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BUILDING A FOUNDATION IN FARGO
Rice Companies, Inc. opens an all new Fargo branch
By Josiah Kopp | Josiah Kopp | Project photos provided by Rice Companies
or over 70 years, third-generation familyowned Rice Companies, Inc. has been shaping communities across the Upper Midwest through innovative construction and design. What Founder Jack Rice established in 1953 in Tenstrike, MN, has grown to six locations across the Midwest in Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, and North Dakota.
To Fargo President Marius Rygg, bringing Rice Companies to Fargo was about providing better service to customers in the Red River Valley. "The biggest reason [for the expansion of our new Fargo branch in 2020] is to take care of both our new and longstanding customers—many of which have headquarters here in Fargo where decisions are
made," he said. The second reason for bringing Rice Companies to Fargo is the growing market in Fargo. "We're excited to serve our customers, create solutions for them, and be a part of the market growth in the Fargo-Moorhead area," Rygg said.
Rygg and Rice Companies have reason to be excited for Fargo's new location—in the last four years, the Fargo Metro has grown by 7.62% (World Population Review) and is projected to grow 35% to 340,000 by 2045 (Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development). Rice Companies is the perfect addition to the Fargo market; not only do they offer commercial (and occasional residential) construction, but they also provide architectural, engineering, and design services—all in-house.
A WALKTHROUGH OF THE NEWLY COMPLETED FARGO BRANCH
Walking into Rice Companies' Fargo branch, you're immedietly greeted with modern styles, mixed with a clean, industrial look. Secure access meeting rooms and frosted floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer a lot of natural light while maintaining privacy and quietness. Throughout the building, walkways run around the perimeters of the main spaces while offices with floorto-ceiling glass windows keep the space feeling open and inclusive.
Additionally, open meeting areas and a design room offer a great experience for collaboration and client meetings. Inside the main level conference room, plaques of Rice Companies' values hang on display, which are a core part of their culture; Family Forward; Remarkably Collaborative; Continuously Accountable; Passionately Innovative; and Relationship Driven.
DID YOU KNOW?
In addition to being a full-service contractor with in-house design, Rice Companies also offers real estate development in-house and a service maintenance department.
A THRIVING AND GROWING CULTURE
As Rice Companies continues to build up its Fargo branch, Rygg and General Manager Shane Steckler are excited to build upon Rice's rich culture, and eager to welcome new faces to the Rice family. "For me, a huge reason of why I love working here is the people, both company-wide and especially here in Fargo. We have a good group of people—a good blend of experience, youth, and good field staff, which makes the working dynamic here fun," Steckler said. "In our industry, labor is one of the biggest challenges, so when you come to work and have good people, it makes a huge difference."
"A huge reason of why I love working here is the people."
- SHANE STECKLER General Manager, Fargo
facts you didn't know about Rice Companies
1. Full-Service Construction and Design
From architectural design and engineering to real estate development and construction, Rice Companies does it all in-house, making for a seamless single-source experience for clients.
2. Not a Small Company
Despite being a newer name in the Fargo metro, Rice Companies is far from a small company. With six locations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa, Rice Companies has a large reach for projects across the Midwest—and beyond.
3. Service Department
Rice Companies doesn't just do construction projects, they also do repair, modeling, and roofing for just about anything. Have a door you need replaced? Rice Companies can even help you with that.
HEAR FROM SOME OF FARGO'S TEAM MEMBERS ON WHY THEY LOVE BEING A PART OF THE RICE COMPANIES FAMILY
TOM ASPELUND
Architectural Associate
"Rice Companies is a great company to be a part of for many reasons—especially because of the wide range of experienced building professionals and resources we have available. We are a design-build company, which means that we have the opportunity to assist our clients from the early conceptual stages of project design all the way through finished construction. For me personally, being on the architectural design team, it’s great to work alongside so many construction-related professionals who are able to provide insight on how the designs I produce will come together in the real world."
TONY FISCHER
Project Manager I
"I started working at Rice Companies for an opportunity to work again with long time esteemed colleagues. Rice Companies' persistence for customer satisfaction, safety, work-life balance, and team development is a culture that I stand behind."
BROOKE JAWASKI Assistant Project Manager
"I appreciate working at Rice Companies due to our familyforward culture. Rice is not only flexible and supportive of allowing time for your own family, but it also serves as your second family. I can approach anyone in the office with questions, and they will gladly assist me because we genuinely want each other to succeed."
MORE THAN JUST CONSTRUCTION
Rice Companies is a general contractor in the commercial construction industry and a manufacturing metal building dealer for Butler. Although Rice specializes in pre-engineered metal buildings, it offers all types of construction, from masonry, to bar joists, membrane roofs, stick-framing, and more.
- MARIUSRYGG, President, Fargo
Red River Refrigeration, West Fargo, ND (Addition Under Construction) Grease Monkey, Fargo, ND (Project Under Construction)
U-Haul, Dilworth, MN
Moorhead State University’s Alumni Center, Moorhead, MN
ARE YOU REALLY FULLY COVERED?
A SAFETY NET - NOT A SUBSTITUTEFOR SECURITY
By NorthStar Technology Group
yber insurance is an invaluable tool in your risk management arsenal. Think of it as one of the many weapons you have against cyber threats. However, there's a widespread misconception that having cyber insurance is enough. The truth is, without a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, your insurance can offer only limited protection.
In this article, we'll help you understand why cyber insurance should be seen as a safety net rather than a replacement for strong security.
UNDERSTANDING
THE LIMITS OF CYBER INSURANCE
In today's business landscape, cyber insurance is a must. However, having insurance doesn't guarantee
a payout. Here are a few things that cyber insurance can't help you with:
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION
Your cyber insurance policy can never fully cover the cost of lost productivity due to a cyberattack. The payouts, in most cases, would be partial and won't be enough for you to recover from the business interruption.
REPUTATIONAL DAMAGE
Cyber insurance can’t help you win back customer trust. It would take a lot of work to repair your organization's reputation.
EVOLVING THREATS
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and your insurance policy might not be able to offer a payout against new tactics.
SOCIAL ENGINEERING ATTACKS
Cybercriminals often trick unsuspecting victims through social engineering attacks. If your business suffers losses due to a social engineering attack, like a phishing scam, you might not be covered.
INSIDER THREATS
Losses resulting from an internal risk are rarely covered by insurance providers. If the breach occurs because of a threat within your organization, your policy provider may not entertain the claim.
NATION-STATE ATTACKS
Some rogue state nations deploy their hackers to carry out cyberattacks in other countries. Many insurance
providers consider such attacks as acts of war and do not cover them.
FIVE STEPS TO BUILD A STRONG CYBERSECURITY POSTURE
Implement these steps proactively to strengthen your defenses:
1. Employee training is critical for building a strong defense against cyber threats. Hold regular sessions and boot camps to educate your team on cybersecurity best practices.
2. Implement strong password policies. Using multifactor authentication will phenomenally improve your internal security.
3. Regularly back up your business-critical data. This will ensure you can bounce back quickly in case of a breach or a ransomware attack.
4. Keep your software and security solutions up to date. Monitor and resolve issues before hackers have an opportunity to exploit them.
5. Think of your network like your castle and do everything to protect it from hackers. Build a strong network security infrastructure complete with firewalls, anti-virus software, and threat detection systems.
BUILD A RESILIENT FUTURE FOR YOUR BUSINESS
To build a strong defense posture, you need a good cyber insurance policy and a robust cybersecurity plan. However, it can be stressful having to juggle the responsibilities of managing your business and implementing a comprehensive security strategy. That's where a partner like NorthStar Technology Group can offer a helping hand.
VETERANS IN BUSINESS
IN OUR YEARLY VETERAN'S ISSUE, WE STRIVE TO HIGHLIGHT VETERAN BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS WHO HAVE CHANNELED THEIR DEDICATION, RESILIENCE, AND STRATEGIC THINKING FROM THE FIELD INTO THE WORLD OF BUSINESS. HOWEVER, WE ALSO STRIVE TO LEARN. THEIR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES, WHICH ARE SHARPENED BY THE CHALLENGES OF MILITARY LIFE, CAN BE HELPFUL FOR ALMOST ANYONE OUT THERE.
BY BRADY DRAKE
FROM THE MARINES TO NEW BEGINNINGS
JEREMY’S JOURNEY
JEREMY GERMAIN
Josiah Kopp
or Jeremy Germain, the journey to where he is today began long before his time in the Marine Corps. Originally from Vermont, he moved to California as a teenager, where he spent his middle and high school years. It was during these formative years that he met Stephanie, the woman who would become his wife. They dated in high school, but like many young couples, their relationship faced challenges. A forgotten Valentine's Day gift and a turbulent breakup ultimately led to Jeremy moving to Minnesota after a fight with Stephanie's new boyfriend. Little did he know, fate had other plans for them.
Years later, after Jeremy had joined the Marine Corps, matured and with a deeper perspective on life, he and Stephanie reconnected. Their romance rekindled, and they married when Jeremy was in his early twenties, right at the start of his military career. Together, they have built a life that has spanned nearly 20 years of marriage, raising their son, Owen, who is now 17.
Jeremy’s journey into the Marine Corps was driven by a sense of chivalry and purpose. “I thought joining the service was the closest thing to being a knight, like the knights of the round table,” Jeremy said. “I thought it was chivalrous and self-sacrificing, and that's what turned me onto the Marine Corps. Well, that and a bad breakup actually.”
These ideals paired with a lack of direction led Jeremy to join the Marines, where he spent 13 years immersed in a culture of honor, courage, and commitment. For Jeremy, the Marine Corps was everything he had hoped it would be.
“The Marines were the embodiment of all the things that I thought it was going to be. There is a lot of honor in the Marine Corps," Jeremy said. "There was definitely commitment, and there was definitely courage.”
A CAREER FORGED IN THE MILITARY
Jeremy’s time in the Marine Corps shaped him in countless ways, both personally and professionally. He lived in various parts of the world, from Okinawa, Japan to Iraq, and worked with exceptional teams and individuals. During his time in service, Jeremy found his calling as a gunsmith. That role helped him to further sharpen his meticulous attention to detail and ability to finetune instruments for optimal performance. Eventually, Jeremy would use these skills post-military in both CAD design and 3D modeling.
“My time as a gunsmith in the Marine Corps, working with precision weapons
and in competitive settings, taught me to see the details in everything," Jeremy said. "The process of building a weapon, fitting it to an individual, and fine-tuning it to excellence has translated into every high-functioning environment I've been in. It’s a skill I’ve taken with me wherever I go.”
But after 13 years of service, Jeremy began to feel a pull toward something new. The thought of staying for another seven years until he hit the 20 year mark required for retirement didn’t appeal to him; he craved personal growth and new challenges. His body, too, seemed to signal that it was time to move on, as he broke out in full-body hives during his last three months in the Marines—a condition that was never diagnosed but seemed to coincide with his growing desire for change. "I ended
Jeremy (left) with his fellow marines
up with full-body hives for the last three months that I was in the Marine Corps," Jeremy said. "It was never diagnosed, but it was a physical sign that it was time to move on," Jeremy said.
TRANSITIONING TO CIVILIAN LIFE
Upon leaving the military, Jeremy set out to write a new chapter. He channeled his passion for gunsmithing into a business that specialized in hydrographics and custom gun work. He also enrolled in a community college to study manufacturing and production. However, like many transitioning veterans, Jeremy faced significant challenges adjusting to civilian life. His business venture eventually
collapsed, and for three years, he retreated from the world, living in isolation and struggling to find his place in society.
"Eventually, my business and the business partner that I had at the time just fell through," Jeremy said. "So, I lost my ground there for about three years and became a hermit. It was awful. I kind of disavowed everybody that I knew, threw away all my friendships, and started to live on the other side of the clock when the world was quiet. I was just trying to figure out what the hell everything meant.”
During this time of struggle, Jeremy reconnected with a community of friends through online gaming. These friendships, forged over virtual battlefields, provided him with a sense of camaraderie and helped him
weather the storm he was in. Then, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Jeremy and his family—his wife, son, dog, and cat—decided to travel the country in an RV, which allowed him to meet many of the friends he had made online. Their travels eventually brought them to Fargo, where Jeremy met one of his gaming friends in person.
Over 200,000 military personnel transition to civilian life each year.
Jeremy relaxing with his son.
VETERAN TRANSITION
They hit it off, and his friend extended an invitation for Jeremy to return to Fargo when their travels were over. After completing their trip, the family faced a choice: head south to Florida or return north to Fargo. Stephanie preferred stability, so they decided to move to Fargo, a decision that would open the door to a new career.
A NEW CHAPTER IN FARGO
In Fargo, Jeremy took a job at JSM Woodworks, applying his CAD design skills to cabinetry projects. He worked in estimating and software implementation, which allowed him to learn new aspects of the manufacturing process. Although he enjoyed the work, Jeremy soon found himself exploring other opportunities, including a brief stint in sales for the camping industry,
which ultimately wasn’t a good fit. It wasn’t until Jeremy attended a job fair in Moorhead that his path took a pivotal turn. There, he met Bob Roers, the chief operations officer (COO) at Mobile Pro, a live event production company. Bob was impressed by Jeremy’s background in art, CAD design, and 3D modeling and invited him to work as a stagehand at Mobile Pro events. Jeremy became intrigued by the events and entertainment production space, which allowed him to tap into his creative side.
Jeremy began freelancing for Mobile Pro, creating 3D models for events. His work impressed the team, and eventually, Mobile Pro offered him a full-time position in a creative role, where he continued to do 3D modeling and also helped with estimating. His success with implementing a new CRM system
for the company led to a significant career shift—when Bob left Mobile Pro, Jeremy was offered the role of COO.
LESSONS
LEARNED AND LEADERSHIP
As COO of Mobile Pro, Jeremy draws on the leadership lessons he learned in the Marine Corps. His time managing armories taught him the value of building strong teams, understanding individual strengths, and fostering leadership potential.
"My time in the Marine Corps taught me the value of building strong teams and nurturing people's strengths to help them become leaders," Jeremy said. "It’s about finding what individuals love to do, fostering that growth, and watching
Jeremy and his fellow Marines with former late night host Jay Leno.
DID YOU KNOW?
The average length of service for Marines is 7 years.
them thrive. Adaptability is key, but it’s also important to plan for long-term success, not just solving problems as they arise.”
Jeremy acknowledges that while adaptability is crucial, there is a downside to always focusing on short-term solutions and perfection. It’s a lesson he continues to refine in his role as COO, where he strives to strike a balance between perfection and moving and iterating.
MOVING FORWARD
Jeremy’s journey from the Marine Corps to COO of Mobile Pro has been filled with both triumphs and struggles. He faced the challenges of military service, the difficulty of transitioning to civilian life, and the uncertainties of finding his place in the world. Yet through it all, he remains committed to growth, both for himself and the teams he leads.
“I've come to realize that each day might bring a different role—one day I’m a stagehand, the next I’m handling finances or operations. It’s a weird way to exist, but I try to make the most of it and have fun with whatever I’m doing. Life is often chaotic, and we’re all just trying to adapt to it.”
ERIK HILL
IS TAKING THE PLUNGE
Josiah Kopp
ntrepreneurship is hard. It takes mental toughness, resolve, and the ability to push past limits. It can be lonely and cold, but it's important to take the plunge.
Veteran Erik Hill, owner of Immersion, LLC., a company offering contrast therapy in Fargo-Moorhead at a reasonable price, did just that.
ABOUT IMMERSION, LLC
Immersion, LLC offers a transformative wellness experience by combining the invigorating effects of cold plunges with the detoxifying power of saunas. Located inside CrossFit Fargo, Immersion helps individuals "get comfortable with being uncomfortable" through hot-and-cold therapy. With benefits ranging from improved circulation and faster muscle recovery to clearer thinking and better sleep, this practice appeals to both athletes seeking performance recovery and everyday individuals looking for stress relief and overall health improvements.
Hill’s mission is to help clients unlock mental toughness while discovering the physical and emotional benefits of balancing heat and cold. Whether you’re an elite athlete or simply curious about enhancing your wellbeing, Immersion offers a space where discomfort leads to growth— and better health.
"I wanted to make cold plunging more accessible, not with a spa vibe," Hill said. "I know that would intimidate me. I’m just trying to make it easy for people and be honest with them. I really just want to help people feel better, whether it’s physically or mentally. If I can help someone who's struggling—whether they’re dealing with dark thoughts, physical pain,
or just feeling overwhelmed—that’s what makes me happy. If they leave feeling better, that’s a big win for me and the community."
ERIK HILL'S JOURNEY
Hill grew up in McCutchenville, OH, a small farming town near Toledo. While his family didn’t run a full farm, they had animals like horses and cows. As he got older and focused more on sports, he became less involved in farm activities, though he often helped out relatives who still farmed when he was younger. After graduating high school, Hill attended and graduated from Tiffin University, which is located just 15 minutes from McCutchenville.
Shortly after graduating, Hill enlisted in the Ohio National Guard. He later transferred to the Minnesota National Guard, which led him to the area.
"I was trying to get promoted in the military, but there weren't many opportunities in my unit since people were already in place," Hill said. "So, I reconnected with a guy I went through basic training with, who was in our sister unit in Minnesota, and asked if there were any spots open. After that, I submitted my paperwork for an interstate transfer and moved up here. It wasn’t anything against my family; I was just looking for
something new. I didn’t have kids or a wife at the time, so I figured, why not? It was intimidating because you don't know anybody. I don't regret it at all though."
Hill, who switched over to the Army Reserves in 2018, like most veterans, has faced challenges due to service— especially with him having a wife and two young children.
"When I deployed, we were stationed in Kuwait, and while I didn’t see any combat since we were engineers, there was still a lot of stress and challenging situations to deal with, especially being on my own," Hill said. "The hardest part was leaving my family—that was a tough pill to swallow. But I love this country, and I’ll do anything for it. It’s about selfsacrifice and service. Being away from family is difficult, but you still get to talk to them."
Returning also presented its own set of challenges for Hill.
"We came back in October, after leaving in November of 2022, so it was really recent," Hill said. "That’s kind of how everything started for me. I came back physically, but mentally, I was just frustrated and angry—it was a dark rabbit hole. I felt out of place—like I wasn't needed anymore because my wife made it a whole year without me. Those feelings build up, and it leads to arguments and all that.
CONTINUED
HOT
I eventually reached out to the VA and a therapist. I didn’t want to take pills for the rest of my life. Medication helps some people, and I know it’s necessary for many, but it wasn’t the path I wanted to take."
So, he began cold plunging to help him "reset his mind"—starting by simply filling his bathtub with the ice-cold water that comes out of the faucet during our winter months.
"I'm a natural person," Hilld said. "Even when I get a headache, I don’t take anything for it—I just push through. If I get sick, I always look up natural remedies before buying something from the store.
So, I started Googling natural ways to deal with everything I was going through, and cold plunges kept coming up. I thought, ‘What’s this all about?’ I initially started cold plunging to manage stress and anxiety, and it definitely helps with that. I always tell people it doesn’t get rid of everything, but it makes things more manageable. It brought me back down to baseline, and then the benefits with sleep and muscle recovery surprised me. I wasn’t expecting that. I started sleeping better after just a few days, and on heavy lifting days, my legs weren’t wrecked like they usually were—I felt fine. It snowballed from there and pushed me to work harder because, with less stress and soreness, life
just became more enjoyable. Right now, the stress and anxiety relief is what I appreciate the most. It really brings me to a calmer state."
After experiencing the benefits of cold plunging, things began to move quickly for Hill, who says the opening of the business was also partially inspired by his completion of Andy Frisella's 75 Hard Program.
Immersion, LLC's first week of business was just this May. Hill opened the business inside of Fargo Crosffit a gym he has been going to shortly after transferring to the area in 2017.
"I think starting Crossfit all started
POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF SAUNA USE INCLUDE
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Saunas help improve heart function by dilating blood vessels, enhancing circulation, and lowering blood pressure.
IMPROVED ENDURANCE AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
Saunas aid athletes by increasing plasma volume, red blood cell count, and heat tolerance. These changes improve oxygen delivery, delay fatigue, and enhance overall endurance, similar to how endurance athletes use heat acclimatization techniques.
MENTAL HEALTH AND STRESS REDUCTION
Sauna sessions trigger the release of endorphins and reduce cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and improved mental well-being.
DETOXIFICATION AND SKIN HEALTH
Sweating in a sauna helps eliminate toxins, clears pores, and promotes skin health by enhancing epidermal function and reducing bacteria on the skin.
REDUCED INFLAMMATION AND MUSCLE RECOVERY
Saunas help reduce muscle soreness and joint pain by promoting better circulation and relaxation.
BOOSTED IMMUNE SYSTEM
Regular sauna sessions have been shown to reduce the frequency of colds and respiratory infection.
with a bet—I can't remember exactly what got me into it at first," Hill said. "But I tried it out and got hooked on the challenge. The suffering aspect, you know, pushing myself beyond the usual routine of arms on Monday, legs on Tuesday—it keeps me engaged. Opening in this gym in May was an exciting but tough time. You don't expect everyone to come running, but you're so excited. Then reality hit, especially in those first three weeks, and I started thinking, 'Am I going to bankrupt myself?' Those thoughts are normal for a business owner. I listen to a lot of top entrepreneur podcasts, and they always say, 'You've got to grind, and talk to people.' So, for the first two months, I was driving around,
handing out flyers, meeting people, and joining networking groups. I was already part of 'Love Your Local,' which is run by Indira, and they became like my second family. They saw me transition into business, and they've been there as I continue to grow."
"The hardest part of starting a business is really dealing with your own self-doubt," Hill said. "When people cancel or stop coming, you start thinking, 'Am I going to fail?' You also have to learn not to get too attached to people because everyone leaves for different reasons—whether it's money, time, or they just don't want to continue. It’s tough not to take it personally
because you want them to come back, especially when you know they were doing well and feeling good. That’s been a challenge for me, letting go and not falling into the mindset of thinking I’m going to fail or go bankrupt. It’s just part of business."
For Hill, a big part of overcoming that self doubt is diving in with relentless effort. He frequently attends networking groups around town and "grinds." He even works part-time with his friend's business, Summerville Landscaping, which focuses on mowing, patio work, and snow removal. He also takes on handyman jobs like weeding and leveling porches on the side.
COLD
"My advice for other entrepreneurs is to grind, especially on the days you don’t want to," Hill said. "Those are the days that count the most. It’s easy to get distracted or feel discouraged when people cancel or things don’t go as planned, but that’s when you have to push yourself. People make it seem like starting a business is easy, but it’s not—it takes real dedication. I use those moments, like checking my bank account in the morning, to fuel my motivation and ask myself, 'What else can I do today? Who can I talk to?' It’s scary going from a secure job to the unknown, especially when you have a family and bills
to pay, but if you’re truly not happy with what you’re doing, you have to take the leap. There are great resources like the North Dakota Small Business Development Center that can help with things like starting an LLC or creating a business plan. At the end of the day, you’ve got to be passionate about what you're doing and willing to constantly learn. That’s what keeps me going."
THE FUTURE
Erik Hill’s mission for Immersion LLC goes beyond wellness—it’s about community, transformation, and support. As a veteran, Hill knows the
challenges many service members face when returning home, and he dreams of partnering with the VA to bring the healing power of contrast therapy to fellow veterans.
If you want to support Hill’s mission and experience the benefits firsthand, visit immersion-llc. com to claim a free sauna and cold plunge session or explore membership options. Whether you’re an athlete, veteran, or someone looking for a way to reset, Immersion offers a chance to embrace discomfort, build resilience, and discover a better version of yourself.
POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF COLD TUB USE INCLUDE
REDUCES MUSCLE SORENESS AND INFLAMMATION
Cold water immersion helps decrease inflammation and relieve delayed-onset muscle soreness by constricting blood vessels and slowing biochemical processes that cause inflammation.
BOOSTS MOOD AND MENTAL HEALTH
Exposure to cold water triggers the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which regulate mood and reduce stress.
STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Cold plunging can increase white blood cell production, enhancing immune function and helping the body defend against infections.
ENHANCES SLEEP QUALITY
Some studies suggest that cold exposure may improve sleep by reducing time spent awake after falling asleep and improving the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
SUPPORTS ACTIVE RECOVERY
While ice baths may limit the buildup of lactic acid, they also promote active recovery by enhancing blood flow and nutrient delivery to fatigued muscles.
ART WEIDNER
BRANCHES SERVED
AIR FORCE RESERVES, AIR NATIONAL GUARD (ND, WA, MN), AND ACTIVE DUTY (36 YEARS AND COUNTING)
Geneva Nodland
Q: WHAT WAS DEPLOYMENT LIKE?
A: Hot and busy. We did an amazing amount of work on our base in six months, providing bed-down facilities that expanded the capacity of the air base to four times the original. The work kept us from being too homesick. We ended up building a wood-fired pizza oven out of construction residue and spent a lot of time around it in the evenings. I had a senior officer, a deputy group commander, who mentored me when I was in the desert, which was a real blessing. I was able to stay in touch with my family through internet video calls by waking up at 4 a.m. I missed my youngest daughter's first birthday and her first footsteps but we had a great reunion trip upon my return that we still reminisce about today.
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AFTER SERVICE AND WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?
A: After my original stint on active duty, I completed a BS in Mechanical Engineering at NDSU and first started working as a Test Engineer for the Melroe Co. in Bismarck, ND. I fit right in with most of the older engineers, showing up early and leaving late since I didn't have anything else in my life at that time.
Q: DID YOU HAVE ANY STRUGGLES AFTER RETURNING TO CIVILIAN LIFE?
A: Family reintegration after deployment was the only obstacle that took any significant time and effort to overcome.
The deployment did provide a very close-knit community with good camaraderie and a constant focused
ABOUT ART WEIDNER
Art Weidner grew up in Fargo and spent a dozen years away professionally before moving back with his family to raise his children here. Art is "a husband and a father and who trys to juggle a bunch of other stuff." He makes and distributes North Dakota Sweet Crude and Sweet Crude Orange liqueurs in the tri-state region.
A college friend and Weidner grow hops near Sabin, MN for the local breweries. He does a little specialty construction and his family grows and sell a little produce for the local market.
Weidner is a volunteer for Grace Lutheran School and his congregation.
This time of year, his thoughts turn to hunting.
His military and professional careers have taken him around much of the world and have afforded him a lot of opportunities for travel.
"I have worked for some of the largest global corporations and some local companies too," Weidner said. "Engineering is a great foundation for a career."
effort that is very difficult to replicate in civilian life. I'm able to maintain a little of that by continuing to serve as a citizen soldier in the reserves. I enjoy the work as an advisor to Air Forces Central and natural disaster response for Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center where my decades of military and civilian experience are real assets.
Q: CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?
A: Crude Spirits started making North Dakota Sweet Crude liqueur almost seven years ago. It was a Weidner family recipe that started with my great-grandfather Martin Weidner when he immigrated as a German from the Ukraine to western ND in the early 1900s. My brother and I learned how to make it from our father and we would give away bottles to landowners who let us hunt their land. We found that we got more requests than we could supply from my kitchen so I looked into how to scale up and what it would take to make it into a legal business.
It took three years to bring the product to market and another three years to bring our second product, Sweet Crude Orange to market. We are working on a third product but that is going to take a lot longer as it is going to require considerable amounts of ageing.
Q: DID YOU PLAN TO START YOUR COMPANY BEFORE ENLISTING IN THE SERVICE?
A: I have always had a small business or two of my own. I started growing and selling vegetables when I was eight. The businesses have grown, shrunk, and morphed as my available time and opportunities have changed throughout my life. Some businesses failed. I'm always on the lookout for an opportunity to learn, grow, create, and build something new and valuable.
Q: WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY ON THE JOB LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
A: Whatever the customers need is what the next day looks like. I don't think there are too many normal days unless I'm at a trade show or doing some sampling at a liquor store. Liquor production is done in batches so it isn't every week. The spirits business is fairly cyclical so there are slow and fast seasons which hopefully mesh with the cycles of construction and farming.
Q: HOW DID YOUR FAMILY REACT WHEN YOU TOLD THEM YOU WERE PURSUING SERVICE?
A: Nobody had any doubt. I had been pursuing several different avenues of entering military service. I was awarded two, full ROTC scholarships and an appointment to a military academy before they were all rescinded because they found that I had an incident of eczema in my medical history when I was twelve. A few months later, I decided to check with the ND Air National Guard if they could take me in. When the doctor examined me he couldn't find any evidence of the eczema and so in I went.
Q: WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR FIRST DAY OF BUSINESS?
A: I remember how relaxed the atmosphere was, with low stress and freedom to make more decisions and mistakes.
Q: HAS YOUR SERVICE EXPERIENCE CHANGED YOUR BUSINESS MINDSET?
A: I would say that it definitely inspires me to work harder in my civilian business. I would also say that my business experience has had a greater impact on my military service than the other way around. Every time I see Air Force Civil Engineers from the Guard and Reserve integrate with the active duty units, I see those active duty units benefiting and getting better.
Q: WHAT WAS THE HARDEST CHALLENGE IN OPENING YOUR BUSINESS?
A: Equipment scale-up was the biggest challenge. I partnered with the Mechanical Engineering department at NDSU and have sponsored several student projects over the years. We modified some equipment and designed and built our own in other cases. We are always looking to improve reliability and efficiency so we can keep costs down.
Q: WHAT DOES BEING A VETERAN SYMBOLIZE TO YOU?
A: The Air Force's core values are pretty elemental: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.
Q: WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST MENTORS?
A: My wife, Cari, is really the only individual mentor I have at this point. There are some organizations that I rely upon for learning and personal growth that make available all sorts of resources and teachers.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER BUSINESSES OUT THERE?
A: Work at making friendships in business. Relationships will always result in long-term growth. The work that I do should always bless you and me.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS?
A: Any book by David McCullough, but I'd reccomend "Talent is Overrated" by Geoff Colvin.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS CONSIDERING ENLISTING?
A: I recommend some service for everyone, even if it is only three years.
ERIC CARD
BRANCH SERVED
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE (1991-2014) 23 YEARS
Geneva Nodland
Q: WHAT WAS DEPLOYMENT LIKE?
A: Deployments or temporary duty was a part of the job for 23 years. I can't even begin to count the number of times I've deployed places. Prior to 9/11, I did a lot of training with various special operations units and took a number of trips around the world to work with and train with allied partners. The world clearly changed that day 23 years ago, and so did where, when, and how we deployed.... it was time to get to work. All of the training we had done prior to 9/11 was about to be put to the test. The first location we went to was a country north of Afghanistan where the living conditions were rough, the food was questionable, and safety was a primary concern; but we were there, in the fight, defending the country we love. Conditions improved over the following months, and the tents we were living in felt a little more like home. We received countless packages from loved ones, schools, and communities— there was a tremendous outpouring of love from home. Weeks turned into months and months into years. I came and went from this location until we were able to move to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AFTER SERVICE AND WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?
A: I went straight onto the railroad where I was a conductor and then a locomotive engineer, the railroad is a lot like first joining the military—they tell you when you're leaving and where you're going and might tell you when you'll be back.
ABOUT ERIC CARD
Eric Card was born in Fargo and grew up in Minnesota. He is married to Danelle Card, who is currently serving in the North Dakota Air National Guard as the Domestic Operation Chief. Together they have three children: Kyler who is also serving in the North Dakota Air National Guard, Taelyn who is a sophomore at Park Christian School in Moorhead, and Keagan who is in 8th grade at Park Christian School.
"We are a very active family and busy ourselves chasing kids to all of their sporting events and school activities," Eric said. "We are active in our faith. Besides enrolling our children at Park Christian School with the intent to receive a faith-based education, we are active in our church Lakes Area Vineyard Church in Detroit Lakes, MN."
Q: DID YOU HAVE ANY STRUGGLES AFTER RETURNING TO CIVILIAN LIFE?
A: Having a strong family dynamic minimized any struggles, the biggest difficulty is leaving the people and mission behind. Esprit de Corps, there is a common bond of people in the military, a place where you can count on the person next to you and they can count on you.
Q: CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?
A: Command and Control Construction started with a vision to accomplish construction with
a team concept in mind. I wanted to put together a team inside the company that would take that team and serve our customers, utilizing the concept taken from the military Esprit de Corps. We have grown to a force of 20 strong, and there isn't one position in this company that is more important than another. It takes the entire team to find projects, and eventually deliver that project to our customer. We focus on relationships—our customers know that they are a top priority to us, and they will always be able to get in touch with me, or anyone on our team.
Q: DID YOU PLAN TO START YOUR COMPANY BEFORE ENLISTING IN THE SERVICE?
A: I never intended to be an entrepreneur, when a door closes, God opens a window—you just have to be looking for it.
Q: WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY ON THE JOB LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
A: I spend a great deal of time in front of a computer these days, pouring through the countless emails I receive every day, and searching for projects on the many different databases we use. There are at least two meetings scheduled per day, and I spend a lot of time building relationships, both inside of the company and equally important, meeting and building relationships outside of our organization.
Q: HOW DID YOUR FAMILY REACT WHEN YOU TOLD THEM YOU WERE PURSUING SERVICE?
A: I come from a long lineage of Military Service. My grandfather
was in the Army Air Core and transferred to the United States Air Force upon its creation in 1947. My father joined the Marines and served in Vietnam with a number of my uncles also serving in the military; so of course, there was a sense of pride knowing there was someone carrying on the family tradition.
Q: WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR FIRST DAY OF BUSINESS?
A: The first job I ever did with Command and Control Construction was installing sprayapplied fireproofing to structural steel at the Fargo VA Medical Center. I was a one-person company, but I needed someone to help, as it really is a two-person job. I ended up hiring a temporary employee for this one job.
Q: HAS YOUR SERVICE EXPERIENCE CHANGED YOUR BUSINESS MINDSET?
A: I don't think its possible to do anything for 23 years and not have it influence you—it molds your future, good, bad or otherwise. Thankfully for me, it was a very positive influence. The service has taught me to be mentally tough, to fight through adversity, and to surround myself with the best people I can find.
Q: HAVE YOU FOUND ANY SPECIFIC RESOURCES OR SUPPORT NETWORKS THAT HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN YOUR
ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY
AS A VETERAN?
A: Initially the Minnesota Procurement Technical Assistance Center was a vital tool to help guide and advise my way as a new business owner. After the initial year or two of business, I was fortunate enough to work with Light Consulting; their guidance was instrumental in our growth. Again, it's so important to surround yourselves with the best people.
Q: WHAT WAS THE HARDEST CHALLENGE IN OPENING YOUR BUSINESS?
A: Taking the first step and finding the right people. The first one is a little easier than the second, but if you can find the right people, you can be a successful business.
Q: WHAT DOES BEING A VETERAN SYMBOLIZE TO YOU?
A: For me, being a Veteran was about service. I had a strong desire to serve the country I love. What I didn't know was everything else that would come with it—life long friends, like serious friends, the kind of people that you might not see for 15 years, and when you meet back up with them, it's like you saw them yesterday. Being a Veteran brings a sense of accomplishment; a Veteran is someone who at the time of their service is doing what 99% of America's population isn't doing; they are serving, saying 'Yes, here I am, send me.' I will be the one, the one who will stand and
defend this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Q: WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST MENTORS?
A: God, without Him, nothing is possible.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER BUSINESSES OUT THERE?
A: Go for it, take your niche and surround yourself with the best people you can find (just not mine), and find your success. I've heard it said, if you do what you love, you never work a day in your life.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS CONSIDERING ENLISTING?
A: There are so many reasons to join the military, and everyone has their own reasons. Above all there is or will be a sense of service, always remember you are serving the members who came before you, serving the American people, and establishing the path for those who serve in the future.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS?
A: I recommend "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
TJ BROWN OWNER, THE RANGE
ARMY (4 YEARS) BRANCH SERVED
Geneva Nodland
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AFTER SERVICE AND WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?
A: A police officer in Memphis, TN. I had loads of fun and loved the job.
Q: CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?
A: We are a virtual shooting range and training center. We focus on training new, timid, and kids. We are open to everyone.
Q: WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY ON THE JOB LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
A: Hanging out at the business, training people how to shoot, and finding new ways to connect with the community.
Q: HOW DID YOUR FAMILY REACT WHEN YOU TOLD THEM YOU WERE PURSUING SERVICE?
A: They were happy.
Q: WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR FIRST DAY OF BUSINESS?
A: It was very nerve-racking, but I had a lot of support from friends, family, and the community.
Q: HAS YOUR SERVICE EXPERIENCE CHANGED YOUR BUSINESS MINDSET?
A: Between the military and police, it
ABOUT TJ BROWN
From Memphis, TN, TJ Brown spent four years in the Army where he served as an Army medic. During that time, he was at Walter Reed Army Medical Center taking care of wounded warriors. After getting out, he moved back to Memphis and became a police officer. After several years, he and his wife Courtney moved to North Dakota where he was a police officer with West Fargo PD for several years.
TJ and Courtney have been married for 12 years. Together they have two boys and a girl on the way.
"I am passionate about teaching firearms safety, Stop the Bleed, and preparedness skills,"
Brown said.
really strengthened my commitment to serving the community.
Q: HAVE YOU FOUND ANY SPECIFIC RESOURCES OR SUPPORT NETWORKS THAT HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY AS A VETERAN?
A: Top Ranked Networking, which is a Veteran-only networking group, and the Small Business Development Center have both been very helpful.
Q: WHAT WAS THE HARDEST CHALLENGE IN OPENING YOUR BUSINESS?
A: Money.
Q: WHAT DOES BEING A VETERAN SYMBOLIZE TO YOU?
A: Service to the community.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER BUSINESSES OUT THERE?
A: Build a strong plan, then commit to doing it. Stop putting it off, because there will never be a perfect time. Do not stop networking.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS CONSIDERING ENLISTING?
A:Think about what you want to do after the military before choosing a job. Do not compare your service to anyone else—experiences differ greatly in the military.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS?
A: I recommend "The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel
OWNER, LE PUBLISHING
LISA ELIJAH
BRANCH SERVED
NORTH DAKOTA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD (6 YEARS)
provided by Lisa Elijah
Q: WHAT WAS DEPLOYMENT LIKE?
A: I deployed to Kosovo in 2000, and we were gone for about seven months. I went from being a newlywed full-time college student to a full-time soldier working in construction. My squad constructed seahuts for Camp Bondsteel, poured bridge embankments outside the wire, and pulled guard duty.
Kosovo is gorgeous. Each morning I got to wake up to the stunning view of Ljuboten, a peak in the mountain range between Kosovo and Macedonia. When we arrived in the country, it was January, and we worked through a summer heat wave before going home.
My husband transferred units to deploy with us. So, that was a unique experience. We lived in different buildings with other members of our platoon. We would go to the chow hall together each night if we were both back from our respective job sites. After we were there for several months, a USO center was formed so we could go see movies on the weekends and any comedy acts or bands that visited.
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AFTER SERVICE AND WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?
A: After the deployment, I started working as a phlebotomist at what is now the downtown Sanford Hospital in Fargo. I'd work a shift in the early morning before classes started, and then I worked the night shift on the weekends. The job could be challenging, but I enjoyed the hospital environment, and I appreciated living on my own schedule again.
ABOUT LISA ELIJAH
Lisa Elijah was born and raised in North Dakota. She joined the National Guard after high school and returned home in time to be activated for the flood of 1997. She met her husband during that time, and now they live together outside of Mandan with two of their four kids. Their oldest child goes to college in Wyoming and the next oldest plays volleyball for a college in Maine.
Years ago, after Elijah's third child was born, she left her career as a public health microbiologist to stay home but would pick up part-time work with clinic labs. Eventually, she traded in her lab coat for a laptop and started writing romance books. Once she finished her first book, she never looked back. In December, it'll be ten years since Elijah published my first book.
Q: DID YOU HAVE ANY STRUGGLES AFTER RETURNING TO CIVILIAN LIFE?
A: I wasn't on active duty, so the biggest struggle of returning to civilian life was after the deployment. I was already delayed a semester because of basic training and AIT, and the deployment set me back another semester. Since I wasn't on a normal four-year track, I had to figure out how and when to get all the credits I needed to keep from taking even longer to graduate.
Q: CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?
A: I started LE Publishing shortly after I began publishing my first series. Forming a publishing company has helped me run it as the business it is. I started writing and self-publishing to earn an income, so it never was a hobby for me. Now I have two pen names, almost 85 books and novellas, and all the full-length books have an ebook and print version. I also have 13 audiobooks and will be publishing my 11th German translation.
My main pen name is Marie Johnston, and as her, I've written in different sub-genres of romance. I've narrowed Marie down to small-town romance, with fictional settings located in North Dakota. At the beginning of the year, I started the second pen name, also romance, and it's been fun to compare and contrast different writing and publishing tactics and outline strategies for each name.
Q: DID YOU PLAN TO START YOUR COMPANY BEFORE ENLISTING IN THE SERVICE?
A: I never thought I would be selfemployed. I went to school for microbiology and medical laboratory science, and I have a master's degree in clinical laboratory science. I thought I would work in a lab for forty years.
Q: WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY ON THE JOB LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
A: My days can vary a lot, but that's one reason why I began this career. I needed a flexible job with four kids. Two of those kids are now away for college, but I still have two, one
in high school and one in middle school. I work from home, and I get as much done during the school day as I can. Then I continue to do admin tasks, answer emails, and attend to social media in the evenings after games or practices are done. Some of my best word count is done while waiting for my kids while they're at practice. I'll often work the weekends, but I'm trying to scale back. It's hard because I enjoy my job, and I don't mind putting a lot of hours in.
Q: HOW DID YOUR FAMILY REACT WHEN YOU TOLD THEM YOU WERE PURSUING SERVICE?
A: My parents were relieved that I would have help getting through college. My brother had joined the Marines, so having a kid enlist was nothing new to them.
Q: WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR FIRST DAY OF BUSINESS?
A: I was so nervous to hit publish that first time. Even now, I still get a case of nerves, but it's because I know glitches happen and they're out of my control.
Q: HAS YOUR SERVICE EXPERIENCE CHANGED YOUR BUSINESS MINDSET?
A: After deploying and after working in healthcare, I'm probably more laid back when things go wrong. I don't have someone's safety or government equipment on the other end of a mistake or a glitch.
Q: HAVE YOU FOUND ANY RESOURCES OR SUPPORT NETWORKS THAT HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY AS A VETERAN?
A: Thanks to your magazine, I found the Veteran's Business Outreach Center earlier this year. I've been published for ten years, but it really helped to hear Doug Sanzone tell me I've been making beneficial changes in my business and that I'm on the right track. It was so much more than I'd had before.
Q: WHAT WAS THE HARDEST CHALLENGE IN OPENING YOUR BUSINESS?
A: I had zero business knowledge when I began. It's been a long learning curve. Since I'm a solopreneur, there's no one there to chat with or to bounce ideas off of. It's hard to find resources when I'm not sure what I need to be looking for, but I've been able to find various groups of romance authors who are very business-minded and I continually learn from them.
Q: WHAT DOES BEING A VETERAN SYMBOLIZE TO YOU?
A: There's an instant connection with other veterans. A sense of belonging. We could've served in different branches, at different times, and in different places, but we have the military in common, and with that comes a specific familiarity that not many others understand.
Q: WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST MENTORS?
A: Writing and publishing had been such a solitary venture. I still functioned as a stay-at-home mom even while working, so that left me with very little time to make connections. I was fortunate to find legitimate teachers online for whatever I was looking for when it came to marketing and promotion.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER BUSINESSES OUT THERE?
A: One piece of advice I've heard a lot over the years, and that I found important to keep in mind, is to know what only I can do in the business and as soon as I can, hire out the rest. I can't write books if I'm trying to catch up on too many admin tasks, but I can hire an accountant, a personal assistant, a cover artist, etc.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS CONSIDERING ENLISTING?
A: It's important to be informed going into a recruiting office. If you can walk in with an idea of the benefits and bonuses they can offer, you have a better chance at getting the best deal possible, which will only benefit your future in and out of the military. If possible, talk to people who are currently enlisted or who have recently served. Learn what they'd do differently and what they would recommend.
FOUNDER AND VICE PRESIDENT, SIGNUM
ED SCHWIND
MARINES (6 1/2 YEARS) BRANCH SERVED
provided by Ed Schwind
ABOUT ED SCHWIND
Ed Schwind is a husband and father of six who has been a business owner since 2013.
Q: WHAT WAS DEPLOYMENT LIKE?
A: My only overseas service was for a joint NATO exercise in Greece where the entire 2nd Marine Division set up operations in a large-scale deployment. Our mission in the band was a combination of public affairs and internal security. By day, we played concerts in the surrounding community, and by night, we walked our posts inside the camp with weapons and live rounds.
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AFTER SERVICE AND WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?
A: After completion of my second contract, I came to NDSU to study electrical engineering. The transition was interesting. Starting as a freshman at age 25 certainly set me apart from others in my classes.
Q: DID YOU HAVE ANY STRUGGLES AFTER RETURNING TO CIVILIAN LIFE?
A: My biggest challenge in adjusting to civilian life was to change my expectations of others who didn't have the training or discipline that I had. I also had to calm down and not be so aggressive in my speech and mannerisms. People thought I was threatening even when I thought I was toning it down.
Q: CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?
A: Signum, LLC is an engineering services, Internet of Things, and electronics manufacturing company. We specialize in designing connected devices, and providing cellular data connectivity and cloud services to solve our customers' problems. We also manufacture the devices we design in our ISOcertified manufacturing facility.
Q: DID YOU PLAN TO START YOUR COMPANY BEFORE ENLISTING IN THE SERVICE?
A: Being a business owner wasn't on my radar until well after my military service, completion of college, and working in the industry for a few years.
Q: WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY ON THE JOB LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
A: My day-to-day activities include making decisions about which people are best suited to working on our projects, meeting with customers to ensure their needs are understood, deciding which customers to pursue, tracking our budget, sending invoices, and just about anything else that needs to be done.
Q: HOW DID YOUR FAMILY REACT WHEN YOU TOLD THEM YOU WERE PURSUING SERVICE?
A: When I first brought up the idea of joining the military, my parents wanted me to at least check into college to see if there were scholarships available. But my mind was made up and they ultimately supported me and were proud of my service.
Q: WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR FIRST DAY OF BUSINESS?
A: I still recall the feeling when my LLC Certificate of Formation came in the mail. It was a thrill, but also humbling. Anyone can write a check for $135 and get a piece of paper in the mail. But the challenge was in front of me to make something out of it. The possibilities were endless and the future was wide open, with no barriers, but no guarantees.
Q: HAS YOUR SERVICE EXPERIENCE CHANGED YOUR BUSINESS MINDSET?
A: My time in the military taught me personal discipline and how to be a servant leader. If we succeed, the troops deserve the credit. If we fail, there is nowhere to look except for in the mirror. When a team is wellled, the leader disappears into the background.
Q: HAVE YOU FOUND ANY SPECIFIC RESOURCES OR SUPPORT NETWORKS THAT HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY AS A VETERAN?
A: Emerging Prairie and the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation provide invaluable resources and networking opportunities.
Q: WHAT WAS THE HARDEST CHALLENGE IN OPENING YOUR BUSINESS?
A: Finding the first customer or contract is always the most difficult first step. I was fortunate that my first customer was pursuing me individually and standing up a company to support them was the obvious choice.
Q: WHAT DOES BEING A VETERAN SYMBOLIZE TO YOU?
A:To me, being a Veteran shows my willingness to serve others and to give of myself. But the things I learned and my growth as a person far outweighed any sacrifice that I made.
Q: WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST MENTORS?
A: Master Gunnery Sergeant Mathew Boatright and Gunnery Sergeant Christopher McNally.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER BUSINESSES OUT THERE?
A: Check your motivations for being in business. If the welfare of your people isn't at the top of the list, followed closely by the good of your customers, you need to re-prioritize. In fact, any other goal is impossible to achieve without taking care of the people who do the work and the people who pay the bills.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS CONSIDERING ENLISTING?
A: The United States Armed Forces teach lessons that can't be learned anywhere else. Members of the uniformed services experience a high level of personal growth and responsibility which can be transferred into daily life and into any industry.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS?
A: I recommend "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink
BRADLEY AUNE
provided by Bradley Aune
eterans bring unique qualities to the workforce thanks to their diverse experiences and disciplined nature.
Bradley, a former Marine and Army National Guard member, has dedicated her career to advocating for veterans and helping them transition back into civilian life and she currently works as a Veterans Employment Representative for the State of North Dakota. In her presentations to HR associations, she highlights the tremendous value veterans offer, even if they face challenges such as physical disabilities or mental health issues. With reasonable accommodations, these veterans can become incredibly valuable team members who enrich workplaces with their commitment, reliability, and diverse skill sets.
OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT
Bradley’s work centers around assisting veterans who face barriers to employment, which could include physical or mental health challenges, justice involvement, homelessness, and more. Her role is not only to help these veterans find employment but also to connect them with necessary community services and guide them through the process of reintegrating into society as contributing members. She has spent over 16 years working with veterans, many of whom
successfully transitioned into civilian careers through education programs such as the GI Bill, university systems, and trade schools.
THE JOURNEY TO BECOMING A MARINE
Bradley always knew she wanted to be a Marine. As a kid, she played army with her neighbors, but it was the Marines that captivated her. With her intense personality and desire for a challenge, she was determined to make the most of her military career. She chose the Marine Infantry because she wanted to experience the world and not be stationed back in North Dakota. Her time in the Marines was filled with intense experiences—completing Marine School, the climber’s course, jungle survival training, and helicopter boat operations. She even guarded nuclear weapons on an aircraft carrier and survived being shot at. The contrast between these life-altering experiences and returning to a political science class back home in North Dakota challenged Bradley.
"Being a 23-year-old freshman in college and surrounded by 18-yearolds was an adjustment," Bradley said. "I had already been through combat deployments around the world, and then I was in school listening to these kids complain about things that seemed minor to me. It made me feel like an old man at 23. Culturally, it was tough trying to connect with my peers while processing all the life experiences I’d already had. It was definitely something I had to work through."
THE BALANCE BETWEEN CIVILIAN LIFE AND THE NATIONAL GUARD
After earning her degree in psychology, Bradley worked as a
Bradley during her deployment in Iraq.
juvenile probation officer for 15 years while serving part-time in the Army National Guard. This came with challenges. Guard duties often required her to miss weekends with family, and work would pile up when she returned. Even though her employer was supportive, Bradley witnessed other veterans facing employment challenges due to their service commitments. Her own two-year deployment to Iraq further complicated her career. While her job was held for her, the atmosphere was uncomfortable when she returned, and the transition back to civilian life became increasingly difficult. This experience ultimately led her to seek a new role working with veterans.
A NEW MISSION: SUPPORTING VETERANS
Now working at the North Dakota Job Service, Bradley focuses on helping veterans navigate the benefits and services available to them. She recommends starting with the VA for physical or mental health support, and believes strongly in utilizing County Veteran Service Officers, who are experts in guiding veterans through the benefits
they may not even be aware they have. Bradley draws from her own experiences as she has used many of these community and federal resources to take care of herself, both physically and mentally.
VETERANS IN THE WORKFORCE: THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTORSHIP AND EXPERIENCE
Bradley’s transition from military to civilian life was made smoother by the mentors who guided her. After four years of active duty, she used her GI Bill to get her degree, while continuing to serve in the Army Guard. Mentorship played a key role in her success, and now she seeks to pay it forward by mentoring other veterans. She understands how jarring it can be to go from active duty to a college classroom, but she believes having someone who understands your experience can make all the difference.
SUPPORTING HOMELESS VETERANS AND MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES
Homelessness among veterans is often a result of complex issues, including addiction or mental health challenges. Bradley has seen how many veterans face difficulties during their transition and works with various agencies to provide them with the support they need. Whether it’s finding housing, securing employment, or connecting them with community services, Bradley believes in helping veterans find stability in their lives. She recognizes that housing and work are essential to keeping veterans from falling back into the legal system.
PTSD is a common issue among veterans, and it often intersects with physical conditions resulting from military service. Bradley has
personally experienced PTSD and undergone treatment, which gives her a unique perspective when advising veterans on career paths that suit their physical and mental needs.
"Veterans come from all different backgrounds—some deploy to combat, some don’t—but PTSD is definitely something many face," Bradley said. "Often, there are also physical conditions related to their service, depending on their job in the military. For example, infantry or aircraft mechanics can have hearing impairments because of their work environment, even with hearing protection. These are things we need to coach veterans on, ensuring they get reasonable accommodations in the workplace or in school. I always tell them to find something that suits them physically and mentally. For example, a veteran with PTSD probably wouldn’t do well in a call center where they're trapped
and dealing with angry customers. I know, because I went through PTSD treatment myself 12 years ago after combat. I also have a bad neck, so I use special headphones—just a small accommodation that’s easy for employers to provide, or sometimes the VA can even help with that."
jobsnd.com/job-seeker/veterans
JOHN LINDSEY
BRANCH SERVED
AIR FORCE (11 YEARS AND 6 MONTHS)
Geneva Nodland
ABOUT JOHN LINDSEY
John Lindsey is originally from Louisiana but has called North Dakota home for the past 12 years. When the weather warms up, he loves biking the local trails with his fiancé and going backcountry hiking in the Black Hills of South Dakota. In the winter, you’ll find him hitting the slopes and enjoying some snowboarding.
Q: WHAT WAS DEPLOYMENT LIKE?
A: Deployments can often be quite hectic. Regardless of the location, supply management typically demands around-the-clock operations, involving 12-hour shifts and on-call duties during weekends. However, I always look forward to deployments as they provide the opportunity to explore different areas over a six-month period.
Among all the locations I've been deployed to, Guam stands out as the most enjoyable. During my time on the island, I was able to earn my master diver certification, completing over 110 dives.
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AFTER SERVICE AND WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?
A: Following my service, I was fortunate to be hired as an electronic technician by the same company where I completed my internship while still on active duty.
My experience with the company has been extremely rewarding. I genuinely enjoy my work and appreciate the camaraderie of my colleagues. It is nice to be surrounded by individuals who are dedicated to accomplishing their tasks and take pride in their work!
Q: DID YOU HAVE ANY STRUGGLES AFTER RETURNING TO CIVILIAN LIFE?
A: I had no struggles integrating after the military. From an early age my mother taught me the value of hard work and I was pretty selfefficient by the age of 17. I actually worked on an assembly line for a GM plant for a couple of years before wanting to join the military.
Q: CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?
A: The company I work for is Packet Digital, where I work as an electronic technician. We design, test, and manufacture smart batteries and power systems for cutting-edge UAS platforms around the world. The smart batteries that we build provide real-time monitoring and reporting of critical performance data. The batteries also communicate with the charging system to ensure safe charging and prevent catastrophic failures.
Q: WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY ON THE JOB LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
A: A typical workday kicks off at 8 a.m. after I’ve had a refreshing Mountain Dew while catching up on some world events via TikTok. Once I'm settled, I dive into my emails. Depending on our progress with
battery production, I usually jump right into welding packs together or soldering components onto various circuit boards. I keep at this until noon, when I take a break to enjoy some fresh air with my 17-year-old Shiba Inu who has taught me a great deal of patience. After lunch, I return to assembling and testing batteries until 5 p.m.
Q: HOW DID YOUR FAMILY REACT WHEN YOU TOLD THEM YOU WERE PURSUING SERVICE?
A: When I shared the news of my decision to join the military, my family had a mix of emotions. My father had passed away when I was 16, struck by a drunk driver, which had brought my mother and my two younger siblings and me closer together. My mother felt a sense of pride as both her father and my dad’s father had served in the military; however, she also worried about her “little baby” being sent far away. The thought of fewer visits weighed heavily on her, especially since I had spent the majority of my weekends with her and my siblings. Sure enough, her concerns turned into reality. Shortly after I celebrated my 21st birthday while completing my technical school for my new job in the military, I received notification that I would be stationed over 1,000 miles away at Minot Air Force Base, where I would serve for the next 11 years.
Q: WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR FIRST DAY OF SERVICE?
A: The first day of service took place on the November 15, 2012 when I stepped off the train for the first time in Minot, ND, right in the midst of a blizzard. I was trying to find my new supervisor, someone I had only spoken to over the phone. Once we arrived at the base, I was introduced to my direct leadership team. Following that, my supervisor drove me around the base, showing me essential locations like the dining hall, grocery store, and gym.
That evening, after the tour, he handed me the key to my dorm room and informed me to meet him outside the dining hall at 7:20 a.m. the next morning. He offered to give me a ride to work until I either acquired my own vehicle or found someone else to help me out. As he drove away, I stood there in the snow, letting out a sigh of relief that my first day had come to an end and I could finally unwind. Yet, amidst that sense of relief, a rush of uncertainty came over me. I couldn’t help but think, “I’m in a new place, about to start a job that I had no control over, and the only people I knew were those I had just met.”
Q: HAS YOUR SERVICE EXPERIENCE CHANGED YOUR BUSINESS MINDSET?
A: The military has afforded me numerous opportunities to gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to operate a successful business and to navigate high-pressure situations. Upon my separation, I held the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-5) and was responsible for overseeing the inventory section, which included a total of seven personnel, four of whom I directly supervised. My role involved managing the completion of 87 inventories across 16 warehouses, encompassing 2,000 assets valued at $98 million. These inventories featured a diverse range of equipment and assets, from gas mask filters to a nonfunctional LGM-30 Minuteman missile housed in the silo maintenance training facility. In most cases, failure was simply not an option.
Q: WHAT DOES BEING A VETERAN SYMBOLIZE TO YOU?
A: Sacrificing personal priorities to honorably fulfill a commitment, dedicating ourselves fully to safeguard our nation's freedom.
Q: WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST MENTORS?
A: I have two exceptional individuals in mind who would be ideal mentors, and the first is a man I met a couple of years ago, Kelly Riggle. He is the owner of a trucking company in Waubun, MN, and has consistently offered guidance whenever I needed it, no matter the hour.
Through our conversations and my observations of his life, I’ve come to appreciate the value he places on spending quality time with his family. This insight has reshaped my understanding of what success truly means to me. To me, success is not merely about achievements or accolades, but rather the moments I share with the people who matter most in my life.
Once I reach a stage where I can cherish that time, I believe it’s essential to channel some of that precious time back into my local community. From doing this, I feel it deepens my own sense of fulfillment and connection. Witnessing Kelly extend his support and collaborate with others in the community to reach shared goals, all aimed at creating a more enjoyable environment for everyone, has been truly inspiring.
The last mentor is my mother, an individual I deeply admire. As
a single parent for most of my life, she has faced numerous obstacles and endured significant losses. Watching her persevere through these challenges and be able to remain such a positive loving person through it all, has been truly inspiring for me as well. She is truly my rock and source of strength during difficult times.
From an early age, she also instilled in me the value of a dollar and the importance of being frugal with my earnings, lessons that continue to guide me today.
My mother is a remarkable person of compassion, particularly for the elderly and those with disabilities. And, if there were more people like her, the world would be a much better place!
She has found success by embracing her calling, dedicating herself to offering the elderly not just exceptional care but also genuine kindness—a quality that is increasingly rare these days. Her commitment truly makes a
difference in the lives of those she serves.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER BUSINESSES OUT THERE?
A: I would like to take a moment to highlight the SkillBridge program offered by the Department of Defense, as it remains largely unknown to many businesses and active military personnel alike.
This initiative provides businesses with access to a highly skilled workforce at no cost. Organizations have the flexibility to tailor SkillBridge programs to align with their specific workforce needs. Given the extensive approval process involved, military members who pursue this opportunity tend to be particularly self-motivated. This observation is based on my interactions with individuals who have chosen to engage with the program.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS CONSIDERING ENLISTING?
A: If you're thinking about joining the military and are eager to challenge yourself and step beyond your comfort zone, it could be a fantastic opportunity for personal growth.
If you have a specific career path in mind, take some time to research the various job options available across different branches of service. Just keep in mind that your quality of life can vary depending on which branch you choose.
If you're uncertain about the career field you want to pursue, you can opt for an "open general" designation, which will place you in a role that is currently in high demand.
JAYAR KINDSVOGEL
US AIR FORCE (15 YEARS 29 DAYS) BRANCH SERVED
provided by Jayar Kindsvogel
ABOUT JAYAR KINDSVOGEL
Jayar Kindsvogel grew up in Mandan, ND, graduated from Mandan High School, and enlisted in the Air Force right out of high school as a Fighter Jet F-15 Eagle Crew Chief.
He has always been a gearhead who likes to work with his hands.
"Making jets fly was something I truly enjoyed," Jayar said. After 15 years in the Air Force, he was medically boarded and honorably discharged/retired. So Jayar, his wife, and three daughters packed up their house in Las Vegas and moved back to North Dakota. From there, Jayar began working as the lead mechanic on skid steers at Twin City implement in Mandan. He worked there for one year before starting at Center Machine Inc. Eventually, he became the shop manager and finally the owner-operator.
Q: WHAT WAS DEPLOYMENT LIKE?
A: There are lots of mixed feelings that go along with deployments. On one hand, I was excited to go perform the tasks I had trained to do, to defend our country, fly, fight, and win. On the other hand, it is scary, and really hard to be away from your family, wife, and kids and just knowing you are going to miss milestones while you are deployed.
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AFTER SERVICE? WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?
A: I was a skid steer mechanic. After working on Fighter Jets for 15 years, it was kind of a smooth transition to working on construction and farm equipment. Equipment is equipment whether it's farm equipment, construction equipment, or airplane equipment—they all generally work the same. The work transition was smooth except for the environment. There was no comradery like in the military. In
the civilian workforce, you go to work and then you go home. You have nothing to do with the other employees except when you are at work. You do nothing with these other individuals unless it is during duty hours. Which to someone coming out of the military is weird. In the military, you don't really separate your work from home life. You hang out with your fellow work crew in the military.
Q: DID YOU HAVE ANY STRUGGLES AFTER RETURNING TO CIVILIAN LIFE?
A: Oh heck yeah. There are struggles even now after 13 years of returning to civilian life. Togetherness and the one goal that the military has compared to the everyday life of a civilian is hard to get used to.
Q: CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?
A: Center Machine Inc. was founded in 1985. We are a metal fabrication welding shop. We support the general public,
farmers, coal mines, power plants, and government projects around the State of North Dakota. We can fabricate one-off items or production parts. CMI has a welding service truck to perform repairs onsite. One other item that sets us apart from some other shops is we have what's called line boring equipment. This equipment is in a trailer for the portable machining capabilities onsite or in our shop. Line boring is where we take a worn-out hole on say a loader arm where the bucket attaches, we overbore the hole, weld it up, and bore it out to fit the factory bushings or pins. This saves the owners possibly thousands of dollars.
Q: WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY ON THE JOB LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
A: This is another tough question, there is no normal day when you own and operate a business. Generally, my day consists of helping customers, keeping the employees on task, and ensuring they know what the customers want to be repaired or fabricated. I also order parts and materials, look at incoming jobs, and bid jobs as necessary. I also rush parts to projects when on a time constraint. And I inspect finished products to ensure they're done to the best of our ability and the customer's liking.
Q: HOW DID YOUR FAMILY REACT WHEN YOU TOLD THEM YOU WERE PURSUING SERVICE?
A: My family was excited but my mom was a little scared.
Q: WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR FIRST DAY OF BUSINESS?
A: I was working as the shop manager prior to buying the business in October of 2022. Prior to ownership, I was given the authority to take the reins and kind of run the business to a certain degree. So the first day of ownership was the same as the days prior, except now I had to make sure we could pay the bills. And all the responsibility falls on myself to ensure every one of my employees is able to put groceries on the table.
Q: HAS YOUR SERVICE EXPERIENCE CHANGED YOUR BUSINESS MINDSET?
A: I feel my military experience has set me up to run a business. The training I have received in the US Air Force has set me up for success in the business world.
Q: HAVE YOU FOUND ANY SPECIFIC RESOURCES OR SUPPORT NETWORKS THAT HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY AS A VETERAN?
A: I have to give a huge shoutout to the North Dakota APEX Accelerator Team. They have helped me the whole way in writing a business plan to becoming SBA certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business. And working on government contracts. They have been a great team to work with and I continue to work with them.
Q: WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST MENTORS?
A: My mother Sheryl Kindsvogel taught me to never give up no matter how hard it gets and to keep fighting!
Also, my grandfathers, Ernie Seeman and Richard Muth, taught me that a hard day's work is the best medicine.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER BUSINESSES OUT THERE?
A: Just do it, if you have an idea to grow your business and make it better for your employees do it! Your employees will give back to you if you take care of them.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS CONSIDERING ENLISTING?
A: Lock in the job you want, and leave your home state. See the world, have fun.
OWNER/REALTOR, WALL STREET REALTY TEAM - EXP REALTY AND CO-OWNER SNOWBYRD AND GROUNDHOG
ERIK WALL
BRANCH SERVED
NORTH DAKOTA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD (22 YEARS)
provided by Erik Wall
ABOUT ERIK WALL
Erik Wall is a residential REALTOR and business owner of SnowByrd and GroundHog. On the real estate side, he is passionate about helping people build generational wealth through buying, selling, and investing. SnowByrd is an ondemand snow removal service and GroundHog is an ondemand lawn care service which have been in the works for almost four years and have recently launched.
"I love helping people make their lives simpler and more convenient and these two businesses do just that—just like other on-demand services we use these days," Wall said. "If you don't feel like snow-blowing, shoveling, mowing, or weed-whacking your lawn, hop on one of the apps, book your service, and one of our insured contractors will be out shortly after to take care of it for you."
Currently, the SnowByrd app is available on both app stores and GroundHog's app will be ready next summer. For GroundHog, appointments will be taken through the company's website (officialgroundhog.com).
"As an entrepreneur, I'm always looking for new ideas and ways of making life better for people. So, being a big part of these startups has been a passion of mine," Wall said.
Q: WHAT WAS DEPLOYMENT LIKE?
A: You have good days and bad days on a deployment but with the simplicity of life and the camaraderie get you through. It's tough being in a war zone on foreign soil and away from home and your family for a year or more at a time, but knowing we are there to protect their country as well as ours, makes it all worth it.
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AFTER SERVICE? WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?
A: I got into real estate while still in the service so when I officially retired, it was an easy and smooth transition. The values instilled in me in the military have
served me well on the civilian side.
Q: DID YOU HAVE ANY STRUGGLES AFTER RETURNING TO CIVILIAN LIFE?
A: The biggest challenge is going from something so structured as military life to a more unstructured career, which real estate can certainly be that.
Q: DID YOU PLAN TO START YOUR COMPANY BEFORE ENLISTING IN THE SERVICE?
A: I always wanted to start a business but at 20 years old when I enlisted, I hadn't figured out what I was truly passionate enough about to start a company around.
Q: WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY ON THE JOB LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
A: I get into the office around 8:30 a.m. after dropping off my kids, then I look at the new homes that have come on the market. After that, I try to get some education, whether that be reading or checking out trends and the overall market. Next, I make phone calls, send texts, and follow up with emails if I don't have any showings or closings. In the afternoons, I catch up on files, call clients, do home showings/ inspections/closings, and then follow up with anyone I need to. I then go and pick up the kids and spend time with them until 8-8:30 p.m. when they go to bed and then I usually go back to work negotiating offers and trying to get the best deals for my clients. This is a very condensed version and no days are normal, but I love the variety that comes with each and every day! Some days you think it's going to be a pretty easy day to play catch up and you end up working non-stop for 12-14 hours and I love it!
Q: HOW DID YOUR FAMILY REACT WHEN YOU TOLD THEM YOU WERE PURSUING SERVICE?
A: I was 20 and going to school at NDSU when I joined and didn't tell my parents what I was doing. After I enlisted, I called my parents and told them I just joined the Army National Guard. My mom didn't know what to think and was nervous for me. My dad said, 'Great job,' and that was that!
Q: WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR FIRST DAY OF BUSINESS?
A: I started my real estate career in 2005 as a loan officer in Las Vegas. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I was excited as real estate always intrigued me. I showed up on the job, got a little bit of training, and then they said, "Here's a list of people to call, good luck!" I remember thinking, 'Shouldn't I get a little more training?' as I had no idea what I was doing. Looking back, it made me constantly adjust and get better on my own, which I really enjoyed and appreciated. I believe that having others do the work for you means you won't learn a thing. You've gotta get in there, get dirty, and learn from your own experience.
Q: HAS YOUR SERVICE EXPERIENCE CHANGED YOUR BUSINESS MINDSET?
A: My service experience taught me a lot of discipline and attention to detail. I've always had a good work ethic since I was little, but being in real estate and owning your own business takes more than just a good work ethic, it takes attention to detail and the discipline to work even when you don't want to. Often times it's easier to just procrastinate and put things off, but in this industry, if you do that, you'll run into several months without a paycheck.
Q: HAVE YOU FOUND ANY SPECIFIC RESOURCES OR SUPPORT NETWORKS THAT HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL
JOURNEY AS A VETERAN?
A: The VA has a number of resources but I think just being a Veteran has given me something to always talk about with people and the network of Veterans is pretty large and getting bigger every day! Being able to have that common ground with many of my clients really builds that internal trust right away and has helped along this journey.
Q: WHAT WAS THE HARDEST CHALLENGE IN OPENING YOUR BUSINESS?
A: I didn't have a playbook as to what opening a business like this looked like and have had to learn by a lot of trial and error. I had some resources to help guide me and asked others who owned real estate teams, but everyone does things slightly differently and I knew what I wanted my team to look like so have made several adjustments throughout the years.
Q: WHAT DOES BEING A VETERAN SYMBOLIZE TO YOU?
A: Being a Veteran for me is a symbol of pride, honor, and commitment. I spent 22 years in the military and it was always about doing something bigger than myself. Being willing to lay down my life for people I didn't know and for the greatest country on Earth is something I'm so proud to be able to say I did!
DR. JONATHAN BULTEMA
BRANCH SERVED
NAVY (4 YEARS ACTIVE DUTY AND 8 YEARS RESERVE)
provided by Dr. Jonathan Bultema
ABOUT JONATHAN BULTEMA
Dr. Jonathan Bultema is a native of Fargo. He received his Bachelor of Science from NDSU. Following this, he attended the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in Los Angeles, CA where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery. Dr. Bultema served in the US Navy as a Dental Officer in Kaneohe Bay, HI, Corpus Christi, and Kingsville, TX. He then spent the next few years serving the dental needs of his local communities of Fargo-Moorhead at a Community Health Center. Dr. Bultema is also a member of the North Dakota Dental Association, American Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry as well as a member of the Heartland Study Club and Southeast District Dental Society.
Dr. Bultema enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. In the summers, his family is busy with lake activities like swimming, and boating, and he also enjoys insect collecting, and gardening. He also enjoys hunting, motorcycling, his kids’ school activities, and snow skiing. A year-round favorite activity is LEGO building.
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AFTER SERVICE? WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?
A: My first civilian job was working at Family Healthcare in downtown Fargo as a dentist. My family and I were excited to return to Fargo after being gone for eights years and to be close to our grandparents and our entire family. I was a dentist both in the Navy and at family healthcare after my active duty, so the dentistry daily was similar, and, actually, both locations had very transient populations. In the Military, many of your patients are heading to deployments or changing duty stations and moving around the world. At Family Healthcare, there are many people who are passing from place to place or come in only for emergencies and you don't see them consistently. The experiences were different though in our family and we no longer had the consistency or guarantee of home and
healthcare and provision. These are all things you need to now be mindful of to provide opportunities for your family rather than them being provided by the government.
Q: DID YOU HAVE ANY STRUGGLES AFTER RETURNING TO CIVILIAN LIFE?
A: Leaving the Military has many freedoms but it also brings unknowns and you lose the feeling that "you are taken care of." In the military, you are often told what to do, when to do it, and where to go—so you have a lot of "non-choices" and you get accustomed to that. When you get out of the military, you have to choose your life and provide for yourself. You search for a job that can provide healthcare for your family and enough provision to have a good roof over your head in a place that has good schools to help your children thrive.
In the military, they provide you with all the tools and equipment you need to do your occupation. Outside of the military, you are responsible for getting your own tools and continuing to learn how to manage your own expenses for your trade and for your family's needs.
It was interesting that in the military, even though I was a dentist, I could not treat my family's dental needs because dependents would utilize insurance to be seen outside the military system. I was thankful to begin to treat my family's dental needs when out of the military.
Q: CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?
A: Maple Family Dental has been open for eight years and exists to care about people, serve through dentistry, and positively influence the community. We provide comprehensive family dentistry so that a family’s dental needs can be met all in one convenient location. Our three focuses are Experience, Education, and Excellence. We educate children and do preventative dentistry in schools and in the community to help reach the underserved. We also travel abroad to provide dental services to underserved countries. We collaborate with local organizations within our community to make a positive impact on the Red River Valley.
Q: DID YOU PLAN TO START YOUR COMPANY BEFORE ENLISTING IN THE SERVICE?
A: I graduated with a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) from NDSU in 2003 with hopes that I would one day own a business and serve my community through dentistry.
Q: WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY ON THE JOB LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
A: Our days start early with treating patients starting at 7 a.m. to help those who need care before they head towards their own adventurous days. Daily, we serve our community within the clinic walls. Some highlights are seeing a person who walked into our dental office in pain, leave without pain. The ability to have helped someone physically, emotionally, and sometimes socially, by improving their smile, is so rewarding. Another highlight is coming alongside parents in making their kids’ first dental encounters fun ones as it builds their positive experiences, which improves their desire to return and—thus creating healthy habits for their entire lives.
Our community involvement is one of our greatest joys! Our school program provides preventative dentistry to underserved children and gets them the treatment they need to be healthy. Being out and about between trunk or treats, music festivals, fundraisers, community dental days, overseas dental missions, providing volunteer experience for predental students, etc. is some of what we are all about.
Q: HOW DID YOUR FAMILY REACT WHEN YOU TOLD THEM YOU WERE PURSUING SERVICE?
A: My wife was supportive of joining the Navy when we evaluated the cost of dental school. My family was also supportive of joining the Navy as they took great pride that their son or family member was sacrificing and serving their country. It was a great honor.
Q: WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR FIRST DAY OF BUSINESS?
A: It was very exciting and a bit frightening! It’s exciting to finally do what you worked so hard to create but also you ask yourself, “Is this going to work because I don’t have an unlimited budget.” “Will patients show up?” “Will we make ends meet?” In the military, you never had to deal with that. How to be profitable was not something you learned in the military.
Q: HAS YOUR SERVICE EXPERIENCE CHANGED YOUR BUSINESS MINDSET?
A: Whether in the service or out of the service, it’s an honor to serve your community and your country. Maple Family Dental is the way I get to serve when no longer in the service. There are things that I am more mindful of now as a business owner. There was a lot of waste in the government and my goal was to be frugal and reduce waste. I found out that I wanted to have long-term relationships with my patients and, as cheesy
as it sounds, grow old with them. I wanted to see their families grow and experience life’s ups and downs. The military allowed me to see the beauty of working with many different diverse backgrounds and the skills talents and strengths that different people bring to the table.
Q: HAVE YOU FOUND ANY SPECIFIC RESOURCES OR SUPPORT NETWORKS THAT HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY AS A VETERAN?
A: Truthfully, the local Heartland Study Club has been a place of great support as it is local dentists who train together, talk shop, and have the comradery of the profession and many have also served in the military prior so we have many shared values.
Q: WHAT WAS THE HARDEST CHALLENGE IN OPENING YOUR BUSINESS?
A: Even though Maple is all about our team now, the start of it was a doctor and his wife just “figuring it out.” Doing it on our own, securing the finances, learning business proposals, contracts, land contracts, etc. All these things you never had to be mindful of in the Navy and didn’t have to work with a bank when in the service. It was a lot of work, and took a lot of time away from my growing
children at the time—all to build something that would pour back into them and pour into our community.
Q: WHAT DOES BEING A VETERAN SYMBOLIZE TO YOU?
A: It symbolizes sacrifice to your country and to others. My experience was a willingness, not forced. I felt it was my duty to serve the land that has given me freedom and opportunity. I understand that not all can serve, but I knew that I could… so I did.
Q: WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST MENTORS?
A: I have had many mentors along the way! In my young years, my mom, Cindy Wiger, taught me many valuable lessons! In high school and college, Pastor Cal Thompson and Pastor Brad Lewis guided me in my journey to know and serve Jesus. In doctorate school, Dr. Mike Roberts and Dr. Kim Nordberg introduced me to Dental Missions and the continued joy of using your profession to serve the underserved. I still have men, today, who walk beside me in this journey of dentistry, the importance of fatherhood and family, and as a believer in Christ. We always need to do life with community.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER BUSINESSES OUT THERE?
A: Don’t be intimidated to step out and follow your dreams and goals. We have one life to live and try stuff! You may not always be successful, but learn from it and move forward to the next thing. Don’t forget the people that got you to where you were at. And don’t forget the family that supports you as they grow and need you more than you know!
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS?
A: The Bible… The words of life for everyone in every situation.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS CONSIDERING ENLISTING?
A: Look at all the pros and cons of your life situation. Talk to advisors, family, etc. Think about all you have and how you can give back. If you do enlist, get everything in writing. Enjoy your time and new experiences. And ask for the duty station you are dreaming of. In our case, despite the odds, we ended up in Hawaii… a dream come true. No North Dakotan ever thinks they are going to live on the ocean, but because I stepped out of the box, even when they said it would never happen… It happened.
LEADERSHIP
THIS PAST JULY 22-28, FARGO CELEBRATED NAVY WEEK. FARGO NAVY WEEK BRINGS SAILORS FROM ACROSS THE FLEET TO THE AREA TO EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE NAVY TO FARGO, THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA, AND THE NATION. LUCKILY, THAT AFFORDED US THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN A LITTLE BIT ABOUT LEADERSHIP FROM THESE AMAZING INDIVIDUALS.
Josiah Kopp
By Brady Drake
ABOUT TREY KENNARD
Commander Kennard found his path to the Navy when he was studying mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech.
TREY KENNARD
ADVICE ON LEADERSHIP
"I think from a leadership perspective, you have to be honest with yourself and you have to be yourself. You can't be pretending to be someone you are not. If you do that, people will catch on and it will just be exhaustive. I also believe having full transparency is very important. The more open and honest you can be with your people, the better. If you're open and honest, they're going to know why you're doing things and not just think that you're barking orders. I think that builds buy-in. It's also important when leading a team to realize that it's people-centric. If you don't treat people as people and you treat them as numbers or units or resources, no one is going to want to follow you. They're going to do just enough to get by and not lose their job—that's not what you want."
HOW TO BE A GOOD TEAMMATE
"I think the key to a good team is knowing your teammates. It's about knowing what they're good at and what they may struggle with. I also think another part of being a good teammate is communication. I think it's important to communicate openly about the things you have going on in your life. Every few years, you're going to be part of a new team in the Navy and I'll credit my wife with this, but I think it's important to treat every new group like you would a new marriage. You're starting out fresh with new people and you have to get to know your new people and really learn what makes them tick, how they communicate, how they receive information, and how they process information so you can work together to be successful."
ENUMCLAW, WASHINGTON
MIKE RIENZO
ADVICE ON LEADERSHIP
"There are multiple types of leadership that are effective and correct. However, each person has a type of leadership that is the best for that person. And they deserve that type of leadership. So as leaders, we need to learn how to recognize what type of leadership our subordinates need. And if a subordinate needs a type of leadership that we don't excel in or that we don't feel we can comfortably do, it is good to use your peer group and find someone who can interact with that person in a way that will help that person grow and help that person be successful. And, you should not take it as a weakness but rather a strength to ask your peer leaders to help you."
ABOUT MIKE RIENZO
Mike Rienzo has been with the Navy for 24 years.
Rienzo's path to the Navy began with him trying to create a better life for his family. He was married in December of 2000 and his son was born July of 2000. Prior to enlisting, Rienzo was being paid close to a minimum wage salary helping build hydraulic actuators on an assembly line. Once he joined the Navy, he began excelling in life and surpassed E4 within his first year.
EXPERIENCE: 24 YEARS
"The Navy also teaches you to become an intrusive leader, meaning understanding what's going on in the lives of the people that work for you. If a person is late multiple times to work, it is easy to think that they're a terrible worker and not to want them around, but instead you should try to understand that maybe they're dealing with something. Maybe there are home issues and maybe they need something from you so that they can be the outstanding shipmate they could be. The Navy, in particular, is very good at that. The Navy has all sorts of systems to help support you. We have legal help. We have financial help. There are resources for physical health and dieticians. We think it's important to take care of the whole sailer so that they can focus on the mission instead of being worried about all of the other things going on."
ABOUT DAVE GEORGE
Dave George is currently an Electrician Mate Petty Officer second class. Prior to enlisting, George worked in Social Services until the age of 24.
HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND
DAVE GEORGE
EXPERIENCE: 4 1/2 YEARS
ADVICE ON LEADERSHIP
"I think it's important as a leader to know your people. It's important to know their strengths and their weaknesses. Being able to take those attributes that your team members have and use them to accomplish the task and work together as a team is what makes a good leader."
Starting a business as a veteran can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available that are specifically designed to help veteran entrepreneurs succeed.
VETERANS BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER OF THE DAKOTAS
The VBOC program provides entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and mentoring. They assist veterans, service-disabled veterans, and transitioning service members in starting or growing their businesses. The local VBOC in North Dakota is available through the University of North Dakota Center for Innovation.
und.edu/dakotasvboc
NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (NDDVA)
NDDVA helps veterans access benefits and programs available to them, including business resources. They offer guidance on various state-run programs and services that can assist veteran entrepreneurs.
veterans.nd.gov
VETERAN
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
This national office offers special programs to help veteran entrepreneurs through loan programs, training, and government contracting. The SBA's regional office in North Dakota can provide local guidance and access to these resources.
sba.gov
PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER
PTAC helps veteran-owned businesses in North Dakota connect with government contracting opportunities. They offer counseling and assistance with bidding on federal, state, and local contracts.
NaVOBA provides a platform for veteran-owned businesses to connect with larger corporations that want to do business with veteran entrepreneurs. It also helps in getting certified as a veteranowned business, which can open up more opportunities.
navoba.org
BUNKER LABS
Bunker Labs has a presence across the U.S. and provides resources to veteran entrepreneurs through virtual programs and events. They offer an online community, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities designed to help veteran-owned businesses grow.
bunkerlabs.org
RESOURCES
HIRE VETS MEDALLION PROGRAM
The HIRE Vets Medallion Program recognizes businesses, including veteran-owned businesses, that employ veterans. The recognition can be leveraged as a marketing tool to show a commitment to veterans, which could help attract more customers or contracts.
hirevets.gov
BOOTS TO BUSINESS
This is a program through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that provides training and education for transitioning service members, veterans, and their spouses. It helps them explore business ownership and learn the foundations needed to start and run a small business.
sba.gov/sba-learningplatform/boots-business
SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM
Administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), this program gives special consideration to businesses owned by service-disabled veterans when they bid on federal contracts. SDVOSBs can receive set-aside contracts as part of the federal government's commitment to veterans.
This program is part of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and offers veterans incentives, such as discounts, to help them buy into franchises. Many franchises are eager to bring on veteran owners, making this a great option for those interested in franchise ownership.
vetfran.org
INSTITUTE FOR VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES
Hosted by Syracuse University, IVMF provides several programs aimed at veteran entrepreneurs. One of its key offerings is the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV), which provides world-class training and education for post-9/11 veterans who want to start or grow a business.
ivmf.syracuse.edu
WARRIOR RISING
This nonprofit helps veterans start and grow their businesses through mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. They offer business incubators, funding resources, and hands-on assistance to veteran entrepreneurs.
warriorrising.org
VETFRAN
VETERAN RESOURCES
HIVERS & STRIVERS
This angel investment group funds early-stage startups founded by U.S. military veterans. They focus on businesses led by graduates of U.S. military academies, though they accept applicants from any veteranowned startup.
hiversandstrivers.com
AMERICAN CORPORATE PARTNERS
ACP is a nonprofit that provides one-on-one mentoring to veterans looking to transition into business or entrepreneurship. The organization connects veteran entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders from Fortune 500 companies.
acp-usa.org
THE ROSIE NETWORK
This nonprofit organization supports veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. It offers training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help veterans and their spouses start and scale their businesses.
therosienetwork.org
VETERANS BUSINESS FUND
The VBF provides funding to veterans to help them start or expand their business. This is structured as a low-interest loan with flexible repayment terms.
veteransbusinessfund.org
VA VETERAN READINESS & EMPLOYMENT
Helps with job training, education, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching.
benefits.va.gov/vocrehab
NATIONAL VETERAN SMALL BUSINESS COALITION
This is a non-profit organization that provides training, networking, and advocacy for Veteran small business entrepreneurs in the federal market to ensure they are procurement ready and have enhanced access to opportunities to start, operate, sustain, and grow competitive and strong businesses serving Federal agencies and other government contractors.
nvsbc.org/mission/
Commercial Real Estate Interview
BUILD-TO-SUIT PROJECTS WITH TRAVIS VOEGELE
Travis: First, I would like to say that I am very fortunate to work for a company that makes working on build-to-suit projects a more comprehensive experience for my clients and it is a much easier task for me than it would be for most other agents. Being part of Property Resources Group and Christianson Companies gives my clients a great advantage with in-house architectural and design services, as well as access to one of the region’s largest general contractors and construction departments, and one of the region’s leading property development groups. Property Resources Group and Christianson Companies can really provide a one-stop shop for build-to-suit clients.
I should also mention, that build-to-suit projects can be as comprehensive as buying land, designing a building, and having it built for the client to own, but buildto-suit projects can also include having a developer build a tailormade building for them to lease, or simply taking a blank space within an existing space, and designing and fitting it up to specifically meet their needs. There are many different levels of build-to-suit projects.
Q: Can you walk us through your process for identifying the right location for a build-to-suit project? What key factors do you consider when selecting a site?
A: It all starts with sitting down with the client and really listening to their needs, their wants, what they want to provide for their employees, and what their overall
goals as an organization are—from growth to maximizing profitability. After collecting that information, we work with them to assess how much space is needed as well as where their ideal location would be.
Do they need to be in a hightraffic location with high visibility and easy access, or can they be a little more off the beaten path? Obviously, land or even existing buildings in those high-traffic, highly visible areas are more expensive. So selecting the right site directly affects the profitability and viability of the project. With that said, we have always heard the importance of location, location, location. So, if a client’s success depends on exposure and accessibility, we really need to make sure we find them land or a space that will put them front and center. The client’s budget and their desire to own or lease make a big difference. If the client has the desire to own their space, obviously the amount of land needed to build the size and type of building they desire drives the project at first. Next, land cost becomes important. Finally, the size, type of building, and types of amenities are all major factors as well.
Q: How do you assist clients with land acquisition, and what are some of the common challenges that arise during this phase?
A: Typically, after working with them to assess the scope of their project, I provide a list of property options for the clients to look at. We then discuss what properties make sense for them and which don’t. We discuss what the property is listed
Geneva Nodland
avigating the world of commercial real estate requires specialized expertise, especially when it comes to build-to-suit projects. In this Q&A, Commercial Real Estate Agent Travis Voegele shares how being part of Christianson Companies and Property Resources Group provides him and his clients with a unique advantage thanks to access to in-house architectural services, construction teams, and one of the region’s top property development groups.
at, what their budget is, and what kind of value the property is to them. The value of land to individual clients can vary. You can only buy land once, so it is important to choose the right piece and just as important, the right price. I work with the client to choose what property interests them most. We then strategize on what components are necessary to include in the offer to the seller to purchase the property. I then write up the offer and begin to negotiate with the listing agent as well as the seller. When we have an agreement in place, I work with the client to acquire the land and close on the property.
These types of projects are a little more complicated. Usually, a buyer needs due diligence done before closing on the land. They need time to speak with the city and make sure their class of business fits the city's expectations and they also need time to get a building permit approved. Many times, a piece of land may be desired by the client but restrictions prevent them from completing the
project they want to build. At that time, we may need to cancel the purchase agreement and start over. Throughout the acquisition phase and during due diligence there are always unexpected things that come up; unexpected city building restrictions, property use restrictions by the seller, easements, surveys, environmental issues, etc. We obviously try to forecast any issues ahead of time, but there are surprises that come up that prevent a project from moving forward in certain locations.
Q: Can you describe a situation where the build-to-suit approach helped a client overcome a significant challenge?
A: One client was looking to lease space in the FM area and could not find a space that fit their specific needs. However, they weren't financially ready to build the type of space they needed. At that point, we worked with Christianson companies to act as a developer who acquired the land, built a tailor-made building
Key Considerations for Build-to-Suit Real Estate Projects
Shovel-Ready Parcels: Some sites are ready for immediate development. If utilities, water retention, and infrastructure are already in place, this accelerates the project timeline.
Project Scope and Timeline: Smaller projects, like shops or warehouses, can be completed in 3-6 months. Larger buildings may take a year or more due to additional design, permitting, and regulatory requirements.
Ownership and Risk Management: Developers or contractors may retain ownership during construction to manage risks. This ensures they stay committed to
to suit my client’s needs, and leased the property to them with an option to buy that building at a later date. Eventually, the client was able to purchase the property outright. It was a win-win for both the developer as well as my client.
Q: Could you share any trends or shifts in the build-tosuit market that you’ve noticed in recent years?
A: We have seen more development projects that are being condominiumized with office parks, shops spaces, and other things like that. These projects allow a client to own their space and gain equity while not having to deal with buying the land, developing the project's infrastructure, and taking care of maintenance like snow removal. It allows them to own, customize, acquire equity, and not deal with some of the other headaches.
the project’s success, reducing the chance of unfinished structures becoming the property owner’s responsibility.
Integrated vs. Outsourced Services: Firms like Christianson Companies and Property Resources Group offer in-house design, architecture, construction, and project management, creating a seamless experience that saves time and money. Outsourcing these services individually can complicate coordination and increase costs.
Customization Options: Build-to-suit projects can range from full-building developments to smaller customizations, such as designing leased spaces in strip centers to meet specific needs. This flexibility allows projects to align with varying client goals.
By Brady Drake | Josiah Kopp
Healing With Hyperbarics is Supporting Veterans in Fargo
ealing With Hyperbarics in Fargo has become a lifeline for veterans struggling with the invisible wounds of service. Veterans suffering from PTSD, depression, chronic pain, and brain injuries have found renewed hope through hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) at this clinic.
Cass County Veterans Service Officer Chris Deery has been working with the clinic for two years now since grant funding opened up to help veterans receive treatment. The specific grant fund that was originally available was able to help seven veterans receive 20-40 HBOT treatments before funding dried up. Now, they're looking for funding to help more service veterans.
"There’s also a nonprofit willing to help us out," Deery said. "But we need funders to contribute so we can support veterans on the state’s waitlist.”
Scan to Donate
Note: For funds to go toward hyperbaric treatment put either "Hyperbarics" or "HBOT" in the donation notes.
healingwithhyperbarics
/hwhnd
@healingwithhyperbarics
Veteran Testimonials
"It was very effective—I now have a full time job. I used to only be able to work full time for 3 months and then take 2-3 months off for my mental health, I was able to go to college to further my career, and now I am getting married soon. I still have some ups and downs, but I can manage it all and still have a life now." – R.O.
"It has helped completely, and I have no more suicidal thoughts, I still deal with depression still, but am doing great. I'm able to participate in life, and I owe it all to Hyperbarics. I tell all my friends and family about Hyperbarics and it’s hard not to get choked up about how it has completely changed my life and gave me a second chance to live." -I.O.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This higherpressure environment allows the lungs to take in significantly more oxygen than they would in normal conditions, delivering a concentrated supply to the bloodstream. This excess oxygen helps repair tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, making HBOT beneficial for a range of medical conditions.
"We are very lucky to live in an area that's very supportive of veterans," Assistant Director Jenni Moore said.
Many veterans arriving at the clinic have endured years of untreated or under-treated mental health issues. Moore describes them as “shadows of their former selves,” carrying burdens from concussive blasts and years of service-related trauma. “Many could have had anywhere between 5, 15, even 20 concussions throughout active duty,” she said. These experiences often lead to debilitating headaches, brain fog, depression, a sense of isolation, and suicidal ideation.
Veterans receive 20% off of all of Healing With Hyperbarics services. This is inclusive for both the one-hour and two-hour treatment lengths.
Over the course of 40 treatments, his mental clarity improved, he began reconnecting with loved ones, and he even secured a full-time job. This success story is just one of many at the clinic, where “the majority of veterans seeking treatment come in for off-label indications— mental health issues, PTSD, and chronic pain,” Clinic Director Menley Denham said. Unfortunately, these conditions often aren’t covered by insurance, leaving the clinic to rely on community support and state dollars to fund treatments.
One veteran, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed how hyperbaric therapy changed his life. He arrived in 2018 after years of unsuccessful suicide attempts and struggled to make eye contact or communicate.
The clinic’s staff and community partners believe that it’s never too late for veterans to seek help. As Safety Director Tanner Mjelde said, “Whether you were discharged yesterday or 20, 30, even 40 years ago, it’s not too late to address some of the challenges veterans are facing.”
Free treatment for Veterans
New this year, Healing With Hyperbarics is providing free treatment to all Veterans interested one day a month. They do not have to be new patients or North Dakota Veterans in order to receive this service. If they are a new patient, they will have a new patient consultation done at no cost to them.
Cass County Veterans Service Officer Chris Deery
Assistant Director Jenni Moore
Clinic Director Menley Denham
Safety Director Tanner Mjelde
WOMEN YOU SHOULD KNOW
Rinda Norberg & Jenna Larson
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES
The path to entrepreneurship can be anything but conventional. Rinda Norberg and Jenna Larson decided to redefine success on their own terms. A somewhat unlikely pair, these partners joined forces to open North Dakota’s only Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise. Leaning into the unique perspectives offered by a generational age gap, they’ve worked to create a dynamic leadership model that fosters communication and mentorship. Their perseverance sets a strong example of “If you put in hard work, you can achieve your dreams.”
“It was a now-or-never moment for me,” Norberg said. “But if I had to do it all over again, I definitely would.”
Deciding to ditch the 9-5
Feeling the urge to explore something different, Norberg and Larson ventured away from their healthcare careers and into entrepreneurship. They were united by a shared desire to start something for FargoMoorhead-West Fargo when they discovered Nothing Bundt Cakes' nontypical cake.
“Every bite and flavor offers something unique compared to traditional cakes,” Larson said. “That’s when we knew that we needed to bring this to our community.”
The women bonded over their shared love for the brand and knew it was an idea they couldn’t resist.
“We were thrilled to start our journey as franchise owners,” Larson said. “Of course, there were moments of uncertainty, but the strength of our partnership is all about communication and support for each other. We’re grateful for the opportunity to travel to Dallas, TX, for a month to learn about the franchise from the corporate office. It was incredibly helpful to work with a great team and a women-led franchise to start our dream.”
After training, numerous meetings, and developing business strategies,
By Allie Maciej
Norberg and Larson launched their location in West Fargo in May of 2019.
“We knew that working on a franchise would take a lot of time to get right,” Norberg said. Both she and Larson believe in the importance of thorough research and dedication. They invested the first three years of their business to ensure its success, a commitment that has since paid off.
“Even on days when we were closed, we made sure to put in the hard work to keep offering the best to our community,” she said.
Building confidence as partners
The age difference between Norberg and Larson is a beautiful part of their partnership.
“Rinda was a family friend,” Larson said. “My dad was a hunting guide for her brother in South Dakota, and our families have remained close ever since. When I moved to Fargo in 2016, she took me under her wing and helped me thrive in my new home.”
By bringing different perspectives and life experiences to the table, the partners enrich their collaboration. They’re able to communicate openly, bounce different ideas off each other, and have an aligned goal to achieve their dreams by working for themselves, which has been crucial to their success.
“It’s incredible to see how two people from different backgrounds can come together and create something amazing,” Larson said. “We trust each other and share a vision, and that’s what makes this journey so rewarding.”
Employee turnover has been an ongoing challenge, but their commitment to growth and improvement has yielded positive results. By fostering a supportive work environment and mentoring their staff, Norberg and Larson have seen their employees grow with
confidence, which has contributed to a positive and productive workplace.
“One of the things you don’t often think about when opening a business is finding the right team of employees,” Norberg said. “Our team is truly unique. Mentoring each other and supporting one another while we work is wonderful. I am thankful for the environment we’ve created and for how well we continue to navigate challenges together.”
Follow your passion and you’ll find success
With passion, persistence, and a solid support system, anyone can turn their dreams into reality. Norberg and Larson’s success is not only measured by the cakes they sell but also by the positive impact they’ve made on their community.
“It is so rewarding,” Larson says. “Our community came together during the COVID-19 pandemic. People continued to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, and our deliveries increased even during a challenging time. It felt like we were able to bring some normalcy to our customers during a difficult period.”
Norberg’s advice to those considering opening a business is clear: “You’re never too old to pursue your dreams.”
You’ll find Nothing Bundt Cakes this fall as they frequently participate in fundraisers and craft fairs, using their platform to support various causes— be sure to taste one of their delicious bundtlets!
Nothing Bundt Cakes West Fargo
NEGLIGENCE LAWSUITS:
The Basic Overview
o you slipped and fell in the local convenience store, or you got T-boned at a busy intersection by someone texting and driving or got bitten by the neighbor’s aggressive dog, or [insert scenario where you become injured as a result of someone else’s negligence]. Now what? Often, injuries can be overwhelming for reasons beyond the pain and inconvenience of being hurt. It can be challenging to know what your next steps might be, the options available, and the relief you might be entitled to. This article seeks to give a 50,000foot view of what a negligence case can look like. In no way does this article encapsulate all options available in every type of injury or situation. Rather, it seeks to provide some of the basic steps you should consider taking if you’re hurt and an overview of how a basic negligence case works in North Dakota.
BY KYLEE CARLIN Attorney, SW&L Attorneys
CONSULTING AN ATTORNEY
Imagine you’re involved in the T-bone crash discussed in the introduction, let’s talk about the next steps. First, if you are injured, start by taking care of your physical injuries. Following that, consider talking with a lawyer. Often, personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations. There, you can learn more of the intricacies of the law as it might apply to your potential case and you can see if hiring an attorney to advocate on your behalf is worthwhile for you.
Personal injury attorneys do more than simply litigate your case. Personal injury attorneys frequently help negotiate with insurance companies, coordinate investigations into what happened to cause your injury, assist in coordinating benefits for your healthcare, and much more.
TIMING
Say you hire a personal injury attorney following that car crash. Depending on how soon after the crash you hire the attorney, you might have a number of options regarding how to proceed. This is where I would say the sooner you contact an attorney, the better. The law in North Dakota limits the amount of time you have to bring a lawsuit in a basic negligence claim. This time limit is referred to as the “statute of limitations.” In North Dakota, the statute of limitations for a basic negligence claim is six years. This might seem like a long time, but when you have ongoing injuries that you’re taking care of, it can be easy to lose sight of this time frame. However, it is important to keep the statute of limitations in mind, because this deadline is non-negotiable. If you fail to bring your claim in that timeframe, you lose the opportunity to bring your claim forever.
NEGOTIATION VS. LAWSUIT
If you hire your attorney early on following your injuries, your attorney may consider presenting the option of attempting to negotiate with the negligent party and/or their insurance company. This is something you’ll frequently see in the automobile crash negligence type of case. A personal injury attorney is wellequipped to negotiate with the negligent driver’s insurance company to try to get you some compensation outside of having to commence a lawsuit. Sometimes, this is in your best interest. It often means saving a great deal of time and the invasiveness of litigation.
However, negotiation efforts are not always in your best interest and they don’t always work out. In these types of situations, commencing a lawsuit could be your best option. Your attorney can advise you which route to take and when.
BEGINNING OF A LAWSUIT
If you have to get into litigation, your lawyer will start the case by drafting a summons and complaint. The summons does exactly what it sounds like… summons the negligent party, letting them know that they are being sued and will need to appear in court. The complaint sets out how you believe the opposing party breached the law and what your damage is. The complaint must set forth the elements of a particular type of case. In our examples, we are talking about a negligence case. In a negligence case, you must set forth four basic elements (and eventually prove them): (1) Duty of care; (2) Breach of that duty of care; (3) The breach of duty was the causation of (4) Damages. A personal injury attorney is typically abundantly familiar with these elements and how to ensure your complaint is drafted to plead each one.
Once your attorney puts together a summons and complaint, the next step will be to serve these documents on the negligent party. Usually, this is done through a process server.
Following service, the opposing party gets the opportunity to answer your complaint and assert denials, admissions, affirmative defenses, and sometimes their own claims.
DISCOVERY
When the summons and complaint have been served and the opposing party has answered your complaint, the case enters an extensive period called “discovery.” This is the pre-trial phase wherein both parties exchange information that could become evidence in the case. During discovery, parties might send out written questions (called interrogatories), requests for production (usually of documents, medical records, photos, videos, and other items of that nature), and requests for admission (these require the party to admit or deny certain facts or statements). Additionally, parties, usually through their lawyers, can request depositions of parties and witnesses. In a deposition, a party or witness gives sworn testimony outside of the court prior to a trial. Sworn testimony in a deposition carries the same “weight” as sworn testimony in the courtroom.
The discovery process can be long, grueling, and frustrating at times. However, it is an important phase because it promotes fairness amongst the parties and helps enable the truth to come to light.
ONGOING NEGOTIATIONS AND “ADR”
If you’ve heard anything about civil litigation, it’s likely the fact that most civil cases don’t actually make it to trial. This is a true statement as during the discovery phase, parties are usually trying to continue negotiating to resolve outside of trial. Sometimes, the parties learn enough facts on both sides that they are able to strike a bargain to manage the risk that would be posed to either party if they went to trial. Other times, parties are able to get close on their own, but they need outside help in order to get the case resolved. This is where “ADR,” which stands for Alternative Dispute Resolution, comes into play.
ADR can take numerous forms, but the most common are mediation and arbitration.
In arbitration, a neutral third party hears each side of the dispute, views documents, and hears witness testimony if presented. The arbitrator then makes a binding decision on the parties.
Mediation is similar to arbitration, but the primary difference is that the neutral party, called a mediator, does not make the ultimate decision. The mediator is there to facilitate discussion, point out weak points in each side’s case, and provide insights that can help the parties come to a resolution. Mediation is
the most common type of ADR and it is frequently utilized in negligence cases to try to come to a settlement prior to going to jury trial.
JURY TRIAL
If the parties can’t come to a resolution by the end of the discovery period, they will go to a jury trial. Jury trial in North Dakota has a basic format wherein the judge and attorneys/parties on each side select a jury (referred to as “voir dire,” which means “to speak the truth”). During the jury selection process, the judge and attorneys ask the jury panel a series of questions to determine who is and is not the right person to make a decision on the case in front of them.
Once a jury is selected, the plaintiff’s attorney makes an opening statement followed by the defense attorney making their opening statement. The purpose of these statements is to give an overview of the evidence that is likely to be seen over the course of trial.
Following the opening statement, the plaintiff presents their evidence to the jury. This is usually through witness testimony and exhibits. Then, when the plaintiff has finished presenting their evidence, the defense gets the opportunity to present their own evidence. After the defense finishes its presentation of the evidence, the plaintiff can offer rebuttal evidence, or the parties can proceed to closing arguments.
Closing arguments are where the attorneys summarize the evidence and “argue” to the jury as to why the relief they are seeking is the correct way for the jury to make their decision. Once closing arguments are complete, the jury goes back to deliberate. Ultimately, the jury makes their decision unanimously, one way or another (other than the rare situation where there is a hung jury, meaning the jury cannot come to a unanimous decision).
APPEALS
When the trial is done and the jury has made its decision, the party with the unfavorable outcome sometimes has the option to appeal. In North Dakota, appeals go to the North Dakota Supreme Court. Appeals themselves are not a “do-over” of the trial. Rather, an appeal is generally requesting that the appellate court review decisions of law and decide if mistakes of
law were made. It is rare that the appellate court reviews decisions of “fact” because the jury is generally considered the fact-finder in our court system.
Practically speaking, appeals aren’t as common in the civil court realm as they are in criminal law. An appeal can be an option if you experience an unfavorable jury verdict and your attorney feels that there is a legal decision that warrants appellate review. If you appeal and “win,” usually your case will be sent back for another trial. This is the point at which you would get the “do-over” of trial in front of a new jury.
CONCLUSION
It’s easy to see that even in this broad overview of a negligence case, the legal system can be complicated, time-consuming, and frustrating at times. The advice of an experienced professional is invaluable when
it comes to navigating the twists and turns of a civil case. Should you find yourself injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, consider talking to an attorney. At a minimum, consider having an initial consultation (again these are often free) to discuss your potential options so you can make the best decision for your life going forward.
ohn Machacek, Chief Innovation Officer for the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, has worked with countless startups throughout our community over the years. He knows their ups, and their downs, but most of all, he knows the questions to ask them. Here are John Machacek’s 10 questions for Casey Steele, Co-Owner & Manager, Square One Rental Kitchen & Events.
By John Machacek
by Josiah Kopp
Photo
01
You and your business have been so helpful to many small business food entrepreneurs over the years. I really admire the work you’ve done and your impact. So, to begin, will you please share your Square One Rental Kitchen & Events elevator pitch with me?
As you know with your work, John, there is nothing quite like working with individuals who want to create their own business. Square One is a shared commercial kitchen designed specifically to provide food entrepreneurs with the space, equipment, and resources to sell their food products locally, regionally, and beyond. This allows start-ups to explore, develop, and refine their product without the extensive expenses associated with building and maintaining a commercial kitchen and reducing their risk. Square One provides an opportunity to know your business and product inside and out so that when a food business takes the next step and moves from our facility to their own space, a co-packer, or whatever is next, they are well prepared to succeed. We also offer fantastic cooking classes and team-building events.
02
How
do the space and process work for customers who may want to use the kitchen or be part of an event at Square One?
Most people who reach out to Square One have been nudged by friends and family to sell something they make that is exceptional. To sell a food product without limitations, you’ll need a food license and to be inspected. When someone reaches out, we meet to tour the facility and then sit down so I can learn more about their business aspirations and share more about how Square One works. We go through a formal process that requires them to establish several key parts of starting a business before they are able to become licensed. This helps ensure that they can hit the ground running versus working backward to fix missed steps later. I’ve been at this for 12 years now and have learned a lot about how best to prepare a business.
After that initial meeting, sometimes we determine they just aren’t at a point where they need to take this next step as some products can be made from home under The ND Cottage Foods Act and they aren’t quite expanding beyond the informed end-consumer. With additional growth they reach the point where they need more space, access to efficient
10 Questions
equipment, and are ready for the licensing process so they are no longer limited by the Cottage Food Law. Other foods simply cannot be prepared out of a home kitchen and require a food license and to be inspected regularly in order to sell.
03
This is such a great service to cultivate future small businesses by providing access to commercial equipment that may otherwise be a huge barrier for them to overcome when starting out. How do you see your role in aiding these entrepreneurs in lightening their initial loads and risks?
The goal of Square One is to help small businesses start with minimal barriers and significantly reduced risk. Starting a business is not a simple process and building out a commercial kitchen or signing a lease for an existing kitchen are expensive investments that should not be taken lightly. It’s a bummer of a statistic, but more restaurants fail than succeed. More than half will fail within their first year of business. Shared kitchens provide an opportunity to not get in over your head while still working out all the details of your business. This can range from perfecting recipes so that products are consistent, firmly understanding your pricing, and becoming proficient in your procedures so you know exactly what you’re doing and why.
As much of a planner as some people may be, you can’t work out everything until you’re actually doing the work.
Square One is here to provide some breathing room as you navigate forming your business and working out all these fine details. The spaces are rented by the hour so you’re using this space when you have orders to fill. A monthly lease in a commercial space does not care if you’re busy or not.
For 12 years, I had my own food business and for 10 of those years, I utilized Square One to sell my products. I know firsthand how this space works and that it does work because I used it to grow my business. As someone who was not interested in operating a retail location, this provided me access to the equipment and services I needed to sell my products both directly to customers and wholesale. I didn’t have to purchase a larger mixer, dough sheeter, or commercial dishwashing machine and was able to become more efficient through the shared resources at Square One.
04
How many small business clients do you typically have and who are some that the readers may be familiar with?
Usually about two dozen at any time. The timeline of how long they stay varies on the business—some don’t stay because they determine having the business or the space is not right for them, or maybe they move on to another space or other.
At no point during our existence have we technically reached capacity, in part due to the 24-7 access for the clients. However, you can get to storage capacity restraints so I have to prioritize the clients that are more serious about the business and staying active.
We usually average about two dozen businesses at any given time and within those 24 or so businesses, the range of use varies. For some, they are operating a side hustle on the side of their full-time job. Others are working full-time on their food business. With 24/7 access, they have the time and space available to them to take their business where they want it to go. We are here to support them and provide resources to take the next step. Currently, some of our clients that are bustling around the kitchen include Off the Deck Hot Sauce, Farmented Foods, Tartan Rose Bakery, Maria’s Homestyle Mexican Food, and Jimmy D’s Catering, and that’s just a few.
When someone moves on to their own space, it is often bittersweet. There is a community here. I love being a resource and someone to talk to about the beautiful and stressful parts of being a business owner… and a human. I feel honored and it makes my heart feel all fuzzy and tingly when I think about being a part of the stories of these businesses that have successfully moved into their own space and expanded their offerings. I remember when Jen’s Bakery made the move into their own space. I had watched Jen’s and Travis’ daughters grow up and was all tearful and excited when they left. Ultimately, we all knew it was time as they had grown beyond the walls of Square One. It’s amazing watching businesses develop, strengthen, and move into their own
spaces like Jen’s Bakery, Milk Made, and Big Deck Barbecue. I love being able to live vicariously through their ventures.
05
In working with many entrepreneurs over the past decade-plus, are there any common traits or practices that you may have noticed of what you’d consider the more successful or productive entrepreneurs, as well as some common things that might be preventing them from succeeding more?
There have been several business owners throughout the years that I’ve met with and right away had a sense that they were going to succeed. Part of it is the excitement surrounding what they’re looking to make. However, that shimmer itself isn’t enough to sustain a full business. It’s unlikely anyone is the full package when it comes to running a business. I see talented cooks/chefs/bakers who can make food so good you almost cry when you enjoy it, but their business side is lacking and is ultimately holding them back. As I’ve done with myself over the years, I’ve realized I have strong skills and enjoy learning but there are still things I’m just quite bad at. That’s okay! I’ve outsourced those things so I’m not holding myself back anymore. A willingness to become self-aware and selfcritical plays a big part in doing more and doing better.
One of the most frustrating things I see is people making up prices for their products. It’s bonkers, honestly. To me, this is a red flag that they aren’t ready to launch their business. It shows me that they aren’t ready to put in the work and also shows me they aren’t concerned about respecting themselves and their time. Fortunately, thanks to my husband, I have become a spreadsheet nerd and now respect and appreciate what power comes from knowing your costs and fully understanding your prices. If you are only interested in making food, you’ll need to find someone to fill in the missing parts of a whole business to make this succeed.
06
For
many years, while you were running Square One, you also had your own food business, Love In The Oven Bakery, operating out of there. Will you share a bit on how that shaped your perspectives, not
just as a Square One tenant yourself but also as an entrepreneur doing their best to balance your time between multiple businesses and your personal life?
I am so grateful for having the experience of operating my own food business, Love in the Oven Bakery. Much of the guidance I offer now is directly related to missteps I took or things I did not take seriously
when I first started. It is an honestto-goodness joy to now be able to help others miss out on some of the pain I brought upon myself while growing my baking business. I also enjoy sharing what went well, ventures that were worthwhile, and positive lessons learned. It all has made me more resilient.
Utilizing Square One to grow Love in the Oven also proved the sharedkitchen concept works. I was able to grow my business and my income. It’s one thing to operate a shared kitchen, it’s a whole other thing to operate within a shared space. I know both worlds so well now.
My son was born in 2021 and going on maternity leave gave me a taste of a life I had not known. It was important to me that I could step away from baking to provide time to navigate the first few months of motherhood without trying to make hundreds of cake pops as well. To do this, I had to prepare my business to be run by someone else. That was a challenge but incredibly fulfilling. I stepped away and I really liked stepping away. In the fall of 2022, I sold Love in the Oven to focus on Square One and provide the flexibility I could not achieve balancing both businesses. I often tell people I was good at managing both businesses but each business was holding the other one back. Now I can execute plans for Square One that I had only thought about but previously could not carve out the time for.
10 Questions
07
What are your hopes for the future of Square One?
So many ideas pop into my head when I think about my goals for Square One. First and foremost, I want to continue to be a resource and expand upon this. Our community benefits from new businesses, new food, and new ideas. I am working on formalizing the conversations and guidance I offer to transform Square One into a true incubator. For those who just want to rent the kitchen, we will still offer that. For those who would like dedicated business guidance and consulting, I look forward to providing those services soon.
A goal is to expand our ‘Success Stories’ page on our website and see clients not only move into their own space but succeed as well. They’ll be well-prepared, informed, and effective. This will increase their odds of success significantly.
Also, we’ve got plotting and planning for what is next for the facility. With new purchases, equipment, and clients, there is always talk of expanding our footprint. This new space would expand upon current services but also have the opportunity to accommodate businesses that require different resources or spatial layouts than we can in our current facility.
We recently received funds through the Business Builder regional grant and were able to purchase some
amazing equipment to continue to provide access to even more equipment resources that’ll keep clients here producing more and more efficiently.
08
Congrats again on that award. For some context for the reader, the USDA and the North Central Regional Food Business Center offered Business Builder grants for small and mid-sized farm and food businesses to expand or launch. What kind of improvements were you able to invest in due to receiving this grant?
Thank you! This has been such an exciting experience, and we are so grateful to have been chosen and awarded funds to purchase equipment specifically for increasing the productivity and efficiency of our clients at Square One.
With the funds, we were able to purchase a bottle labeler to help automate the time-consuming process of applying labels to bottles. Farmented Foods was the first to use the machine and once dialed in, it’s such an asset.
We also purchased a blast chiller to help cool foods faster and bring them to proper temperatures in a shorter period of time. Off the Deck Hot Sauce put our new immersion blender to use the other day and
it worked fantastic. It’s a beast! Other purchases included a produce food processor to slice, dice, or shred those veggies in a blink and additional cooler and dry storage as our clients increase their production and output.
09
If you could go back in time to Casey from a number of years ago, what hindsight advice would you give yourself?
Often, I tell people I cried for the first two years of Square One’s existence— only a slight exaggeration. It was a Field of Dreams situation where if you build it, they will come. Well, those who did come also needed time to build their business. It was a slow start, an expensive investment and I had no experience in what I was doing. Fortunately, I was my own built-in client with Love in the Oven. I wish I could pat my past self on the back and say, “It’ll be okay.” I felt very alone in this experience and often regretted the situation I had put myself and my husband in those first couple of years. Thank goodness I’m stubborn and don’t like losing. I held out, ran out of tears, and it paid off.
There is something incredibly powerful about the experience and the wisdom that comes with it. I honestly believe this would be a waste of breath, but I would like to tell my past self to learn more quickly that all experiences, whether good or bad, are beneficial. The things I have learned from difficult conversations and situations have led to my ability to handle them and to move on from them versus when I was in my mid-twenties when I would stew on them for an unhealthy amount of time. It was a waste of energy and lost productivity. Given that I’d be talking to my 25-year-old self, I doubt she’s going
to listen because she already has all the answers to everything… but maybe she’d hear some of what I’d have to say. 10
Lastly, what can we do as a community to help you and Square One succeed?
Support your locally made products and locally owned businesses. Even if they don’t utilize Square One to make their product. As consumers, we have a lot of power—especially during this time of year. So go to your locally owned boutiques and markets that proudly carry locally made products and gift them or treat yourself. Check out what is being made right here in the Red River Valley. I think you’ll be impressed with all that you can find. I personally enjoy shopping at the Red River Market, Unglued, First Avenue Market, Brewhalla, and Vintage Point but there are so many shops, it’s amazing!
We’d also love to see you at a cooking class or team-building event. From pasta to sushi to cupcake competitions, we love food and want to share that with our community. We’ve been offering classes for over 10 years and it’s so fun to make food together—whether you find yourself in the kitchen on a regular basis or not. Come see what we’re cooking up!
squareonekitchens.com /@SquarOneFM @foodlovefargo
Square One “Graduates”
These past Square One businesses boomed and have moved on to their own spaces!
& Dash
Big Deck BBQ
Current Square One Businesses
Windsor Waffles
“A Wonderful World of Waffles! Delicious Walking Waffles available at your local events in Fargo as well as catering for company events, weddings, and birthdays.”
Tartan Rose Bakery
“After working as a cake decorator and bakery employee for 30+ years, Marianne assumed ownership of Tartan Rose Bakery in October of 2022. She is passionate about making high-quality, delicious treats that are tailor-made for you!”
457 Cake
“Custom Cakes, Cupcakes, Cookies and Treats for any occasion. Jamie takes great care to make anything you can dream up from color to character. Flavorful and fun, choose 4.5.7.Cake for your next event.”
Preheat Pastry Shop
“Handcrafted baked goods like no other!”
Jen’s Bakery
10 Questions
Current Square One Businesses
Mountain Man Meat Co.
“Providing the best quality meat products you can get in the Fargo area. Each batch uses only the best ingredients, proven recipes, and techniques. Order online and pick up in Fargo.”
Boomboom
”The best and freshest tasting kombucha— made right here in Fargo, ND!”
Mi Familia
“Fresh salsa with fresh flavors available in local grocery stores throughout the area.”
Waggytail Life
“We make our dog treats with all-natural, human-grade ingredients. (Yes, you can eat them!) and never use fillers, byproducts, or chemical preservatives. Waggytail Life is committed to quality and your satisfaction is guaranteed!”
Buzzy Bee Coffee
“Hand-crafted nitro lattes on tap.”
Flannel Fizz
“Making craft tonic and soda using real ingredients. Discover how refreshing freshly made soda can be, discover Flannel Fizz.”
Duck Duck Goose Food Co.
“Locally owned and operated family food truck featuring an eclectic menu with smash burgers, Pad Thai fries and more.”
Off The Deck Hot Sauce
“We are Off The Deck Hot Sauce. Homemade, fermented, whole food sauces that make everything better.”
Jack Series
“We started with the simple idea of bringing the best to cocktails. From quality ingredients to bottle design, labeling efforts, and personal touches. We put our all into creating the best partner for the best cocktails.”
Maria’s Homestyle Mexican Food
“Catering Business for Small to Large Groups and Weekly Delivery Specials. Born and raised in the Heart of Northern California I wanted to bring to the FM Area some of the flavors and culture I was raised with.”
The Ben’s Hot Sauce
“Whether you want a tingle or a burn, we have the sauce for you!”
Jimmy D’s Catering
“The best local catering–family-owned, delicious eats, made-to-order menu, and Famous Jimmy D’s Mac & Jack.”
Detroit Deli
”Have truck. Will travel. Serving up fresh sandwiches, salads, and sides.”
Farmented Foods
“Sustainable and thoughtfully fermented foods available throughout the Midwest and at local markets.”
Purposeful Apothecary
“Purposeful Apothecary products are made from the highest quality sustainable herbs and ingredients. We offer you the very best herbal and holistic care experience!”
Heart-n-Soul Community Cafe
“A cafe dedicated to serving local, healthy, delicious meals to everyone in our community with dignity and respect with pay what you can afford pricing.”
Hanson’s Vanilla Co.
“Good vanilla is more than just a flavor—it’s a heartwarming elixir.”
Butter Creations by Anne Adrian
“Butter Creations by Anne makes a variety of butter products starting with the foundation of a creamy and delicious honey butter.”
Uncle Charlie’s Gourmet Snacks
“We take snacking to a whole new level with unique flavors on a classic Midwestern treat. Gourmet puppy chow in a variety of great flavors available locally and online.”
Saigon Kuisine
“New and upcoming Vietnamese caterer popping up at local events including the Red River Market.”
Jazzy’s Mobile Kitchen
“A ‘Taste of New Orleans’ serving up roast beef po’boys, muffulettas, jambalaya, banana bread, and more throughout the FM Area.”
Adibon
“Adibon is a family-owned gourmet African European fusion cuisine food truck servicing the Fargo Moorhead area.”
Holy Smokes Que and Catering
“Home smoked meats, comfort foods, and all the right sides. I do weddings, birthday parties, family reunions, funerals, and all sorts of get-togethers.”
About John
John Machacek has been helping local startups with the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation for over a decade. Before joining the GFMEDC team, Machacek’s career path has varied in areas such as banking, accounting, and management in the non-profit, food and retail sectors.
