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.
Derrick LaPoint
President/CEO, Downtown Moorhead Inc.
If you could thank one person in the FM community, who would it be and why?
I would like to thank the FM community as a whole! This past year I have been reaching out to many individuals, businesses and organizations. I appreciate their flexibility and history. It has helped shape our organization and our work plan!
What are your favorite media recommendations like books, podcasts, news sites, etc.?
I am constantly keeping my pulse on the local community. My morning starts with listening/watching/reading the local news. In addition, I am following other successful urban centers. What are my peers doing and how can we implement something here?
Sara Stolt
Founder & CEO, The Project Co.
If you could thank one organization, resource or individual that’s contributed to your success, who would it be and why?
Man. This is tough. So many people and organizations have helped me. If I had to pick one, it would be Kirsten Jensen. She has been a thoughtful listener, giver of sound advice, challenger of my self-doubt moments and overall inspiration for becoming a solopreneur.
What are your favorite media recommendations like books, podcasts, news sites, etc.?
Read it all. I promise, this isn’t a cop out answer. Be willing to be a constant learner. Read anything people recommend. Listen to other entrepreneurs, and connect with people outside your sphere.
Chelsey Ehlen
Owner/Master Barber, Everett’s Barbershop
What lesson have you had to learn the hard way?
Never leave a Sandy’s doughnut in the bag overnight thinking “It’ll still be just as soft in the morning.” It won’t be. Eat it and treat yoself to a new one!
How does the reality of your job differ from people’s perception of it?
You can’t pick out a haircut picture of a model that’s probably been touched by some sort of Photoshop and assume you’ll have the same thing. When we have a suggestion, it’s for a reason.
Laura Caroon
Co-founder, Ladybosses of Fargo-Moorhead
What 2018 accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the real connections made between women in our community. Ladyboss is about supporting women, and that’s exactly what we’ve accomplished in this first year.
If you could thank one organization, resource or individual that’s contributed to your success, who would it be and why?
That’s easy. I have an amazing co-founder (Danyel Moe) who has a huge heart, challenges me creatively and is up to any task.
What advice would you give young people just entering the business world?
The best thing I ever did in business was learn to network. It’s not about handshakes and business cards. It’s about finding ways you can be helpful for other people.
Shane Cullen
Realtor, Park Company Realtors
What’s one thing you want the local business community to know about you?
I want to leave this world a better place than I found it. Integrity, hard work and humility are among my most cherished values.
If you could thank one person in the FM community, who would it be and why?
Jon Ryding from Silver Line Custom Homes. Jon has trusted me to be an advisor and an advocate as he grows his business. I’ve had the opportunity to learn and to grow as a realtor and become well versed in new construction, and I would not be where I am now if it weren’t for him.
What 2018 accomplishment are you most proud of?
2018 FMAAR Realtor of the Year
