There are too many entrepreneurial risk takers in our community than we can list. We asked business owners of companies young and old for some sage advice when starting a business.
> Meet 5 local business owners who are risking it all for the sake of business.
MATT LACHOWITZER
Matt’s Automotive Service Center
Recently named the Entrepreneur of the Year by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, Lachowitzer has created one of the most successful automotive centers in town.
Give us a brief history of how your company came about.
“After several years working in new car dealerships I had seen things happen that didn’t fit into how I believed things should be done. People don’t have the best perception of automotive repair facilities and I decided the only way I could change that was to open my own facility.”
What was the hardest part about being a risk taker and going off on your own?
“The hardest parts about going off on my own would be not knowing if the business would succeed and the time away from my family. There are many uncertainties when you open your own business and it takes a vast amount of time and effort to make it successful.”
Tell us a brief story that illustrates the hardship and risk you faced.
“The biggest hardship I faced was being away from my family. I missed very valuable time with my three children trying to get the business off the ground, time I couldn’t get back. I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful support system at home from my wife and kids and blessed to have a great family.”
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
“I feel the best parts about being my own boss is being able to make decisions based on the values that we have put together as a company and working with great people and customers. I enjoy being part of our staff’s lives and also enjoy meeting new people all the time.”
What would you say to someone looking to become a risk taker in business?
“Don’t be afraid to fail. Some of the greatest people in history failed several times before they succeeded. Also, never put money ahead of people.”
TRISHA AND ERIC ISSENDORF
52 Fitness
Along with her husband Eric, Trisha Issendor started Fitness 52, a 24-hour gym in south Fargo, with the hopes that she can start a gym that was affordable and friendly for all. Opened in 2014, the two jumped right into this volatile business.
Give us a brief history of how your company came about.
“At the time Fitness 52 was envisioned, we were in the transition of moving our family from the north side to the south side of Fargo. Being a part of a locally owned and operated 24 hour gym was important to us due to our families hectic schedule and the personalized atmosphere it provides. When evaluating the facilities in the area, we saw an opportunity and need for this type of gym in the 52nd Avenue community.”
What was the hardest part about being a risk taker and going off on your own?
“The most difficult part of taking the risk was the business-related unknowns that would present challenges. However, we were also confident in our effort and ability to overcome obstacles. Our sound business model provided us with the vision of being successful business owners in our neighborhood community.”
Tell us a brief story that illustrates the hardship and risk you faced.
“We are both teachers in the community, but starting, owning and operating a business was an endeavor that we were eager to explore. We are researchers who reached out to friends in business and entrepreneurs successful in our community about our vision of Fitness 52. The process seemed overwhelming and challenging at first, but we live with the philosophy that hard work and effort overcome most obstacles. We were determined to make Fitness 52 a reality so we could provide our neighborhood community with a safe, inexpensive, schedule friendly place to improve their health and well being. We experienced some difficult decisions and processes along the way and met them head-on with determination and perseverance as we held true to our philosophies.”
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
“Utilizing our creativity and implementing varied concepts in our business provides us with a great sense of pride.”
What would you say to someone looking to become a risk taker in business?
“It is imperative to set up a strong support system. You’re going to be investing a great deal of time and resources into your new business venture. Being a family is most important, prepare them for the challenges and emphasize the rewards.”
NICK KILLORAN
Great North Insurance
After having a steady career at Wells Fargo, Killoran set off to make his own mark by opening Great North Insurance. Coming from a long line of entrepreneurs, him and his business partner, Zach Bosh, have grown their business to almost 10 employees.
Give us a brief history of how your company came about.
“My business partner and I both came from an industry that believed in establishing relationships with clients. With our previous experience and training, we decided to open a business with the mentality that everyone is either a client or prospective client. From that philosophy, Great North Insurance was started. Because of our background, we knew that a service oriented industry would be the best fit and we also wanted to focus our business on developing long-term business and personal relationships in this community.”
What was the hardest part about being a risk taker and going off on your own?
“It was difficult to walk away from a career at Wells Fargo & Co. with a steady income, benefits and retirement package to explore the unknown. I knew with hard work we’d grow the business, so the fear of leaving that career quickly changed to knowing that we were now going to carry the responsibility of providing others with a solid career. They depend on us to provide career opportunities and financial stability for their families.”
Tell us a brief story that illustrates the hardship and risk you faced.
“When entering the world of insurance, most people opt to purchase an existing insurance agency instead of starting the business from scratch. In order to issue your first policy you need an insurance carrier to give you a contract. Before you get this contract you need to have insurance policies and insurance coverage that covers your own business. To get this insurance coverage (Errors and Omissions insurance), you need to have an existing book of business and experience owning an insurance agency… see the problem? It was a challenge, but it was exciting and we overcame the odds.”
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
“I really dislike the word ‘boss’ or ‘manager’. The best part about starting a business is developing a culture with your colleagues that promotes empowerment, teamwork and business growth. You are responsible for your own success or failure. When you embrace that fear of failure and the possibility of letting your team down, it is amazing what you can accomplish. When you really think about it, I am not my own ‘boss’. I am responsible for our business, but I report to our team just like everyone else.”
What would you say to someone looking to become a risk taker in business?
“Before you invest your time and money, take the opportunity to learn and surround yourself with great people. I was fortunate to work for my parent’s business growing up, which also started from scratch. They taught me a strong work ethic. My business partner is willing to take on any task. My wife is always there to encourage me and provide additional feedback. You are as strong as the people around you, so if you have a great team around you… take the leap of faith.”
TROY HENNE
Hash Interactive
The majority owner of Hash Interactive, Troy Henne started Hash Interactive with Fargo Monthly’s publisher, Mike Dragosavich. Not only is Henne a business owner, he is a fitness nut competing in crossfit competitions.
Give us a brief history of how your company came about.
“We recognized a need in the community for custom designed websites that were available to small to medium size businesses. We believed we could provide a service that combines both creative/marketing and logical functionality – and that’s what we’ve set out to do.”
What was the hardest part about being a risk taker and going off on your own?
“The unknown and unknowable. We as humans try to “forecast” all the possibilities and outcomes of a scenario, and sometimes we create failures in our head that will never materialize. Fear is false evidence appearing real; and although you want to be optimistic, fear is a big part of human nature.”
Tell us a brief story that illustrates the hardship and risk you faced.
“You will inevitably sacrifice a lot to ensure the success of your venture. For me it was delaying the lifestyle most of my friends were pursuing: getting married, starting a family, buying a house etc. Not to say you can’t balance your lifestyle while building a business, but for me those were sidelined.”
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
“With great power comes great responsibility. Being your own boss means you have no one telling you what to do, which means you have to organize, prioritize and complete tasks on your own. You have to steer your own ship and navigates the ups and downs and setbacks you will face.”
What would you say to someone looking to become a risk taker in business?
“Make sure you are in it for the right reasons. I think a lot of people want to start businesses cause they believe it will give them more time or more freedom or less responsibility. The only way you will persist long enough to succeed is if you have a passion and mission for what you are doing.”
ASHLEY MORKEN
Unglued Market
Ashley Morken originally started the Unglued: Craft Fest in Fargo while working as a nurse. She quickly realized there was a demand in the area for handmade goods. With a newly opened store in Sioux Falls, S.D., she continues to grow.
Give us a brief history of how your company came about.
“Unglued grew from a passion to support and inspire our creative (and non-creative) community as well connect people through making. After seeing the impact of Unglued: Craft Fest on the community I quit my nursing career to open a brick and mortar Unglued, too.”
What was the hardest part about being a risk taker and going off on your own?
“That there is no line between personal life and business life since it all has become one adventure/passion/dream. Leaving the stability of a career to do this makes life unstable and crazy stressful, but I wouldn’t have it any other way (most days…as long as I’ve had coffee… or whiskey).”
Tell us a brief story that illustrates the hardship and risk you faced>
“I think it’s because I thrive on risk, change and the possibility of failing miserably that even though there are tight months that freak me out that there isn’t a single hardship or specific risk besides the entire thing in general!”
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
“Especially because I get restless doing just one thing, the incredible part of this is if I (or one of our amazing crew) get an idea and it fits our mission to be a place to buy creative, we can just do it! I don’t have to follow traditional “rules” and can do things that matter.”
What would you say to someone looking to become a risk taker in business?
“Just start somewhere! You will never be totally ready, but if you can handle working hard doing things you don’t enjoy you are already ahead of the game. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and be always willing to learn as you go… with a deep resilience within you for when you need it.”
“’The dream is free but the hustle is sold separately’ has never rang truer for me than these past 3 years.”
KARLA SOLUM
Elevate Human Potential
As the Sports Chiropractor with USA Beach Volleyball and USA Track and Field, Solum has dedicated her life to fitness. She took it to the next level when she recently moved to Fargo from Seattle and opened Elevate Human Potential in Moorhead.
Give us a brief history of how your company came about.
“After spending the past six years working throughout the United States as a Sports Chiropractor, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Sports Rehab Specialist, and CrossFit Coach, I decided to put the concepts together and bring it back to the Fargo-Moorhead Area, creating a place that strives to help you reach your true potential.”
What was the hardest part about being a risk taker and going off on your own?
“When you pour all of your passion into something, you are totally exposing yourself to criticism and failure. That, along with the realization that you could not only lose your job, but your livelihood and your heart and soul, if your business doesn’t succeed is the toughest part.”
Tell us a brief story that illustrates the hardship and risk you faced.
“During the transition of moving home from Seattle, I broke my foot. Healing from this injury and hobbling around on crutches while simultaneously getting my business off the ground was the biggest challenge I faced.”
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
“The best part has been being able to take all of my educational experiences, morph them into a vision, and then see that vision play out. Then, when others partake in my vision of being ‘Better Than Yesterday’ and truly live it out, it is incredibly rewarding.”
What would you say to someone looking to become a risk taker in business?
“Owning and running your own small business isn’t easy. It is absolutely opposite of that. You will work incredibly long hours and probably be paid less than you expect, but seeing your vision carried out makes everything worth it!”
KAREN STOKER
Hotel Donaldson
Named to National Geographic’s “150 Hotels You’ll Love”, the Hotel Donaldson has been a staple in Downtown Fargo. This hotel, restaurant and bar offers a unique ambiance with its eclectic vibe.
Give us a brief history of how your company came about.
“Fifteen years ago The Hotel Donaldson was created out of a desire to build memorable experiences for our community by celebrating our community’s visual, culinary, literary and performing arts. Together, they create an environment where great things happen and with the hope to inspire others to look at our downtown differently.”
What was the hardest part about being a risk taker and going off on your own?<
“There isn’t a board of directors or group of investors who also have skin in the game. You can feel a bit lonely at times.”
Tell us a brief story that illustrates the hardship and risk you faced.
“Fortunately, there have been few, what I would consider ‘hardships’. Biggest risk was making the leap along with Royal Jewelers, Zandbroz and The VIP room. They were what was happening downtown at that time. I admire their commitment, success and vision to see the opportunity that downtown Fargo provided.”
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
“It’s the same answer as above. No board of directors or investors. You’re able to make decisions quickly and it affords the chance to adapt/create/change/reinvent without bureaucracy. When there are challenges, i.e. staffing, we can adjust to ensure we’re doing what’s best for the team and our guests.”
What would you say to someone looking to become a risk taker in business?
“Know and live your mission. Be committed to practicing shared values. Build a good team. Work diligently to create a great place to work. Seek counsel of those you respect. Be comfortable with, and know when, to ask for help.”
AMANDA MCKINNON
MSPIRE
McKinnon spent several years of her life in ad agencies before making the leap and starting her own marketing firm, MSPIRE, three years ago. She also launched Misfix, an app designed to train women in do-it-yourself troubleshooting, at the North Dakota Women’s Startup Weekend.
Give us a brief history of how your company came about.
“After working in ad agencies and small to large businesses, I decided to take the leap three years ago and go out on my own. I put in my two weeks and two weeks later MSPIRE was live. This April, I also launched Misfix at the North Dakota Women’s Startup Weekend.”
What was the hardest part about being a risk taker and going off on your own?
“I had bills to pay, and no clue how I was going to pay them. So I connected with key people to let them know I was on my own, and wanted to put my experience to work for them, in a different way than others had.”
Tell us a brief story that illustrates the hardship and risk you faced.
“I had a lot of debt when I started my own business. I was fearful of the coming months. With the professional relationships I formed in my work and volunteering, I believed I was more than capable. That’s half the battIe. I’m now thriving more than ever, while helping others.”
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
“I absolutely love the freedom of time. It is interesting in that I work a lot of hours, typically seven days a week, but I can work from anywhere, anytime. Whether I’m in Fargo, or Scottsdale spending time with family, I’m available to my clients and they know that.”
What would you say to someone looking to become a risk taker in business?
“Get your game face on. You won’t have all the answers, ever. You’ll have days where you feel like a super hero and others where you’ll want to curl up in a ball under your cape, but if you provide a product or service others want/need, it will be worth it.”
NED HALILOVIC
Ambassador Cleaning
Originally from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Halilovic escaped during the war and came to America where he attended college at Concordia. After graduating from college, learning English and receiving his U.S. citizenship, Halilovic opened Ambassador Cleaning.
Give us a brief history of how your company came about.
“When I was in college, I was doing cleaning. I was at Concordia College and my senior year, I was managing a cleaning company. Timberlodge Steakhouse was my first account. The manager was telling me how he liked working with me and asked me why don’t I open my own cleaning company. I started thinking about it. I loved the idea of owning a cleaning business. Right after graduating college, I opened a cleaning business and Timberlodge steakhouse was my first account. We spread out and started cleaning lots of restaurants. With hard work, I got into more commercial accounts. That’s kind of how I started.”
What was the hardest part about being a risk taker and going off on your own?
“I have six of what I think is the hardest part of risk taking.
1. Abandoning a steady paycheck. Risk of not getting paid for a few months.
2. Sacrificing personal capital. You have to spend your own money in the beginning.
3. Relying on cash flow.
4. Trusting key employees.
5. Meeting a deadline because at that time, you have so much pressure opening a business. You have so many deadlines and you have to try and keep them.
6. Donating personal time and health.
Tell us a brief story that illustrates the hardship and risk you faced.
“Meeting a customer’s expectation and time. Making best effort to understand and appreciate a customer’s needs in every situation.”
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
“Money has no limits. You can increase all of a sudden with your hard-work from making $100,000 to $500,000 in the next couple of months. Benefits, you make your own schedule, you make your vacation and days off. Responsibilities: You make your own decisions. You decide how to market your own product. It is a big responsibility because you either fail or succeed, but it is a fun responsibility because you are in charge.”
What would you say to someone looking to become a risk taker in business?
“Number one, take a risk with goals and vision. Number two, have a plan for long and short goals. Number three, work hard.”
CLINT HOWITZ
DogIDs
Howitz really loves dogs. The owner of dogIDs.com, a website selling pet products, Howitz dove headlong into the world of e-commerce. Carrying over 1,000 products on their website, the company has amassed much success, even appearing on “Good Morning America” several times.
Give us a brief history of how your company came about.
“While working on another business on the wholesale side of the pet industry, I realized there was an unmet demand for personalized dog products and how perfect the internet was for personalized product transactions direct to consumers so I launched dogIDs.com. I also knew my passion for dogs and eCommerce would enable me to make dogIDs the best company in its niche.”
What was the hardest part about being a risk taker and going off on your own?
I knew leaving a well-paying steady day job would put financial strain on my family and also knew the time investment would cause more time away from my family than they were used to. These were the two biggest fears I had to face.”
Tell us a brief story that illustrates the hardship and risk you faced.
“In 2012/2013 over half of our organic search traffic was lost due to new search algorithms and mistakes we made. Revenue plummeted. We had to let several good people go, cut salaries and benefits, etc. There were many sleepless nights over many months wondering whether we would make payroll, let alone lose everything.”
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
“Knowing that I decide my own fate and can be a part of building something really great is huge for me. I also find great fulfillment in knowing that I have the opportunity to help pack members at dogIDs grow as individuals and as a team.”
What would you say to someone looking to become a risk taker in business?
“Connect with people who have been through business ownership, listen to them and keep them close. There are challenges you will face and sacrifices you will make as a business owner that most people don’t even want to think about and only people who have lived it know how to help you through. Get ready to tackle fears and grow personally more than you ever thought was possible. It’s scary at times but so amazing!”
RYAN FRITZ
Office Sign Company
Office Sign Company was born out a desire for founder Fritz to spend more time with his daughter. The e-commerce site specializes in creating custom signs. With customers like L’Oréal and Yahoo!, it is obvious Fritz made the right decision.
Give us a brief history of how your company came about.
“Office Sign Company began with my wish to spend more time with my daughter – and with the vision of a very simple lifestyle. Of course, most of my life there was a desire to do my own thing and start something of my own. So I quit my job.”
What was the hardest part about being a risk taker and going off on your own?
“Gathering the confidence to believe in myself. Once I was able to take that first step, the details seemed very simple. Of course quitting a decent paying job is a hard thing to do. It’s easy for me to say now, but I wish I would have done it sooner.”
Tell us a brief story that illustrates the hardship and risk you faced.
“The first couple of years I ran the business out of my basement and endured a series of growing pains. One of our very first job applicants was a female, and she emailed me a photo of my home and asked if this is really where the business was located, because it seemed like such a terrific job. In my excitement towards our very first job applicant, I replied ‘Yes it is, could you meet me in the basement at 8 p.m. tonight?’ I will always remember her response, ‘Creepy.’”
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
“There is a certain amount of freedom that comes with being your own boss. It’s inspiring to be able to look back and realize some of my dreams and goals. Another great part of running your own business is the things you are forced to learn. The education is never ending.”
What would you say to someone looking to become a risk taker in business?
“Hey, go for it! Fargo has a massive support system for entrepreneurs these days, support that I wish was present when I was getting things going. Shoot me an email if you need help, advice or just want to share a great idea,ryan@officesigncompany.com. I’m certain your ideas and conversation will inspire me in some way.”
JAKE JORAANSTAD, RYAN RAGUSE & JAMES DRAVITZ
Myriad Mobile
Started while they were in college, Myriad Mobile quickly rose to the top app development company in town. With a new office in Downtown Fargo, the company is now doing business across the country.
Give us a brief history of how your company came about.
Ryan Raguse, President, Myriad Mobile
“Jake and I started a handful of different companies before Myriad. When we jumped in full time, we had about a solid month worth of cash for living expenses. It could have meant missing rent but we believed in what we were trying to build so we took the risk.”
What was the hardest part about being a risk taker and going off on your own?
Jake Joraanstad, CEO, Myriad Mobile
“The support initially is really lacking. Not many parents are willing to encourage their kids to stop focusing on school to focus on building a company that hasn’t been proven yet, let alone a kid who has no idea how to start a business.”
Tell us a brief story that illustrates the hardship and risk you faced.
Jake Joraanstad, CEO, Myriad Mobile
“Well…Ryan and I have a running tally of how much our mistakes have cost us. Let’s just say that number isn’t small. And that doesn’t even count 2015 yet.”
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
James Dravitz, Chief Marketing Officer, Myriad Mobile
“In the beginning, starting off with a clean slate and creating the future was really empowering. The company doesn’t progress unless you execute and figure it out, and taking charge of that destiny reinforces purpose.”
What would you say to someone looking to become a risk taker in business?
James Dravitz, Chief Marketing Officer, Myriad Mobile
“The art of ‘sticking it out, despite the odds’ during hard times, is what it’s all about. The mistakes made in the past make you stronger. If you completely fall flat on your face and never want to take risks again, you can always pursue a more stable career elsewhere.”
URSULA HEGVIK
Smart Spaces
Ursula worked at California Closets in Minneapolis before coming up north to start Smart Spaces, a company that specializes in creating ideal spaces for closets, garages, entryways or other rooms. She now has a team of six employees.
Give us a brief history of how your company came about.
“I had the fortunate experience of designing for California Closets in Minneapolis for two years. There I received the best training in the industry and just fell in love with the closet business. After moving back to Fargo, I missed that job and had always wanted to be an entrepreneur, so I researched suppliers and decided to go for it. It was like I just had to do it!”
What was the hardest part about being a risk taker and going off on your own?
“The beginning. When I started, I remember feeling very overwhelmed by the amount of things I had to do and the money going into it, and how would I ever get people to know I was out there?! I couldn’t afford advertising. That was a really hard time in my life – the first 6-9 months of starting the business. But I did have complete unwavering faith in myself and my business. There have been hard times in the beginning and also definitely through growth, but I’ve always known things would turn out ok.”
Tell us a brief story that illustrates the hardship and risk you faced.
“During those first few hard years, I did whatever I had to do … at first I had another part-time job. I received shipments in our home garage and worked out of our house. I installed everything myself the first year before hiring an installer. I approached builders and had difficult conversations trying to win their confidence. There have been many tough times and there still are as we grow. But, I still love it so much and I’m a pretty tenacious person, so bring it on – I can take the challenges along with the good stuff.”
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
“I am so grateful to have started Smart Spaces. I absolutely love helping people in the way that we do. I’m fortunate to have an incredibly talented team around me now and we do great work. Aside from the actual work stuff, the best part is getting to set my own schedule. I have two young boys and I get to spend a lot of time with them – I’ve really limited my work hours. I’m a lucky lady.”
What would you say to someone looking to become a risk taker in business?
“Do your research! Make lists. Put one foot in front of the other and keep moving. Yes, it’s overwhelming, but just do something, anything, that needs to be done and the rest will figure itself out. Write down your goals. It might sound cheesy, but believe in yourself. If you don’t, no one else will. Ask respected people for help when you need it. Appreciate what you have at every point. It’s OK to want more, but be grateful for your strengths and rewards along the way.”
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