Current Members of The Executives’ Club of Fargo-Moorhead are listed chronologically, by their joining date, beginning August 14, 2015
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Nelson Window Co. is proud to be a family-owned company. That pride shows in the work we do every day. We’re known for friendly employees, quality products and services. Begun in the mid 1950s as a glass and screen service company, Norman Bertsch arrives at the firm in the early 1960sand purchases Nelson Window in 1968. His employees include himself, one part-time installer and one semi-retired gentleman. In 1971, Norman’s son, Nolen, joins Nelson Window Co. as an installer and in 1983 Norman builds the current building at 2921 Fiechtner Drive in Fargo.
Hometown: Hillsboro, ND
Hillsboro High
University of North Dakota
Member 27 | August 28, 2015
Rick is a North Dakota native and was born and raised in the small town of Hillsboro, ND. He attended the University of North Dakota where he studied Commercial Aviation. After realizing he wouldn’t ever be allowed to do “loops” or “barrel rolls” he switched his focus to Marketing and graduated with a General Studies degree so he could be “good at everything”. Rick helped start AdShark with co-founder, Sean Maki, in 2013.
- He once lost a game of poker while playing by himself.
- Legend says that Rick never sleeps or eats.
- His favorite craft beer is Bud Light.
Hometown: Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo South High
North Dakota State University
Member 42 | September 14, 2015
Executives’ Club GOLD Sponsor
Jim is a Fargo, ND native, graduate of North Dakota State University and a veteran commercial real estate professional with more than 25 years of experience in tenant representation and site selection, owner representation, lease administration, property management as well as complex commercial and multi family development projects.
In the Summer of 2019, Jim, along with Lori Ibach, formed JBC Commercial Real Estate. Jim had been serving as GOLDMARK Commercial’s President and was also a part-owner. Buus, Ibach, and five other veteran agents and administrative staff left together. Additionally, Dovetail Development LLC, owned by Elissa Novotny, which had been collocated with the team, left to collaborate with JBC Commercial.
For a variety of reasons, the team felt there was an opportunity in the market to conduct commercial real estate in a different way than they had been doing, a style that features less conflicts of interest, more collaboration amongst the stakeholders and more integration with the overall brokerage, design and development process.
The JBC Commercial brokerage team had already been market leaders in regional commercial sales and leasing activity, but now with new team members and a new brand and style, the team is poised to continue its market share and leadership in commercial brokerage.
“Whether it’s a business owner who needs help finding a new location or a property owner or developer needing marketing help or collaborative partners, the JBC Commercial team is open to discuss how and what we can do for that business.”
Jim is also very active in the region’s economic development activities with more than 30 years of experience working directly in economic/community development and by currently serving on the board of directors of the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, NDSU Research and Technology Park, the City of Fargo Economic Development Incentives Committee and the 701 and 701 II Angel Investment Funds.
In his free time Jim and his wife enjoy spending time with friends and family at their lake home, traveling and NDSU athletics.
Hometown: Northwood, ND
NORTHWOOD HIGH
University of North Dakota
Member 86 | May 24, 2016
Kim founded Human Resource Management Group, LLC in 2012. HRMG provides all the functions usually associated with a traditional in-house human resource department.
Businesses view human resources outsourcing and consulting as a strategic tool that relieves them of human resource responsibilities and enable them to focus on what they do best. In addition to allowing you to concentrate on your core business activities, outsourcing provides some key benefits, including: skilled professionals focused on human resources, reduce and manage operating costs and improving employee relations.
Feel confident that you are in compliance and adhering to the latest laws and regulations with HRMG’s assistance while keeping you up-to-date and freeing you from having to stay on top of these ever changing issues.
Specialties: Retirement Plans, Health and Welfare Benefits, Negotiating, Strategic Planning, Marketing Strategy, Sales, Managing Client Relationships, Safety Analysis
Mission: Our mission is to deliver comprehensive, highly personalized human resources, payroll, benefits and administration, government compliance and human capital management services through a team of experts, enabling our clients to focus on their business.
Hometown: Bismarck, North Dakota
Century High
Bismarck State College
Minnesota Career and Technical College
Member 147 | January 27, 2017
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.
Hometown: Hawley, Minnesota
Club Member 149 | February 8, 2017
EXECUTIVES’ CLUB GOLD SPONSOR
Rachael Boyer is a results-oriented, transformational leader and business executive with more than 20 years of experience in construction. Rachael’s entrepreneurial spirit has allowed her to develop several businesses and brands from origination across a variety of industries. Rachael’s passion for the construction industry has been built on the foundation of excellence with the customer at the center of the experience, and the framework of passion to transform vision to reality.
In her 20 years of healthcare experience, Rachael transitioned from a clinical provider as a Physician Assistant in General Surgery to the Vice President of Operations of a large healthcare system in the Upper Midwest. At the same time as she was building her healthcare career, Rachael was a serial entrepreneur and started several businesses within the construction and real estate industry. Rachael also combined her construction-related business and industry knowledge with healthcare to lead several multi-million-dollar expansion and renovation initiatives, including the design and build of the first hybrid interventional suite in the Upper Midwest, and only the third in the United States.
Rachael’s diverse background has resulted in her being recognized as a dynamic and knowledgeable business woman in the construction industry with the expert ability to strategically design and transform environments in a timely and cost-effective manner. Rachael’s true passion resides in the opportunity to serve her customers by guiding them through the transformation of their home, while allowing the customer to enjoy the ups and downs of the remodeling process. Although business and success drive Rachael’s enjoyment in life, her true passion resides in her role as a wife of 31 years and mother of an amazing son who recently graduated high school and who has already professionally authored, published and become a #1 International best selling author of an adventure-action novel, Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants; and has established his own corporation to inspire individuals with the same passion for reading and writing. Additionally, Rachael is closely connected and involved with multiple national and community organizations. She is a member of CEO Space International, National Association of Professional Women, Home Builder’s Association, Moorhead Business Association, the100, inc., sponsor for community youth sports teams, has served on local school boards, and has volunteered with numerous community organizations.
Hometown: Minot, North Dakota
Minot High
North Dakota State University
Member 207 | June 6, 2018
Previous Employment: General Manager at Ralph Engelstad Arena
Business Development at ICON Architectural Group
Founder and Owner of Spicy Pie and M&S Concessions
Typical Day: Analyze direction of EPIC Companies and the corresponding projects
Hobbies: Spending time with wife (Carolyn), sons (Keenen and Landen), stepsons (Brandon and Trayton) and his pets (Echo and Izzy)
Favorite Part of EPIC: The coworkers and challenge of each project
Working hard to develop real estate projects, offer investors high returns, and create long-lasting relationships. Offering investors return on their capital through debt and equity real estate investment opportunities. EPIC Companies seeks to achieve superior risk-adjusted returns through the new construction of mixed-use buildings in secondary markets in the upper Mid-West. EPIC’s projects range from $3-20M with 25% allocated to commercial space (usually first floor) while the upper floors are dedicated to multi-family housing.
Investment vehicles include: 1031 Exchange, Self Directed IRA, Cash
Hometown: Hawley, Minnesota
Hawley High
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Member 212 | July 18, 2018
Executives’ Club VIP Member
With a degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, Lisa spent nearly 15 years with BNSF Railway, living and travelling throughout the US, successfully working her way up the corporate ladder of a heavily male-dominated industry.
A native of Hawley, MN and graduate of the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Lisa returned home in 2001 to manage, alongside her father, Jim Bortnem, and eventually purchase Mid-States Wireless, Inc., the company formed in 1946 as Elder’s Radio Communications. Moving into 2023, the company is preparing to transition to the next generation and keep the organization’s ownership and operation within the same family for over 75 years.
Officially “retired”, Lisa remains Managing Partner of the Bortnem Family Limited Partnership and founded JBL Properties in 2019, to manage commercial real estate holdings throughout the Fargo area.
Hometown: Lake Benton, Minnesota
Lake Benton Public
Ridgewater College
Member 221 | January 18, 2019
Executives’ Club GOLD Sponsor
I am a Mom of two tiny humans, wife, and multi-business owner. I often joke that I love chaos, but in reality I simply thrive being busy and love a good challenge! “Why not!?”
My husband and I bought Phone-n-Fix in 2017, two months before having our first child LOL. At Phone-n-Fix we buy, sell, and repair cell phones, tablets, and computers. Basically if it’s electronic, we we can fix it!
In May of 2022 we partnered with Replay Games Downtown Fargo. Replay Games is a community-supported modern-day video game and board game arcade. We have over 6,000 video games, over 600 board games, virtual reality featuring the valve index, 10 gaming PCs for 5v5 team-based games, puzzles, and more! Our arcade features a kid friendly atmosphere covering over 45 years of gaming history! Ranging from the OG Atari 2600, to the original Nintendo (and yes, we have Duck Hunt with the gun!) to the modern day with Nintendo Switch and multiple PlayStation 5s!
Hometown: Rutland, ND
Sargent Central High
North Dakota State University
Member 233 | January 31, 2020
Matt is a relationship builder and problem solver who works to understand high-net worth clients to simplify their financial lives. He assists clients in identifying and prioritizing their goals including estate and financial planning, investment management, tax minimization strategies, wealth transfer, business transition, and retirement income. He develops a personalized strategy based on the client’s goals, circumstances, and personal perspective. He strives to gain clients’ trust and is committed to providing value to make the most of their financial resources.
Prior to founding Cultivate Financial, Matt learned the intricacies of wealth management at Merrill Lynch and Mass Mutual. Previously he cultivated relationships across the United States and globally bringing ideas together to solve problems in agribusiness. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural Economics from North Dakota State University.
A native of Rutland, North Dakota, he was raised on the family farm and learned the ethics of hard work, honesty, and integrity. Today, he makes his home in Oxbow, North Dakota. Outside of the office, Matt enjoys spending time at the family farm, the lake, hunting, fishing, and volunteering with local organizations.
Hometown: Jamestown, North Dakota
Jamestown High
University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota School of Law
Club Member 239 | April 14, 2020
EXECUTIVES’ CLUB VIP MEMBER
Executives’ Club 2024 Leadership Council
Cheryl Bergian is an attorney with 35+ years of experience, practicing in North Dakota and Minnesota. She concentrates in personal and small business bankruptcies, but also provides services for estate planning (Wills, Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives), probate, and guardianships/conservatorships.
Cheryl serves on the North Dakota Supreme Court Guardianship Standards Workgroup, the North Dakota Supreme Court Task Force on Guardianship Monitoring, the Elder Abuse Coordinated Community Response Group (Cass County, North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota), and the Minnesota Bankruptcy Court Practice Committee.
Cheryl is a life-long resident of North Dakota, is “from” Jamestown, but has lived in Fargo since 1986. She enjoys reading and pets (one rescue dog and three rescue parakeets).
Hometown: Grafton, North Dakota
Grafton High
University of North Dakota
Club Member 245 | August 19, 2020
PLATINUM LIFETIME MEMBER
Experienced Executive Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the philanthropy and Nonprofit industries. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations Management, Leadership Development, and Networking; graduate of the University of North Dakota.
In the 1980’s she learned the potato brokerage business from her father and was one of few female potato brokers in the state. After a long career in education, she moved to Fargo to continue her 20yr role as CEO of the Boone Charitable Foundation. The Boone Charitable Foundations gives generous donations to area schools, causes and organizations. In 2019 Beverly also accepted a position in Donor Development at New Life Center in Fargo.
I am a proud Shriner and member of the El Zagal Director’s Staff motorcycle corp parade and competition team. Not only do I love to raise money to support Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, I love the camaraderie that it brings. I also love to hunt, fish, ride motorcycle and camp with family and friends.
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.
Hometown: Valley City, North Dakota
Valley City High
Brown College
Member 283 | September 6, 2022
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.”
Hometown: Bismarck, North Dakota
Century High
MN State University Moorhead
University of Mary
Member 297 | September 20, 2023
Absolute Studios is a full-service agency dedicated to helping businesses build their brands. Our team of strategic thinkers has all the tools to help tell your story across all platforms through consistent, cohesive campaigns. No matter your audience, we understand how they think and how to reach them. From our largest campaigns to our smallest projects, we strive to inject our work with creative that clicks, not just for the sake of being creative, but to communicate your message in a way your audience won’t soon forget.
Absolute Studios is an award-winning creative production team dedicated to helping results-driven professionals build brands with personality. We have the tools in-house to help tell your story across all platforms through consistent, cohesive campaigns.
It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it, where you say it, and to whom you say it to. With an unmatched commitment to building collaborative relationships with our client partners, we create content that clicks with your audiences and keeps them coming back for more.
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
South Sr High
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Member 298 | September 22, 2023
“Empowering businesses to scale, streamline, and succeed.”
With 14+ years of pioneering operational growth, strategic insights, and operational expertise, I stand at the helm of diverse industries to architect transformative solutions for startups and businesses, guiding them towards success.
I’ve discovered that every organization, big or small, has a unique pulse. I’ve aimed to understand that pulse, helping to refine operational procedures, and mentoring teams, always with an underlying goal: to achieve cohesive, sustainable growth.
At 654 Business Strategies, we offer not just services but transformative solutions tailored to unique organizational needs. As an Integrator, I’ve transformed visions into actionable plans, bridged communication chasms within diverse teams, and mentored tomorrow’s leaders.
Our mission? To catalyze growth, refine processes, and pave the roadmap, setting businesses firmly on the path to success.
Having laid the groundwork for multiple flourishing ventures, my forte lies in amplifying profitability, mentoring executives, and bridging communication divides.
But, it’s not just about numbers and strategies; it’s about a passion to elevate and inspire. As the host of ‘The Flourish Mindset’ podcast, I empower fellow entrepreneurs and business mavens to bring their dreams to fruition.
As a passionate public speaker and a leadership course creator, I’m keen to share insights on leadership, championing women at the corporate forefront, and the essence of productivity. It’s my humble attempt to share insights, inspire, and learn alongside others.
In a world awash with noise, I believe in making a difference – not just an impression. Every business has its symphony; I help you find and fine-tune yours.✨
If you’re driven by passion, innovation, and excellence, let’s navigate the maze of business growth together.
For inquiries, collaborations, and opportunities, drop me an email at: hannah@654trategies.com.
Hometown: Moorhead, Minnesota
Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton High
Member 303 | October 15, 2023
Marc Bushee epitomizes integrity, hard work, energy, and creative problem-solving in every detail of his Real Estate transactions. Marc was born and raised in the Fargo/Moorhead area. Starting his real estate career in 2009, he has built a successful business working with buyers, sellers, land developers, new construction, and investors.
In Marc’s free time, he loves spending time with his family as well as his hobbies: fitness training, fishing, board games, and self-improvement. He is continually educating himself on Real Estate matters, keeping up to date on new trends, legal issues, marketing strategies, negotiating techniques, and market data so that he may serve his clients best. Marc also enjoys mentoring new Real Estate investors and sharing his knowledge of Real Estate investment to help entrepreneurs build wealth. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or invest, Marc is an experienced professional you can trust.
Hometown: Appleton, WI
Appleton West High
North Dakota State University
Member 307 | November 29, 2023
As a Partner and HR Consultant at PRO Resources, I help small businesses in SD, ND, and MN to boost their revenues and profits by outsourcing their human resource functions. I have over eight years of experience in delivering HR technology, capacity, expertise, and buying power to clients across various industries and sectors.
I enjoy partnering with business owners, HR managers, brokers, business coaches, fractional CFOs, and CPAs to introduce solutions that solve business challenges through the creative application of technology. I also leverage my background in IT sales and sales engineering at Marco, a $400M value-added reseller, to offer innovative and customized HR software and services. My mission is to help small businesses focus on tasks that are strategic to their growth and success.
