said, I was enticed by the allure of free college as well. You guys offer a lot of services at Sycorr, what is the main thing you help with? JEREMY: We solve core business problems for the financial industry. Some people say the types of things we work on are boring because it is not using the newest technology or flashy buzzwords. It is true, we don’t always get to play with the newest things out there. If you think of a bank as a car, the

primary group of people we work with would be the engine or maybe the transmission. The software we create is the oil, which makes the engine run more smoothly. Do most people get excited about the oil or the fact that their car looks good? The reality is the back-office is where the mechanics of banking gets done. It is the operations team that make sure money is in your account, that your mortgage is funded properly, and that your data is protected from the bad guys. It might be underneath the hood to some, but I get a ton of satisfaction knowing we help oil the machine every day. We take a lot of unnecessary pain out of the equation. MAX: Jeremy uses the word boring but the reality is the word should be real. These are real problems that real people are having. They are behind the curtain so many times people don’t have the same level of excitement around them. Nobody wants to optimize some spreadsheet process, that’s not something that sounds sexy. I have to imagine the word boring is something put on to you by others, because I can tell you two get excited about what you do. JEREMY: I love what we are doing. Some people get a thrill out of inventing a new widget or discovering a new approach

“

My greatest advice to a veteran and especially one who may have just failed their first business would be to remind them that they’ve been trained to learn how to persevere through suffering.” Max Pool

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;

I love the U.S. As a country, we are a special place where the people stand for freedom and liberty at their core. Jeremy Neuharth

DECEMBER 2019

in research. I get excited when I see the smile on peoples’ faces after they use our software to take pain out of their daily work. One of the biggest complements our company has received was when a client told us he was giddy every time we had a release. He went on to describe how he couldn’t wait to see how we were going to help him bring his game to another level. MAX: We both love solving problems, there is no doubt about that. I think part of our magic is a keen understanding that some things should be solved with software engineering and other things should be solved with social engineering. We don’t believe that software is the best solution for every problem. When we get the blend right when software is automating the things that it is good at and nothing more - people get elevated. The people that get elevated get very excited… which in turn energizes me too. If I were to tell each of you in middle school that you running a software company what would you have said? JEREMY: I wouldn’t have believed it. I was able to work and play with computers since I was 10. I had an interest, but my focus was on being a farmer when I grew up. I never dreamed of starting a software company or being involved in the financial sector. I just kind of fell into it on a couple of projects and I liked it.

MAX: I was going to grow up to be a social worker. It wasn’t until college when someone gave me a broken computer, or what they thought was a broken computer; the rest was history. I found a new part of my brain, a new passion in life… something I really enjoyed. That’s something that Jeremy and I share is the passion of solving problems. JEREMY: Problem solving is one of the skills that I started developing on the farm and truly took pleasure from as far back as I can remember. Along the way I found out I enjoyed using technology to solve problems. After working professionally for a few years, I discovered I enjoyed bank operations specific problems the most. It’s really been a journey. You both have had past businesses or past projects that never really got off the ground. What advice would you have for people or specifically veteran entrepreneurs who get in to owning a business and fail on their first attempt? JEREMY: When people talk about entrepreneurs, many times the term risk-taker is overused. I feel like they’re equating running a business to gambling. I don’t feel like Max and I are gamblers. Do we take risks? Yes, but it’s managed risks. In other words, we’ll go out and experiment with it. When we built Permission

Assist, we actually built three products and said, ‘let’s see what the market responds to.’ Permission Assist is the one people really responded to. Even when we work on new features for Permission Assist, we don’t bet the farm on each new feature… We are not here to win or lose the company on single big bets. We have too many employees, families, and clients that depend on us to do something like that. We make mistakes that we can afford to make so we can learn something and go on to do it better another day. MAX: My greatest advice to a veteran and especially one who may have just failed their first business would be to remind them that they’ve been trained to learn how to persevere through suffering. And even being a veteran, they have sacrificed and served. When you fall down, how fast you bounce back up completely depends upon the stuff that you’re made out of. As the saying goes, once a soldier always a soldier. I can’t believe that it’s in their nature to stay down for long. But how they move forward is exactly what Jeremy just said. Did either of you experience any extra struggles in the business world due to your time serving in the military? MAX: Overall, I didn’t have any major challenges during my transition. Of course, there were some but one thing that really helped me was an

understanding that my service was ust another season in my life. Being activated and going to the middle east was a year in my life, not my whole life. I went in knowing that what I had gone in to do was volunteer to give away a year of my life up to and including my life. Because I had sorted a lot of the transition between civilian life and military duty out in my mind before hand, it helped in my reintegration process. JEREMY: When I was coming back off active duty, I came back unemployed. It was the first time since I first started working that I didn’t have a job. Going six to nine months without a steady paying job was a struggle for me. Between applying for jobs, not getting offers, and not being a provider for my family - there were a lot of struggles during that time. Do you think that experience made you stronger? JEREMY: It did make me stronger. My wife took on a lot of the load during that time, reinforcing the amazing foundation a partner can be for you. It helped me to be humble, to be more grateful, to realize our lives are made of seasons with some being up and others down. It made me realize how much I enjoy my work. It probably made me a better cook. I watched a lot of Food Network trying to keep busy. I still dislike cooking. I despise cooking.

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Troy Derheim My Aquatic Services (1991) and Aquatics Empowered (2019) myaquaticservices.com BRANCH U.S. Army

YEARS SERVED 3.5

"My Aquatic Services is a full retail sales and service aquatic development company that specializes in commercial and residential sales, service, and construction." "Aquatics Empowered’s mission is to help rural communities establish and maintain aquatic facilities, help individuals in need access aquatic therapy, and be a resource for all charities who have beneficiaries in need of aquatic therapy."

First job after service:Started my own business, Tubs of Fun! Did you use military benefits when starting your business? Yes, counseling, and veterans advantage on loans. Military skill most used in business: Perseverance Did you plan to own a business before entering the military? No. What Changed? By chance, I wanted to rent a hot tub, and no one wanted to provide good service to a college student. I got frustrated and figured a way to start a hot tub rental business on my own. What words of

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encouragement do you have for fellow veteran entrepreneurs? Use your resources, many people and organizations are out there willing to lend a hand and help pick you up. Take your time, plan more, act less, and surround yourself with great people. Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process? A business can be more than just a way to generate income, a business will connect you to the community, change lives, and create memories for those around you. I recently connected with an individual on Facebook. She posted a picture

of her daughter in a hot tub and I recognized the hot tub as one of my hot tub rentals from the 90’s. She stated in the post “ this is my teenage daughter in a hot tub we rented for her a few days before she died unexpectedly.” I broke down with the overwhelming emotion and thoughts of a parent losing a teenage child. My little hot tub rental business created a memory for that family that will

never be forgotten. I imagine that mother cherishes that picture. A business can be a way to change lives. Look at what you can do with your business to make a difference in other’s lives. I love our business. We don’t sell products we create smiles and bring families together creating lifelong memories!

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Julie Saatoff Rocket Dogs K-9 Aquatics & Wellness Center LLC (November 2019) rocketdogsaquatics.com BRANCH U.S. Army

YEARS SERVED 4

“I’m a disabled vet and can’t work. I have health issues and can’t tolerate doing many everyday tasks, but I can work with dogs and I can do water therapy.”

First job after service:I used my GI bill to attended Nursing School as I had three kids to raise on my own. My first job was as a nurse. I was determined to give my kids a good home by myself. Did you use military benefits when starting Rocket Dogs K-9 Aquatics & Wellness Center? There were no benefits available for me. Paul Smith, with the NDSBDC, helped get a bank to back me. That was the hardest part, getting a bank to finance me. It was a struggle to not give up but being a veteran I was not about to give up. Now, by the grace of God and my unwillingness to give up, I’m starting my own business.

Military skill most used in business: My military experience gave me the strength to go forward. I can do anything if I set my mind to it. It gave me the tools, strength, selfesteem, and the wisdom to move forward with a dream that nobody thought I would accomplish. Did you plan to own a business before entering the military? No What Changed? My medical issues got in the way of my nursing career and interfered with going to school to be a veterinary technician. Dogs are my passion so I got involved with dock dogs and

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from there decided that it would be awesome if dogs could swim and practice all year. Then I thought, wouldn’t it be awesome if hunters could keep their dogs conditioned during the winter. I then decided to put all my thought, training and experience to work. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow veteran entrepreneurs? Go for it if it’s your passion. I put up everything I own for Rocket Dogs, but my kids are grown and I feel like I really have nothing to lose. I would have lost myself if I didn’t try.

finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process? Trying to fit in after I experienced war was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’ve been lost for years trying to keep up with modern technology and trying to fit in. Since I started this journey when I should be retiring, I have met some amazing people. If you have a dream, fight for it. Don’t give up, don’t quit and use your experience to gain prosperity where you never thought possible.

Many veterans struggle with

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Dr. Anna Petry D.C. Balance Restored Chiropractic (March 2017) BRANCH Army National Guard

YEARS SERVED 8

"I try to run my business with the belief the human body works, moves, and functions as a whole and should be treated as one. Yes, I find skeletal misalignments and adjust them. However, I also look for the root cause of the misalignment to determine if there are tight muscles, poor posture or past injuries that are contributing factors. I take my time with my patients, treating not only their misalignments, but also addressing soft tissue issues with various therapies and muscle work. This extra time allows me to better educate patients; providing long-term knowledge of their own body and giving them the tools and exercises they can do outside of the office visit for lasting benefits."

First job after service: Education! I was only 17 when I joined the National Guard and deployed at 19. When I got back from deployment, my primary focus was to complete my undergraduate and chiropractic schooling. I maintained my active status in the Guard and worked a few part-time jobs until I finished school. After graduation, I was given the opportunity to work for a chiropractor in New Zealand for almost two years.

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Did you use military benefits when starting Balance Restored Chiropractic? Unfortunately, no. I wasn’t aware of the benefits that were available at the time and probably didn’t do as much research as I should have. I do believe companies and communities are now more aggressively promoting benefits that are available to veterans. Military skill most used in business: Dedication and

commitment. It’s fair to say that not everything in the military is fun or what you want to do. However, it was my choice to join and I learned that following through and showing up, even when things are difficult, are valuable traits. Starting a business is not easy but having this mindset has helped me with the hard days and appreciate the good days.

Did you plan to own a business before entering the military? No What changed? I was still in high school when I entered the military and the thought of having my own business didn’t even seem like an option at that time. However, the military did provide me with a sense of independence and the desire to learn/try

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something new. I was good at my communications job while deployed but it didn’t hold any sense of passion or drive for me. So, it motivated me to examine my interests and research options and opportunities of where I would want my career path to go. The decision to open my own business evolved from this research and also learning to trust myself. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow veteran entrepreneurs? Go for it, but don’t be afraid to ask for help. Initially, I had difficulty with this; I thought I needed to do it all on my own or I may look weak. I now know reaching out for help is a smart business move. Starting a business can be overwhelming with a lot of over-thinking, uncertainties and challenges. Asking for guidance can keep you focused on your business development and help you find a support system to rely on.

Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process? The military provides a strong sense of belonging and structure. After leaving the military, it can be unsettling to find who you are “on your own.” I have found it beneficial to be part of local networking groups which offers a real sense of connection. This connection allows you to learn about other businesses, events and causes in the community that potentially lead you to other opportunities and connections. I have also been fortunate to find a mentor within the chiropractic field. Being able to discuss my goals, strategize setbacks and celebrate successes with another person in the same business has proven to be invaluable.

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Jill Bollinger Formally Yours Resale & Consignment (July 2018) formallyyoursfargo.com BRANCH Army National Guard

YEARS SERVED 20

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Formally Yours Resale & Consignment is a consignment store specializing in semi-formal and formal wear items such as bridal, prom, pageant and cocktail attire for women (ages pre-teen on up). Most of these items are only worn once, if at all, and still hold resale value. This concept helps put money back into the hands of the consignor while saving shoppers money from full price items!â&#x20AC;?

First job after service: As a member of the Reserve Component, I continuously worked civilian jobs while in the military. Did you use military benefits when starting Formally Yours Resale & Consignment? Yes, I researched all available benefits and options while developing the business. Not a lot of military benefits were available for business start-ups at the time I looked into them. I did speak to lenders in regard to veteran-owned lending options versus conventional lending, though I used conventional means since they were more beneficial to me at the time. The largest military benefit I utilized was my education benefit(s). I was able to work a part-time job while completing my Bachelor in Science - Business Management degree because of the payments to both the schools, and myself, for my Post 9/11 GI Bill (from two deployments).

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Military skill most used in business: My logistical background with the military really helped with organization in the inventory and supply process of business ownership. I also believe my military leadership positions built my confidence, compassion, and communication skills to be a business owner and manager. Being resilient and forward-thinking are two major skills the military has taught me. Did you plan to own a business before entering the military? No What Changed? I had a dream about halfway through my military career. Though being a business owner was not necessarily an option at the time, I continuously developed the idea and planned for years until the timing was right! I was able to open the store one year before my 20year retirement timeframe.

What words of encouragement do you have for fellow veteran entrepreneurs? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever stop believing in yourself or your dream. Many are not aware of the small business service/outreach centers available to them - veteran or otherwise! Research and ask around. You will find more information than you would imagine!

Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process? Working in an industry niche is very similar to working in a military branch or group. You can find others and resources similar to you/yours, and learn to work together.

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Jim Newenhouse Home Innovation Holdings LLC (2017) and Door Stud, LLC (May 2019) homeinnovationholdings.com thedoorstud.com BRANCH Army, Army Reserve & National Guard

YEARS SERVED 17

"My business started in 2017 as Home Innovation Holdings, LLC and released its first product, Door Stud ÂŽ, in the spring of 2018. Door Stud, LLC was started as its own company in May 2019. HIH is a product development company that designs, develops and builds high-quality products for the construction industry. The Door Stud is the first series of products to be released, hence, its own brand and company. If you take a few minutes to review each of the websites, we think it is clear what we do and also what we stand for."

Did you use military benefits used when starting Door Stud? Yes, I used educational benefits and home loan benefits. Military skill most used in business: Leadership & Strategic Planning What words of encouragement do you have for fellow veteran entrepreneurs? Starting a company takes quite a lot of energy and diverse resources. Growth and change are inevitable and can occur in small or large ways on a daily basis. Being resilient is required. In the beginning it worked well for us to look online at the local and state level towards existing programs to leverage the current aid available for our start-up, this also helped in our planning and eventual growth. It is important to be critical of

your ideas and look for others to do the same. You must also encourage trying different approaches when needed. It is vital to take the time early on, research your idea and value proposition or opportunity in the market, both independently as well as against your competitors. Try to define what separates you from others i.e. why people will choose your product at the price-point. Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process? My advice is to be genuine and transparent. Network with the team that is out there for you. Most people love to see veterans succeed. There is a very high probability that you know or will run into someone that has

made the same sacrifice or commitment to service that you did, which is a credit to our population and the fabric of our society. Fellow citizensoldiers can be great help. They already have an understanding of what you went through from a commitment perspective, and they know what you offer

in experience. Use this priorservice team or audience to your advantage in networking with the larger group that is available and interested in helping you. People generally do not turn others away when asking for help. People are generally afraid to ask for help.

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Joshua Seley Deckplate Diesel (June 2019) deckplate-diesel.com BRANCH U.S. Navy

YEARS SERVED 7

"We are a full service, diesel truck and trailer repair shop. We also maintain heavy offroad, construction, and agriculture equipment. I own and operate this business. Right now the Deckplate Diesel team is comprised of Janai our office manger, William a diesel technician, and myself, Joshua Seley the owner and ASE Certified Master diesel technician. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customers can call anytime and we will respond to their equipment repair needs. The training I received in the U.S. Navy has directly prepared me to own and operate this business. I really enjoy the fast paced environment of working in the transportation and diesel repair industry. I have an amazing team at Deckplate Diesel to assist in providing the highest quality of service to our customers. "

First job after service: Diesel Technician Did you use military benefits when starting Deckplate Diesel? Yes, I am currently enrolled in NDSU’s Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program. The G.I. Bill has allowed me to learn about business, while I run my business Deckplate Diesel. I am very thankful for the veteran resources available through the VA and NDSU.

to what the Navy has taught me. Through good times and bad, Deckplate Leaders lead by example with strict moral standards. That is why, I named my diesel truck repair company Deckplate Diesel. I think about this everyday when I am leading my employees in how we, as a business, conduct our work. A deckplate leader leads from the front and conducts their work in a manner that is fair and honest. I hold myself and my employees to this standard day in and day out.

Military skill most used in business: Leadership. There is a word the Navy uses to describe leaders who lead by example. That word is, ‘deckplate leader.’ This describes a leader who leads by example on the deckplates of the ship. I owe much of my leadership knowledge and experience

What words of encouragement do you have for fellow veteran entrepreneurs? Seek out all resources. The Small Business Administration has some great resources that are not publicly advertised. I spoke with a representative locally in Fargo who gave me great insight

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when I opened my business Deckplate Diesel. Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process? I for one, know the struggles of leaving Military service and becoming a civilian again. When I finished my 2nd enlistment in 2015, I had major difficulties reintegrating into the civilian workforce. I was used to the

fast-paced and dangerous environments encountered while working on deployed Aircraft Carriers. I found the stress and excitement that comes from owning a business is very similar to what I felt when I was in the military. It has been a perfect match for me on the civilian side. The VA, SBA and resources at NDSU have been great sources of information and help. I am so thankful to own a veteranowned and operated business in the Fargo/Moorhead community.

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Tiffanie Honeyman OpGo Marketing (October 2015) opgomarketing.com BRANCH U.S. Navy

YEARS SERVED 2

"I founded OpGo in October of 2015 because I felt a gap in marketing measurement. No one was tying the spending to results. We are a consultant firm built to measuring with intent to forecast. Businesses typically hire us as an added "member" to their marketing team. We think holistically; we are not just savvy in digital marketing — we consider all aspects of marketing. We review the branding, price, competitors, sales team, customer service and history of marketing before we propose a plan. We even recommend software solutions to help make our clients sales and marketing more efficient."

First job after service: I applied for an electrician apprentice position in Fargo, but they were not able to accommodate females. So, I went back to school for Illustration & Advertising. Did you use military benefits when starting Formally Yours Resale & Consignment? No, I am not aware of any benefits to veteran business owners. Military skill most used in business: In the military, you learn to take care of what you need to without being told. (Or suffer the consequences of being made a spectacle of. CYA (cover your ass) is probably the best life skill you can get. I’m a team player, but I like to pull my own weight and then some. Did you plan to own a business before entering the military? No

What Changed? I’ve always been independent and likely to jump into the deep end of the pool. That’s part of the reason I joined the military — my sense of adventure. That said, the military did play a role in who I am today and I am stronger because of it. OpGo stands for operational goals...I wanted to build a company that actually guides businesses in the right direction to help them grow. (We’re strategic vs tactical. Our goal is to put more on the bottom line, not deplete it.) What words of encouragement do you have for fellow veteran entrepreneurs? Don’t be afraid to not know everything. It’s a bit of an oxymoron — entrepreneurs start a business which positions them as the expert; but you really don’t have to know it all. The sooner you admit this and allow for support with the other ten hats you have to wear, the closer you will be to making money.

Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process? From my perspective, coming back into the civilian world is tough because it’s kind of boring. You don’t have any big adrenaline rush of not knowing what’s going to happen next or where you might be sent. In the military, you become conditioned to be on guard. When you are out, you don’t need to be — so it creates a void. And it’s tough to relate to the day-to-day.

The business community is exciting because you find something new that you can build on — something that has a bigger purpose. It allows you to take some risks and get some adrenaline flowing. The contribution to innovation and sharing of ideas helps keep the day-to-day from going stale. You don’t have to be a business owner either. Volunteering can bring so much meaning. (One of my passions is the YWCA.) There are so many areas within our business community to get involved. You just have to take the first step.

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Alfredo Lugo (April 2019)

The Jolly Jalapeno facebook.com/thejollyjalapeno

BRANCH Currently a veteran serving in the U.S. Air Force

YEARS SERVED 13

"We make and sell salsa in the flavors of mild, medium and spicy with aspirations to grow in other flavors and markets. We are looking to enter the jam and jelly markets in the future. We also do special orders with a five jar minimum commitment."

First job after service: Currently active duty Did you use military benefits used when starting The Jolly Jalapeno? Yes, I utilized the Veteran Business Outreach Center. Military skill most used in business: Being able to draw on my education. There are many different ways for education to be measured, not just in books, but experiences that can be utilized when troubleshooting and trying to mitigate any emotional response while under duress to find an appropriate course of action. Did you plan to own a business before entering the military? No What Changed? In 2016 we found out my wife had celiac disease and with that there are several dietary changes that should happen to help ensure the best life can be lived. We started the business to have a salsa that is gluten-free 58

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and can be enjoyed at home or anywhere we go. Instead of adding other ingredients to our normal household menu we can add different flavors of salsa to our breakfast, lunch or dinner preferences. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow veteran entrepreneurs? Keep giving your best effort, because if it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work out there is still a lesson to be learned and experience to be gained. Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process? We have been fortunate in dealing with our local community and fostering relationships with others. It is a different mindset, but the ability to have a common goal helps. The goal we worked with is strengthening our community.

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Brittany Schank Solace Counseling (June 2019) solacecounselingfargo.com BRANCH Air National Guard

YEARS SERVED 13

“Solace Counseling provides counseling services in Fargo North Dakota. Additionally, I provide telehealth counseling for those who are unable to meet in person due to living in a rural location, difficulty taking time off of work or due to a disability. I specialize in seeing clients who are moms in the thick of mommyhood, sexual assault survivors and other professionals in the community.”

Did you use military benefits used when starting Solace Counseling? Yes, I heard about the Center for Technology & Business at a Yellow Ribbon Event. I went to their office and they really got me started on everything I needed, such as places to look for office space, starting a business plan and options for mentorship opportunities. Military skill most used in business: Perseverance. The military starts your career off with basic training, which tests your ability to keep going despite the difficulty of the task. Owning a business is just that. The tasks can be difficult. There are many times I had to enter into territory that not only had I not been through before, but literally had no idea how to even begin. I am so grateful to have military experiences that were difficult, trying and also rewarding in the end. What changed that made you want to start a business? I was 18 years old when I entered the military and really didn’t have

much of a life plan. Throughout my years in the military, I have had a lot of mentors guide me and remind me that I can do tough things. While in the military I was eligible for education benefits as well, which allowed me to get my Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s degree without having to sacrifice substantially financially. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow veteran entrepreneurs? Opening a business is a leap of faith. We truly never know if we are actually going to be successful or not. It’s very different from gaining employment at an agency. If the agency fails, we don’t necessarily take on guilt nor do we feel shameful. When your own business fails, you can feel like a failure. The truth is though, if you have a burning desire inside of you and you don’t take the leap, that’s failure in itself. Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into

the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process? We have an absolutely phenomenal business community here in Fargo. One of the things I was so shocked about it how much the business community cheers each other on. There is this sense among local mental therapists that all

of us want what is best for the clients and competing against each other doesn’t make sense. We root for each other, cheer each other on and share our knowledge. My husband also owns his own lawn care business, and their community is constantly sending referrals to each other. It’s a beautifully supportive community.

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Veteran Resources

There are plenty of programs and benefits available to aid our veterans in their personal and business lives and we at Fargo INC! think they deserve to know what they are. That’s why we put together an incomplete veterans resource guide.

• Earn 10 professional development credits toward your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification. North Dakota Society for Human Resource Management State Council SHRM Veterans at Work certificate

shrm.org/foundation/about/ pages/veterans-at-workcertificate-program.aspx

The SHRM Foundation's Veterans at Work Certificate, developed for HR professionals, hiring managers and front-line supervisors, is a multi-faceted program from the SHRM Foundation. Through this certificate program, you will: • Learn the value that skilled veterans bring to the civilian workplace. • Demonstrate your commitment to attract, hire and retain these talented professionals

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Fargo Vet Center Vet Centers are the people in VA who welcome home war veterans with honor by providing quality readjustment counseling in a caring manner. Vet Centers understand and appreciate Veterans’ war experiences while assisting them and their family members toward a successful post-war adjustment in or near their community. • Individuals and group counseling for Veterans and their families. • Family counseling for military-related issues. • Bereavement counseling for families who experience an active duty death. • Military sexual trauma counseling and referral.

• Outreach and education, including PDHRA, community events, etc.. • Substance abuse assessment and referral. • Employment assessment and referral. • VBA benefits explanation and referral. • Screening and referral for medical issues, including TBI, depression, etc. The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber Of Commerce Military Affairs fmwfchamber.com/millitaryaffairs

The Chamber's Military Affairs committee is on a mission to foster a community of support for the men and women of our military and the missions they carry out on our behalf. To recognize these courageous individuals, the committee will plan activities to raise awareness in the community

for the work that they do and provide opportunities for the community to thank them for their outstanding accomplishments. ACP

acp-usa.org

ACP’s free Mentoring Program connects post-9/11 veterans (Protégés) with corporate professionals (Mentors) for customized mentorships. ACP assists veterans on their path towards fulfilling, long-term careers, whether the veteran is job searching or newly employed. Typical mentorship goals include: • Resume review and interview preparation • Career exploration and understanding job opportunities • Career advancement once a position is obtained

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Veteran-Owned Businesses By The Numbers

• • • •

Work-life balance Networking Small business development Leadership and professional communication

Veteran’s and ServiceDisabled Veteran’s Business Enterprises (VBEs/SDVBEs) through certification, advocacy, outreach, recognition and education. DOD SkillBridge

dodskillbridge.usalearning. gov

FM Area Foundation The FM Area Foundation has a Clay/Cass Veterans Assistance Fund that was created in 2009 to provide emergency assistance to veterans. The fund was created by the Clay County Veteran’s Service Office who saw a need. Donations to the fund come from veterans groups, individual veterans, businesses and community members. The fund assists veterans in our community who have fallen on very difficult times. It helps fill a gap before federal or state assistance is available. The donations are often used to help pay bills, purchase visa gift cards and provide other immediate needs for veterans in our region.

National Veteran-Owned Business Association NaVOBA is an independent nonprofit organization governed and led by Corporate America. NaVOBA’s mission is to create corporate contracting opportunities for America’s

DECEMBER 2019

The DoD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships or internships during the last 180 days of service. Veterans Educational Training ndsu.edu/vet

Available to honorably discharged North Dakota veterans, VET is a free program of study funded by the state of North Dakota to prepare you for a certification program, two-year or four-year college degree. The program provides refresher training, as well as training in English, computers, math and study skills. Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation

2.52 Million The number of businesses that are majority-owned by veterans

9.1%

Veteran-owned firms represented 9.1 percent of all U.S. firms.

The Top Six Industries for Veteran-Owned Firms Were:

16.6%

13.2%

11.8%

8.6%

8.1%

8.0%

Professional, scientific and technical services

Other services

Construction

Real estate

bradyoberglegacyfoundation. org

The Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation was founded in 2015 to honor the legacy of Brady Oberg, an Army veteran who lost his life to suicide as

Retail trade

Administrative and support services

you can also find a number of great resources for starting a veteran-owned business. VBOC Of The Dakotas

und.edu/dakotasvboc/ resources.html

a result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Foundation was founded to raise awareness for combat PTSD and create a community of veterans who get together and support each other. The foundation helps to organize various events for veterans to get together and do what they love, like going to fitness classes, hunting expeditions, participating in a motorcycle ride events and embarking on their annual Brady's Border 2 Border Ruck March. Thanks to donations, every single event that they put on is free to veterans. Veteran Owned Business. com The Veteran Owned Business Project is a comprehensive, user-friendly member network directory of small, medium and large businesses owned by veterans, service-disabled veterans (SDVOSBs / DVBEs) active duty military, reservists and military spouses released on Veteran's Day 2008. Here

Veterans, Service Members and Millitary Spouses • Bunker Labs - Bunker in a Box • Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) • Military Spouse Resource Partners • U.S. Small Business Development Association • Office of Veterans Business Development • SCORE - Service Corps of Retired Executives • Women's Business Centers • Small Business Development Centers • National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) • U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Heroes North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs nd.gov/veterans/benefitsservices

The NDOVA’s mission is to assist veterans of North Dakota and their dependents in obtaining all benefits to which they are entitled, both federal and state, either by direct contact or through the assistance of County Veterans Service Officers, Tribal Veterans Service Officers or Nation Service Officers.

CAREER AFTER CAMO

Here, you will find: Healthcare • Behavioral & Mental Health • Commissioners Challenge On Suicide Prevention • Dental • Dreams for Veterans • Hardship Assistance Grant • Health Insurance • Hearing • ND Veterans Home • Optical • US Army Soldier For Life • VA Beneficiary Travel (Travel Pay) • Wounded Warrior/Disabled Veteran Resources Financial • Compensation and Pension • Consumer Financial Did we miss something? Please let us know by Tweeting us @FargoINCMag

Protection Bureau • Disabled American Veteran License Plates • Dreams for Veterans • Financial Wellness • Food Assistance • Gold Star License Plates • Hardship Assistance Grant • Home Loan Guaranty • Life Insurance • Loan Programs • North Dakota Association for the Disabled • North Dakota National Guard Foundation • Social Security • Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program • Survivor and Military Assistance Programs • Tax Information • USDA Rural Repair and

Rehabilitation Loans and Grants • Veterans Bonus • VFW Unmet Needs Employment • Disabled Veterans Outreach Program • Entrepreneurship • Experience North Dakota • Job Announcements • Job Seeking Resources • Job Service North Dakota • Local Veterans Employment Representative Program • On-the-Job and Apprenticeship Programs • Unemployment Statistics • US Army Soldier For Life • Veterans Preference (Federal) • Veterans Preference (State) • Vocation Rehabilitation &

Employment Service Education & Training • Campus Vet Centers • GI Bill Information • ND College and University Certifying Officials • ND Dependent Tuition Waiver • No-College Degree Schools • On-the-Job and Apprenticeship Programs • Other Education Resources • PTSD Awareness Training • Spouse and Dependent Education and Scholarships • State Approving Agency • Student Complain Inquiry • US Army Soldier For Life • Veteran Scholarships • Veteran’s Educational Training • Veteran/Service Member

Resident Status • Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service NDOVA Entrepreneurship

nd.gov/veterans/benefits/ entrepreneurship

• North Dakota Small Business Administration • Business Financing • Veteran Business Ideas • Veterans Business Outreach Center • Business Development • Office of Veterans Business Development • Small Business Development Centers • Government Contracts • Procurement Technical

Assistance Center • The VA Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization • Vets First Verification Program • Entrepreneurship Training • Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot • Riata Center for Entrepreneurship • University of Florida Entrepreneurship • Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans With Disabilities • Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

CAREER AFTER CAMO

There are several national companies that offer great incentives for veterans and active military. If there are any local companies, please let us know by Tweeting us @FargoINCMag

Gate City Bank • 100 percent of their company pay plus military pay while activated for any reason, including training, overseas deployments or special assignments. • Two weeks of paid time off for transitioning back to home and work after their activation. • Vacation accrual while on military leave. • Continuation of other company benefits such as health, long-term disability and life insurance.

U.S. Bank • Flexible hours. • Pay differential and benefits continuation to covered employees who are called to service for training or active duty deployment. • Employees deploying for six months or longer receive

two loaner iPads during their deployment so they can stay in touch with their families throughout their deployment. • Support/Employment oppurtunites for spouses.

Verizon • Employs over 10,000 veterans. • Pays reservists the full difference in pay for 36 months. • Offers military spouses the options of flex time, remote work and the potential to transfer to other locations.

Microsoft Software & Systems Academy • Provides transitioning service members and veterans with critical career skills required for today’s growing technology industry. Attend an 18-week (or two 9-week terms) training for high-demand careers in cloud development, cloud administration, cybersecurity administration or database and business intelligence administration. Program graduates have an opportunity to interview for a full-time job at Microsoft or one of their hiring partners.

Source: sba.gov/sites/default/files/advocacy/435-veteran-owned-businesses-report.pdf

Companies To Work For

Veteran Owned North Dakota Companies To highlight the multitude of veteran-owned businesses in North Dakota, below is a list of all the businesses in our state registered with veteranownedbusiness.com. Learn more about these companies at veteranownedbusiness.com/nd

• Golden Valley County Veterans Service Office | Beach • Grand Forks County Veteran Service Office | Grand Forks • Grant County Veterans Service Office | Carson • Griggs County Veterans Service Office | Cooperstown • Hermanson Exterior Cleaning and Restoration | Casselton • Hettinger Area Chamber of Commerce | Hettinger • Innovative Basement Systems | Fargo • Integreon Health, LLC | West Fargo • Kidder County Veterans Service Office | Steele • LaMoure County Veterans Service Office | LaMoure • McHenry County Veterans Service Office | Towner • McIntosh County Veterans Service Office | Wishek • Mercer County Veterans Service Office | Stanton • Mid-America Inspection Services, LLC | Fargo • Morton County Veterans Service Office | Mandan • Mountrail County Veterans Service Office | Stanley • Nelson County Veterans Service Office | Lakota • North Dakota Procurement Technical Assistance Center | Fargo • Oh Dark Thirty Designs | Watford City • Oliver County Veterans Service Office | Center

FARGOINC.COM

CAREER AFTER CAMO

Veteran Business Outreach Center While there are many resources out there for veterans, perhaps the best is the Veteran’s Business Outreach Center. This program hosted by the University of North Dakota Nistler College of Business and Public Administration is a one-stop-shop for service members, veterans and military spouses looking to start, purchase or grow a business.

About VBOC As the Program Manager for the North Dakota VBOC, Wendy Klug is tasked with supporting veterans in every aspect of starting and growing a business. Klug and the VBOC do this through a variety of ways, including a Boots to Business program, business development assistance, advising and mentoring and resource referrals. The program is partially funded through the Small Business Administration so the VBOC can easily connect veterans to other SBA programs like the Small Business Development Centers, Service Corps of Retired Executives, Women’s Business Centers and more. The stats don’t lie. Although less than 10 percent of the U.S. population are veterans, 9.1 percent of small businesses are owned by veterans. Klug believes there’s a natural reason for this.

DECEMBER 2019

“Their training makes them ready to be an entrepreneur,” she said. “They have skillsets, including adaptability. They know how to organize and work hard. Everything they received in their training has set them up to be entrepreneurs who think about every step.” Boots to Business The most hands-on way the VBOC helps veterans is through their Boots to Business program. These one or two-day classes are focused on discussing what makes an entrepreneur, what makes a good business plan and then breaks it down into discussions on marketing analysis, financing, business planning and the resources that are available. However, there’s one important thing that Klug preaches. “We talk about how the business has to better someone’s life or fill a gap.”

Learn more about VBOC at und.edu/dakotasvboc

The program has seen success. The VBOC and the SBA have some interesting stats that show why veterans are the right people to go through a program like this. Veterans are more than 45 percent more likely to be selfemployed than non-veterans. 41 percent report education is the most helpful resource to help them as an entrepreneur. Over 1/3 of veteran business owners report learning directly relevant or transferable business skills while on active duty. There are two different versions of Boots to Business. The regular program does occur on bases in North Dakota and South Dakota so you need to be able to access a base to attend these courses. Boots to Business Reboot happen off-base so they are easier to access.

2020 Boots to Business Dates Ellsworth Air Force Base • February 12-13 • April 15-16 • June 17-18 • Aug 12-13 • Sept 9-10 • Nov 18-19 Grand Forks Air Force Base • March 18 • June 24 • Sept 16 • Dec 16 Minot Air Force Base • Jan 7-8 • April 14-15 • July 7-8 • Oct 6-7

Watch und.edu/dakotasvboc/boots-tobusiness-reboot.html for the 2020 dates on Boots to Business Reboot.

HOW YOU CAN

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TODAY’S LOW INTEREST RATES FOR WEALTH TRANSFER PURPOSES

ost business people are familiar with today’s low interest rate environment. The Treasury Department released the November Applicable Federal Rates (AFR) – which are also known as the Section 7520 rates – and the rates are extremely low. 2019

2018

2017

2.0% 3.6% 2.4% Jessica foss Jessica Foss is an estate planning attorney with Fredrikson & Byron. She’s a regular resource for Fargo media on estate planning topics. You can contact her at jfoss@fredlaw.com.

DECEMBER 2019

Q. What do the low AFR rates mean for someone who is interested in wealth transfer strategies? Interest rates are important to take into consideration for wealth transfer purposes because the AFR affects the valuation of some wealth transfers for tax reporting purposes.

Q. What strategies are available to me if I am interested in transferring wealth?

BY Jessica Foss

Today’s low interest rate environment, coupled with very high gift and estate tax exemptions, present a unique time period, which holds many advantages for those interested in transferring wealth.

Here are a few strategies that can be used to take advantage of the low rates for the purposes of transferring wealth: 1. Related-Party Loans: One of the easiest and simplest forms of wealth transfer is a Related-Party Loan. First, if you are participating in a Related-Party loan, it is extremely important to properly and fully document the loan. The IRS establishes interest rates for these loans that are usually considerably lower than the average 30-year mortgage rates.

For example, your son wants to buy a home and he needs to borrow to pay for the home. You have enough cash to cover the purchase price of the home. The minimum AFR for November that parents have to charge their son, so that the loan is not considered a gift is 1.92 percent for a 30-year note. This means that the total interest expense over the life of the loan stays within the family, instead of being paid to the bank. It also allows children with no credit history to buy a home and it allows families to avoid expenses for administrative costs, such as closing costs and appraisal fees. In addition, if a parent wants to, he or she can forgive part of the loan each year up to the annual gift tax exclusion amount ($15,000 per individual; $30,000 for a married couple), without gift tax consequences. This will lower the outstanding principal balance of the loan, which in turn, reduces the amount of interest owed. 2. Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT): A GRAT is an irrevocable trust into which the grantor (the individual who creates the trust) transfers assets in exchange for payments of a fixed-dollar amount (known as the annuity) for a specific term of years (known as the GRAT term). At the end of the GRAT term, the assets remaining in the trust can pass to the designated beneficiaries, tax-free. Why do we care about interest rates for purposes of using a GRAT? The IRS assumes that the assets transferred to the GRAT will grow at a rate set at the time the trust is established (known as “the 7520 rate” or “the hurdle rate”). The IRS does not consider the actual growth of the assets transferred to the GRAT. So whatever asset growth or appreciation above and beyond the hurdle rate is transferred to the trust beneficiaries free of gift and estate taxes. You can think of it as an interest rate arbitrage. For example, you own a 50 percent interest in Make Me Money Real Estate LLLP (an entity that owns rental real estate). You create a GRAT and transfer your ownership in the LLLP to the GRAT. You name your daughter as the beneficiary of the GRAT. The distributions from the LLLP are now paid to the GRAT. The GRAT pays you $X every year (the

annuity) for the next three years (the GRAT term). The IRS assumes that the LLLP interest is going to appreciate at 1.92 percent annually. But in fact, at the end of the three-year GRAT term, the LLLP grew at 6.5 percent annually. What remains in the GRAT at the end of the three years transfers to your daughter free of gift and estate tax. The use of GRATs are an excellent wealth transfer strategy in a low interest rate environment. There are also income tax advantages in using a GRAT. A GRAT is known as a “grantor trust”. That means that for income tax purposes the grantor is treated as the owner of the trust assets for income purposes, and therefore, pays all of the income tax owed by the GRAT. This is a further tax-free gift to the trust beneficiary, because the underlying trust assets are not reduced for income tax payments, and therefore further the growth even more. The income tax payment by the grantor is also gift tax free. 3. Selling Assets to a Grantor Trust: If an individual has assets that are expected to appreciate, those assets are ideal for a sale to a grantor trust in a low-interest environment. This strategy involves the grantor selling the likely-to-appreciate-assets to a grantor trust in exchange for a promissory note. The promissory note includes interest payments at today’s low interest rate. As with the strategies listed above, if the assets sold to the trust earn a higher rate of return than the interest payable on the promissory note, the excess is transferred to the trust tax free. However, this strategy does require that the assets sold to the trust generate enough cash flow to pay down the note. When employing this strategy, I recommend that the grantor gift sufficient funds to use as a cash down payment for the trust purchase of the likely-to-appreciate assets. This helps establish the sale as genuine. At least 10 percent of the assets transferred to the trust in total should be a gift by the grantor. The remaining 90 percent can be sold for the promissory note. The promissory note can be structured as an installment note with an interest-only note and a balloon principal payment at the end

of the note term. This will allow the principal to remain in the trust, and to continue to appreciate in value for the longest time possible. For example, if you own farmland valued at $500,000. You are currently leasing the land for rental income. You believe that the land is likely to appreciate, as it could easily become developed land. You create a grantor trust of which your daughter is the beneficiary of, and gift 10 percent of the farmland to the trust. You sell the remaining 90 percent of the farmland to the trust in exchange for a nineyear annual interest-only note, with a balloon payment at the end of the nine-year note. The trust is now the owner of the farmland, so the rental income is paid to the trust. The trust uses that rental income to make the annual interest-only payment back to you. At the end of the nine-year note, the farmland is valued at $6,000,000 and is owned by the trust of which your daughter is the beneficiary. All of the appreciation in the farmland was transferred gift and tax free (with the exception of the initial 10 percent interest in the farmland (valued at $50,000).

Q. Will the grantor have to pay capital gains tax on the assets sold to the trust? If the trust is drafted properly, the answer is no. The grantor is treated as the owner of the trust for income tax purposes – so essentially it is a sale to yourself. In addition, the interest payments made to the grantor are not considered taxable income. The grantor is responsible for paying the income tax, which means the trust property continues to appreciate income-tax free. In addition, if the grantor outlives the term of the promissory note, the assets are completely excluded from his or her estate for estate tax purposes. Interest rates are just one of the factors that go into an individual’s decision to gift. These strategies may not be for everyone. But one thing is for sure, we are in a very unique time with a very low interest rate environment and high gift and estate tax exemptions. The two coupled together create some great wealth transfer opportunities for those who want to and can take advantage of them.

FARGOINC.COM

Your Holiday

READS

Wondering what to get that business professional in your life for Christmas? Fear not. We partnered with Zandbroz, a book and gift store in Downtown Fargo, to highlight some of their hot business reads.

By Andrew Jason Hillary Ehlen

DECEMBER 2019

3 1

The Best American Nonrequired Reading

By Edan Lepucki In this annual collection of poems, stories, comics and essays, a group of high school students held discussions about what should be featured in this year’s edition. In the 2019 edition, you’ll read stories about pizza-delivery women, family, dolls giving birth, anthropomorphic lakes and more. 2 Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

By Anne Lamott For 25 years, this book has inspired writers. This advice is personified with the opening lines from the book: “Thirty years ago, my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he’d had three months to write. It was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, ‘Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.’”

Because Internet: Understanding The New Rules of Language 3

By Gretchen McCulloch The internet is drastically changing the English language. McCulloch examines why this is a good thing and what our online interactions reveal about us. 4

Talking to Strangers

By Malcolm Gladwell The powerhouse author of “Blink” and “The Tipping Point” and the host of Revisionist History comes back with this New York Times bestseller about why the tools and strategies we use to make sense of people we don’t know is very wrong. 5 Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity

By Charles Marohn This book by the Founder and President of Strong Towns is all about forward-thinking ideas that break with modern wisdom to present a new vision of urban development in the U.S. 6 Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking

By Susan Cain In today’s world, it seems like whoever shouts the loudest gets the farthest. Cain argues that we undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so. FARGOINC.COM

Why North Dakota? We all know that North Dakota is a great spot to launch a business but now people and organizations from across the nation are starting to recognize us for what we have.

Lowest Poverty Rates - North Dakota at 10.3% census.gov

#17

Top State For Business 2019 North Dakota

Hardest Working State -North Dakota WalletHub

cnbc.com

How Hard Does North Dakota Work? (1=Best, 25=Avg.)

2nd – Avg. Workweek Hours 4th – Employment Rate 8th – Share of Workers with Multiple Jobs

DECEMBER 2019

States with the Best Economic Prospects North Dakota

WalletHub

Most Tax Friendly States North Dakota kiplinger.com

.81% employment 7.36% GDP 4.33% house price -.41% college admission 3.26% household income 5.83% new businesses started

Most Financially Literate State North Dakota WalletHub

Best States to Start a Business North Dakota WalletHub

4th – % of Adults Aged 18+ Who Spend More than They Earn 1st – % of Adults Aged 18+ with Rainy-Day Funds 30th – % of Unbanked Households 8th – % of Adults Aged 18+ Paying Only Minimum on Credit Card(s) 6th – High-School Financial Literacy Grade

FARGOINC.COM

PRESTON BRAATHEN Owner

Dakota Business Lending I am a native North Dakotan and I lived in Fargo until 10 years old and then went through high school in Maple Grove, MN. I made my way back to Grand Forks for college at the University of North Dakota and began a career in the banking industry. While in that industry, I grew a fondness for business and how it works. Now I work at Dakota Business Lending and get to help businesses grow and become better. I am currently working on a local business podcast called The ACTIVATE U Podcast! We are allowing local businesses to tell their stories in hopes for other business owners or hopeful owners to learn and grow local business in the Midwest! I am working every day to help make myself better and help the people around me as well. It's not easy, but it is worth it!

Worst piece of advice he’s ever received “You can’t do that.” There are things you should not do, yes. But, anyone can do anything they want to do. What keeps him up at night Hopefully nothing. I try not to carry too many things with me because that leads to stress. If you are being kept awake by

something, it means you just have not taken care of it when you should have. What he’d give a TED Talk on Your reactions are your biggest asset. How the reality of his job differ from people’s perception of it Being in Business

GARY USSERY 76

DECEMBER 2019

Development, we get pegged with the idea that we are just out for numbers. We are not. We are looking to assist businesses to make an impact in the industries they work in. We utilize programs that offer the best options for businesses and are here to and prove they are worth your time!

MY MEDIA RECOMMENDATIONS

One thing the local business community could do to help Dakota Business Lending Ask us questions, we are always looking to connect people to the right answers. Even if it is not us. What’s his “why” Leave every situation better then it was.

“How to Win Friends and Influence People”

What part of his job he would use an “easy button” on. Scheduling, I love having a schedule but I am terrible at writing everything down. One characteristic he believes every great leader should possess Humility: Anyone who cannot treat others well, should not be leaders. One way he fosters creativity Ask questions and test the status quo. Local/state resources he recommends Women’s Business Center, Small Business Development Center, Veterans Business Outreach, SCORE

The ACTIVATE U Podcast

RYLAN DRAKE Owner

Red River ReCell My name is Rylan Drake and I am the owner and operator of a new business in Fargo called Red River ReCell. We buy, sell, and repair mobile devices. This includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches and more. We offer our customers great alternatives to the unaffordable price tags of new smartphones and tech products. We have the largest selection of certified pre-owned devices in the FM Area and offer an in-town price match guarantee on all of our products and repair services.

BY BRADY DRAKE 78

DECEMBER 2019

HILLARY EHLEN

Faces of

Fargo Business

A day in the life of Rylan Drake: Most of the day consists of repairs being performed. We are competitively priced so we do see quite a bit of traffic and try our best to get all of our repair products back to the customer within an hour of being dropped off. Other roles as a business owner are to ensure that inventory is staying at desired levels, creating marketing strategies, communicating with customers who contact us through our online portals, and just making sure that the business is allaround running smoothly. What’s the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received? As a 2019 graduate of Concordia College Offutt School of Business, a lot of people gave me advice that I should try to work for someone or some company out of college. While this may not be bad advice, I am so thankful that I took the risk to start my own business. I love going to work every day, I love the challenges and risks that come with working for yourself. What keeps you up at night? What keeps me up at night is the excitement that self-employment brings. The limitless ceiling and endless possibilities to grow a business can be really exhilarating. I am actively trying to get connected to local businesses that distribute cell phones to their employees. When it is time for them to upgrade the devices, they often sell them back to places like Verizon or AT&T at very low buyback prices, I would be able to offer them much better buyback prices.

What would you give a TED Talk on? Oh man, maybe am I qualified should be the first question! I would love to tell other young people about why taking risks are opportunities to learn and grow. While you will definitely make mistakes along the way, you will feel challenged and learn from those challenges that allow you to be better equipped to succeed in the future. How does the reality of your job differ from people’s perception of it? With a retail store, some may think that you just open the doors in the morning and sit and wait for customers to come in. In reality, the walk-in traffic is just one aspect. There are lots of behind the scenes efforts that go on that no one will see. What’s one thing the local business community could do to help you/your organization? If local businesses offer their employees mobile devices, please contact me with inquiries on how we can buy, repair, and insure your mobile devices. We can offer services and prices that are unmatched. If you could thank one person who’s contributed to your success, who would it be and why? While in high school and college, I worked at Play It Again Sports in Fargo. If it were not for working for the owner Eric Netland, who gave me a first-hand experience in the operation of a business, I do not believe that I would have the understanding of the secondhand market in the way that I do now. Which has allowed me

to go forth and take the leap to start my own business. What’s your “why”? The second-hand market fulfills a very important niche. Electronics and mobile devices have become such an important part of everyday life, yet the prices can be costprohibitive for consumers especially if you have a family and every member needs their own device(s), Red River ReCell can purchase products at fair prices and sell upgrades beating traditional seller pricing. Our service department can provide repairs to extend the life of devices, something that is becoming increasingly important in our day to day lives. What’s one characteristic you believe every great leader should possess? A great leader needs to have vision and creativity. They must determine the needs of the market and then figure out how to meet these needs more efficiently than the competition. They also must be able to lead by example rather than just telling people what to do, they must understand the business process better than anyone else, and to do that. A leader needs be setting an example for how the key functions of the operation should run.

MY TOP 3 PODCASTS

This American Life

Short stories of Americans on a wide range of topics that are thoughtprovoking.

Listen Money Matters

An excellent personal finance podcast, especially for young entrepreneurs.

The Indicator

A short 15-minute radio program that talks about a certain economic, business, or financial topics.

What’s a local/state resource your organization has utilized recently? I have utilized both city and state officials as a resource for various legal/regulatory issues. They have been very helpful and I would urge others to utilize them.

FARGOINC.COM

Veterans Blvd & 37th Ave S

Now Open! Across from Sheyenne High School

5650 37th Ave S, Fargo | 701.293.9541 | bankforward.com

WHO THE H%*# SAID

Nicole Turchin and Kurtis Karn, like many business professionals, do most of their best work while sharing a drink.

Much Needed Change Nicole Turchin knows that there’s something wrong about the way workshops are done.

f there’s one thing North Dakota needs more of, it’s sunshine and 79 degree days. Nicole Turchin and Kurtis Karn are bringing the joy that goes along with those days to companies with their new business, aptly named Sunshine & 79.

BY Andrew Jason

Hillary Ehlen

“At the end of 2018, I was part of a leadership group asked to plan a quarterly leadership offsite. We decided the topic would be purpose,” she said. “I wanted to do a half-day session on purpose like a workshop. Everything I found was super expensive or super traditional like let’s write a purpose statement or the eight principals of being a purpose-driven person. None of it was resonating with me. I connected with Kurtis and said,

FARGOINC.COM

Throwback

‘If I can’t find it, I think we should build it.’”

What are funshops anyway?

Below is a list of their funshops along with an example of what one entails. Learn more about them at sunshineand79. com. • What Would Bill Murray Do? If you know anything about Bill Murray, you know he’s a hidden gem of a role model when it comes to experience and leadership. He’s authentic, genuine and a whole lotta fun. We’ve designed a Funshop around Bill Murray’s commitment to spontaneity and joy that will help your teams build cohesion and support others!

• Who the Hell Am I? • Love in the Workplace • Self-Care, Schmelf-Care • My Ideas are Good, Dammit! • I’m a Change Champion (barf…)! • I’m in a Glass Case of Emotion • Truth-Telling Without the Help of Beer • You Suck at Appreciating Me • I Got Sweet Nunchuck Skills • The Blame Game

DECEMBER 2019

why they do what they do, how can they be fully engaged in a company’s mission?

Karn was on the first ever cover of FM Spotlight, which was the first magazine produced by Spotlight, Fargo INC’s parent company. See if you can find the typo on the cover.

So that’s exactly what they did. Sunshine and 79 is changing the way we look at the workplace. And the studies back up that we should all be looking at how we run our offices. According to the Mind the Workplace Report from the nonprofit group Mental Health America and The Faas Foundation, nearly three-fourths of Americans are actively hunting for a new job. However, what if we engaged our employees in a different way?

That’s why Sunshine and 79 focuses on the individual’s purpose. “Notoriously, when you ask people what their purpose is, they say, ‘I want to help people.’ Well, duh. Who’s going to say I don’t want to help people?” said Turchin. “Our goal is to say that’s great in theory but there is a deeper meaning to that. What does that mean? Everyone’s purpose is to help people.

“We did digging on data and it’s funny because your happiness level or joy within your life is pretty high from being young to your mid-20s and then drops until your 50s or 60s and then it goes back up,” said Karn. “Where are people miserable? When they’re working full-time. Do you have to be like that all the time? Hopefully not.

“The workshop that we did, one of the first activities outside the gate was – and it made people uncomfortable – we had people write their own obituary. It’s scary to stand in front of a room and say, ‘Here’s the first thing you’re going to do.’ It’s very morbid and sad to think about. It really helps to think about what’s the legacy they left here.”

“We’re passionate about being good humans and being able to do something like that to get people to take a step back and go, ‘It’s not so bad. I can do something a little bit different within my workplace to help make it a little bit better and not such a dreary place to work.’”

While these may seem a little silly and impractical for the workplace, Turchin and Karn are finding that the workforce is clamoring for this. With an unemployment rate of 2.5 percent, every business is looking how to separate themselves from their competitors. This is a good way of doing that.

A Purpose Driven Life Every company has a mission. It’s usually hung up on a wall, plastered on newsletters and scattered across a website. However, not many people have a mission. If a person doesn’t understand who they are and

“This is what this group and other people want,” said Karn. “We work in eight-second shots. That’s how people learn. You can’t just go in front of a group and lecture and tell them why communication is needed in

their business. You have to give them opportunities to think for themselves, give them an activity to be able to come up with an outcome so they can take that and realize that on their own and how they can do it.” Work Isn’t Supposed to be Fun The conversations that open up during these aptly named funshops can improve a person’s motivation and engagement in a company. What would Bill Murray do? Who the hell am I? My ideas are good, dammit! I got sweet nunchuck skills. These are just some of their funshops, which are essentially workshops developed to focus on specific issues faced by the company. While on the surface level, these may seem like fun and silly workshops, they actually tackle bigger problems faced by most individuals and workplaces. For example, “My ideas are good, dammit!” tackles how to present

their ideas in the best way possible and make sure they’re heard. “We have defined funshops but a lot of our work is turning into customized programming,” said Turchin. “Every organization’s needs are different. We’re talking to a client right now that’s having communication issues internally. That’s hard to do a general workshop on that. You have to really understand what the issues are.”

90,000 HOURS

THE AVERAGE TIME A PERSON SPENDS AT WORK.

This isn’t exactly rocket science. They’re finding that the more interactive, engaging and entertaining the workshops, the more impact it has on the employees.

The End Result 90,000 hours. That’s how long the average person spends working at their job. At the end of the day, people want to work for a company that cares for them.

“You can present this grandiose theory of how you can be a better communicator but if that’s all you do and you don’t give action items or the ability to leave that room with something to step out into, you’re just attending another seminar to attend a seminar,” said Karn.

“Ultimately, the work we’re doing, it shows that the company cares,” said Turchin. “I have been a part of companies that did not care about my development and I know what that feels like. I have had the great fortune of working at Corelink who very much invested in me as an employee. I felt that every single day.”

“It’s always so interesting to me when we talk about budgets,” said Turchin. “Where does money come from to pay us? Does it come out of my team building or my learning and development budget? “For us, we think team building, connectivity and learning can fuse together. That’s really what brought awareness to me personally about how companies struggle with learning and development can’t be fun because it’s in a different budget bucket. It doesn’t work that way.”

And humor might just be the best way to differentiate yourself in the workforce. “We have a testimonial, ‘Use less humor.’ That’s my favorite testimonial,” said Karn. “Humor can bring people together. If you’re able to do that, but still get those points across and have people leave with an actionable item they can do that’s not this grandiose theory they have to accompany with is where we see the success.”

FARGOINC.COM

A New Type of Living

Life at The Lights BY Andrew Jason PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen RENDERINGS COURTESY OF EPIC Companies

A new concept in live, work and play is coming to West Fargo with the appropriately named The Lights at Sheyenne 32. With a combination of commercial space, apartments and entertainment, this ambitious project from EPIC Companies on the corner of 32nd Avenue and Sheyenne Street is going to be the next hotspot in town. Here’s why you should care about what’s being built.

FARGOINC.COM

National Influence With a true mixed-use space, The Lights will eventually have four buildings with commercial, residential and active living space. When planning started on this space many years ago, EPIC Companies began to look for national inspiration to base this space off of.

Lights at Sheyenne 32 Basics

Address 32nd Avenue South & Sheyenne Street in West Fargo

East Building Residential: 49 units ranging from studios, one bed, two bed, and two-story two beds Commercial: over 25,000 sq ft space available Floors: 5 stories

South Building Residential: 36 two-story units Commercial: over 25,000 sq ft space available Floors: 6 stories

West Building Full Space: 25,000+ sq ft Residential: TBD Commercial: TBD Floors: TBD 86

DECEMBER 2019

Plaza All seasons event space and venue managed by West Fargo Events. Visit westfargoevents.com to keep up with information on events.

Parking 4 level parking ramp with over 400 spots available

Commercial Opportunities Available • Coffee Shop • Retail • Restaurant • Health & Wellness Businesses • Technology Company • Multiple Businesses • Gym, Fitness Studio • Brewery • Wine Bar • PT Place • And more

“The inspiration came from Live Nation and all these live districts that they have created,” said McKenzy Olson, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at EPIC Companies. “The districts that they have are really unique because they have the living element, commercial element and entertainment aspect.” The three (with a fourth one planned) buildings are meant to create an enclosedplaza that will feature numerous events throughout the year. In fact, starting next summer, they will have concerts that can hold up to 4,000 people. However, this outdoor space won’t just be used during the summertime, it will also hold a full-size hockey rink and host winter events. “When we were looking at different ideas for this, a lot of our developer backgrounds have an event aspect and they were like, ‘There’s not really anything like that in the area so what can we do to bring that to the area?’” said Olson. Commercial Space The east building (EPIC building) is going to be the first building completed in January/ February 2020 while the south building will be finished in fall 2020. Each of these buildings will have 25,000 square feet of commercial space available and can accommodate a number of different types of businesses. In fact, in the east building, they already have several businesses lined up, including Bar Down (a 9,000-square feet bar and grill), a nutrition shop, a photography

Some of the national inspiration EPIC Companies pulled from include the Power and Lights District in Kansas City, Parkway Bank Park (Rosemont, IL), La Live, Phoenix Live and the Railyards in Lincoln, Nebraska, as shown in this photo.

EPIC Companies will work with their commercial tenants to fit up a space to best suit the tenant’s needs. Some of the commercial spaces that EPIC Companies thinks will work well at the development include a coffee shop, retail, office, health and wellness businesses, brewery, active lifestyle concepts and more.

studio, boutique and a hair salon but there is still first and second floor space available. “We’d like to get a few customer service type businesses because the whole development is about customer service,” said Olson. “Having the plaza entertainment aspect of it, we’ll have locker rooms, bathrooms, everything that will cater to the plaza because it will hold a full-size hockey rink and it will hold multiple basketball courts, concerts, vendor shows and more. The list is endless that the space will be able to adapt to.” Along with the marketing that comes from having events in the plaza and the built-in customer base from the residential units on the upper floors, Lights at Sheyenne 32 might be a good spot to consider because the spaces are very flexible. “Say a client comes in and says, ‘I only need 1,000-square feet. It’s just me and another person. We just want to have an office here,” said Olson. “We can gladly make a 1,000-square feet space and frame it up to how they’d like it. If somebody says they’d like to take the whole second floor, we can make that work. “The unique thing about our commercial tenants is that we’re providing them a vanilla shell. What that means is that we have underground parking in all of our buildings so we’re providing a little bit more than the standard strip mall that would have a dirt floor.”

The hope is that the space will become almost like an interior mall when all the buildings are finished with all the buildings connected by skyways that start at the parking ramp and go all the way around through the buildings.

kind of a missed opportunity for such a prominent corner and something that’s going to take off even more with the housing that’s out here and the families living out here.’”

At the end of the day, EPIC has a goal to do their best to ensure commercial tenants succeed as well.

“They talked to the school district about swapping land. ‘You take that spot, we’ll take this spot and we’ll do something unique and cool that has the sports arena and coincides with it.’”

“What we really take into consideration is that we’re the call that the tenant makes,” said Olson. “I’m the person who picks up the phone when the tenant calls. We’re very personal with the commercial space occupants and the same goes with our residential spaces.”

West Fargo School District has a shared agreement with The Lights at Sheyenne 32 to use the four-level, 400 spot parking ramp and any of the parking lots, which is very convenient since the West Fargo Sports Arena is right across the street from the development.

Next Hotspot The east building will have 49 residential units that range from studios, onebedrooms, two-bedrooms and two-story two-bedrooms while the south building will have 36 two-story units. An added perk to these apartments is that anybody living in these units will have a front-row seat to any of the events happening in the plaza.

Once the space is completely finished, Olson hopes to see this space and plaza fully utilized.

EPIC Companies is betting a lot of money, time and resources that this location will be the next hotspot in town. In fact, the way the location came about has a unique story. “Five years ago now, the school district bought this lot and was going to build a hockey arena here,” said Olson. “After hearing about that, some developers were like, ‘That’s

“We don’t want to be programming all the events,” said Olson. “We want community members to come forward with ideas that they want to see happen here. We want to work with commercial tenants and work with businesses and nonprofits in town that see different ideas that they have. This is really community-driven space, especially for the community of West Fargo where everyone can participate and enjoy the events taking place at The Lights.” thelightswf.com

FARGOINC.COM

Academic Insight

“Our company is about 10 years old. We’ve grown the company through bootstrap efforts and have made plenty of mistakes throughout the year, which has affected morale. We’ve started going through an expansion, which is exciting but also terrifying. We’ve added about 10 new employees in the last year and will be adding another five or six more employees. How can we continue our growth, have high expectations for everybody but also grow our company culture through this period of growth?” - Andrew Jason, Editorial Director at Spotlight, Fargo INC’s parent company

First off, let me congratulate you on reaching 10 years of being in business. Statistics indicate that 96 percent of businesses fail by the 10-year mark. So given the fact that your organization is still in existence and planning on expanding is a significant milestone that should be acknowledged and celebrated. Now to your question. There’s so much packed into this question that I need to break it down into three different parts in order to answer it.

BY Shontarius D. Aikens, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Management at Offutt School of Business at Concordia College 88

DECEMBER 2019

#1: Continuing Your Growth Based on your question and the fact that

your organization has been in business for 10 years, it appears that your organization has a sufficient business model that delivers value to your customers. When I use the term business model, I’m referring to how an organization creates, delivers and captures value. While you shouldn’t completely abandon a business model that’s made your organization successful, it’s important to make sure that your business model is capable of evolving. Why? Because history can point to many examples in which a company that was once a market leader failed to adapt their business model to meet customer preferences or societal changes. And most of the changes didn’t come overnight; they were subtle changes that were oftentimes ignored or dismissed.

GARY USSERY

here’s a wide breadth of information out there in the academic literature about running a company. That’s why we wanted to provide academic answers to reallife business questions so we turned to Shontarius D. Aikens, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Management at Offutt School of Business at Concordia College, to give us some academic insight.

To see all of Aikens’ sources and references, read the article at fargoinc.com.

A successful business model today could perhaps become outdated sooner than you think. So a delicate balance between being static and dynamic is needed. For your organization to continue its growth in light of this, I have two recommendations: • START, STOP and CONTINUE feedback system. This is a simple way to engage customers (as well as other stakeholders) that asks three questions via online survey: 1) “What should we START doing?,” 2) “What should we STOP doing?,” and 3) “What should we CONTINUE to do?” By engaging your customers and gathering feedback, not only can you stay in tune with customer preferences, you will also become aware of new opportunities to provide your customers with additional value that could fuel your company’s growth goals. • The Business Model Canvas (BMC) tool. Jim Clifton’s book “The Coming Jobs War” makes a strong and definitive argument as it relates to creating growing organizations. He states: “Regardless of the size of the company, the business model really is everything.” The BMC tool is a one-page document that graphically illustrates and displays the nine different components of an organization’s business model. By gathering feedback from stakeholders, your organization can utilize this tool to make informed decisions on possible changes that may need to occur to your existing business model. Udacity.com’s course titled How to Build a Startup and the website Strategyzer are two excellent sources of free information, training and tutorials on how to utilize the BMC to assist you in growing your organization. #2: High Expectations For Everybody In Dan Pink’s TED talk titled “The Puzzle of Motivation”, he makes a compelling argument that there is a mismatch between what science knows and what business does when it comes to motivation. He suggests that high performance can be linked to a person’s intrinsic motivation level. Having employees that are intrinsically motivated leads to employees who are committed to the organization (going above and beyond), rather than just being compliant (just following the rules and doing the bare minimum). Having employees who are committed rather than just compliant is more crucial for new ventures. Literature in the field of

Organizational Behavior suggests that when employees develop goals and expectations with their managers, the result is higher levels of performance and higher motivation. So the key to motivating employees to achieve high expectations is to include them in the process of setting performance standards and expectations. Below are some principles that can assist you in that regard: • Management by Objective (MBO) supervisory approach. An MBO approach occurs when performance goals, standards and expectations are developed mutually by the supervisor and the employee. Ideally, codifying these at the beginning of the performance and evaluation period is preferred. In my previous experience as a supervisor, I have found using an MBO approach in supervising employees to be extremely successful. • Quality Circles. A quality circle is a Total Quality Management (TQM) technique that consists of a volunteer group of employees (between 6-12 employees) who meet on a regular basis to discuss and solve problems pertaining to the quality of work in their area. By doing this, employees are given ownership to make decisions and recommendations on how to do specific tasks rather than having them dictated to them by those who aren’t as knowledgeable about their work. #3: Growing Your Company’s Culture Consider the following statement: If I were to come in to your company, give each of your employees a blank sheet of paper and I asked them to describe the culture of the company, would the majority of the employees say the same thing? Having high levels of agreement among employees about what is valued and high levels of intensity about those values makes for a strong organizational culture. But for company leaders, it’s more important to make sure that the existing organizational culture is, in fact, the organizational culture that they want to exist within the organization. Then, the key to growing your company’s culture is through recruiting and selecting people for cultural fit. Since the culture of an organization has such a huge effect on an employee’s chances of fitting in and doing well, it is suggested that when evaluating potential employees, companies

should give priority to cultural fit rather than job skills, since it would be easier to teach employees new job skills. Below are some recommendations and tips for organizational culture: • The Cultural Web tool. The Cultural Web tool is used to analyze and to depict seven components of an organization’s culture: a) Paradigm, b) Stories, c) Rituals and Routines, d) Symbols, e) Organizational Structure, f) Control System and g) Power Structure. Practical application would be to have each employee complete this tool anonymously on a piece of paper, compile the results and discuss the findings as a large group. This would help to identify any gaps between perceived organizational culture and actual organizational culture. • Reinforce the organization’s culture (current employees). Determine various ways to remind existing employees about the values of the organization. Standard methods would include reminders through socialization and training, connecting informal rewards with the formal reward structure in the organization and reinforcements in evaluation and development structures. Other ways would include creating symbols or items that can be displayed throughout the organization’s workplace for quick viewing. For example, as part of its cultural transformation process, Time Inc. created a small business card that contained the company’s mission, vision, strategy, heritage and employee expected behaviors on the card. These “culture cards” were given to each employee to carry around. • Embed organizational culture in a company’s recruiting and selection process (new employees). I highly recommend Patrick Lencioni’s book “The Ideal Team Player” as an excellent resource that discusses in detail how an organization can take practical steps to vet candidates for cultural fit during the interview and candidate reference checks phases of the interview process. I hope I answered your question succinctly but also thoroughly and provided you with practical tools from the world of academia that would be beneficial in helping your organization reach its future goals. FARGOINC.COM

Serving Countries & Serving Communities 10 ADVANTAGES OF VETERAN BUSINESS OWNERS

he United States offers a variety of benefits for active and retired veterans and their families in gratitude for the dedication and service they have offered to our county. What many don’t know, however, is that there are a multitude of advantages available to those who would like to continue serving their county and communities by owning a business as well. We teamed up with Wendy Klug at the Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Dakotas (VBOC) to highlight some of the key resources that veteran business owners can utilize as they work to serve their community as entrepreneurs: 1. Your skillset

The military is an incubator of some of the most important characteristics of a small business owner, many of which take nonveterans years of experience to develop. Don’t forget that the skills you acquired throughout your service oftentimes speak louder than anything on paper in the eyes of banks.

2. Government contacts

BY STEVE DUSEK

DakotaBusinessLending.com

DECEMBER 2019

The federal government offers opportunities for a certain percentage of all federal contracting dollars for veteran status, disabled status and women-owned businesses. By identifying as any of these types, you have access to take a dip in the contracting world. sba.gov/federal-contracting

3. Grow with Google

Google offers some of the simplest and most accessible resources for veteran business owners through their Grow with Google program. By identifying your business as “veteran-led,” you can add a veteran attribute to your Google my Business profile, gain access to tips and lessons on a variety of business and marketing skills and connect with new markets around the globe. grow.google/veteranled

4. SBA Loans

The Veterans Advantage Loan is a program that offers a variety of additional benefits for veteran business owners, including access to up to $5 million as well as up to 10-year terms through the SBA 7(a) Veterans Loan.

5. Franchising Benefits

Because of the extensive training and skills acquired in the line of duty, 99 percent of franchisors see veteran entrepreneurs as the perfect fit. Vet Fran offers a variety of resources for veteran franchisors such as a VetFran directory, guides/videos/articles and events to assist these business owners on their path to franchising. vetfran.org

6. Tax incentives

There is a maximum income tax credit of up to $1,500 for businesses that hire unemployed veterans. Through this Work Opportunity Tax Credit program, employers can access this credit by claiming 25 percent of the first-year wages paid up to $6,000.

7. Veteran Focused Training Workshops

From statewide Boots to Business and Reboot events to local training sessions hosted by the SBA and VBOC, veterans can gain expertise and knowledge in all parts of their entrepreneurial journey to continue to grow and better serve their communities.

8. Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Small Business Week

This nationwide celebration takes place every November to honor the thousands of veteran business owners around the county. Throughout this week, the U.S. Small Business Administration not only celebrates veteran enterprisers and their accomplishments, but offers tips and tricks, webinars and other resources so that these business owners can achieve their dreams and continue to grow their business to its full potential.

9. Office of Veterans Business Development

This SBA office is a hub for all things veteranled businesses. The Office serves as a place to maximize the use and availability of benefits available to veteran business owners and offers a large directory of resources for veterans, service-disable veterans, reserve components members and their dependents or survivors. sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd

10. Acquire Surplus

Earlier this year, the U.S government passed the Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act, which gives veteran business owners the opportunity to acquire surplus equipment from the federal governmentâ&#x20AC;Śfor free! Once this act is ready to be implemented, veteranled businesses will have access to these unused items and be able to open the doors or better grow their business into what they dream it to be. The number of resources available for veterans is endless! Thank you, veterans, for your devotion and dedication to serving our county in the field and in our communities.

MARKETING

CORNER

HOW AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY Uses Facebook to Connect With the Red River Valley By Kirsten Lund, Inbound Marketing Strategist

There’s no doubt that social channels like Facebook have changed the way we connect with people. With just one click or tap into an app, you can start chatting with your family or friends across the country – or, better yet, across the world. So how important is Facebook to businesses? Does community engagement even matter? It sure does! While it’s great for people to know about your business, they need to know who and what is behind the product or service they’re buying. Let’s take a look at what American Crystal Sugar Company, our own local sugar processing company, is doing on Facebook to connect with the communities in the Red River Valley.

Spreading Their Mission

Announcing New Hires

Sharing Industry Information

Recognizing Product Contributors

Celebrating Holidays & Unique Observances

From sharing safety topics to showcasing how involved they are in the community, there’s no doubt that American Crystal’s mission is to spread awareness that they care about the wellbeing of their employees and the people in the community.

It’s clear that American Crystal is proud of its employees because each new one gets a shoutout on Facebook. This is a great practice and a good way to keep the community informed with who’s working behind the product they purchase.

You want people to come to your business for answers about the products or services you provide, which is why being a thought leader in your own industry is critical. American Crystal is being seen as just that by posting a variety of sugar facts that range from the history of sugar to how sugar can be used for more than just food.

American Crystal wouldn’t be able to make the high-quality sugar they produce without the sugar beets that come from the hard-working growers in the Red River Valley. Whether they post a picture of one of the #CrystalCoKids or a great shot of a tractor in the field, they do an incredible job showing us what it’s like on the other side of the factory.

Who doesn’t love celebrating holidays? American Crystal sure does, and they don’t forget about any of them. Whether they ask what cookies you’re baking for Christmas or thanking Veterans for their service, they always do an incredible job of humanizing each holiday or observance, encouraging their community to engage with their posts.

About Spotlight Spotlight is the parent company of Fargo INC! and has a marketing division that has everything you need from magazine publications, video production, multi-channel advertising, performance-driven marketing strategies and project management to help you compete and grow. We are more than a service, we are your dedicated marketing and creative team. spotlightmediafargo.com 92

DECEMBER 2019

Bravo, American Crystal Sugar Company, for doing such an incredible job connecting with communities in the Red River Valley. You’ve set the bar high and we look forward to seeing more of your posts on Facebook. By incorporating these types of messaging categories into your own content marketing strategy, your business can start to humanize your brand and engage with your community. If you need help engaging with your online community, let the experts at Spotlight help. Learn more about what we can do for you at spotlightmediafargo.com.

BY Adrienne Olson, Kilbourne Group PHOTOS BY Debbie Brangenberg and Ben McAliliy

State Street serves as the connector between the capitol and the University of Wisconsin.

A picture of the Fairpark District before and after redevelopment.

Grow with Purpose

Big Decisions Shape a City’s Future

ith a final deck pour on November 14, 2019, Block 9 in downtown Fargo topped out at 235 feet, and a new skyline of Fargo comes into sharper view. Block 9 is the first major addition since the Radisson was built in 1984. Block 9 aims to create a new community asset; an anchor to draw people into the center of Fargo’s historic and cultural core. Its plaza promises to create a town square atmosphere, offering not only downtown events and activities to draw you, but simply a place to sit for anyone who wishes it. There are big moments in a city’s evolution that can fundamentally change its shape and how people experience it for generations to come. Fargo recently completed a new City Hall downtown, situated on what can only be called a hill in Fargo, overlooking the Red River. The City is investing in landscaped green space, public art and an urban tree

DECEMBER 2019

canopy, giving a new twist on Fargo’s image and identity. Fargo is also preparing to build a new interstate exchange at 64th Avenue South, adding new land to Fargo’s footprint. Fargo is changing. Civic leaders across the country can often point to big decisions in the past that changed the trajectory of their city. Often, these decisions are the result of identifying the city’s unique assets, and making a commitment to make the most of them. Madison, Wisconsin, with the highest concentration of millennials compared to any other city in the country, Madison has a downtown core that is anchored at one end by the majestic granite Wisconsin State Capitol and the University of Wisconsin-Madison on the other. According to Rob Gard of Destination Madison, there were significant strategic decisions in Madison’s past that created a strong level of activity between the two institutions. “Thirty years ago, people came to work at the Capitol, then went straight home, leaving an empty downtown behind them,” said Gard. “Madison chose to work to ensure the link between the University and Capitol

stays strong by maximizing the commercial, retail and hospitality opportunities in the downtown core.” In 1997, the city and county invested resources into building the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, which Gard says has been vital to attracting visitors. “It’s in our city center along with more than 20 restaurants, bars, retailers and music venues. Having it downtown gives visitors something fun to do that’s unique to our vibe and in the process infuses more outside money into the entire region.” “Downtown creates a deeper connection to the community,” he continues. “When attendees are not in the hall, they are walking downtown. There is so much activity it draws residents too and attendees feel embraced by the community. There are lots of positive interactions and opportunities for visitors and residents to enjoy the city together.” In 2004, Overture Center for the Arts was built down the street from the Capitol in place of the former civic center. Gard says a conscious effort went into putting this important cultural venue downtown. “It’s a good balance,” he said. “You build for

A packed concert at Monona Terrace.

your community first with visitors in mind. Our community assets are connected by a philosophy of partnership that exists in our city. If you build a place where visitors want to come, you will have a place where visitors want to live. If it is a place people want to live, companies will invest in jobs, then it all loops back around.” Tupelo, Mississippi Mayor Jason Shelton says the creation of the Fairpark Redevelopment Plan in 1999 fundamentally changed the trajectory of downtown Tupelo. He recalls a time when downtown was mainly just the ‘courthouse crowd,’ but retail was leaving for other parts of town. “As we saw downtown become more blighted and businesses leave, our city officials and the downtown Main Street Association committed to redeveloping the Fairpark District.” Tupelo purchased the 50 acres of old county fairgrounds land for redevelopment and the effort continues today. Properties in the district are sold to individuals or businesses that want to develop them. If development doesn’t happen in two years, the city has the option to repurchase the land. The district’s Board can influence uses to ensure priorities like affordable housing and mixed-uses are part of the mix. “For 30 years, there has been a very concerted effort to protect and promote downtown,” Shelton says. “Cities across the country have abandoned buildings downtown. When properties like that become

available in downtown Tupelo, the different public entities work to find tenants and promote them. It’s all part of the historical tax credit district so there is an opportunity to get some tax savings.” Shelton likens it to someone performing in Nashville for 20 years and becoming an overnight sensation. “People have been working a really long time and things seem to be clicking on all cylinders right now.” Shelton credits Tupelo’s entrepreneurs for keeping the city on the right path. “If your city is going to grow, it is because the city makes itself desirable to the generations coming,” he says. “They want livability, quality of life, convenience and they want the cool factor. You can try to be cool, but that’s something that has to be more organic.” Tupelo is becoming a foodie town Shelton says, because of a great group of engaged restaurant owners. A group of business owners formed Tupelo Rocks to close streets on Saturdays and bring in live music. The Downtown Bike Gang gathers neighbors in different spots around town for bicycle group rides. “If the city itself tries to do it, you lose the cool factor automatically because of ‘the mayor said we have to do this,’” says Shelton. “The city is a catalyst in space making; making sure there is a clean vibrant downtown. The city creates the environment where you allow creativity to thrive. You say yes to what your citizens want to do, then get out of the way

and let people have a good time.” Tupelo’s public investments into their downtown include a 10,000 seat arena, a $15 million aquatic center and relocating City Hall to become a focal point in the center of the Fairpark District. Shelton says Tupelo is fortunate to have community partners and the ability to create public-private partnerships. “When there is criticism of public investments, it is important to be able to demonstrate the return on investment. In Tupelo, the figures are staggering: $74 million in public investment has leveraged $169 million in private investment. When you get the private business to start to build here again, then you start recouping that property tax and sales tax. And, most importantly, you get people in the city who call Tupelo home.” “To get to the heart of it, you can go across the country, any state, any region - whether it’s a highly populated part of the country or rural, North, South, East, West, the heartland and look at their downtown and tell whether it’s a healthy city or not. It’s absolutely crucial to Fargo and every other city in America to have a healthy vibrant downtown. And when you have a healthy vibrant downtown, you have that focal point for the city and its citizens, you restore pride into your city, you enhance and beautify your city. There’s just no negative that can come from having a healthy vibrant downtown in any city in America.”

FARGOINC.COM

Dani Leverington

In brief summary, what do you do? I work at NDSU teaching military science leadership courses and working with the ROTC cadets there. I do that full-time and I also run my studio, Downtown Yoga. And I’m an Engineer Officer in the North Dakota National Guard as well. Why did you decide to join the National Guard? When I joined about four and a half years ago, it was pretty much a quarter-life crisis. I was 26 and I was an elementary teacher, and I just felt like there was something else that I would be more fulfilled doing. My sister mentioned, ‘Hey. You’ve thought about the National Guard before,’ so I went to a recruiter and signed a contract and joined. I just felt like that was the right place to be at that point in my life.

Whether she is leading an all-male platoon as an Engineer Officer for the North Dakota National Guard or helping veterans find strength and healing through her yoga studio, Dani Leverington uses her passion for helping people to serve our community— and our country.

DECEMBER 2019

As a whole, I think the culture of the military is sort of shifting. Roles that used to be open only to men are opening up to women as well. Until the past couple of years, a woman could be an Engineer Officer, but not a Combat Engineer. People have been shifting to see females as more equal. Even our physical fitness test—this year it is rolling out to be a gender-neutral, age-neutral test. As of this next October, everyone is expected to hit their standards based on their role in the military, not their gender.

BY KATIE BEEDY

Can you describe your experience leading an all-male platoon? It’s an interesting dynamic, because a lot of them had never had a female leader. That hasn’t been part of their environment or their culture, so I think it has been a learning experience for all of us. The culture has had to shift a little. Some of the language that is used in a more male-dominated environment might have to change.

HILLARY EHLEN

Because I had a college degree, I could go in as an officer. So now I have an all-male platoon of 24 guys I lead who are enlisted as Combat Engineers. Our job is to clear routes of explosive devices, place obstacles and basically blow stuff up. It’s fun!

Tell us about your yoga journey. Around the same time I joined the National Guard, I started practicing yoga. I’ve always been a very physically active person. When I started doing yoga, I liked the challenge of pushing my body and getting deeper into poses. When I got back from basic training and Officer Candidate School, I went to my 200-hour teacher training in Bali, Indonesia. That was my treat to myself for going through all the schooling, to give myself something that I could enjoy in a different capacity than the military. As I started doing it more and went through my teacher training, I started to really enjoy a more gentle practice and focusing on the mental benefits. I came back and I taught for several months here in town, and then I was approached by someone who had bought the building and asked if I had ever thought about opening a studio. I said no, but it was the perfect location and after a lot of thought and discussion, I realized that my journey was guiding me in that direction. It was the universe’s way of saying, ‘This is your route. This is where you’re supposed to go, and you just have to do it.’ I took a leap of faith and opened the studio in December 2017. What challenges did you face starting your own business? How did you overcome them? It was scary, but it was really exciting too. It’s been a big learning experience because I have no experience or education in business, but it has been fun to learn. I am always growing and evolving. The most helpful thing for me was reaching out to people who knew what they were doing, who could guide me in the way that I needed, and who I could collaborate with, too. I like to reach out to other local businesses and see how we can work together to bring something unique to downtown.

How do you combine your passions for Downtown Yoga and the National Guard? We do a lot of work with the Veterans Yoga Project, a national nonprofit organization that works with veterans and teaches mindful resilience to people both as an individual and as someone who might be teaching or helping individuals that are living with PTSD, depression or any sort of trauma in their life. So we did a mindful resilience training in the studio a couple months ago, where we had 20 people come in and learn how to help themselves or others who are dealing with trauma. And on Veterans Day, we do a donations-based class that benefits the Veterans Yoga Project.

jobs at NDSU and the National Guard, and that’s what I love about yoga. I get to see the effect that it can have on someone’s life both mentally and physically, and know that I can help lead someone to something that’s going to have such a positive impact on their life.

How can yoga be especially beneficial for veterans? Because a lot of soldiers go through such high intensity and experience a lot of trauma, yoga can be really beneficial for them specifically to get through that trauma, both mentally and physically. The physical movement, mindfulness and breath control really work together to help calm the system. We talk about how our bodies are in this fight-or-flight state, and certain types of yoga will shift you to a rest-and-restore state where your mind and body can both start to heal.

What top three pieces of content would you recommend to Ladybosses? “Becoming” by Michelle Obama “Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis “The Daily” and “Up First” podcasts to stay informed about what’s happening in the world.

What do you wish people knew about yoga? A lot of people think that yoga is intimidating or scary. You think of yoga and you picture this super skinny, female, predominantly white person doing this really intense yoga class, going into all of these crazy moves. That’s the way certain brands portray it. I don’t think it’s as often that you see just a normal, everyday person doing yoga. It’s males, it’s females, it’s every body type, every age. There’s no right or wrong person for yoga. Why do you love what you do? I really enjoy helping people and guiding them. That’s what drew me to teaching in the first place, that’s what I love about my

Who is your hero? Why? My sister Nicole is my hero. She is the strongest woman I know. She is never afraid to state her opinion and have a conversation about it in a respectful way. She has two master’s degrees, and she graduated Yale Business School while she was nine months pregnant. She’s just a badass. I always looked up to her growing up, and I continue to look up to her.

What advice do you have for Ladybosses looking to start their own business or join the National Guard? To anyone hoping to start your own business, my biggest advice would be to surround yourself with good people who help build you up and support you when things get tough, but who will also be brutally honest with you and not sugar-coat things. For women interested in joining the National Guard, you just need to be confident in what you are capable of doing. As females, we tend to downplay our strengths, but if that is something that you feel you are being guided to do, just go for it and be confident. And for anyone, if you’re unhappy with where you’re at in life, you can make a change. Even if it’s scary and you don’t know quite what that change looks like, take a leap of faith. Don’t settle for being unhappy in your job, in your relationships, in anything in life. You just have to go for it.

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Fargo, Moorhead & Dilworth Events DECEMBER 3 Design & Accessibility

Tuesday, December 3 from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Join in talking about the ways design can include and exclude people and actions we can take to work with accessibility as a guide. This event is 7 of 8 in the Made from Concentrate series — a meetup where craft and designers intersect. madefromc.com Historic Dakota Business College 11 8th St. S 2nd Floor, Fargo

DECEMBER 5 TechND Annual Meeting 2019

Thursday, December 5 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

TechND’s 2019 Annual Meeting will feature speakers from numerous North Dakota industries, such as agriculture, energy, finance and health care. Industry leaders will provide brief updates (think TEDx style) on technology innovations impacting their businesses now and into the future. Participants will discuss opportunities, barriers and policy needed (or not needed) to stimulate a climate of innovation, within their individual industries, into the future. technd.org Prairie Den 122 ½ N. Broadway Dr., Fargo

DECEMBER 5 Holiday Business After Hours Thursday, December 5 from 4 - 6:30 p.m.

Deck the halls and get holly and jolly at The Chamber’s biggest networking event of the year! December’s Business After Hours is one you don’t want to miss! Attendees, connect with your peers and a range of exhibitors for a chance to win prizes and learn more about our business community. Join us for a great time over apps, networking and fun -- you might even spot Santa or some carolers! fmwfchamber.com Delta by Marriott 1635 42nd St. Sw., Fargo

DECEMBER 3 National Guard Briefing & A New Service for Our Veterans Tuesday, December 3 from 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Come to December’s Eggs and Issues for a National Guard briefing from our local Air and Army leaders. Colonel Anderson and Major Kuntz will take to the stage to share about the current strength of their units, retention rates, economic impact, missions, training and deployments. This event will also feature a panel focused on the new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service for veterans in our area. fmwfchamber.com Courtyard by Marriott 1080 28th Ave. S, Moorhead

DECEMBER 11 Imposter Syndrome: Why it Affects Talented People and How to Overcome It Wednesday, December 11 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

This session will provide participants with an understanding of what Imposter Syndrome is, why it can affect certain individuals, types of Imposter Syndrome and the behaviors it can cause, and methods to overcome Impostor Syndrome. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from the shared experiences of others who have dealt with Impostor Syndrome, as well as to share their own stories in small group discussion. fmwfchamber.com DoubleTree by Hilton

DECEMBER 11 Lunch & Learn: Ultimate Event Planning Panel Wednesday, December 11 from 12 - 1 p.m.

Learn how to plan an unforgettable event from successful industry professionals. After this event, you’ll have several takeaways on how to make your event memorable and fun. Lunch will be provided. emergingprairie.com Prairie Den 122 ½ N Broadway Drive, Fargo

825 East Beaton Drive, West Fargo FARGOINC.COM

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DECEMBER 17 Design& Tools of the Trade

Tuesday, December 17 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Whether they help you work better or bring a little joy to your day, everyone has their favorite gadgets. Come to this event to geek out about some great tools of the trade. Bring your favorite tool under $20.00 for a Made From Concentrate holiday tool swap. madefromc.com Zandbroz Variety

DECEMBER 5

420 Broadway N., Fargo

How to best attend Business After Hours Thursday, December 5 from 3 - 3:45 p.m.

Regardless of how you feel about networking, it’s a vital part of organizations and personal brand health. This session is designed to help you hone your skills and make quality connections! Make the most of Business After Hours and other networking experiences by learning techniques to increase your visibility, promote yourself and market your business most effectively. fmwfchamber.com Delta by Marriott 1635 42nd St. S, Fargo

DECEMBER 13 Morning Buzz - December/ Network Before 9 - December Friday, December 13 from 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Join The Chamber for a special Morning Buzz this December, as they combine YPN’s monthly coffee networking hour with POC’s Network Before 9! Come network with YPN members new and old and meet members of The Chamber’s newest program, Professionals of Color. This is a great opportunity to expand your network even further while getting you morning caffeine boost! Don’t forget to bring your business cards! fmwfchamber.com Hornbacher’s Gateway West 2050 Sheyenne St., West Fargo

DECEMBER 17 Thriving: The Mindfulness of Imperfections

Tuesday, December 17 from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Perfectionism can be one of the most destructive traits to both an individual and to others’ motivation and worker self-esteem. Perfectionism is also the leading fatal disease among women 18 to 100 (Pennsylvania Conference for Women 2019). Whether it is in the workplace environment or everyday life, attendees at this session will benefit from learning how to enable the presence of imperfection and thriving. Thriving is not the absence of imperfections, but rather the mindfulness of such. fmwfchamber.com Delta by Marriott 1635 42nd St. S., Fargo

DECEMBER 19 Chamber 101: Connect. Engage. Maximize

Thursday, December 19 from 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.

If you’re not familiar with The Chamber, are a new member, new contact, new hire, or just want to re-engage, this session is for you! Chamber 101 is a laid-back discussion designed to share some of the great benefits of Chamber membership and what opportunities exist that you need to know. No need to dress in business attire; we welcome you to come as you are! fmwfchamber.com The Chamber Office 202 1st Ave. N., Moorhead

JANUARY 8 Emotional Intelligence - Building Awareness and Influence Wednesday, January 8 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

This session of Business Training will help you take a hard look at your own reactions to highly emotional situations. It will walk you through everyday tools and tips to get a handle on responding to situations professionally. You’ll learn the science behind emotional intelligence and leave with a heightened awareness about the prevailing success that comes in life when you develop these skills. fmwfchamber.com Delta by Marriott 1635 42nd St. Sw., Fargo

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JANUARY 15 Executive Expo III: Irrefutably Fargo

Wednesday, January 15 from 10 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

21 Fargo-area Business Leaders. 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. 21 Personal Executive Insights! Just 400 seats are available for area business owners, executives and entrepreneurs! Save $25 and reserve you seat before December 15. the100.online Avalon Events Center 2525 9th Ave. S., Fargo

JANUARY 16 2020 State of the Cities

Thursday, January 16 from 8 - 9:30 a.m.

Join this annual event that brings our community together to ask questions of our local city’s leaders and talk about our region’s growth, goals and priorities. Where are we headed? What challenges do we face and what successes can we celebrate? We will have our local mayors representing their cities to provide updates, including Mayor Bernie Dardis in West Fargo, Mayor Johnathan Judd in Moorhead, Mayor Tim Mahoney in Fargo and Dilworth Mayor Chad Olson. Don’t miss out on this community-wide conversation. fmwfchamber.com Hilton Garden Inn 4351 17th Ave. S., Fargo

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Grand Forks

Bismarck Events DECEMBER 6 CORE Women - The Gift of Wellness

Friday, December 6 from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Come for the next meeting on December 6, 2019 at YOUvitalize. The subject for this quarter is the Gift of Wellness. There will be a panel of women focusing on wellness for the mind and body. Cost of registration is $25.00. trainingnd.com YOUvitalize 3320 Hamilton St., Bismarck

DECEMBER 10 2019 Holiday Mixer

Tuesday, December 10 from 5 - 8 p.m.

DECEMBER 5 32nd Annual EGGStravaganza Breakfast Thursday, December 5 from 7 - 9:30 a.m.

Treat your employees, family, clients & customers to the best breakfast in town at the 32nd Annual Chamber of Commerce EGGStravaganza! A delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, pancakes, milk, juice and coffee served The Chamber Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and past and present Chamber leadership. gochamber.org Blue Moose Bar & Grill 507 2nd St. NW., East Grand Forks

The Holidays are upon us and that marks a special time at the Chamber EDC. We get to celebrate another festive year of fun, laid back networking at our themed Holiday Mixer with an assortment of hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres, drinks, door prize giveaways and local music! If you have further questions on attending or representing your business at our Holiday Mixer, please call the Chamber EDC at 701223-5660. Admission for the event costs $5 and a business card must be presented with purchase. business.bismarckmandan.com/events Bismarck Event Center, Exhibit Hall 315 S 5th St., Bismarck

DECEMBER 14 Annual Cookie Walk

Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

DECEMBER 12 Activate Your Finances: Understanding Quickbooks Online

Thursday, December 12 from 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Learn from women entrepreneurs throughout the community and dive into perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of your business: managing Quickbooks. dakotabusinesslending.com UND Center for Innovation 4200 James Ray Drive, Grand Forks

DECEMBER 19 December Business After Hours Tuesday, December 19 from 4:45 - 7:00 p.m.

Let BAGA do your holiday baking with over 140 dozen cookies, breads, candies and treats to choose from. Cookies and treats are sold by the pound. business.bismarckmandan.com/events 422 E. Front Ave., Bismarck

Northland Community & Technical College invites all Chamber Members and their employees to join them for a fun Business After Hours. There will be progressive cash, complimentary hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres and beverages, and great door prizes. No children under the age of 18 may attend. gochamber.org Northland Community & Technical College 2022 Central Ave. NW., East Grand Forks

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Minot & Wahpeton Events

DECEMBER 5 Chamber University

Thursday, December 5 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on Uncovering Leadership Blind Spots: Discovering the Pathway to Motivating Your Employees. This is for senior leaders, human resource and L&D professionals, as well as anyone who wants to empower their leaders to build a culture that engages and retains their employees. minotchamber.org Grand Hotel 1505 N Broadway, Minot

DECEMBER 5 Holiday Business After Hours Extravaganza Tuesday, December 5 from 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 7:30 p.m.

Come for a fun evening of food, drinks, raffles, giveaways and networking. Everyone is welcome! wahpetonbreckenridgechamber.com Wahpeton Event Center 995 21st Ave. N, Wahpeton

GRACIOUS GIVERS

ROI On Giving Back Nodak Insurance Company knows that giving back isn’t only good for employee morale, it’s good for the bottom line.

A Culture of Giving Back

HILLARY EHLEN

When Jim Alexander, President and CEO, took over Nodak Insurance, he recognized that there was already a culture of giving back to the communities they live and work in. In fact, that wasn’t something he just recognized about Nodak, it was something he saw about the community of North Dakota as a whole.

“I think this community is really big on giving back,” said Alexander. “It just fits that we’re a company that’s approaching 75-years old. We’ve always been here. We’re a North Dakota company. That’s a part of being a North Dakota company and North Dakota people and giving back and belonging to the community.” As the saying goes, if culture eats strategy for breakfast, the giveback mentality at Nodak Insurance is not only helping

the community, it’s helping the bottom line. “In our business, we help people in their time of need,” said Alexander. “We’re an insurance company. If somebody is in an auto accident or somebody’s home burns down, that’s what we do. We’re here to help. I think that goes in line with what our business is. It’s helping people that are down on their luck or in times of trouble, giving back and being involved and part of the community.”

Giving Hearts Day

Every year, thousands of people get involved with Giving Hearts Day, which is a 24-hour day of giving that’s facilitated by Dakota Medical Foundation. Last year, 30,675 people donated $16.3 million to 440 charities. A few years ago, Nodak began doing their part to support this worthy cause.

For the last three years, Nodak has encouraged employees to give to their favorite nonprofit. If an employee gave at the minimum $10 level, they were put into a drawing for an additional $100 toward their charity of choice. If they gave $20, they were entered into a drawing for $250. Each year, they’ve seen increased participation. Happening again on Feb. 13, 2020, they expect even more participation this year. “A few years ago, we talked about Giving Hearts Day and really stepping up and pushing other opportunities for our employees to give back to the communities and charities they were passionate about,” said Alexander. “I think that Giving Hearts Day does provide a tremendous amount of flexibility. People choose from a wide range of who they want to support from Ronald McDonald House to Habitat for Humanity

to something to do with animal rescue.”

The People Behind the Company

OK, yes, we know that giving back to worthy causes is important but shouldn’t that be on individuals? Well, a company is only as good as its team. That’s one of the reasons businesses supporting nonprofits is so important. “I think it’s good to put that human connection with a corporate company so that we’re not just a name and a building,” said Beth DuFault, Marketing Specialist for Nodak Insurance. “People want to do business with companies who are giving and who are a part of their community.” Again, a company is only as good as its team, so why not encourage your team to be their best?

Learn more about Nodak at nodakins.com

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GRACIOUS GIVERS

The Giving Touch How Massage Therapist Karissa Brusseau Gives Back

Karissa Brusseau, owner of Lotus Touch in West Fargo, believes in using life’s struggles to make the world a better place. She has expanded her awareness to give to others with compassion through her life experiences. In fact, Brusseau began her massage and reiki education because she wanted to help her father David G. Brown, a Vietnam Veteran who served in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, with pain that was the result of several health conditions, including multiple sclerosis. Her practice expanded because of her mother Valorie Brown. “My mother gave so much of herself as a caregiver to her family, friends and community,” Brusseau said. “Because of this, I wanted to learn how to help heal the caregivers of the world. That first-hand view of true care led Brusseau to become a Certified Advanced Soul Coach, which she says helps her lead her clients to a life of self-care

and authenticity. We here at Fargo INC! think it’s important to highlight individuals like Brusseau who live in the spirit of Giving Hearts Day, so we sat down with her to talk about why being charitable is important to her.

What charitable contributions have you made/are you involved with?

The charitable contributions that I give to are widespread throughout the community. I give to Ronald McDonald House, The Little Red Reading Bus in West Fargo, Hope Blooms, YMCA and YWCA.

How do you give back on Giving Heart’s day?

I talk about Giving Hearts Day in order to spread awareness. I have been in the massage and healing community for almost 18 years and I am blessed to have so many beautiful people in my life that are driven to make the world more loving.

Do you have a personal experience driving you to support one of these organizations?

Every year, I walk into the doors of the Ronald McDonald House and give with my children. We give food, toys, books and money. We ask that the donations be used for family stays, just like our loved ones did for us. I was born with a heart condition known as Transposition of the Great Vessels and so was my son Colten. Ronald McDonald House was our home away from home for 18 days with him when he was having open-heart-surgery in Minneapolis. I will always give back to them anyway I can and support them because of what they gave to my family on our journey. I teach my children that giving is our heart’s medicine. We need to give to ourselves, our families and community if we want to change the world.

Is Giving Hearts Day particularly special to you?

Giving Hearts Day means a lot to me because I see the impact of gathering with others that have the same mission and purpose. It is very powerful when people get together with one vision to change the consciousness of the community. When Giving Hearts Day circles around each year, I can deeply feel the impact in the community. It runs a deep parallel to my purpose at Lotus Touch, guiding people to live a heart-centered life.

How do you give back during the rest of the year?

Throughout the year, my favorite way to give is my time in my services. I gift the people in my circle who are in deep grief and moving through transitions in life a safe place to be still and vulnerable. I gift them a compassionate touch with the grace to listen.

What drives you?

Love is what drives me... Connection is what happens. 112

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