Sioux Falls Business Magazine May-June 2012

may/june 2012

DRIVEN FOR SUCCESS: Dave Austad Sets Business Above Par

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LARry Ritz: Meet The Legend Responsible for Joe Foss Statue, Airshow

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Publisher Jeff Veire jeff@siouxfallsbusinessmagazine.com

Editor Greta Stewart greta.stewart@sio.midco.net

Director of Sales Tammy Beintema tammy@siouxfallsbusinessmagazine.com

CREATIVE Director Shalaine Rostomily shalaine@300dpidesigns.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

How to Reach Us To modify your free subscription OR TO REQUEST MULTIPLE COPIES tammy@siouxfallsbusinessmagazine.com

With story ideas jeff@siouxfallsbusinessmagazine.com

To advertise Contact Tammy Beintema 605-553-1900 tammy@siouxfallsbusinessmagazine.com

All article photography by Imagery Photography except where noted 605-336-9378 www.imagery-photo.com

JJ Publishing, Inc. Sioux Falls Business Magazine 1608 W. 2nd Street Sioux Falls, SD 57104 605-553-1900 www.siouxfallsbusinessmagazine.com Š2012 Sioux Falls Business Magazine. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Sioux Falls Business Magazine does not necessarily endorse or agree with content of articles or advertising presented.

On Our Cover: A Hole in One . . . . . . . .

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Austad’s Golf has spent decades priding itself on customer service. We talk with owner Dave Austad about how the game and his business have changed throughout the last forty years.

Thinking about going back to school to get your MBA? It’s really not as terrifying as you might think.

Business Within a Business. . . . . . .14 There are quite a few businesses in Sioux Falls that offer a business within a business. We go inside Raven Industries to see how much they have to offer and how they’re contributing to South Dakota’s economy and reputation.

Biggest Losers . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 More and more businesses are investing in their employees’ health. Read about two different programs and how they are benefiting workers and owners alike.

Our Legacy Feature. . . . . . .22 In his 92 years, he’s taken on the roles of being a hero, financial innovator and a fundraiser. Read more about Sioux Falls legend Larry Ritz and discover why he’s so special to Sioux Falls’ past, present and future.

Interviewing Skills. . . . . . .

Meeting Places and Spaces . . . .32 Need a good location for your next luncheon, meeting or conference?

We found some unique options.

Plus, are you asking the right questions when booking your next space?

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What are executives looking for in a candidate? We talk with a local HR rep to find out exactly what the head honchos want. Plus, you may have gotten a degree in one field but did you know your skills may transfer to another?

Living the American Dream . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Immigrants from Bosnia take a risk and flee their home country, and later start a business in Sioux Falls. Read about their humble beginnings and how they’ve found success.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

May is tourism month! And Sioux Falls will be hopping with several events this summer. We break down the numbers and what they mean to our local economy.

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Back to School . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

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Touting Tourism in Sioux Falls. . 12

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a hole in one

We did a lot of licking of envelopes,” he says laughing. “Mom got tired of all the foot traffic not too long after we were up and running.”

It didn’t take long for Austad’s catalog business to really take off. It was because of Oscar’s ability to provide inexpensive, quality equipment. In 1965, Austad’s opened their first location, outside the family basement, on East 8th Street, where 8th and Railroad Center currently sits. By 1969 Austad’s had to expand. They moved from East 8th Street to 10th Street and Sycamore Avenue. “We went from 40,000 square feet to 135,000 square feet,” Austad says. “By that time we had 600 employees and taking between 1,000 and 2,000 calls a day. You could literally call and place an order and it would ship the same day.” 

FEATURE

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The year was 1963. Oscar Austad was an insurance claims adjuster and had no idea what he was about to embark on. “Mom’s brothers had a golf club manufacturing company in Chicago called Ram Golf,” explains Dave Austad, son of Oscar and the current president and CEO of Austad’s Golf in Sioux Falls. “Dad had absolutely no intention of making this his full time business. He just wanted to make a little extra cash by selling some of the family products.” Austad says his dad would always have golf equipment in the trunk of his car and would make conversation when he was working on insurance claims. But as the game of golf increased in popularity, thanks in part to Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer and the game being broadcast in color on television sets across the nation, Oscar started thinking a little bit differently. “Dad had the true entrepreneurial spirit,” he says. “He had great vision and great determination.” Soon, like many entrepreneurs around the country, Oscar started selling equipment in his basement.

Austad recalls, “I remember being a little kid and watching all these people pass through our living room with dad, on the way to the basement to check out the equipment. I have five brothers and sisters and we literally went through the phone book and sent catalogs to doctors, lawyers, anybody who we thought played golf.

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By Greta Stewart

Austad’s Anything But Par For The Course

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FEATURE

A Born Leader In the early 1980s, young Dave was a student at Augustana College, majoring in Business Administration. But he was working as a marketer for his dad’s business in the afternoon and on weekends. “We all worked hard in the shop,” he says. “We didn’t know any different. We loved the game of golf and we loved being part of the business. I certainly didn’t see it as work.” He became president of the company in 1987 at just 27 years old. “When I think back,” he says from the conference room at Austad’s on 10th Street, “what an incredible opportunity for a young kid. I was really lucky to be able to take on that kind of leadership role.”

During the early 1990s, Austad’s was right on par. They were producing 26 million catalogs a year in languages such as Japanese, Italian, and Swedish and taking thousands of orders a day. They had a full creative team and

were producing one catalog per month. Trish McCann, former marketing director for Austad’s, reflects on her 14 years there. “I started at Austad’s in 1979—right out of college,” she says. “You could say I grew up with the company. I initially worked in customer service with a roomful of other folks and today in my head I still have echoes of the phrase ‘bend over backwards for the customer.’

We truly did whatever it would take to make a customer happy. Back then, ‘expediting an order’ literally meant walking the order through processing and out to the warehouse to pick it yourself and express delivery sometimes meant taking it to the bus depot.

Austad’s customer service was legendary and you did not want to disappoint a customer.” McCann, who is now the vice president of marketing at Midcontinent

Changing Strategies For the last decade, Austad and his employees have worked hard at reorganizing and figuring things out, even as the 

Challenges Ahead

Da v

That atmosphere of family was what made it tough in 1995 and 1996, when there got to be more competition in the industry. Austad says Callaway came out with a huge club, called Big Bertha. “They refused to offer it to us,” says Austad. “We had so many great products to offer but it was tough to keep up with what customers demanded at the time.” It was during this time Dave decided to buy out other family members in the business and take over the company. “It was a good decision at the time and I was happy to take over the family business,” Austad says. As the competition increased, Austad says the business started to struggle financially. In an effort to retain the business, Austad partnered with Hanover Direct, another catalog company.

“The intent was to keep the business exactly the same,” recalls Austad. “We really thought it was the smartest business decision and even though we had to eliminate stores, we were still able to keep all of our employees.” Three months later Hanover Direct sold their portion and decided to move their operations to Pennsylvania and move the call center to San Diego.

In the middle of all this turmoil, the Austad family was hit with the death of Oscar. “It was

e

Au

Philosoph s ’ y ad t s

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Bigger is not always better. “I’m not going to be the biggest but I’m going to be the best.”

2

Train my staff to give customers a ‘wow experience’. “You won’t get that from big box stores or from the Internet.”

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Make employees feel they have the best job in the world.

Have fun

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FEATURE

Sue Kadinger, controller at Austad’s says, “Dave is not a micromanager. He has complete confidence in his staff.

We problem solve among ourselves and take responsibility for our own areas of authority. Dave has created a friendly and relaxed atmosphere with a family type environment.”

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Communications, says hard work and honesty was rewarded and the company provided many employees with tremendous opportunities. McCann also mentions that even as the company grew exponentially with the catalog business, everyone was still referred to on a first name basis, including Oscar. “We never called him Mr. Austad,” she says. Austad says treating employees like family was always his dad’s number one priority and has kept that same philosophy.

As if the passing of Oscar wasn’t hard enough, Austad had to make the tough decision of what would happen to the business when Hanover Direct moved all operations. As a result, Austad’s had to let a good portion of their employees go. “Because we thought of them as family, it made it even harder to deliver that news. But we had fantastic people.

Many of them actually came up to me and told me it would be ok; the business would be ok. How amazing is that, to have an employee tell you that?” Austad took four retail stores (Sioux Falls, Chicago, and two Minneapolis locations) and kept them running while Hanover Direct had the catalog portion from 1996 through 2000. As the age of the Internet took over, Hanover Direct took a financial hit and was forced to sell the catalog to an Internet company.

That company had the catalog one year before it went bankrupt. “I had such a love for our catalog, I knew I had to buy it back,” he says. So in 2001, he did just that and started over.

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Dave has managed to keep that familyfriendly atmosphere for employees as well as the company’s emphasis on customer service. I’m sure Oscar is more than proud.”

really ironic,” says Austad. “The day he passed was also the day the last shipment left the warehouse.”

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FEATURE

economy rises and falls. “It’s estimated that four million golfers have quit the game in the last five years, down now to 26 million” he says. “The reasons people quit are this: 1. It takes too long. 2. It’s too hard. 3. It’s too expensive.

We are working every day to change that attitude. We are constantly looking at ways on how to speed up play, cut the cost and make the game more fun.” Austad says he relies on his employees to make the customer experience a great one.

“I have the best employees in the world,” he emphasizes.

Austad says he also tries to keep up with technology. From simulators that test your speed, your range and your swing to creating custom-fit clubs, it’s no wonder Austad’s has customers who drive 150 miles for excellent customer service, something in which Austad is especially proud.

He says, “I feel that we’ve had some incredible employees throughout the years. They love the work, they love the company and we try to have a lot of fun together. We are all comfortable doing different things and nobody has the attitude of, ‘that’s not my job.’”

Kadinger, who has worked at Austad’s for 18 years, says, “The teamwork and camaraderie between employees is what makes our business unique.

The corporate staff, that supports our nine retail locations, average 20 years of employment each with Austad’s. We know each other well and everyone knows what is expected of them. We work hard and share lots of laughs every day.”

While it isn’t always easy being the boss, Dave has done everything right, according to McCann. “Being a family business with a close-knit group of employees can make it especially difficult to make tough decisions in order to keep your company relevant with the changing marketplace.

Dave has managed to keep that family-friendly atmosphere for employees as well as the company’s emphasis on customer service. I’m sure Oscar is more than proud.”

Fun Facts About Austad’s (From Former Employee Trish McCann) • Oscar Austad didn’t provide free coffee to employees but he did provide free milk.

• An incentive to learn the game of golf? Dave has been known to invite employees to do some “product testing” on Fridays at Willow Run Golf Course.

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COMMUNITY

Summer in the City How Events Drive Economic Development in Sioux Falls

By Chrissy Spoo There’s an old saying in the visitor industry that tourism is one of the cleanest forms of economic development: if you build it, the people will come, and when they leave, they’ll leave behind nothing but sales tax revenues that fund future development.

For Sioux Falls, summer tourism means events. From softball and soccer to jazz and Harleys, the summer events calendar is packed with options that draw visitors and drive summer tourism.

A Big Economic Impact According to Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Teri Schmidt, summer events impact the Sioux Falls economy in a big way. The CVB says this summer’s event lineup includes softball tournaments that will draw approximately 16,000 visitors and drive $9.5 million in economic impact, baseball tournaments that will draw 7,000 people and generate $2.1 million, and soccer, swimming and volleyball tournaments that will bring 7,100 people and $1.8 million. In addition, longstanding annual events, such as Hot Summer Nites, Hot Harley Nights and JazzFest will entertain more than 100,000 attendees combined.

“Bottom line,” Schmidt says, ”Millions of dollars will be spent by visitors in Sioux Falls this summer who are attending events.” Events like the ones mentioned above are economic drivers because they typically draw families and groups, Schmidt says. These families and groups often plan a longer stay to enjoy their experience together, which she says creates increased tourism and visitor business for the community. “People travel more in the summer months,” she says. “They sleep in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, shop in our stores, enjoy our activities, events and attractions, buy gas, rent cars, and the list goes on and on.”

An “Event Location” Sioux Falls, in particular, is known to be an exciting “event location,” especially in the summer, with visitors from

around the world planning trips to participate in events.

“Our economy is positively impacted by all the hard-earned money these guests spend while they visit Sioux Falls,” she says.

Schmidt says that the event market draws more people to Sioux Falls than any other visitor market, which provides stronger economic returns. Those longer stays translate into what the industry calls “heads in beds,” which is what drives hotel revenues and economic development. Sara Bogdanov, general manager of the Quality Inn & Suites in Sioux Falls, says all events—big and small—are important to the hotels.

“It’s great to see so many travelers—both new and repeat—in the area,” she says. “We enjoy seeing familiar faces returning to us.”

But according to Bogdanov, it’s not just events that take place inside the city limits that drive revenues for the tourism industry. Sioux Falls benefits from events that take place throughout the state, including the Sturgis Bike Rally in August, and hunting season during the fall. With its convenient location near the interchange of I-29 and I-90, she sees Sioux Falls as the ideal stopping point for travelers who are changing direction and also for those who are heading

JazzFest organizers say they have partnered with other events, such as Hot Harley Nights and Hot Summer Nites to help bring visitors to the city by marketing their events together. Those partnerships pay off for the city, with JazzFest alone generating an estimated economic impact of $3-5 million each year, according to Maner. “JazzFest draws both local and national attention, as well as everything in between,” Maner says.

“Our surveys show that almost 20 percent of attendees are traveling from outside the metro—100 miles or more—and there is a surge of hotel bookings, mall traffic and restaurant patronage over the three days of the festival.”

Maner cites a recent economic survey, which named JazzFest one of the top three revenue generators in the summer, and with an average festival attendance at 85,000 people, the festival population rivals that of some of South Dakota’s mid-sized cities. “We get a lot of positive feedback about how impressive our community is,” Maner says. “But ultimately who benefits the most is Sioux Falls as a whole—not just because of the tax dollars and economic boost we provide, but for the cultural value and quality of life.”

Extra Support Pulling off large-scale summer events, like JazzFest, also requires a fleet of support from the City of Sioux Falls, including assistance from the police department, the health department, the parks department, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, and the mayor’s office. In addition, Maner says JazzFest relies on nearly 900 unpaid volunteers who work tirelessly to make the event a success every summer. Schmidt says that the thousands of hours of planning and hundreds of people involved in making summer events happen are well worth it, paying off in dividends for the citizens of Sioux Falls. “Simply stated: it’s all about quality of life and economic development,” she says.

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Brienne Maner of the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society, which organizes the annual JazzFest music festival every July, says that their surveys show that nearly 20 percent of their event attendees from out of the state are also patronizing the Great Plains Zoo, Falls Park, the Washington Pavilion, Wild Water West and many other local attractions.

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Schmidt says the visitor industry works together to proactively lure Last year visitors created attendees to other attractions within an economic impact of Sioux Falls by doing a lot of “cross approximately $268 million. promotions” between other events and attractions. “Sioux Falls’ hotels, attractions, events and the CVB all work hard to make sure we are all aware of everything going on throughout the community so we can encourage our guests to attend other happenings while they are here,” she says.

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to the Twin Cities, the Black Hills, or Omaha. It’s not just the hotels that benefit from event traffic, though. The obvious winners—hotels and restaurants—are easy to identify, but according to event organizers, the economic benefits of the events they draw stretch into other business categories, including gas stations, retailers, attractions, hospitals, and even car dealerships.

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Quality Results and Continuous Change:

The Raven Industries Story

By Chrissy Spoo

It may seem like a huge leap from the joy and wonder of seeing your favorite cartoon character float majestically down 6th Avenue in New York City during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to reconnaissance systems monitoring insurgents in the skies over Afghanistan, but it’s all in a day’s work for Raven Industries.

In fact, such diversity has been the key to the company’s success during its nearly 60-year history.

Raven is a publicly-traded company that was established in 1956 as a manufacturer of high-altitude research balloons for government and scientific research institutions. Over the years, Raven’s expertise expanded and changed to cover a wide range of industries and an ever-changing product line, including past products, such as fiberglass tanks, hot air balloons, sportswear, insulated snowmobile clothing, pickup-truck toppers, and much more.

Serving A Wide Range Of Industries Today, the company’s products are focused on four main divisions that serve a wide range of industries: Applied Technology, Engineered Films, Electronic Systems and Aerostar. According to Raven communications manager Kristin Tilus, the Applied Technology division is the company’s largest division and manufactures a “ton of products” that serve applications in the agriculture industry.

These products include field computers that literally guide a farmer through the field as he’s planting, spraying and harvesting. “It’s basically like the brain behind precision agriculture,” Tilus says.

Engineered Films Division High-quality flexible films for applications in energy, construction, agriculture, water and environmental safety.

• Oil and gas pit liners

• String-reinforced sheets

• Pond liners

• Multi-layer films

• Silage covers

• String-reinforced closures

• Vapor and gas barriers

Tilus says this is a division of the business that has seen growth since its introduction in 1978. “The popularity of precision agricultural products in general has been blossoming immensely,” she says. In addition, sales for the Applied Technology Division have helped Raven expand overseas, with international sales reaching 25 percent of the division’s revenue in the 2012 fiscal year, which ended on January 31, 2012, according to a company press release.

The company’s second largest division is its Engineered Films Division, which manufactures high-quality plastic sheeting for industrial, construction, energy and agricultural uses.

According to Tilus, one area of growth for this division is in the

Making Events Memorable TECHNOLOGY

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geomembrane segment, with new multi-layer barrier products used to line and cover many environmental applications, such as barriers for use in Brownfield site renewal. In November, the company announced the installation of the world’s largest seven-layer barrier sheet production line, which is capable of producing films up to 32 feet in circumference and 80 mil thick—the widest and thickest barrier structures available in the industry today.

As a total solution provider for contract manufacturing services, Tilus says the Electronic Systems Division’s strength is “low volume products for high-mix industrial environments.”

One of the company’s best customers for this division’s contract manufacturing services is itself, manufacturing electronic controls for the other Raven divisions, including Applied Technology and Aerostar. 

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The Aerostar Division is the company segment that most harkens back to Raven’s roots, with products ranging from high-altitude scientific research balloons and the balloons flown in the Macy’s Parade to military parachutes and protective wear. Many of the customers the Aerostar Division serves include divisions of the U.S. Government for surveillance, communications and intelligence.

“Our Tethered Aerostats can be used for border control,” Tilus says. “They 

Electronic Systems Division Contract electronic manufacturing services, primarily for low-volume/highmix industrial products • Integrated circuits • Defense electronics • Secure communications • Box build assembly • Fuel actuators • Value engineering • Motorized bed controls • Test and quality control

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Aerostar Division Solutions for scientific and military operations, research, surveillance and

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communications using specialized fabrics and films • Tethered aerostats

• Secure communications

• Military parachutes

• Protective wear

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© 2011 Principal Financial Services, Inc. “The Principal,” “Principal Financial Group,” the Edge design, and the illustrated character are registered service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc. Insurance products from the Principal Financial Group® are issued by Principal National Life Insurance Company (except in New York) and Principal Life Insurance Company. Securities and advisory products offered through Princor Financial Services Corporation, 800/247-1737, member SIPC. Principal National, Principal Life and Princor® are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. Jim Clark, Principal National and Principal Life Financial Representative, Princor Registered Representative, Financial Advisor. t11092203gm

TECHNOLOGY

Jim Clark, LLIF Regional Managing Director

Applied Technology Division Precision agriculture products and information management tools to reduce costs and improve farm yields.

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fly high over an area and have radar equipment anchored to the bottom of the aerostat as a payload to monitor people entering the border. This is also how the military is using them to catch insurgents planting roadside bombs.”

With so much diversity in product lines and industry focus, balancing resources and a continued growth strategy would challenge most companies.

However, Tilus attributes the company’s success to its leadership. “We have a lot of long-term employees and we learn from each other,” she says. “Each division is like it’s own business segment, but there is a one culture of Raven overall, and we call this a culture of ‘One Raven,’” Tilus says.

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A Unique Culture The “One Raven” culture is focused on what Raven calls its four divisions of competition: service, innovation, peak performance and quality. It’s also a culture with roots in the rural atmosphere of Sioux Falls. And those roots continue to deepen with Raven’s expansion in the area, adding an 81,000 square foot manufacturing facility and nearly 200 more employees in the last year.

President and CEO Dan Rykhus says moving forward, Raven will continue its focus on investing in innovative technology. “Just as we are benefiting today from the investments made in past years, we’re committed to reinvesting capital to sustain our growth and profitability over the longterm,” Rykhus says. “The Raven story is one of quality results and continuous change. We do many things well, but we can always do better.” Which is why customers, like Macy’s, continue to depend on Raven for their products and services year after year. Think about that in November as you’re watching those cartoon characters on their annual trek through Central Park and know it all started here in Sioux Falls.

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HEALTH / WELLNESS

exercise at work Businesses Incorporate group workout experience

By Ashley Sandborn In today’s fast-paced world, our daily lives are often divided between friends, family, and work. Free time has essentially become a commodity. Exercise and living a healthy lifestyle are frequently avoided because people view it as being monotonous, boring or time-consuming. Furthermore, they don’t want to devote what little free time they have to an activity they simply do not enjoy.

Benefits of Group Exercise: • Greater likelihood to stay on track • Encourages exercisers to involve family members, friends, and even pets • More likely to complete a well-rounded exercise routine and get a potentially tougher workout • Provides a social experience • Form new friendships or create a stronger bond with people you already know • Built-in motivation: When you feel the urge to quit, your exercise partners offer motivation to help you continue • Creates an atmosphere of accountability • Advice: Gives you access to a variety of experience levels Sources: Journal of American Academy of Physicians Assistants & Livestrong.com

When we do manage to find the time to squeeze in a workout, it’s quite easy to make excuses for not finishing or to cut it short when it becomes too difficult. The reason?

When you exercise solo, you have no one to lean on for support or hold you accountable.

Several businesses in town now cater specifically to the group workout experience which has shown to be more physically and emotionally advantageous.

A few Sioux Falls businesses are now offering these types of programs to their employees. The programs feature support systems that help keep their employees motivated, engaged, and positive in the process of living a healthier lifestyle and getting fit.

Staying Mentally and Physically Fit Wells Fargo created an education-based program called GetFit! in 2010 that focuses on teaching its employees how to stay fit—both mentally and physically, as well as live a healthier lifestyle. The program began in the former Wells Fargo Financial Cards division but has since been expanded to all lines of business in Sioux Falls. Get Fit! sends monthly e-mails to its members that provide tips on how to stay healthy while also providing opportunities and knowledge about health and fitness events in Sioux Falls, such as outdoor activities, health classes or volunteer opportunities.

“The most recent e-mail sent discussed how to soothe your eyes from too much work on the computer,” says Staci Schiller, communications consultant at Wells Fargo. “Last month’s e-mail was about simple, at-home exercises that don’t require equipment. We try to relate the monthly e-mails to our team members.”

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Also, there is someone to put you back on track when you fall to the wayside. In addition, you can be a support system to others, which is incredibly beneficial; it is a great feeling when you can help someone else achieve their goals. It is almost a better feeling than achieving your own.”

On-Site Health Assessments At Citi, an on-site fitness center is available at minimal cost to all employees before, during or after their workday. Free regular blood pressure and body fat screenings are available on a regular basis. On-site heart screenings, mammograms,

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exercise and eating habits,” says Daniel Lunder, human resources generalist at Citi. “In January, when our employees were focused on goals and resolutions for the new year, we ran a program called ReNEW YOU—A 28-Day Transformation. The program was designed for participants who were ready to commit to improving their overall health and fitness. Each participant was assigned a coach who assisted them with their exercise routine and nutrition tracking.”

Another very important part of Citi’s on-site fitness center is their group exercise program. Classes are held over the noon hour Monday through Friday, as well as beginnerlevel evening group exercise sessions at various times throughout the year. Employees certainly enjoy this social aspect of exercise, as about a third of employees who visit the Fitness Center attend a class.

free seminars with a registered dietician, as well as free cholesterol/bio-metric screenings are also offered at different times throughout the year. These services are available to both members and non-members. Members of the fitness center are also able to participate in a variety of programs throughout the year. “The holidays can be a busy and challenging time for employees to maintain healthy

Working out in a group can provide benefits beyond those you may get from an individual workout. A group workout can provide a social experience that makes exercise much more interesting and fun. Wells Fargo, Citi, and various other corporations have proven that getting fit at work can also offer you an opportunity to get to know and network with people with whom you work, as well as receive an education on how to become a happier and healthier you.

HEALTH/ WELLNESS

“By having a support system, it has allowed me to stay engaged and positive in the process of living a healthier lifestyle.

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Laci notes that when exercising with a group of people, it’s common to feel a greater sense of accountability because everyone is working toward a common goal. In addition, the other people you exercise with provide a source of builtin motivation. “A support system always helps you to stay motivated whether it is a one person support system or a group,” says Laci.

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Laci Dahl-Flittie, a project manager for Wells Fargo Corporate Finance, initially became involved with Get Fit! because she wanted to set a strong example for her young daughter as well as meet new people and gain leadership opportunities at work. Over the past few years, the program has allowed her to do just that, as well as improve her physical fitness and overall state-of-mind. “I’m a happier and healthier person because of Get Fit!,” says Laci.

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You must have a reputation for honesty and be sincere in all you do and say.

Larry

LaRRY Ritz: Fighter, Fundraiser, Financial Leader

Larry came from humble beginnings. He was born on March 29, 1920 on a farm near Madison, S.D. When he was eight years old, the stock market crashed and the Great Depression followed shortly thereafter. Moreover, his father, like most farmers in Lake County, experienced a devastating drought during that time. For several years, the Ritz family was in severe financial distress, which was only exacerbated by the Dust Bowl. However, in spite of these arduous circumstances, Larry treasures the memories from his childhood and speaks of them often and fondly to his family. “Growing up on the farm brought a lot of experiences,” says Larry. “I like to refer back to them and share those memories with my family because they are all experiences they never had.”

Ritz Other favorite memories include serving in the Pacific during World War II, and being recognized as an accomplished fundraiser in the Sioux Empire community.

Over the past five decades, Larry has contributed his time and talents to countless non-profits and organizations. Yet, he has deemed his fundraising efforts towards the Joe Foss Statue as well as for the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum amongst his most notable achievements.

“My first experience with fundraising was when I took charge, by request, of the Joe Foss Statue,” says Ritz.

“The project was kind of broken. Other people had started it, but after getting two years into it, they had only raised 20 thousand dollars. After I agreed to come on board as co-chair, I was asked to raise a total of 100 thousand dollars.

My strategy was to require each of the twenty members of the board to contribute at least one thousand dollars to the effort. (I also asked) members of the board to actively solicit other donations. In six months, we raised 250 thousand dollars.” Despite the Joe Foss project encountering several rough spots on the years-long road to completion, the well-known bronze statue now stands in the center of the atrium of the Sioux Falls Airport. Furthermore, the Joe Foss Scholarship Fund that was created, as part of this effort, now provides six, one thousand dollar scholarships each year to South Dakota high school seniors.

You just can’t say no to him when he asks for your help. You instinctively say, yes!

In 1996, a major fundraising challenge was proposed by Mayor Gary Hanson to raise two million dollars for the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum. Hanson said the city would match the two million dollars, but only under one condition: the goal had to be met within five years. The 

LEGACY

Early Years, Fond Experiences

A Dedicated Fundraiser

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Sitting on a couch in his living room, Larry Ritz looks dignified in a black suit with an Honor Flight pin on his left lapel. He’s a humble man full of wit, wisdom, and has an uncanny memory. At 92 years old, he can easily recall nearly all the years of his life. Memories like growing up on a farm during the Depression, to his travels around the world with his late wife Beryl, to all the colorful moments in between. Larry can vividly and vibrantly recount each memory as if they occurred only yesterday.

“My experience in the service, going overseas, and islandhopping all the way from Australia to Okinawa, with the Fifth Fighter Command, is also one of my most cherished memories.” During his time in the service, he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant, and also received the Distinguished Service Medal.

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By Ashley Sandborn

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Achieve, Augustana College, Volunteers of America, Washington Pavilion, and The Banquet. He also was the chairman of the advisory board that raised 650 thousand dollars for a new Veterans Memorial Park in Sioux Falls.

“There is an old adage here in Sioux Falls that says: If you want any worthy project to succeed, be sure to get Larry Ritz involved!” says Sylvia Henkin, a legendary South Dakota businesswoman.

“For over 50 years, the name Larry Ritz has been tantamount to the insurance of success of the fund drive. This, of course is the basis of any project, which has appeared and enhanced our community. I became aware of this when he asked me to help in the planning of the celebration after he and his committee raised funds for the statue of Joe Foss.

When you sit across the desk with Larry on the other side, you just can’t say no to him when he asks for your help.

You instinctively say, yes! It would be absolutely impossible to single out the many projects and events in which Larry has been in the backbone of enhancing our wonderful community.”

Larry was also instrumental in starting the Sioux Falls Airshow, a triennial event that includes headlining acts such as the Thunderbirds, Blue Angels or F-22 Raptor team, as well as other aerial performers, displays and opportunities for flight instruction. Over the last 30 years, Larry has served as co-chairman as well as producer of the air show.

“For the past six years, I have had the pleasure of working with the most experienced volunteer leader in Sioux Falls,” says Craig Hagan, co-chairman at SD Airshow, Inc. zoo board of directors was reluctant to hire a professional fundraiser, so they queried whether Larry was willing to accept the task at hand. He happily obliged and within four years, the money was raised.

“Larry doesn’t just take a position on any board, he is an active, influential person. He knows every player in Sioux Falls and has been involved in many volunteer boards.

“People sometimes ask me if I have any fundraising secrets,” says Larry. “I tell them that in order to be successful you must have a reputation for honesty, be sincere in all you do and say, and live your life so that others have respect for you and your judgment. You must also know and believe in the mission of the organization you want to help, and understand why it needs funds. It’s also helpful to know as much as possible about the people you will approach for donations.”

Larry brings so much knowledge on how to run an organization, raise money and specifically, make a big difference.

He has been a great mentor, champion and friend.”

A “Backbone of Sioux Falls Enhancements” Larry also has been heavily involved in fundraising efforts for various other organizations in the Sioux Empire region, such as: United Way, Junior Achievement, South Dakota

His career as a certified public accountant at Henry Scholten & Company spanned nearly 50 years. “In 1976, I interviewed with Larry for a job with his accounting firm,” says Tom Ralph, CPA and partner at Eide Bailley. “Most people will tell you he is a workaholic. This is true. Larry’s office was always piled high with client files, but what I admired about Larry was his ability to stay calm under pressure.” Despite retiring in 1982, Larry still comes into his office every so often, if nothing else but to say hi and prove that he’s still hard at work. 

Accomplishments & Affiliations

• Distinguished Sales Award, Sales & Marketing Executives of Sioux Falls (1984) • Public Service Award, South Dakota CPA Society/AICPA (1988-89) • South Dakota Volunteer Fundraiser Award, National Society for Fundraising Excellence (1995) • Business Citizen of the Year, Sales & Marketing Executives of Sioux Falls (1996) • Grand Marshal, Sioux Falls St. Patrick’s Day Parade (2004) • Philanthropist of the Year Award, South Dakota Governor’s Office (2004)

LEGACY

Honors and Awards

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• Member of Rotary, Elks, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus, Minnehaha Country Club & Sioux Empire Fitness Club.

• Member and past president of the South Dakota CPA Society & CPA Central State Conference • Past president of the Sioux Falls Estate Planning Council • 1985-86 president of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce; president of the Chamber of Commerce’s Foundation since its inception • Served on the Board of Directors for the Air Force Association, the South Dakota Hall of Fame, Starbase of South Dakota Inc., Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History, Greater Sioux Falls Area Junior Achievement, the South Dakota Centennial Commission, the South Dakota Centennial Folk Festival Corporation, Mary Chilton Chapter DAR Foundation, Nordland Fest Association, Sioux Vocational Services Foundation, Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, Sons of Norway and South Dakota Airshow Inc.

• Founding member of Christ the King Parish, lector, usher and greeter and former council member • Past president of the O’Gorman High School Board • Former chair of the Prince of Peace Retirement Community advisory board • Served as chair of the Minnehaha County Republication Central Committee

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Community Involvement

“I’ve always believed that each person should give back to those who gave,” says Larry. “This community has been good to me, and if I was able to ever give anything back to it, I did.”

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In the late 1970s, Larry received a letter from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants inviting him to join the People to People Citizen Ambassador program, which is a twelve-member delegation of professors and business experts.

Larry accepted their offer, and he was sent to Russia, Belarus and Estonia with the group to share their knowhow in the areas of finance, education, and trade with business leaders.

Over the years, Larry also traveled with the organization to Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, as well as to Costa Rica and Panama.

“My experience with People to People was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” says Larry.

Larry Ritz is living proof that life isn’t about how long we live, but how we live it. “My life has been an incredible journey,” says Larry. Over his lifetime, Larry has devoted thousands of hours, as both a fundraiser and volunteer, to countless organizations in Sioux Falls. He has been a major force in

For the past six years, I have had the pleasure of working with the most experienced volunteer leader in Sioux Falls.

transforming not only several businesses, but also an entire community.

Furthermore, Larry has demonstrated immense passion and enthusiasm in his community service duties, and shown that every person is capable of making a difference, whether it is with your time, talents or energy. No person or project is too small. “I’ve always believed that each person should give back to those who gave,” says Larry. “This community has been good to me, and if I was able to ever give anything back to it, I did.”

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LEGACY

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Listening: You can’t learn anything when you’re talking Attitude: Always be positive Respect others Respond to issues. Don’t avoid Yesterday: Never look back Sincere in all you say and do

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LARRY’S ADVICE

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SALES/MARKETING

Trading Places

By Randy Grimsley

From Hotels To Health Care, Transferring Skills Proves Worthwhile

As they say, in this economy, you’re lucky to just have a job. Fewer people may be changing jobs these days, but Sioux Falls resident Tom Bosch did that one better: he not only changed jobs, he changed industries.

Bosch represents one of a growing number of people who are finding they can take the skill set they’ve spent years developing in one industry and apply it in entirely new ways elsewhere. For Bosch, that meant leaving his job of 24 years in the world of hotels to become the Vice President of Hospitality at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center. Bosch received a ‘call out of the blue’ about this opportunity, applied, and landed the position just a few months ago. While he enjoyed his work at the Sioux Falls Holiday Inn, he felt drawn to embark on a new path with Avera McKennan. “Something that really drew me is that it’s a faith-based organization,” Bosch said. “That is extremely exciting to me. It’s an environment of care and service that is extremely rewarding.”

While he may still be getting the lay of the land in his new position, Bosch feels that his decades of longevity in the hotel industry have allowed him to hit the ground running.

“There are a lot of similarities between here and the hotel industry. The main one is taking care of people,” Bosch said. “Things like making sure people are treated well, keeping it friendly, that they are being taken care of with a smile and know that we are there for them.”

Bosch’s previous hotel experience comes into play every day, as he oversees the maintenance, security, valet, housekeeping, nutrition services and more for patients of Avera McKennan. And while the guests are likely in a different mindset at a hospital than at a hotel, Bosch finds his past in the service industry continues to be a resource he calls upon. “A service focus is notably that, above everything we do, we take care of people,” Bosch said of his new role.

“There’s not a lot of things I hadn’t experienced in 24 years (of the hotel industry).”

Bosch, who advocates to give back to the community through volunteering, also brings along the strong people skills he built in his previous positions. “Always know that whatever role you’re in, you’ll be working with people.

You need to be able to do that, to become involved in the community, to become engaged,” Bosch said.

Think Beyond Initial Desires While his skill sets seem a great fit for his new position, Bosch tells people to think beyond their initial job desires and realize that their skills can be applied in numerous places. “For example, you may think ‘I want to be an accountant’ and not think of doing that as part of the hospital, hotel or any other industry. They all need accountants.” And while Bosch calls upon skill sets honed in a different industry, he knows he’s always growing new abilities as well. “(This position has) opened up a whole new world where skill sets are developing for many different roles and different opportunities,” he said.

• Practice: “Practice your interview before you go in because it will give you confidence and put you at ease,” Cota says. “Very few do that.”

• Brag: “Push contributions in answers: not just what you did, but how you did it and why it mattered.

Be specific, too. Use numbers and quantify where possible. You increased sales by 20% or the idea you had led to this percentage increase in productivity,” Cota said.

• Impress Them All: “Impress everybody you come into contact with at the company,” Cota says. “If you are going to park your car in the parking lot, the company can watch and see you and are already interviewing you as you enter the building.”

•M istakes Made: Cota’s most common interviewee mistakes include arriving late, sitting or positioning self improperly, poor eye contact, not researching the company prior, not asking questions during the interview, and not displaying the right attitude.

“They don’t portray who they really are,” Cota said.

•A fter The Interview: “The best thing is still a handwritten thank you note. It just shows you are taking the extra effort. Follow up one time per week with either a call or e-mail to check on the status,” Cota said.

Whether it’s a luncheon for 16 or rehearsal dinner for 80, we can help.

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• Before The Interview: “Have your resume crafted properly. That’s your most important document and the correct format can make all the difference in the world. Make sure to have a Summary Statement and Key Strengths at the top,” according to Cota.

“Appearance matters. Dress appropriately. A job on an assembly line may not mean a suit and tie, but not dirty jeans either.”

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David Cota, owner of Spherion Staffing

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OPPORTUNITY

Pursuing Your MBA Worth The Time, Effort and Money

By Greta Stewart The business environment today is more challenging and demanding than ever. And with the economy still uncertain, more professionals than ever are going back to school to get their MBA, or Masters of Business Administration.

Rebecca Murdock, chair of the Vucurevich School of Business and director of the MBA program at the University of Sioux Falls, says there are three major reasons she sees professionals going back and getting their MBA. “The first is career development and professional growth,” she says. “We have a lot of non-traditional students who have been in the workforce awhile and they are looking to further develop their professional and personal commitments.” Murdock says the second reason is acquisition of knowledge. “People feel much more confident after obtaining more knowledge,” she says. Most of the students enrolled in the program are not pursuing a MBA after getting their bachelors. “They have been playing the game for awhile and simply want to learn more about their profession,” Murdock says. The third reason Murdock says students enroll in the MBA program at USF is to develop their leadership and communication skills. “We help the students understand their strengths and convert it into a healthy leadership role. The students really are able to learn more about themselves and they come to understand their own leadership abilities.

It’s really a very positive experience, watching them develop holistically and seeing the different personality types convert into strengths.”

Murdock, who has been the director of the program at USF since 2005, says she has seen the popularity of going back to school rise in recent years. However, is getting your MBA worth it? “People certainly want to succeed in their careers,” she notes, “but we want the prospective student’s goals and career objectives in line with their employer and with themselves. I will say, though, having your MBA is much more highly valued in Sioux Falls than it was even five years ago.”

Chantelle Casper, who works full time as a regional LSS analyst for Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, went back to school and got her MBA to enhance her career. “With today’s tough job market I understood that I needed to do everything that I could to ensure that I was marketable and stood out from the crowd,” she says.

“Through achieving a Masters in Business Administration, it gives me an advantage in an industry that is known for being extremely competitive. I am optimistic that through the achievement of this degree, it will open new areas of opportunity and allow for future advancement within the workplace.”

Casper is a recent graduate at Dakota State University, through University Center in Sioux Falls. “The program allows me to maintain a full time job while achieving my degree. This delivery method also allows students to have face to face time with professors and gain a broader knowledge of understanding which may not be fully

“It has made me more of a well-rounded person,” she says. “I’ve grown a lot. It’s opened my mind in how I solve problems and even though it was tough work, I would highly recommend it to anybody.

I chose USF because of the face-to-face interaction and the classroom-type setting. It’s an effective way to learn more about my strengths and I’m among people just like me—

When it comes to getting a MBA, more employers are even helping out with tuition. Doyen says a 2008 study indicated that about half of the graduate students enrolled at that time received some level of tuition assistance for their graduate courses from their employer. The study also showed that approximately half of local employers offered flexible scheduling or release time for employees pursuing higher education. Both Murdock and Doyen say their universities offer assistance for students who wish to apply for federal financial aid, as well as connecting students to scholarship opportunities.

Casper says for anyone looking to go back to school, “I would definitely recommend pursuing a MBA,” she says.

“Especially if you’re looking to gain an in-depth perspective of business as well as technology.” Suckow agrees. “My experience at USF is that it’s a great community of learning and working hard toward the same goal. I’m so glad I went back. I can already see the results.”

MBA Tuition Costs: University Center: $368/credit hour University of Sioux Falls: $345/credit hour

Credit Hours Needed: University Center: Between 30-36 credits University of Sioux Falls: 37 credits

OPPORTUNITY

Anna Suckow, currently a learning technology consultant at the Good Samaritan Society in Sioux Falls, says enrolling in the MBA program at the University of Sioux Falls has most certainly paid off for her, both in her career and in her personal life.

Murdock says this kind of learning setting is what sets USF apart. “We use this kind of setting to apply to the unique settings in the workforce,” she says. “However, we also use technology every day. We still use a learning management system in which every class has a website that has controlled access. Students are encouraged to blog and chat about sessions and the curriculum. We use this in support of the classroom setting and we see it as an effective way to manage the learning experience.”

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Jennie Doyen, director of marketing, communication and special projects at University Center, says the facility offers 14 Master level programs. “This includes two options for a MBA, from USD as well as DSU, plus several other programs in business-related areas such as accounting or human resources. A Masters can benefit professionals in a wide variety of fields,” she says. “Even a professional whose undergraduate degree is not business administration may find that they can advance their career with a MBA.”

working full time and not right out of school. It was such a rewarding experience.”

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achieved through taking classes online. Not only does the MBA program through Dakota State University work to achieve a broader understanding of business, yet with being such a technology savvy school, one is also able to learn about programming and information systems.

Computer and information system related areas are rapidly developing within businesses today and are not taught with many other MBA programs—giving a graduate a definite advantage in the workplace.”

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COMMUNITY

Meeting places Spaces Provide Options For Professionals

By Greta Stewart Whether it’s a business lunch, meeting or conference, you want your next event to be comfortable, affordable and versatile. From traditional to more unique spaces, there are plenty of options available in Sioux Falls. Aside from the hotels, arena and convention center, we found a variety of meeting spaces around town.

Museum of Visual Materials Jessica Farley, education director at the Museum of Visual Materials, says what’s unique about her facility is that it’s a historical building that has a lot of character and is even LEED certified as an environmentally friendly building. “We can offer a very large, open space that can seat up to 240 people,” she says.

“We have a great facility that really appeals to the business community downtown. We’re within walking distance to most offices downtown.” Farley says the Museum has

From traditional to more unique spaces, there are plenty of options available in Sioux Falls

become a very popular place for not only weddings but also luncheons and conferences such as the Plain Green Conference. For more information about booking your next business event, call Jeremy Brech at 605-271-9500 or email jeremy@sfmvm.com.

Orpheum Micki DeCurtins, operations manager at the Orpheum, says the building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is known for its superb acoustics and receives over 100,000 visitors each year.

“We have three different flexible options for meeting spaces,” she says. “Projection and sound

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equipment is available to be set up in any of the spaces.”

DeCurtins says the Orpheum also has many food options available. “Businesses can choose our catering, or are welcome to have another licensed vendor cater, with a 15 percent commission.” The spaces are as follows:

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years with excellent food and service. So many of our guests have warm memories of first dates, engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners and weddings.” Bremmon says that is the reason why local businesses turn to Minerva’s as well. “We are already known for personal celebrations but we are also having quite a bit of success with telecommunication presentations, pharmaceutical presentations, as well as business socials and dinners. No matter what you need, Minerva’s is very accommodating to all size groups, has a beautiful atmosphere, and provides excellent food and drinks.”

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• Make sure the room is the appropriate size for your audience, keeping in mind that the AV (i.e. screen, projectors, tech table, etc.) can take up to approximately 15% of the room.

• Keep in mind the audience size, which determines the number of screens needed.

• Ask if there’s a charge for screens.

• Check for the power sources available in the room, and check if temporary additional power sources are available. Is there a charge for electrical usage?

• Pillars and chandeliers affect sightlines, which means either less people can be optimally positioned in the room or more displays will need to be strategically placed.

• Keep load in access in mind when booking a meeting room. How big is the loading dock? How far away is it? Are there any time restrictions? Are carts available to transport items?

• Some rooms have a remote control for lighting. It’s a good idea to find out if there is a cost for it and what the procedure is to make use of it.

• Do the meetings rooms have windows (such as in the Sioux Falls Convention Center) and if so, are there shades to black out the room if necessary?

• Sometimes there is already some permanent equipment in the meeting room. Find out if there is a charge to use it. You might also want to inquire if there is Internet coverage in the room and if it is a free service.

• If your conference is a multi-day event, check if you have access to the room on a 24-hour basis.

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35

Growth & Profitability

Be a part of

Downtown.  Adjacent to Unique Shops & Restaurants  Located along the Redeveloped River Greenway & Bike Path  Skyline Views  Covered & Under Building Parking  Multiple Outdoor Patios & Balconies  Large Conference & Exercise Rooms  Underfloor Air Distribution  LEED-NC Silver  Up to 40,000 sq ft contiguous space  Building Signage Available  Josiah’s Coffeehouse & Café in Lobby

now ow leasing Spaces available June 2012

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40 years of looking out for you. and we’re just getting started.

LLoyd ConstruCtion & deveLopment Lloyd_SFBM_MayJune2012.indd 1

Sioux FallS SD 605 323 2820 www.lloydcompanies.com 3/29/12 2:23 PM

SFBM

ENTREPRENEUR

From Dreamers To Cleaners

By Jennifer Dumke

Sioux Empire Cleaning: More Than A Business

their toes—exactly where they want to be. Especially since the last twelve years hasn’t exactly been the easiest.

At first glance, their business looks fairly basic; an overview of general services that range from dusting to supply restocking, deep cleaning to trash removal, all backed with a satisfaction guarantee and host of credible, local references.

But things take a turn when you start to learn more about the owners and their inspirational story of achieving the “all American dream.”

Sitting behind a computer surrounded by stacks of paper and files, Abdulah Delibasic quickly finishes up for a brief moment and snaps down the lid to his laptop. Having owned and operated a successful commercial cleaning business with his wife Indira since the year 2000, the couple from Bosnia is finally at a point where they can sit back and enjoy the successes of their business. And with a motto; “We can do it, no problem,” it comes as no surprise that Sioux Empire Cleaning LLC. is keeping the Delibasics on

Long before the married couple and their then 8-month-old son landed on United States soil, Abdulah spent his childhood and young adulthood in Bosnia until conflict sent him seeking more peaceful lands in Germany. While in Germany, he learned the professional trade of being a butcher and met his wife, Indira. They got married and had their first son, Elmar. Within months, threats of deportation to Bosnia got the couple thinking about permanently moving to either

About Sioux Empire Cleaning: Cleaning. Sioux Empire Cleaning is a

The Process. The process of beginning our

commercial cleaning business, cleaning all

relationship is following these steps: initial

commercial and office settings, large and small.

meeting, walk-through your commercial setting,

Schedule. They work 24/7/365, having daily, weekly,bi-weekly, monthly and bi-monthly rotations.

Protection. Sioux Empire Cleaning is bonded and insured for your protection, in addition to a Better Business Bureau Member.

price estimate, contract, determine schedule and begin.

Prices. They provide free estimates, and a 10-15% price cut from your current commercial cleaning contract.

New Zealand or the United States. It was a coin toss as they received acceptance letters from both countries. But with family in Fargo, North Dakota, the Delibasics made up their mind and made the long trip. “I was really frightened,” says Indira, who initially stayed home to care for their young son. The Delibasics stayed with family in North Dakota for the first few months as they settled in to living in a foreign country.

Planning An Event?

“We didn’t speak the language, we didn’t know anything about where we were living, except what we saw in the movies,” says Abdulah.

This is where we want to be and I am proud to be in a position where we can offer quality services to the community. the Small Business Administration where they were encouraged to become entrepreneurs. “We had never considered starting our own business,” adds Indira, who today primarily does the cleaning while her husband maintains the bookkeeping and sales components of the business. Despite the success today, they certainly don’t forget their initial struggles. Building a business as a foreigner during the 9/11 attacks proved to be devastating. Fortunately, call after call, ad after ad, and eventually reference after reference, the small business began to flourish and the couple soon sought American citizenship.

Today, Sioux Empire Cleaning staffs seven full-time employees and has a laundry list of businesses they serve. They also make it priority to give back to the community and volunteer with the Red Cross.

And their family has grown too. With their two children and one on the way, the Delibasics consider the Sioux Falls area their home and adds, “This is where we want to be and I am proud to be in a position where we can offer quality services to the community.”

Proudly managed by

ENTREPRENEUR

315 N. Phillips Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 www.siouxfallsorpheum.com 605-367-4616

37

After only four months in Fargo and a brief stint in Iowa, the Delibasics arrived in Sioux Falls and quickly became interested in opening a cleaning business franchise after Indira began working part time as a cleaner. After much consideration, they went from the concept of a franchise to

O R P H E U M

The historic Orpheum Theater Center is an ideal location for your meeting, banquet. three T H E reception, A T E Rseminar C Eor N T E With R distinct spaces, all at competitive rates, it’s time to shine the spotlight on your next event.

SFBM

With a strong work ethic, Abdulah turned down government assistance and instantly picked up his trade as a butcher to earn a living and find a place of their own. “I didn’t need to speak the language to be a butcher and I refused to accept charity,” he adds. So, he got to work.

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If you thought Spherion® was just a staffing company, think again! While it’s true we have 65 years of experience filling administrative, light industrial, contact center, non-clinical healthcare and professional positions; our goal is so much greater. The right hire can expedite productivity, infuse creativity into solutions, bring efficiency to offices, and improve business operations—this is our mission!

Experience the difference that excellence can make in your workplace— call Spherion today!

4320 S. Arway Drive • Sioux Falls, SD 57106 605 335-6010 davidcota@spherion.com elisacoequyt@spherion.com www.spherion.com/siouxfalls

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RESOURCE DIRECTORY

HEALTH INSURANCE

TECHNOLOGY

gourmet food

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Since 1999, we provide the most

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A Food Lovers Paradise. Gourmet foods

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ness process outsourcing, engineering,

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engineering

hotel

financial

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Holiday Inn City Centre

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Clark Engineering offers Structural

Our elegant and professional event

Engineering, Civil Engineering and

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Whether your dream is to buy your first

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or for those having a grand reception.

your own business, First Dakota under-

practical solutions that are tailor made

First Dakota National Bank 101 N. Main Avenue Ste. 101 Sioux Falls, SD 57104 p. 605-333-8200 www.accountforyourdreams.com

stands it takes more than just money to

for each project.

make it a reality.

Member FDIC

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY

consulting

staffing solutions

Marco, Inc.

Pat McGill

Spherion

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Sioux Falls and the Region p. 877-728-2557 www.patmcgill.net

4320 S. Arway Drive Sioux Falls, SD 57106 p. 605-335-6010 www.spherion.com/siouxfalls

Marco is a 100% employee owned

content speaker who presents enrich-

We’re a local staffing company with

company that helps organizations

ing and humorous workshops on

a national presence. We know the

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many topics. It has been said that Pat

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here. Our recruiting solutions are

and print solutions.

Pat McGill is a high energy, high

designed with you in mind.

communication Midcontinent Business Solutions™ 3901 N. Louise Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57107 p. 1-800-888-1300 www.midcontinent.biz

car care

financial Jim Clark, LLIF

Meineke

2520 River Ridge Plaza Ste 100 Sioux Falls, SD 57106 p. 605-331-2908 Clark.jim@principal.com

5229 W. 12th St. 2607 W. 41st St. p. 605-275-5660 or 373-0068 www.meineke.com

Everyone needs helps getting ahead. So

A trusted name with quality, expert

Midcontinent Business Solutions is the

whether you’re investing for yourself

service. Meineke will get your

region’s premier provider of phone,

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vehicle or fleet of vehicles back on the

data and video services, as well as

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convenient Sioux Falls locations.

placement.

®

Insurance products from the Principal Financial Group(r) are issued by Principal National Life Insurance Company (except in New York) and Principal Life Insurance Company. Securities and advisory offered through Princor Financial Services

Financial Group, Des Moines, IA 50392. t120322033c

Advertise Today!

Tammy Beintema 605.553.1900

SFBM

Tammy@siouxfallsbusinessmagazine.com

39

Principal Life and Princor(r) are members of the Principal

RESOURCE DIRECTORY

Corporation, 800-247-1737, member SIPC. Principal National,

and that speaks volumes Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone to share your technology problems with? Someone who listens long enough to really understand your business issues?

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It’s about you and how you do business.

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We believe that listening is one of the most important services we can provide. If you’re having technology issues, we’re all ears. marconet.com Find out how Marco has helped other organizations apply technology to improve how they do business. Read their stories at www.marconet.com/ListenLouder

the cloud

connects the world...

At CHR Solutions we’ve been innovating technology for nearly 75 years. As a premier Cloud Services provider we’re focused on bringing the future to life. Our leading edge concepts are born locally, networked nationally and distributed globally. Every day, our team of network and software engineers connects people and drives innovation.

We help our clients succeed, and it all starts here.

ph 605.996.9646

CHRSolutions .com