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.
Lindsay Breuler
Director of Strategic Initiatives, Emerging Prairie
What lesson have you had to learn the hard way?
Resumes are awful! When you are trying to find qualified, talented and personable teammates, a resume doesn’t do a person justice. As we have worked to find new teammates, I have discovered that the best candidates sometimes have the “worst” resumes that don’t communicate their passions, experience or skills. Dialogue and interviews are key!
How does the reality of your job differ from people’s perception of it?
Titles for roles rarely make any sense or communicate what someone truly does. In my case, my title provides some insight, but in a startup, you do so much more than what is on the surface. We all pitch in where is needed, and nobody is above the hard work worth doing.
What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?
Trust your gut and instinct. When you are new, you are not burdened by the opinions and history of an organization so you can look at things through clear eyes. Speak your opinion, own it and be ready to learn.
Amanda Torok
Vice President of Culture, Gate City Bank
What are your favorite media recommendations like books, podcasts, news sites, etc.?
My favorite media recommendation is music 🙂 Music motivates me!
What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?
Take it all in! Jump into every opportunity that is provided for you. You can learn from everything. Don’t be afraid to step out of the known. By taking chances, you’ll grow and learn so much more about your strengths and passions!
Karla Solum
CEO, DC, MS, CCSP, CSCS, EHP CrossFit and Elevate Human Potential
If you could thank one resource that’s contributed to your success, what would it be and why?
I went through the SBA Emerging Leader Program this past year and this helped me to take a good look at our business through a different lens. Meeting with other CEOs frequently and bouncing ideas off them has allowed EHP and Elevate Human Potential to grow. The second would be the United Way‘s 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program. This has allowed me to grow as a person and as a small business owner so that I can be a greater leader in this area.
How does the reality of your job differ from people’s perception of it?
Being an owner of a gym and chiropractic clinic and a competitive CrossFit athlete, people think I get to work out all day long. Sometimes I wish that is the case, but I squeeze it in just like most people. The hard part about owning a gym is that I don’t get to “check out” when I go to the gym because business follows me.
David Dvorak
CEO, Field of View
What are your favorite media recommendations?
“Principles to Fortune” by Scott Bintz and “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller
What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?
Think hard about what you want. Pick a niche product or service that you are passionate about and that has sufficient margins…then go all in to make it the best product or service available.
Erica Johnsrud
Development Director – Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley
What 2018 accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am so proud of the work that we did as a team this year to open a brand new facility at 4757 Agassiz Crossing S. It is such a labor of love and is able to keep families near the hospital and with each other when it is needed most.
What motivates you?
For me, it is always about the people! In my job, in my volunteer work, in my social life, I strive to bring joy to others. No tangible product is more important than the value of a human being.
What are your favorite media recommendations like books, podcasts, news sites, etc.?
- “Option B” by Sheryl Sandberg – I was blown away by the lessons I was left with from this book about empathy, adversity, and finding joy. I was really grateful for the take-aways about helping others deal with grief, and it is a great reminder that everyone has a story to share if you just take the time to listen.
- Sounds Good Podcast with Branden Harvey – this is my current podcast obsession! Branden interviews folks that are doing good around the world. It is so refreshing to focus on the good that is happening and really motivating to think about the little things that can make such a big difference!
What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?
Get involved in what’s happening in your community, and surround yourself with people that will challenge and motivate you to be the best you. Remember that there is not one right path or formula for life!
