Spotlight is a full services marketing firm and publishing company.
Products include: Fargo Monthly Magazine, Fargo Inc, Future Farmer, Bison Illustrated, and Design & Living Magazine. Located in Fargo, North Dakota.
Services include: Digital Marketing, Videography, Advertising Strategy, Website Design, Inbound Marketing, Graphic Design and more .

“Spotlight Media is constantly growing and changing. In 2010, there was 1 employee. Now look at our team!” – Drago Originally from the south side of Chicago, “I spent 2 yrs in and out of the NFL, and now publish magazines, build brands, build e-commerce and consider myself a serial entrepreneur in the place I call home: Fargo.”

– Learn about our company at: http://www.spotlightmediafargo.com
– Read our magazines at: issuu.com/fmspotlight
– Come eat a burger at our restaurant this year: http://www.herdandhorns.com
– Our other sites include: fargomonthly.com, bisonillustrated.com, designandlivingmagazine.com, fargoinc.com
Email me if you need anything or just want to arm wrestle. – drago@spotlightmediafargo.com

• Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
• Education: North Dakota State University
• Spotlight, Founder and CEO, since 2010

I am Shawn Weyer, Owner of Weyer Companies, headquarters located in South Fargo. We specialize in painting applications and drywall. We aspire to change the industry by creating an unmatched work culture and prove that the skilled trades industry is a home to build careers. When people talk about “no job too big or too small,” Weyer Companies is a perfect example! From painting an apartment to installing drywall and painting a 6 story commercial building, we really do paint it all.

A fun fact about our team is we are extremely diverse! Of our 40 employees only 5 have come from a painting background. This is a testament to our training process and how our different backgrounds have only given us a unique edge over our competition.

We are excited to expand our team and services with a new Grand Forks location opening in Spring of 2023. We are proud to support and work closely with many nonprofits, charities and organizations within the community such as: Golden Drive Homeless Kids, Homeward Animal Shelter, Giving Hearts Foundation and Force Hometown Heroes to name a few. We are a member of the HBA/HBC and are A+BBB accredited.

• Hometown: Stillwater, MN
• Education: North Dakota State University
• Weyer Companies, Owner, since 2004

Art is a highly accomplished Senior Executive and Entrepreneur with more than 25 years of success in the venture capital (verticals), commercial real estate, development, and management consulting. Leveraging extensive experience as a licensed real estate agent in North Dakota and Minnesota and managing venture capital funds and real estate holdings, Art is a valuable asset for startups to small companies seeking expert experience with audit committees, finance, various hybrids of equity (reverse mergers, straight-line debt), cash flow, or investor relations. His key areas of expertise include leadership development, venture capital management, problem-solving, strategy, and anything real estate, including multifamily, retail, commercial, 1031 exchanges, land development, and sales.

Brook is a serial entrepreneur, currently Owner and President of numerous companies, including;

• BLI Inc. | Since 2021, A dba, Ride or Die Trucking Company, is a freight transportation business born out of the pandemic. In the early days of The Shutdown, there was a sudden realization that the existing entertainment, gaming, and events businesses were completely vulnerable to the new and real threat of a catastrophe. It was recognized that we had the facilities and expertise in place to haul passengers, but we did not have the assets to haul freight. Therefore, the concept of building an “Essential Service” took hold. And when bars reopened in North Dakota and we got back to work slowly but surely with events and entertainment, the seeds had already been planted and the work had been done to prepare for a new venture, “Ride or Die Trucking Company”.

• FPN Gaming | Since 2010, North Dakota licensed distributor of gaming supplies including exclusive pull tab games, all major ND licensed electronic pull tab gaming systems, blackjack tables and supplies, custom prize boards, LED display cases, bingo, Dakota Poker Tour live streaming events, and other services for the purpose of raising funds for North Dakota charitable organizations.

• Fargo Party Ride | Since 2009, Limo service specializing in unique Limo Bus/Party Buses for wedding transportation, bachelor/bachelorette parties, casino runs, Vikings ticket + transportation packages and more. Eight (8) unique vehicles to choose from in Fargo.

• Fastball Productions | Since 2008, developing custom applications/solutions. Limo Leader reservation system, poker tour/league manager, sports extensions for Joomla, and others.

• Free Poker Network, Inc. | Since 2005, marketing and promotions specializing in free-to-play Texas Holdem for bars/restaurants nationwide, over 250 locations. More than $1 million in prizes including 100+ World Series of Poker bracelet event seats have been given away since 2005.

• Powerplay DJ, Inc., | Since 1994, mobile DJ service providing entertainment for all occasions in the upper midwest with offices in Fargo and Bismarck. Perform for 350+ weddings annually. DJ, Karaoke, Video, Trivia, Casino Fun Nights and related services. 12 sound & light shows plus photo booths.

• Hometown: Sanborn, North Dakota
• Education: Loyola Marymount University

T.R.S. Industries was started in 1983 in the garage of Roger Cossette. Roger’s wife Claudia and son Richard joined shortly after and the company continued to grow. Richard’s wife Joy joined the company along with their sons Shane and Bob. Tarp manufacturing equipment was also purchased as we continued to grow.

In 1989 the company expanded to the Fargo Industrial Park and built a building large enough to drive a Semi Truck or trailer into the shop for repairs and installations. In 1992 and 1995 we added to the existing building to more than double our space. In 2005 T.R.S. Industries expanded to add the Fabrics Division, which was located directly behind the existing building and used for new tarp production and custom covers.

In 2009, T.R.S. Industries added a new building which housed production and the majority of the offices. The new location was 1230 40th St N, Fargo, ND. T.R.S. still had their location at 4119 14th Ave N, which was used to house installation of tarps and repair on large truck tarps.

In 2013, T.R.S. Industries added 36,000 square feet onto their new building, which increased manufacturing space to 69,000 square feet. This new addition was used to house all of the employees under one roof, in order to serve customers more efficiently. T.R.S. manufactures many of the parts for Roll Tarp Systems and stocks a wide selection of replacement tarps, lumber tarps, and steel tarps.

Dave started in the computer business in 1981 by purchasing a ComputerLand franchise at age 20. This began a series of ventures, including Corporate Technologies, Corporate Communications, Travel Travel and various real estate projects. After his retirement as CIO of Multiband Corporation, a company with over 3k employees, he’s now back in hotel and real estate development.

Roger spent 6 years as an Outside Sales Rep with Fireside Office in Fargo, before founding Christianson’s Business Furniture in 1993. 

Christianson’s Business Furniture is the regional dealer for Haworth brand furniture, receiving the Best In Class distinction awarded to Haworth dealerships based on exceptional performance in market development, sales, customer satisfaction, operational excellence and enterprise development. This distinction was award Roger, his wife Kim and their team, in 2022 and multiple years prior.

Congratulations!

January 1, 2023, an acquisition was completed by Fluid, a Minneapolis-based interior solutions company, for Christianson’s Fargo and St. Cloud locations. Roger Christianson will become Fluid’s Regional Market President and will join its executive leadership team.

“Christiansons has always been dedicated to transforming spaces, culture, and wellbeing for our customers and their employees,” said Roger Christianson, President and Owner of Christiansons. “Fluid shares these values.” 

• Hometown: Fargo, ND
• Education: University of North Dakota
• Christianson’s Business Furniture, Founder, 1993

Proven & innovative insurance/financial concepts for both individuals and business.

Rob has had the chance to raise up and lead high-caliber teams in cross-channel marketing and strategy to hit real-world numbers and goals as a part of company growth.

Founded in 2015, Yarn is a nationally recognized video production company that has produced content globally across 5 countries for clients including 3M, United Way, Compassion International, Bushel, Kilbourne Group, and Alerus.

Rob is a results-driven and strategic business leader with over 20 years of experience in driving organizational growth and profitability. With a proven track record in developing and executing business strategies, he has demonstrated a unique ability to lead cross-functional teams, build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, and drive revenue growth.

Rob is a strong communicator and collaborator, with a talent for building and managing relationships across diverse groups and levels of an organization. He is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration, and is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of his teams.

In 2020, Rob and his wife also founded Printed Foundry, made-to-order 3D printed products available online and shipped around the globe.

In 2022, Rob also accepted a position as Chief Marketing Officer at DonorDock, rated the #1 Easiest-to-Use Nonprofit CRM, helping non-profits raise funds through donor management.

• In-kind Club Sponsor
• Hometown: Bismarck, North Dakota
• Education: Bismarck State College
• Yarn Media, Founder, since 2015

The Moorhead Business Association fosters growth of Moorhead business through advocacy, networking and information. The MBA is committed to building a better place to conduct business by enhancing current business and by creating a community atmosphere, which is encouraging potential new business. We encourage you to join the MBA JOIN

Paul has a passion to help entrepreneurs and small business owners. In his current role, he assists founders to start, manage and grow their companies through providing no-cost, confidential business advising services and training in a variety of areas, which include: Business setup/registration, business planning, market research, financial projections and analysis, funding your venture, buying and selling a business and succession and exit planning.

In 2019, he was named ND ‘State Star’ award winner, which recognizes exemplary performance, strong commitment to small business, and significant contribution to the SBDC network. He also is a regular contributing writer to FargoINC! magazine.

He recently earned his Accredited Business Intermediary certification (ABI) in addition to his Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) and Certified Value Growth Advisor (CVGA) certifications. He is a SBA export-certified advisor.

Before joining the ND SBDC in 2015, Paul worked in a diverse range of industries, which included: Financial services, retail, manufacturing, technology, transitional management, agribusiness, customer service, engineering, consulting, healthcare, agency and media.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Lawrence University and a Master’s Degree from Northwestern University.

Born and raised in the Chicago area, Paul and his family live in Fargo, ND.

In 2004 I started Pedigree Technologies, a pioneering and award-winning SaaS based IoT platform/solution. A successful exit occurred in February 2020. Today I provide strategic advisory services to entrepreneurs, startups, established businesses and investment groups, on intellectual property, software, IoT (Internet of Things and related hardware) and related markets. 

Matt has more than 20 years as a technology executive with Great Plains Software and Microsoft where he worked in a variety of roles – most notably running the Global Learning and Development efforts for the MBS Division of Microsoft. He is also an investor and board member with Lura Enterprises, Fargo.

Robin has served as the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club / Fargo Youth Commission Partnership since 2012, after holding multiple leadership roles in the for-profit world for the 23 years prior. At the Boys & Girls Club, she leads a high-performing team of 230 employees and 220 volunteers that serve close to 5,000 youth on an annual basis. Robin is heavily involved in the community and currently serves as a board officer for the Great Plains Food Bank Board, on the Fargo Public Schools Foundation Board and on the United Way Education Collaborative. She was elected to three 4-year terms on the Fargo School Board in which she served two terms as president and multiple years as the school district’s legislative chair. During her time on the school board, she partook in hiring two school district superintendents through national CEO search processes. Robin and her husband, Russell Peterson, have three children.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley is a private, nonprofit organization serving area youth since 1972, and has operated before school, after school, and summer youth development programs since 1986. The organization was originally known as the Fargo Youth Commission. 

In 2008, we became a charter member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Although our name has changed, our mission remains the same: “To provide a safe, caring, and fun environment for youth to learn, grow, and prepare for a great future”. 

• Hometown: Fargo, North Dakota
• Education: Montana State University-Bozeman
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the RRV, CEO, since 2012

Leading teams, engaging communities, and developing organizations for the purpose of improving lives is my passion. Using my breadth of leadership experience and strengths in communication, relationship development, strategic planning and implementation to generate meaningful action and results brings me great joy. I’ve gained invaluable experience as an entrepreneur, business owner, and executive working in higher education, technology, real estate development, non-profit, and healthcare enabling me to take on big challenges, navigate operationally, and plan strategically. I am just as comfortable leading international teams as I am speaking on stage, assisting in a crisis, or volunteering. My values include: Excellence, Challenge, Relationships, Reverence, and Freedom.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, Kia Mikesh serves as Vice-President of their 3rd generation, family-owned business, North Dakota Grain Inspection Service, Inc.. NDGI is a federally designated laboratory licensed to officially sample and grade grain under the US Grain Standards Act in their respective areas. While locally there may be other inspection labs operating, the USDA grants only one agency the authority to carry out and issue official inspections for that locale. From just 3 employees in 1968, NDGI currently operates in 8 states, from North Dakota to Ohio, with well over 200 employees. Kia has worked her way through the organization and took the role of Vice-President in 2016, the same year Prairie Business Magazine named her one of our region’s 40 Under 40. Kia was appointed to serve on the US Dept of Agriculture Grain Inspection Advisory Committee and has also served on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Grain Inspection and Weighing Agency, since 2014. In 2019, Kia also Co-Founded one of the first hemp inspection facilities in ND, Adams Independent Testing and currently serves as CEO.

My roots are in small town North Dakota. I am proud to do business here, combining my skills in finance and management to lead a growing company that provides something essential to North Dakotans. Originally a family-owned company, O.K. Tire is now 100% employee-owned (ESOP), a conversion I helped to facilitate for the company owner before his retirement.

Getting the ball over the goal line…it’s a sports analogy that everyone understands but so many businesses get stuck at the one-yard line.

We help business leaders and their organizations plow through the goal line and into the end zone.

Our secret sauce:
Our approach is unique and different. It starts with your data and analytics….which leads to you making great business decisions.

Our process:
I lead Vistage peer advisory boards in the Tri-state region. Vistage is the world’s largest CEO to CEO peer group. It starts with the peer group and includes 1-2-1 executive coaching that gives business owners, CEOs & executives the unbiased, agenda-free insights you can only get from other owners who know what it means to be lonely at the top.

We dive into your Human Capital:
With the Predictive index, Line-Of-Sight and our Talent Optimization platform we use data analytics tools to fix people problems! Spend less time solving problems by inspiring employees, hiring the best talent, measuring engagement, designing amazing teams and executing on the last yard, all rooted in data & science.

It’s all about that last yard:
When it’s time to transition your business, we get you prepared on how to plan & implement an exit strategy. NO….this is not something you can Google online. It’s a multi-disciplinary process that starts years in advance. It’s set in place to save you on taxes and maximize your value. As a NAVIX certified exit planner, we leverage the very best resources so you can have a happy exit.

It all starts with a conversation. Reach me directly at trent@compassleadershipadvisors.com

• Hometown: Bellevue, Nebraska
• Education: University of Nebraska at Kearney
• Compass Leadership Advisors, Founder, since March 2013

Joe brings a unique set of experiences to his clients as a Financial Advisor at Merrill with 15+ years of working within and leading startup technology businesses and as a former member of the ND House of Representatives.

Joe grew up on a 4th generation family farm near Rugby, ND. While in college at North Dakota State University, he had the privilege of serving as the Student Body President and earned degrees in Business Administration and Accounting.

Civic participation and community engagement have always been important to Joe. Shortly after his graduation from NDSU, Joe was elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives where he spent one term serving on the Education, Political Subdivisions, Agriculture, and other committees. Joe was the youngest Legislator in State history to have served in a leadership role as the House Majority Caucus Chairman (Whip). He also actively serves on boards and volunteers for local organizations such has the NDSU Foundation, NDSU College of Business, Jeremiah Program, BIO Girls, Sts. Anne and Joachim Church, and others.

Joe spent 15 years with startup technology companies in various roles (sales, support, account management, product development and management, etc.) and is listed on several U.S. Patents. In his most recent role, he served as the General Manager of Intelligent Ag, a Fargo based agriculture technology company. He was also actively involved in supporting the Grand Farm project aiming to raise the profile of the Fargo region’s role in the agriculture technology industry. In 2022, after years of tremendous growth in sales and product innovations, Intelligent Ag was successfully acquired by AGCO Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of agriculture equipment and solutions.

• Hometown: Rugby, North Dakota
• Education: North Dakota State University

Dr. Gary Johnson received his Doctor of Optometry degree at the Southern California College of Optometry. In addition to comprehensive and medical eye exams, his office has a special interest in fitting contact lenses and treating dry eyes.

Dr. Johnson was given his first pair of glasses in the 4th grade but was afraid to wear them. “I didn’t see what I was missing until I started wearing them in college. What a difference they made.”

“This is my main job. If you want a fast, friendly, affordable exam, come see me at Visionworks in West Acres, Fargo. We will have your trial contact lenses in stock 99% of the time. I’m available for exams M-Sat 10-6 (later appts given if needed)
701-277-9555 for Fargo”

Outside his practice, Dr. Johnson enjoys biking, walking, swimming, and the occasional round of golf.

• Hometown: Warroad, MN
• Education: Southern California College of Optometry; MSUM; UND

I worked at Newman Outdoor for 14 years as an Account Executive, until moving to iDigital Outdoor as the Sales Manager in September 2020.  I have been an Ambassador with the FMWF Chamber for over 10 years.

iDigital Outdoor works one-on-one with companies and Advertising Agencies to develop innovative advertising campaigns that make a difference. We’re locally-owned, on the grow, and working hard to create the largest independent network of digital, and traditional billboards in the Midwest. Our mission is to install digital billboards in high-visibility, well-travelled corridors and city streets, allowing our clients to make the most impact possible with their money.
We look forward to working with you on developing a strategy to reach motorists with your local, regional, or national advertising campaign, and we can’t wait for you to experience the thrill of digital billboard advertising!
Please let me know if I can provide you locations and pricing for your company. Currently we have billboards from Minnesota to Wyoming. 

Town Hall Bar has been in this community for 85+ years, Small town feel with great prices.

“Ace, we are the Little Round Liquor Store with a Drive Through!”

Town Hall Bar and Ace Beer and Liquors are both located at 1st Street and Main Ave in West Fargo.

Stephanie has served as Executive Director of Prairie Family Business Association since 2015. She has a proven record of building relationships with members and developing programs that add value to family businesses. Stephanie earned her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University Ivy College of Business and a MBA from the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business.

An Iowa native, Stephanie has a background in nonprofit work, and her portfolio includes active participation in the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and work with organizations such as the University of Iowa Foundation, Family Visitation Center and Principal Financial Group. She also has third-generation experience in a family business. Most recently, Larscheid served as director of major and planned giving at Augustana University.

Prairie Family Business Association provides a resource network for family business success. We help family businesses thrive through generations.

Prairie Family Business Association’s Core Values

• Professional: We operate in a highly professional manner. From our written communication to our verbal communication and everything in between.
• Focused: We are focused on our mission each day by striving to provide high value to our members.
• Building Connections: We help families navigate the complexities of being in business together. Connections are established among fellow members, sponsors and advisors.
• Above and Beyond: We deliver on the needs of families and provide them with valuable resources. Customer service is important to us.

Brittney is an experienced Director with a demonstrated history of working in the Nonprofit sector. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Fundraising, Management, and Report Writing. I have a passion for grant writing! Strong business development professional with an Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) focused in Human Services, General from Bismarck State College. I have a Certificate of Nonprofit Management from Minot State University.

Livewire was founded in 1999 by Kent Kolstad in Alexandria, Minnesota. From the start, Kent aimed to supply our region with world-class audio, video, lighting, scenery and staging for corporate events, conferences, non-profit galas, concerts, and theatrical events, of all shapes and sizes.

In our 23+ years, we’ve had the pleasure of working with thousands of event planners to bring high-quality, impactful, successful events to life. Livewire is now based in Downtown Fargo, North Dakota, with a constant presence throughout the North’s greatest cities including Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Sioux Falls, Bismarck, St. Cloud, and Alexandria.

• Hometown: Minot, ND
• Education: Bismarck State College
• Livewire, Business Development, since 2022

I started watching the races when I was about 10-years-old, going to the Red River Valley Speedway by going with my aunt and uncle. 

Back then, the cars were basically either hobby stocks or late models. I had two uncles that raced — Clinton Berg  and Jim Fischer. Jim really got me hooked on racing. He taught me to build cars and do weekly maintenance/repairs.

After Jim retired from racing, I was asked to work on the track doing line-ups on yellow flags. I did that for several years and had a blast.

I worked my way up to Assistant Flagman, and after learning from one of the best in the area (Jim Smith) I became Head Flagman at the Red River Valley Speedway when he retired. Serving in this role was one my favorite racing experiences to date. I have since worked as a Competition Director/Head Flagman at several tracks in the area including Red River Valley Speedway, Buffalo River Speedway, Norman County Raceway, I-94 Speedway and Greenbush Race Park.

I also had the opportunity to work as an official for great events and series around the area including WOO Sprint Cars and WOO Late Model Events at the Red River Valley Speedway, and the Red River Coop Speedway in Winnepeg, Jamestown Speedway, and local series NLRA and NOSA. About the only track I haven’t flagged yet is the River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, ND. 

About Buffalo River Race Park:
Established in 1955, Buffalo River Race Park was one of the earliest dirt tracks in the upper Midwest to offer weekly racing. The Buffalo River Race Park opened as the Fargo-Moorhead Speedway in 1955 as a quarter-mile dirt track. From 1964 to 1967, the quarter-mile track was paved. Since 1968, the track has maintained a dirt surface. Over the years, the track has also operated under the names F-M Speedway, Fargo Motor Speedway, Glyndon Speedway, and Buffalo River Speedway. In 2007, it was renamed Buffalo River Race Park when general manager Kevin Nathe took the helm. 

Aaron holds a B.S. in Agriculture and Food Business Management and spent over a decade in the industry, 7 yrs as an Agronomist with CHS, Kindred and 4 yrs as Asst VP of Farm Management with US Bank, before joining the family business of his wife, Julie Skaff, in 2012.

Skaff Apartments was founded in 1957 by Sam F. Skaff. From the very beginning, Skaff has taken pride in its family approach to its residents.

“We offer a wide variety of rental homes including apartments, townhomes, twin homes, and houses. We are dedicated to providing Value, Variety and Extraordinary Service to our residents. Discover for yourself the sophistication of both our vintage & modern Fargo-Moorhead communities. All of which are closely located to the interstate, shopping, entertainment & restaurants, and the convenience & excitement this city has to offer. Skaff Apartments is sure to astound you with a personal experience only found through this family owned company.  From basic, to retro-chic, to luxurious, Skaff Apartments has a home waiting for you. Call our office today to schedule an appointment. We will take care of you!”

• Hometown: Roseau, MN
• Education: University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
• Skaff Apartments, VP, since 2021

Natalie launched Ultimate Image in 1999, Ultimate Image Model and Talent Management in 2001 and Natalie Sparrow Management in 2012.

“With over 25yrs of experience in the modeling/acting/fashion/makeup world, I bring you an experience in the industry unlike anyone else (and anywhere else). I will help guide, direct, lead, inspire and bring you experiences that will create lifelong memories. I cannot promise to make you a star (If only I had a crystal ball), however I can promise you to make some incredible memories with some amazing experiences in the modeling, tv/film, print and makeup artist industries. I hope to meet you soon!”

In 2006, Natalie received the honor of winning the YWCA Women of The Year Award for “Business That Empowers Women”.

Experienced Sales Specialist with skills in customer service, team building, culture & leadership. I’m an ideas machine that pairs well with executors. I’m a sales professional who believes in the true power of positive relationships. I believe feedback is the breakfast of champions & culture eats strategy for lunch, daily.

Since 2021, JT has served on the leadership team at Legacy Plumbing, LLC of Fargo and is also a partner in their property investment group. Community-minded, he also serves on the BIO Girls Impact Committee, is a FMWF Chamber Ambassador, an Assistant Coach with the WF Panthers and a Member of FarGo Givers. 

• Hometown: Fargo, North Dakota
• Education: Minnesota State Community & Technical College
• Legacy Plumbing, VP-Business Development, since 2021

Brian loves his job and loves the fact that every client becomes more than a client; they become part of our Mobile Pro family.  Every company needs a 30,000 foot view guy and Brian is ours.  With over 20 years of production experience, he has worked with so many types of production projects and seen how the industry has evolved from live in-person to an emphasis on virtual presentations.  Something no one knows about him is that Brian wants to own a cheese store someday.  Cheese curds, anyone?

Mobile Pro, formerly known as Studio 7 Productions Inc., was founded in 2003 and has been serving our area for over 15 years.

“We have served hundreds of clients in all types of projects. Our professional staff have over 30 years of broadcast and production experience. Our services include video production, pre/post production, as well as script writing, event production, and now LED video screen rental. We serve customers in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Alexandria, Detroit Lakes, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls as well as the surrounding areas.”

• LEADERSHIP UNFILTERED 09.26.2023 SPONSOR information + tickets
• Hometown: Valley City, North Dakota
• Education: Brown College
• Mobile Pro, Founder, since 2003

Andy joined Fargo Glass & Paint in 2016, after spending 18yrs in management with the family-owned Lavelle Company, including 18 months after the purchase by Parksite. Andy stepped into the role of President of Fargo Glass & Paint in 2020, just one year after the company become 100% employee-owned.

Fargo Glass & Paint Company Founder, E.J. Schonberg was fond of calling his company “The Friendly House”, the son of Swedish immigrants, Schonberg founded the Fargo Plate Glass Company in 1917 with $10,000 of borrowed money and absolutely no experience in the glass business.

The brand-new company announced itself to Fargo in an advertisement placed in the Fargo Forum newspaper on February 5, 1917.  The ad claimed, “We know we’ll never get any more than we earn or deserve, and we expect to hustle for all we get!”.

We have a long-standing belief that the success of Fargo Glass and Paint Company is due to employees buying into the attributes the Company was founded on.  It is also believed that the success of the Company should then be shared with employees who are key components in creating Company success. This Company belief of sharing with the employees came full circle in 2019 when Fargo Glass and Paint Company became 100% Employee Owned.

Fargo Glass and Paint Company currently has five locations to serve its customer base throughout the upper Midwest.  Headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, Fargo Glass and Paint Company has branches in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Minot & Bismarck, North Dakota along with a retail store located in Fargo, ND.

• Hometown: Moorhead, MN
• Education: Minnesota State University Moorhead
• Fargo Glass & Paint, President, since 2020

My passion in anything that I’ve done professionally has always grown from the relationships I have formed with my clients. Professionally my career has always been in a Finance focused role. From my first professional experiences at Merrill Lynch as a Client Associate, to an expansive career within banking in roles ranging from Personal Banking to Human Resources to Branch Management the one thing that has always propelled me is forming long-lasting, trust based relationships with all of my clients regardless of their financial standing or personal situations.

This love and passion for the client and the long term picture that recognizes “what we do today will have a long-term, lasting effect” was the catalyst that sent me into the real estate realm. It is my true belief that Real Estate is one of the best wealth harvesting and supporting arenas that one can invest their money in. However, it is one of the most dangerous as well. One bad investment decision can be financially crippling. I have seen this in the past with clients and I have seen that when this situation arrives my banking clients have felt lost.

With this client driven perspective, I dove head first into Realty to assist our clients and loved ones in avoiding these situations head on but also for people to have and advocate to call should they find themselves in this position. This is our passion and all that we strive to for; and when your passion meets your purpose the path is clear and unwavering.

• Hometown: Wanamingo, Minnesota
• Education: University of Wisconsin – Stout; Metro State University
• Aspire Realty, Owner, since 2014

A proven, passionate thought leader in developing and implementing strategy, building complex collaborations, executing innovative approaches, developing and leveraging relationships and partnerships, and developing impactful teams.

I have had the pleasure of leading Chambers/Economic Development organizations for the last 20 years.

I have spent my professional career facilitating complex situations, leveraging relationships and resources toward a common goal, influencing decision makers, effectively creating and delivering communications to diverse stakeholders, assessing current landscape, developing strategies for success and effectively implementing change.

I am a life-longer learner that strives for continual improvement, transformation and excellence. I lead with insatiable energy, an open mind, and captivating courage.

Areas of strength for me are external and community affairs, stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships and collaborations, fund development and stakeholder engagement, inclusive strategy development and leadership development.

My strongest skills are leading and empowering a team, establishing collaborations and relationships, interpersonal communications, community affairs and public relations, public speaking and presentations, organizational management, relationship building, developing solution-based strategies, and creating and implementing dynamic vision.

• LEADERSHIP UNFILTERED SPEAKER 09.26.2023 information + tickets
• Hometown: Grantsburg, Wisconsin
• Education: University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
• FMWF Chamber, CEO, since 2020

I grew up in a football family. I watched my dad make a name for himself as the head coach and activities director growing up as the youngest of three in Bemidji, Minnesota.

My older brother, Mitch, was a three-year starting quarterback at Division III Gustavus Adolphus College, and my dad was a national scoring and rushing champion, 1985 NSIC co-Offensive Player of the Year, and NAIA All-America running back for Minnesota State Moorhead.

Throughout my college career, I was passionate about the game and more importantly our program. Therefore, I learned how to play defense, offense, special teams, quarterback, free safety, and strong safety which led to success for myself and more importantly for our team.

I loved it all, so I did it what was best for the program, but it wasn’t always easy. Early in my collegiate career I had to decide whether to stay with my team as a backup in hopes of getting more playing time in the future or to transfer. Upon reflecting on who I was and how I wanted to show up I chose to stay with my team and become someone that the team could rely on wherever I was needed most. When I had the decision of whether or not to pursue a pro career in the NFL, I had to reflect and seek council from my coaches and experts. I couldn’t have made the right decision for me, the decision to walk away, without their expert insights. Closing out my career as national champions was a storybook ending and allowed me to apply the same drive, passion, and perseverance from football to other areas of my life like the work I was doing as a college financial representative.

Now as a full-time financial advisor I love helping individuals, families, and businesses tackle their various priorities and dynamics to help them come up with unique solutions for their financial planning journey. Northwestern Mutual allows me to utilize my inquisitive mindset that I established through my collegiate career playing football to benefit the clients that I work alongside.

Just like on the field, our team prides in our ability to follow through on our word and work hard to build strong relationships that are built on trust. If you are going to trust us with your financial future, we want you to know that we are in this together and we are going to come up with a plan that works and is going to help get you to where you want to go.

In all our lives there are times when we are better off seeking an expert. When we don’t realize what is possible because of what we don’t know. There are things we don’t do very well but someone else does. Now is the time to get help. Now is the time to seek an expert.

I create opportunities for people in the area to explore different styles of movement such as pole dance and aerial arts. The focus is to increase body awareness and appreciation facilitated through small group interactions. We believe movement is an art, and to dance is to enhance quality of life.

Hometown: Crookston, MN

Education: Northland Community & Technical College

Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors, Inc. is a commercial mechanical services contractor that is dedicated to designing, building, and installing the best mechanical solutions for your facility. Since 1963, we have been providing complete mechanical systems including HVAC, chiller and boiler systems, plumbing, sheet metal fabrication, and ongoing service and maintenance. MMC has an impressive portfolio of completed projects including the Mall of America, Target Center, Target Field, and the Xcel Energy Center. We have the knowledge and experience to design even the most complex mechanical systems for commercial facilities across the entire Midwest including Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Don has been with the company since 2014 and in the management position in Fargo since 2021.

Education: St. John’s University

654 Business Strategies is a business consulting and leadership coaching company dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes and industries achieve their goals.

​As a seasoned professional with extensive experience in operations, leadership development, and strategic planning, I believe that every business has the potential to succeed and grow. Too often I see businesses struggle due to gaps in their operations, leadership, and the integration of ideas from their visionaries. Our mission is to help businesses overcome these challenges by providing customized solutions and guidance tailored to their specific needs.​

We understand that every business is unique, and that’s why we take a personalized approach to consulting and coaching. We will work closely with you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, assess your needs, and develop a roadmap to help you achieve your goals. Whether you need help streamlining your operations, building a strong leadership team, or integrating ideas from your visionary, we have the expertise to help.​

We work with b1usinesses across a wide range of industries, from startups to established companies, and our clients have seen measurable results in increased revenue, improved profitability, and enhanced organizational efficiency.​

At 654 Business Strategies, we are committed to helping businesses thrive by providing innovative solutions and expert guidance. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business succeed.