Meet The Executives’ Club…

https://ndsufoundation.giftlegacy.com/?pageID=3&storyNum=27

The Howe’s saw a unique opportunity to give back to a college and community, which has had such an impact in their lives.

Jim and Gwen Howe both grew up on farms in North Dakota, Jim in Casselton and Gwen in Arthur and later in Kindred. Gwen graduated from NDSU in Child Development and Family Relations and worked at 1st Bank. Jim graduated from Iowa State in Farm Operations. He is the 4th generation running the family business, Howe Seed Farms.

The Howe’s believe that education is the key to success. They were fortunate enough to have their college paid for and could in turn pay for their two children’s college educations. Both of their children graduated from NDSU, Michael in Communications and Virginia in Pharmacy.

They know some students struggle to pay for college, especially single mothers, and they found a way to help. Jim and Gwen recently became involved with the Jerimiah Program, and wanted to tie this cause in with NDSU, the college that has become such an important part of their lives. It was a revolutionary thought to set up an Endowment where one of the requirements is to be actively involved in the Jerimiah Program in Fargo, North Dakota. This program provides support for single mothers and their children, to help transition them from poverty to prosperity, through a career-track college education. Gwen and Jim want to reward those that successfully move through this program, by ensuring a four-year college degree. Not only does their endowment provide scholarships in perpetuity, it gives back by helping two generations, the mothers, and their children who can now learn by example how to be successful.

Both feel their parents taught them so much in life, including the importance of community service. Jim and Gwen have enjoyed being involved at NDSU, Gwen being on the Alumni board for many years, and Jim being a trustee on the Foundation Board. They believe you don’t have to be a NDSU alumni to get involved, and you should use your money to do good things for others. They are excited to know they will be helping women obtain independence with the help of their scholarship.

WHAT I DO: I help business’s give back to employee’s by collaborating to create amazing events.

WHO I WORK WITH: I partner with CEO’s and HR departments to create fun events that employee’s will want to be part of.

WHY IT WORKS: When you partner with Harmon Entertainment, your events will run smoother than ever before. We know how to create an event people will talk about for a very long time.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT: What makes us different is we are not “just music”. We are event planners, MCs, lighting designers, dance instructors, fun instigators, and DJ’s. We will help plan your event to make it the best ever! We have been planning parties and celebrations since 2008, and have performed at over 1000 events.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

“Harmon Entertainment is so professional! From the first meeting to the end of your event, they are invested to make your event successful.”

“Hiring a great MC/DJ is a gift you give back to your employee’s. You will not be disappointed with your investment with Harmon Entertainment”

HOW IT WORKS: We start with a free consult (Phone, Video, or in Person) to determine your wants and needs and tell you about what could be possible at your event. Then we create a personalized quote based on your event.

READY TO TALK? Reach out to me directly here on LinkedIn, email me at daveharmon1@gmail.com, visit us online at http://www.harmonentertainment.biz, or call me direct at 701-730-0054.

This is my story…

My love for music started at an early age. My father was a professional musician so music was always a part of my life as long as I can remember. When I was 8 years old my dad created the “Harmon Family Band” with my 3 brothers and sisters and mom. I sang and played the base guitar. We practiced all summer long and at the end of the summer we went on a 10 stop tour across the west coast ending at Disneyland. It is one of the best memories of my childhood. I believe this early involvement in music helped me to develop my rhythm which carried into being a better dancer and DJ.

In the fall of 1996, I was attending NDSU and took a “social dance” class as one of my electives. In that class I learned the basics of swing, country two step, and waltz… but my favorite was swing. I would tear up any dance floor I could with friends doing all sorts of cool swing moves. In 1998, the big swing craze hit and every time I went out dancing I would get a handful of people wanting to know how I learned to dance and they asked to show them how I did certain moves. Shortly thereafter in January 1999, I started Harmon DanceWorks and taught my first swing class. I have been teaching 3 to 4 dance classes per year ever since. I had also been DJing swing events regularly and doing dance performances from 1999 until 2008.

In 2008, I got married to my lovely wife Allison and planned my own reception which included a reception dance lesson and choreographed first dance. Many of our guests told us it was the best wedding reception they had ever been to. I had been to other receptions in the past and knew I could do a better job than most DJ’s I had seen. A month after I was married, Harmon DanceWorks starting booking wedding receptions and we have been growing every year since.

Hope to see you soon!

I am from Kindred, ND.  I have 3 children; Kayla Carlson who is married to Craig and my granddaughters Taylor and Emma Carlson, my son Robi Sorum, and another son Dylan Halverson.  I worked at Newman Outdoor for 14 years as an Account Executive, until moving in September to IDigital Outdoor as the Sales Manager.  I have been an Ambassador with the Fargo, MHD, and West Fargo Chamber for 10 plus years.