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.
Jeff Knight
Co-owner/Designer, Cereal
What motivates you?
I’m motivated by the energy of those working to make Fargo a more creative place. This can be through business, art, science or hobbies, but the creative spark of Fargo continues to motivate and inspire me.
What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?
Be ready to fail, but fail with composure and ready yourself for what’s next. Your failure is really just an experience in learning and growing, which continues indefinitely through life. You’ll never “know it all,” but you can be kind to others and do your best.
Amanda Brunelle
Owner, Inspire Health & Wellness Spa
What 2018 accomplishment are you most proud of?
In 2018, I am most proud that I was able to bring something brand new to the Fargo-Moorhead area. The Himalyan Salt Cave is truly a unique experience in itself and something everyone needs to try. Combine that with all of the other amazing services Inspire has to offer and you have something truly unique. Bringing all of our services together and creating something brand new and healing for the community is what I am most proud of.
What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?
Find your passion and run with it. Don’t let anybody tell you your dreams are too big.
Peter Schott
CEO & Co-Founder, Genesis Feed Technologies
If you could thank one organization, resource or individual that’s contributed to your success, who would it be and why?
Without a doubt, Emerging Prairie. Their team has provided connections, inspiration, and guidance for me. They’ve given me a platform to speak (1MC), connected me with Fargo, INC!, allowed me the opportunity to teach the Intern Experience, and a speaking gig at Cultivate. EP is truly a hub for the entrepreneurial community in Fargo Moorhead.
If you could thank one person in the FM community, who would it be and why?
I would like to thank my wife, Julia. Without her support and encouragement, I would have passed countless opportunities. She encouraged me to move back to Fargo while we were having our third baby, gave me the strength to transition from a full-time job to running my own business and endured a year of low income and constant risk.
What lesson have you had to learn the hard way?
Being an entrepreneur is a lonely, difficult job. You have great freedom but with that comes responsibility to keep a million plates spinning without always knowing which ones to spin or if you’re doing it right. Dealing with a constant dread of failure and insecurity while remaining grateful and celebrating wins.
Patrick Kirby
Founder, Do Good Better Consulting
How does the reality of your job differ from people’s perception of it?
I think perception is that I sweep in, give a list of pre-prescribed solutions to fundraising issues and *POOF* everything is great! The reality is that fundraising is extremely HARD WORK, and I spend a ton of time as a philanthropy therapist – letting clients vent frustrations about board members, donors and unattainable fundraising expectations.
If you could thank one person who’s contributed to your success, who would it be and why?
Kirsten Jensen of Next Action Digital. She not only partnered with me to train organizations and individuals on the power of gratitude, but has been a constant soundboard, confidant and advice-giver on shaping the future of Do Good Better.
Gary Tharaldson
Owner, Tharaldson Hospitality Management
What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?
The best advice I can give in business is to listen to people who are already successful and to take their lessons and improve upon them.
How does the reality of your job differ from people’s perception of it?
Many people would think that with 20 hotels under construction, that I would be working way too many hours, and yet with my management style, I only work about 25 hours a week actually managing my company.
If you could thank one person in the FM community, who would it be and why?
Patrick Traynor for his help and involvement in providing funds through his foundation to further the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen to treat concussions.
