When the Soil Shifts: Reimagining Business Growth from Seed to Stretch
In the mythology of entrepreneurship, growth is painted as a vertical line — up and to the right, driven by grit, caffeine, and product-market fit. But beneath that sleek trajectory lies a far more textured reality. Business growth isn't a single sprint, but a series of awkward pivots, redefinitions, and recalibrations that require entirely different tactics depending on where a company stands. What fuels momentum in the first year may be the very thing that stunts it in the fifth. The strategies that
How You Can Make Every Piece Count When You’ve Got No Time
For business owners juggling supply chain headaches, hiring crunches, and a calendar packed tighter than a Manhattan rush hour, “marketing refresh” tends to fall somewhere between “learn Italian” and “organize the garage.” It’s not that you don’t care—it’s that you’ve got maybe 20 minutes before your next Zoom call and a sales team asking for updated brochures yesterday. But here’s the truth: your marketing materials are often the first impression. If they’re bland, bloated, or dated, you’re already
Business Event Planning: How to Plan and Host Like a Pro
Planning a business event is a bit like putting together a Broadway show—every detail, from the lighting to the script, plays a role in how the audience (or in this case, your guests) will remember it. Whether you’re hosting a networking mixer, a product launch, or a company-wide retreat, the stakes are high. It’s not just about filling a room; it’s about crafting an experience that aligns with your brand, engages your audience, and leaves a lasting impression. The trick? Treat event planning as a balance
Transform Your Business with These Simple Graphic Design Tricks
In the competitive world of business, the ability to create compelling visuals can significantly influence your brand’s success. As a business owner or entrepreneur, developing graphic design skills can differentiate your brand and enhance its visual appeal. With accessible tools and techniques, you can produce high-quality visuals that not only attract attention but also communicate your brand’s message effectively. This journey into graphic design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about crafting a
Achieve Property Management Excellence Through Smart Practices
Venturing into real estate investment presents a unique blend of opportunities and challenges. To thrive in this dynamic field, adopting effective property management tools and strategies is essential. From crafting detailed lease agreements to integrating smart technology, these measures not only protect your investments but also enhance tenant satisfaction. By focusing on efficiency and innovation, property managers can create a seamless experience for both themselves and their tenants. This approach
FinCEN’s BOI Deadline: Sioux Falls, SD Businesses Must File by 01/01/2025 to Avoid $500 Daily Fines!
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires most U.S.-based businesses to submit Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN to combat financial crimes and increase transparency. As of today, November 27, 2024, business owners in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, have 35 calendar days (or 25 business days) left to file their BOI reports with FinCEN. Don’t risk fines of $500 per day—act now! Action Steps for Sioux Falls Business Owners:1. Confirm if your business needs to file. Most LLCs,
Ways Innovation Meets Affordability to Drive Small Business Success
In the fast-paced world of small business management, every resource matters and efficiency drives success. The right tools can streamline operations, amplify marketing efforts, and safeguard essential data without heavy financial strain. Today, affordable software makes it possible for businesses to grow and innovate while staying within budget. Entrepreneurs are tapping into cost-effective digital solutions to remain competitive alongside larger companies. These tools empower businesses to navigate
Ludens, Inc.: A Lesson in Listening to the Customer
Ludens, Inc.: A Lesson in Listening to the Customer The Ludens family may depict their business, Ludens, Inc., as that of an adventure. The multi-generational family business has enjoyed decades of fruitful growth in both the owners’ work and personal lives, but it has not always been easy to come by. Over the years, Ludens, Inc. has evolved their product line to adapt to the changing needs of their diverse customer base. Today, the retailer has found a particular niche in trailers and
Two Guys & A Garage: Finding the Practical in the Mechanical
Two years ago, Josh Hamann and Dave Stofferan did not forecast that a business would bloom out of their garage. As the owners of Two Guys & A Garage — a new automotive repair shop in Hartford, South Dakota — Hamann and Stofferan are still in the primitive stages of development. The two began “wrenching” (mechanic-speak for general repair) out of Hamann’s Sioux Falls home in 2017. All Hamann and Stofferan knew was that they made a great team, and customers were thrilled with their experience. Not
Automotive Tire & Service: As Forthright as the Name Implies
Sometimes the best way to do business is simple and straightforward. In today’s age of flashy advertising, extravagant sales pitches, and superficial customer service, it’s refreshing to work with the antonym. Ryan and Lacey Pressler are the owners of Automotive Tire & Service (ATS) in Humboldt and Hartford, South Dakota, and have built an honest business in an industry that often struggles with trust. “I honestly don’t know exactly how we’ve built trust with our customers,” laughs Ryan. “We’re
The Agriculture & Automotive Industries: Promoting Diligence, Honesty, and Excellence
The Agriculture & Automotive Industries: Promoting Diligence, Honesty, and Excellence You don’t have to know much about South Dakota to understand that agriculture is a vital contributor to the state’s economy. According to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, the industry makes up one-third of the state’s economic activity — equal to roughly $32.5 billion. While the ag industry’s numbers are important, the way of life it helps generate is arguably more so. The Great Plains region may
Primary Manufacturing: The High-Tech Business on Main Street
There are relatively few people in the world — let alone in Southeastern South Dakota — who truly understand the technology behind Primary Manufacturing. And yet, the high-tech plastics manufacturer is located right on Main Street in Humboldt, South Dakota. Ladd McCluskey is the engineer-founder who opened the manufacturing business in 2017, following an encounter with the brand-new technology in California. Having an engineering background in a diverse set of industries, McCluskey was an excellent
Grocott Ink & Thread - Stitching Success in A Family Business
“No, this is not a tattoo parlor,” laughs Lori Grocott as she recalls stories of acquaintances wondering what her business entails. Southeastern South Dakotans may recognize the business as formerly “American Sports,” but owners Lori and Lynn Grocott decided to change the business’s name last year to hone in on their true niche. Put bluntly, Grocott Ink & Thread is a family-owned and -operated screen-printing and embroidery shop located in Hartford, South Dakota. And while the business’s origins
Central States Manufacturing: Building Customer Loyalty Through Loyal Employees
“Take care of your employees, and they’ll take care of your customers.” That phrase is attributed to business magnate Sir Richard Branson, who, among many things, is famous for his companies’ excellent cultures. Central States Manufacturing — a national metal roofing and siding manufacturer — may not find their influence from Sir Branson, but their philosophies certainly align. Now, the thirty-plus-year-old company employs 850 people across the United States, including 67 here at their Hartford,
Manufacturing & Utilities: Abundant Provision for the Whole Community
Manufacturing & Utilities Sectors: Abundant Provision for the Whole Community Upon first consideration of the manufacturing and public utilities sectors, one may think of bureaucratic organizations with little of interest to offer. Of course, without these industries, nothing would get accomplished. Services are required from these sectors daily, whether through energy consumption, telecommunications usage, sanitation needs, or, quite literally, any of the physical products enjoyed in the modern
Jamie Zomer Starts Take the Trip to Make Travel Easy
Take The Trip - Jamie Zomer The dream of travel is glamorous, yet the end result is not always so. Months of anticipation and excitement precede this once-in-a-lifetime experience, only to be muffled by transportation delays, disappointing accommodations, or unsatisfied expectations. If this occurrence is familiar, you are not alone. Travel is a luxury desired by most, yet common excuses and poor experiences tend to bleed into the idea’s execution before it takes flight. Jamie Zomer understands
R Place Kennels Helps Forge Bonds Between People & Their Pets
Some of the best businesses are born out of hobbies. It’s a beloved story, and often a coveted one: the talented hobbyist realizes that their gift can be serviced to customers with adequate compensation to cover their living expenses. The result? As the adage goes, “Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” This is certainly the case with R Place Kennel — a dog boarding, training, and (occasional) breeding business located here in Hartford, South Dakota. And
