Every November, we take time to recognize the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Their courage, discipline, and commitment to something greater than themselves remind us that freedom and opportunity are not simply given—they are preserved through sacrifice and service.
Veterans represent every walk of life and every corner of our communities. When their military service ends, their impact does not. Many return home to build businesses, lead teams, mentor youth, or bring their steady sense of purpose into local organizations. The qualities that make great service members—integrity, teamwork, and perseverance—are the same qualities that make great leaders and innovators in business and community life.
Across the country, veteran-owned businesses employ millions and drive billions in revenue, strengthening both the economy and the communities they serve. But beyond the numbers are the people who translate their experiences into resilience and vision, who know how to navigate challenges, adapt to change, and lead under pressure. These are lessons that resonate far beyond the battlefield.
This issue of Fargo INC! is dedicated to those stories. The stories of veterans who continue to serve, not through orders or missions, but through mentorship, creativity, and determination.
As we honor their service, let’s also recognize the example they set for all of us—to lead with purpose, to stand by our values, and to support one another through challenges.
James Simmons: Trap Hogs BBQ
Q&A
Q: What is your current role/business? What do you do?
A: I am the owner/operator of a food truck here in Fargo called Trap Hogs BBQ. We are a small, familyowned business. We specialize in Memphis Style BBQ. I was born and raised in Memphis and moved to Fargo in 2018. I couldn’t find any BBQ like back home, so I started making my own. After sharing my family recipes and my style of BBQ with friends here in the FM area, they couldn’t get enough!
Q: Can you share a bit about your military service—branch, role, and length of service?
A: I was a Military Policeman (31B) enlisted in the Army National Guard from 2008 to 2014, including one deployment to Afghanistan in support of OEF between 2012 and 2013.
Q: What motivated you to transition from the military into business or entrepreneurship?
A: We, as veterans, have a strong call to serve our communities, leading to our choice to enlist. I feel like that same call led me to opening a small business and trying to do my part and make my community better.
Q: what was the hardest part of moving from military life to civilian business life?
A: In the military, you have a set schedule and expectations for your day-to-day life. When transitioning to civilian life, and especially entrepreneurship, you wear several different hats, and no day is the same.
Q: what skills from your service have been most valuable in your business career?
A: Discipline, self-motivation, and a mission-first mindset help me navigate challenges every day
Q: Are there leadership lessons from the military that you still apply today?
A: I believe in leading from the front. I wouldn’t ask anyone to do a job I am not willing to do myself. I’ve been blessed to be around some great leaders, and I have learned something different from each one.
Q: how do you approach decision-making under pressure in your business compared to your time in the military?
A: In the military, you learn to trust your training and tap into muscle memory. In my business, I tend to lean more on my experience and the advice of some successful business mentors.
Q: Were there resources, mentors, or veteran-focused programs that helped you get started?
A: Definitely! The ND Small Business Development Center was critical in helping me get started. I also met a ton of great people at local networking events.
About The North Dakota Small Business Development Centers
The North Dakota Small Business Development Centers (ND SBDC) provide no-cost, confidential business advising and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state. With regional centers located in communities from Fargo to Williston, the ND SBDC helps clients start, manage, and grow their businesses through personalized support in areas like business planning, financial analysis, marketing strategy, and accessing capital. The organization also assists with government contracting, exporting, and technology commercialization, offering specialized expertise through its network of certified advisors. Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and North Dakota State University, the ND SBDC plays a vital role in strengthening local economies by empowering small businesses— the backbone of the state’s economy—with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed and create lasting impact in their communities.
Q: How has your service shaped your company culture or leadership style?
A: Being both a veteran and a local first responder, I understand some of the struggles both groups face. We have a culture of trying to give back and support them as much as possible
Q: How do you build camaraderie or teamwork within your organization?
A: While we are just a small, family-run business, we still try and have fun together outside of work tasks.
Q: Have you faced any barriers to entry, funding, or networking as a veteran?
A: The business was definitely bootstrapped, and we rubbed pennies together to fund the opening, but we have found success since opening.
Q: What advice would you give to other veterans considering entrepreneurship or a career in business?
A: Go for it! It’s very tough, but extremely rewarding
Q: What are your goals for the next chapter of your business or career?
A: Growth. We are hoping to expand and continue serving our same great BBQ.
Q: If you could go back, what would you tell your younger self as you transitioned out of the military?
A: What a tough question! I would tell my younger self it is a wild ride! Chase your dreams sooner!
Q: What general business advice do you have for people out there?
A: If it were easy, then everyone would do it! Do the hard work. Do your homework. Improvise, adapt, and overcome. Every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Q: What books/ podcasts/pieces of content do you recommend people take in?
A: You don’t know what you don’t know. Diversify your media and learn something new every day. In the age of podcasts, there is a wealth of information for free at your fingertips. Whether it’s a podcast, book, or new video, just learn something new every day.
Trap Hogs Bbq
Facebook | Search “Trap Hogs BBQ“
Casey K. Drege: Ohnstad Twichell, P.C
Q&A
Q: What do you do?
A: I’m an attorney at Ohnstad Twichell, P.C. in West Fargo where I specialize in business and corporate matters.
Q: Can you share a bit about your military service—branch, role, and length of service?
A: I’ve been in the North Dakota Army National Guard for roughly 10 years. I’ve served in several roles, both as an enlisted soldier and now as a JAG officer.
Q: What motivated you to transition from the military into business or entrepreneurship?
A: Fortunately, the National Guard provides the opportunity to pursue both simultaneously. In a way, it is the best of both worlds. The National Guard provides a stable, part-time career, while at the same time, I’m able to pursue a civilian career.
Q: What was the hardest part of moving from military life to civilian business life?
A: Military life can be very predictable: the job, the people, the work, and even the clothes you wear are always the same. Additionally, there is a clear hierarchy that often equates to accountability. This high degree of predictability is not as evident in civilian life, which can definitely be frustrating at times.
Q: What skills from your service have been most valuable in your business career?
A: The military requires a lot of unique training throughout your career. Depending on what course you are in, you could have someone who has only been in the military for a few years, teaching someone who has been in for decades. The military is great about fostering an environment of encouraging soldiers to ask questions and, in general, have a growth mindset, regardless of time, experience, or rank.
Q: Are there leadership lessons from the military that you still apply today?
A: In conjunction with my previous answer, early in my military career, I got the advice to “be comfortable with what you know, and be comfortable with what you don’t know.” As an individual, it’s important not to be afraid to ask questions, but additionally, as a leader, it demonstrates a great level of humility and trust to rely on those around you for information.
Q: How do you approach decision-making under pressure in your business compared to your time in the military?
A: Although the consequences of my decision-making are very different between the military and my civilian work, the thought process is quite similar. Boiled down, there are two questions I often ask myself: how can I reduce the amount of risk in this situation, and is there an alternative path forward that can achieve the result I’m looking for?
Q: Were there resources, mentors, or veteran-focused programs that helped you get started?
A: There certainly are many resources available, but I think the value of a great mentor is immeasurable. Great advice extends beyond the situation where it was initially applied. I’ve received a lot of advice over the years in the context of military operations, which I’ve been able to apply to civilian work.
What is top rank networking?
Top Rank Networking is a veteran-led professional network dedicated to helping military veterans and service members build lasting business and career connections. Founded on principles of trust, integrity, and shared experience, the group provides a supportive space for veterans to exchange referrals, share resources, and strengthen their professional presence. Through regular meetings, community events, and mentorship opportunities, Top Rank Networking empowers members to grow both personally and professionally while continuing the spirit of service that defines the veteran community.
Q: How has your service shaped your company culture or leadership style?
A: Military training requires the accomplishment of the mission, which, combined with good leadership, allows for the best idea to win. Having that mindset in civilian employment allows me to leave my personal feelings at the door. The best strategy or idea should, regardless of whose idea it was, win.
Q: Have you faced any barriers to entry, funding, or networking as a veteran?
A: There was a pretty big absence of veteran networking in the FM area, which is why a group of us established Top Rank Networking last year. We felt confident there was enough interest in the area, and we’ve been thrilled with the number of veterans we’ve connected with across many industries in the FM area
Q: What advice would you give to other veterans considering entrepreneurship or a career in business?
A: One of the main goals of our networking group is to lift up those veterans who are just starting out. We have members who started their businesses last year, and others who have been operating successful businesses for over a decade. If those in the group can’t help out directly, we almost certainly know who to talk to. So, my advice is to come to a meeting, and we will do what we can to support you and provide you with a solid foundation
Q: What general business advice do you have for people out there?
A: I work with a lot of new businesses and entrepreneurs. The advice I often give is to focus on the unique thing you do and hire others to handle the work that takes you away from your unique skill. I’ve seen great businesses and great entrepreneurs burn out, simply because they had to do it all or because they wanted to save some money. Investing in yourself requires that you delegate.
Ohnstad Twichell, P.C.
ohnstadlaw.com
Facebook | /ohnstadlaw
Kelly Mortensen: Digital Plains
Q&A
Q: What is your current role/business?
A: I am the Owner of Digital Plains LLC, where we provide expert cybersecurity, business telephone, and other IT solutions. We help businesses protect their technology infrastructure, mitigate cyber risks, and leverage IT to operate more efficiently and securely.
Q: Can you share a bit about your military service—branch, role, and length of service?
A: I was stationed at the 367th Engineer Battalion in Fargo as a 12B Combat Engineer for 6 years.
Q: What motivated you to transition from the military into business or entrepreneurship?
A: In the early 90s, I saw the IT industry beginning to explode with opportunity. I spent much of my career working as an internal IT for various companies, gaining handson experience and understanding business technology needs. Over time, this experience naturally led me to entrepreneurship. For the past 6½ years, I’ve been leading Digital Plains, building a business focused on cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and helping clients leverage technology to grow efficiently.
Q: What skills from your service have been most valuable in your business career?
A: I think the discipline, determination, and structure of the Army helped me the most.
Q: Are there leadership lessons from the military that you still apply today?
A: Clear processes ensure consistency and efficiency, procedures create accountability, and understanding the chain of command helps maintain structure while empowering teams to execute effectively.
Q: How do you approach decision-making under pressure in your business compared to your time in the military?
A: I approach decision-making by narrowing the options quickly, assessing the risks, and committing to a course of action. Even if it’s not perfect, moving forward is critical. Indecision often costs more than a well-considered risk.
Q: Were there resources, mentors, or veteran-focused programs that helped you get started?
A: When I first got started, I wasn’t aware of many resources specifically for veterans. Recently, I discovered Top Rank Networking, a veteranfocused business networking group, which has been an incredible resource. It’s provided connections, mentorship, and support from fellow veteran entrepreneurs, and has helped me grow both personally and professionally while staying connected to the veteran community.
Q: How has your service shaped your company culture or leadership style?
A: My service instilled in me a deep respect for structure, accountability, and mission focus, values that directly shape how our company operates. I believe that providing a clear structure and a defined mission for every team member is essential.
Q: How do you build camaraderie or teamwork within your organization?
A: We rally around why our company exists, not just what we do. Our shared mission is to protect our clients’ information technology from cybercriminals and remove the technology barriers that limit their growth.
Q: What advice would you give to other veterans considering entrepreneurship or a career in business?
A: You already have what most civilians struggle to develop: structure, accountability, and resilience. Business is chaos disguised as opportunity. Your ability to stay calm, prioritize, and execute under pressure is your edge. Use it. Don’t downplay it.
Q: What are your goals for the next chapter of your business or career?
A: Your primary goal is to remain ahead of the rapid changes in the technology and cybersecurity landscape. We will continue to evolve and expand our services to proactively protect our clients from emerging threats while improving the efficiency, reliability, and scalability of their operations.
Digital Plains
digitalplains.com
Facebook | /digitalplains
Instagram | @digitalplains
Linkedin | /digitalplains
Brandon Wendland: EFS Advisors
Q&A
Q: What is your current role/business?
A: Financial Advisor with EFS Advisors. I mainly focus on families that are nearing retirement.
Q: Can you share a bit about your military service—branch, role, and length of service?
A: I have been in the ND Army National Guard for just over a decade. Most of my career was spent as a bridge crew member with the 957 MRBC in Bismarck, ND. I am currently serving as the Drill Sergeant for Fargo RSP, where I prepare newly enlisted soldiers for basic training.
Q: What motivated you to transition from the military into business or entrepreneurship?
A: I was very close to taking a full-time position with the guard, but ultimately decided I wanted to be able to build something, which is difficult to do in the military. Active military service is certainly rewarding, but it doesn’t offer the same type of freedom and opportunities to build a business that the civilian side does.
Q: Are there leadership lessons from the military that you still apply today?
A: Absolutely, oftentimes in the military, you are placed in leadership roles as a younger soldier and may not have the same level of experience as those you are leading. This has been very helpful to me as a retirement planner, often working with clients who have a lot more “life experience” than I do. My military leadership experience allowed me to have these client conversations with a lot more confidence.
Q: How has your service shaped your company culture or leadership style?
A: During my military career, I have experienced good and bad cultures. The main takeaway I got from these experiences is understanding how important culture actually is. Every company will have a different culture, and I am not here to say there is one culture that is “right”, but I do know there are certain company cultures that don’t work and ultimately lead to an ineffective team.
Q: How do you build camaraderie or teamwork within your organization?
A: This has been a pretty simple one for me so far because I really enjoy my team, and we are friends even outside of work. We get together for many things that don’t involve work at all, and our families are deeply involved in each other’s lives.
Q: What advice would you give to other veterans considering entrepreneurship or a career in business?
A: If you are considering starting a business or find yourself running a team, think back to your time in the military and reflect on the good and bad times. Look back on the teams you were a part of and try to dissect the reasons some were great and others were not. This is another reference to culture and leadership styles. Apply the things that made an effective team, and aggressively eliminate the things that made it worse.
Q: What are your goals for the next chapter of your business or career?
A: I am excited to continue growing in my current role and look forward to growing the team. The ultimate goal is to bring on a couple of younger advisors and help them get started and build their practice as well.
EFS Advisors
efsadvisors.com
Facebook | /efsadvisors
Linkedin | /efsad
