Photos by Hillary Ehlen and J. Alan Paul Photography
We are pleased to present our second annual “Faces of Fargo Business” coffee table book. In the following section, we celebrate members of the Fargo metro area who were featured in Fargo INC! over the past year. Aspiring entrepreneurs, CEOs, artists and countless others share one last note with us as we head into 2019.
Toby Krone
Sergeant, Moorhead Police Department
How does the reality of your job differ from people’s perception of it?
There are so many movies, TV shows and news stories that portray law enforcement a certain way that is not accurate or is entirely false. We are constantly dealing with stereotypes in our profession of who we are and what we do. I would encourage people to join a Citizen’s Police Academy or do a ride along to increase some understanding.
What’s one thing you want the local business community to know about you?
I care about the community. Not only do I want to make it safe, I want to make it a better place to live.
Becky Walen, AFC(R), CFP(R)
Senior Vice President, Bell Bank Wealth Management
If you could thank one organization, resource or individual that’s contributed to your success, who would it be and why?
The FMWF Chamber was a major catalyst to my career growth since moving to Fargo. From the connections made early on in Leadership FMWF to chairing the former Public Affairs Committee – now “Eggs and Issues.” The Chamber is a fabulous way to get engaged in the business community.
What motivates you?
Building a better community for the benefit of our children. My why is to lead my children and community by example in helping others, particularly in making decisions about money and career path. I love to be a mentor, providing support and a sounding board for my kids and others.
Rupak Gandhi
Superintendent, Fargo Public Schools
What lesson have you had to learn the hard way?
I think it is important to know that failure is on the path to success. Though some life experiences can be challenging, I believe in the concept of failing forward and always appreciate reflecting on how I can learn from the times I have failed.
What motivates you?
Our youth. I am motivated every day to ensure that I am doing everything I can to provide the best instructional program we can for all children in Fargo Public Schools. The thought of even failing to do that for one child motivates me to work harder each day.
What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?
Your work is never a “job” if it’s your passion, so follow your passion, because everyone has a job but not everyone has a passion.
Toby Kommer
CEO, Aspire Financial/Haga Kommer
What lesson have you had to learn the hard way?
Sometimes things are just out of your control. The old saying “the harder I work, the luckier I get,” is certainly true, but sometimes you just have to realize you’re a very small piece of a very large puzzle.
What’s one thing you want the local business community to know about you?
Being genuine is the backbone of our culture. Our culture is built on the premise that the character of our employees is equally as important as their competence. The result is a highly successful team that genuinely cares for each other and our clients.
What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?
Be very selective about who you hook your wagon to from a career standpoint. Look for someone you admire to work for/with, not just their professional success but their personal life as well. Every day is a learning experience; choose your teacher wisely or you can end up learning the wrong lessons.
Megan Lewis
Owner and Cheesemonger, Milk Made Catering
What are you most looking forward to in 2019?
I am looking forward to continuing to push the envelope on what people may think catering is. I am excited to create more platters, grazing tables, cheese (wheel) cakes and more.
If you could thank one person in the FM community, who would it be and why?
Casey Steele at Square One Kitchens! She has been my greatest mentor, confidante and sounding board. What she has created for this community is one of a kind, and I absolutely could not run my business without her facility.
What’s one thing you want the local business community to know about you?
I love collaborations! Some of my best classes and events have been working with other small, local businesses through date nights, pairing classes and volunteering.
