FINANCE & COMMERCE RisingJUNE Young2018 Professionals From the publisher Rising Young Professionals honoree profiles The future of our region is in good hands, judging from the stellar people selected Becky Alexander...... 3 Amanda Janzen...... 16 for Finance & Commerce’s Tyler Allen...... 3 Rising Young Professionals Chris Knutson...... 16 program. Hudson Brothen...... 4 Jocelyn Kortan...... 17 This is the first year of Maria Bumgarner...... 5 what I expect to be a long tradition of recognizing the Colin Burkholder...... 5 Ashley Lair...... 17 young professionals who Bethany Burkman...... 7 Teresa Lingg...... 19 are excelling in their ca- Jordyn DiOrio...... 7 reers and contributing to Rising Young Payton Maiers...... 20 their communities. These Megan Dsida...... 9 individuals are going above Professionals Kailee Ogden...... 20 and beyond expectations Louis Engler...... 10 and stand out among their Robin Fries...... 10 Catherine Quinlan...... 21 peers. Each of them has a unique story which you will Gregg Fuerstenberg...... 11 Don Raleigh III...... 22 read on the following pages. Sara Grasmon...... 12 I will say this was one of Cassie Roman...... 22 the more inspiring selec- Kyle Holmes...... 13 tion panel meetings we’ve Johanna Holub...... 14 Emily Smith...... 23 had all year. The nomi- nators did a great job in Vachel Hudson...... 15 Max Smith...... 23 bringing to light the hard work and commitment of PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Contributing Writers EVENT MANAGER each nominee. It was a dif- Bill Gaier Dan Heilman, Frank Jossi, Kate Leibsle, Kelsey Broadwell ficult decision to narrow 612-584-1537 Brian Martucci, Todd Nelson 612-584-1534 the choice down to these and Julie Swiler 27 individuals. EDITORIAL ADVERTISING CREATIVE Congratulations to each Editor Advertising Account Executives Staff Photographer of our honorees, to their Casey Selix David Seawell Bill Klotz parents, mentors, co-work- 612-584-1556 612-584-1545 612-584-1562 ers and anyone who has Special Sections Editor Dean Determan had a hand in helping them David Bohlander Designer 612-584-1544 become the people they 612-584-1527 Kuda Munyawiri are today. — Bill Gaier On the cover: This submitted photo looks across CHS Field and into St. Paul’s Lowertown. Photos of the honorees were taken by staff photographer Bill Klotz at CHS Field. Thank you to our sponsors Table Sponsors Rising Young Professionals

Gift Sponsor Ticket Donations

2 Rising Young Professionals finance-commerce.com June 2018 Becky Alexander

ecky Alexander didn’t I recently led the develop- know about LHB’s ment of a wedge diagram tool B reputation for sus- to help local governments with tainable design when she ap- energy planning. It’s avail- plied for an internship there able at RegionalIndicatorsMN. five years ago, but now she com. I’m proud of this tool and the company seem like a both because of the technical match that was meant to be. challenges it presented and Alexander participates in its ability to inspire climate ac- several statewide initiatives tion. The city of St. Louis Park to reduce energy consump- used this tool to commit to tion and greenhouse gas strategies that will help them emissions in Minnesota. Us- achieve their ambitious goal of ing her architecture license community-wide carbon neu- andRising her master’s degree Young in trality by 2040. sustainable design, she has What’s something that most assumed an unusual dual people don’t know about jobProfessionals role as architect and re- you? searcher. I grew up listening to oldies, As part of LHB’s Research and one of my biggest sourc- Studio, she works to grow es of irrational teenage angst evidence-based design and was the certainty that by the sustainability knowledge time I was an adult, ’90s music within the architecture and would become oldies, and the engineering professions and oldies I loved would disappear beyond. She has also helped into oblivion. create an internal design team focused on regenera- What do you like to do in tive communities, the design your spare time? of holistic systems and the Play water polo, canoe building of a supportive and through the Boundary Wa- diverse studio-based culture. ters, read in my hammock un- der the trees and make jewel- What achievement are you ry from found objects. most proud of? —Dan Heilman

Tyler Allen

yler Allen remembers What’s the best advice how he first became you’ve ever received? T fixated on real estate. Every job is a sales job. While attending high school Even if you’re not dealing in Eden Prairie, he began no- with customers, you’re sell- ticing the built environment ing yourself and your ideas of urban life and learned that and your ability. Treating a whole industry revolved your co-workers like custom- around supporting it. ers is the same thing because “I thought office build- it helps build your reputation ings were cool,” Allen said. in the company. You always “They were tangible assets. have to sell yourself and your I learned back then about a ideas. whole industry dedicated to What’s something that most buildingRising and leasing offices.” Young people don’t know about Allen graduated from a de- you? greeProfessionals program at Ohio State I enjoy doing puzzles – and University designed for fu- in a professional way, too. In ture real estate profession- real estate there are plenty als. He worked in commercial of puzzles. You wonder why real estate in Ohio for three things happen and try to find years before applying for a the answer to those ques- market research opening in tions. the Twin Cities region. “I wanted to jump-start What do you like to do in my career,” Allen said. Af- your spare time? ter working as a market re- I love to be outside. Biking, search analyst for Cushman golf and skating. I also follow & Wakefield/NorthMarq, he sports closely, like NBA bas- joined Colliers as a senior ketball and a little football. research analyst in June I’m a Timberwolves season 2017. He writes reports on ticket-holder. I also volunteer several market sectors to for several real estate-related support Colliers’ brokerage organizations. department. — Frank Jossi

June 2018 finance-commerce.com Rising Young Professionals 3 Rising Young Professionals

Rising Young Professionals Hudson Brothen

udson Brothen works in high school. It helped me re- as the director of bro- alize that I wanted to be a real H kerage services in the estate entrepreneur and not just industrial leasing and sales team an employee. at Cushman & Wakefield, one of What’s the best advice you’ve the busiest such teams in Min- ever received? nesota. Brothen’s team closes Brent Masica, a partner of more than 100 transactions per mine, said, “If you think hiring a year, typically averaging around professional is expensive, wait 2 million square feet of complet- until you hire an amateur.” ed deals. His biggest transaction was What achievement are you representing both tenants — most proud of? Federal Package and Federal I received the 2014 MNCAR PlasticsRising — in two leases Young to- “Rising Star Award.” It’s not taling 140,000 square feet at so much about the award, but the Powers Pointe building in more about the fact it is vot- Chanhassen.Professionalsed on by all brokers and peers Brothen’s work often takes across all real estate companies him outside of Minnesota, such in Minnesota. as when he helped broker a What’s something that most 187,000-square-foot warehouse people don’t know about you? lease in California on behalf of Even though I am in sales Wiseway Transportation Ser- and enjoy public speaking, I re- vices. He is also part of a team charge and get my energy back representing a global firm on from being on my own for a few two dispositions in China that hours. Most people think intro- are valued at more than $40 verts are shy or fearful of social million. interaction, but it’s more about How and when did you know where do you get your energy this is what you wanted to do? from. I read the book “Rich Dad —Dan Heilman Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki

4 Rising Young Professionals finance-commerce.com June 2018 Rising Young Professionals Maria Bumgarner

s an assistant proj- the Mayo Clinic Square revi- ect manager at talization and the Minnesota A Mortenson, Maria Senate Building. Bumgarner spends her busy Bumgarner is currently as- days meeting with custom- signed to the Allianz Field ers, craftspeople, city offi- project. The Minnesota Unit- cials and colleagues. ed FC soccer stadium in St. “It’s been the right fit for Paul will open in 2019, and me,” she said. “I like the team she noted that it has had a environment and the variety fast production schedule. of people you get to work Outside of Mortenson, with every day.” Bumgarner serves as a men- Bumgarner first wanted tor with the ACE (Architec- to become an architect but ture, Construction, Engineer- foundRising that profession Young was ing) Mentor Program. She too “art focused.” Strong in received the national Out- mathProfessionals and blessed with a logi- standing Mentor Award from cal mind, she instead decided the organization in 2016. to earn a degree in construc- What achievement are you tion engineering from Iowa most proud of? State University. The Washburn Center for After interning at Morten- Children was eye-opening. son in college, she was of- They really do impactful work fered a full-time job upon with children and families graduation. For the past five who have experienced trau- years she’s focused on man- ma. Getting a peek inside its aging the engineering aspect business was truly amazing. of building projects related to mechanical, electrical and What do you like to do in plumbing systems. your spare time? She’s worked on the Hen- My husband, Mark, and I nepin Healthcare Clinic and have a 1-year-old daughter, Specialty Center, the Wash- Lena. I spend my spare time burn Center for Children, the with my family. Orchestra Hall renovation, — Frank Jossi

Colin Burkholder

olin Burkholder a nonprofit organization has brought finan- team to raise money for lo- C cial stability, full cal contractors to carry out occupancy and heightened projects to improve villag- safety to Renaissance Box ers’ access to clean water. just a year after his promo- “My time in Cambodia tion to site manager of the helped me realize that peo- 70-unit affordable apart- ple are the same wherever ment complex in St. Paul. you go,” Burkholder said. “I Before Burkholder as- want to connect with peo- sumed control of the Aeon ple and I want to under- property in March 2017, stand people and I want to Renaissance Box had prob- succeed with people and I lems meeting budget and want to see them succeed.” some residents were vio- Rising YoungWhat’s the best advice lating leases and causing you’ve ever received? disruptions. That positivity can be a ProfessionalsBurkholder attributes the choice no matter what sit- turnaround to his admin- uation you’re in. Whether istrative consistency, both you like your job or not, if in decision-making and in you have a good day or a paying attention to resi- bad day, you control more dents’ concerns. He pre- than you think you do. sented safety techniques to residents after completing What do you like to do in a crime-free multi-housing your spare time? training program offered I like to play music; I play through the St. Paul Police the guitar. I like to go rock Department. climbing, work out and go His interest in nonprofit camping. I like to go to dif- work and affordable hous- ferent breweries and hang ing was sparked by the five out with friends. I like to go weeks he spent in Cambo- biking in the summer. dia in 2015, working with —Todd Nelson

June 2018 finance-commerce.com Rising Young Professionals 5 Rising Young Professionals

Rising Young Professionals TOP CustomCustom FramedFramed TOPPROJECTSTOP CustomREPRINTSCustom FramedFramed PROJECTSofPROJECTS 2016 ofof 20162016 REPRINTS RisingShare your Young goodREPRINTSREPRINTS news as an impressive work of art! ProfessionalsShareA custom your framedgood news reprint as attractively an impressive preserves work your of art! ShareA customTOPprofessional your framed good reprintaccomplishmentsCustom news attractively as an impressive preserves for Framed display your work at professional work of art! accomplishmentsShareor home. your Framing good for newsdisplay materials as at workan are impressive or carefully home. Framing selected work materials of to art! A customPROJECTS framed reprint attractively preserves your professional A customare framed carefully reprintcomplement selected attractively to complement any preserves décor. any your décor. professional accomplishmentsof for display at work or home. Framing materials accomplishments2016 for display at work or home. Framing materials are carefully selected to complement any décor. are carefullyREPRINTS selected to complement any décor. 8.5x11 framed: $269 finish size: 14.5” x 17” 11x17 framed: $299 Wood Plaque: $299 finish size: 16” x 22” Sharefinish size: your 14” x good20” news as an impressive work of art! A custom framed reprint attractively preserves your professional accomplishments for display at work or home. Framing materials are carefully selected to complement any décor.

Did we capture your best side? Purchase Event Photos for $30

Did we capture your best side? Purchase Event Photos for $30 ToDid Order we capture Call your Kelsey best side? Broadwell: Purchase Event 612-584-1534 Photos for $30 To Order Call Kelsey Broadwell: 612-584-1534 To Order Call Kelsey Broadwell:To 612-584-1534order framed To order plaquesfinance-commerce.com reprints call & PDFs call Lisa Arnold: Kelsey Broadwell: 717.323.5213 finance-commerce.com Did we capture your bestfinance-commerce.com side? Purchase Event Photos612.584.1534 for $30 To Order Call Kelsey Broadwell: 612-584-1534

finance-commerce.com Bethany Burkman

fter graduating from business. North Central Uni- How and when did you know versity with a bach- A this is what you wanted to elor’s in psychology, Bethany do? Burkman wanted to challenge Probably a month or two into herself. So, she moved to Chi- my role. I contacted a person I na for a year to teach English thought would be a perfect fit without knowing anyone there for a role we were working on. or speaking the language. She didn’t know if she would That experience proved be interested in the job. I was valuable in Burkman’s job to- able to work that through with day as a research associate in her. The client absolutely loved the executive search division her, and she was hired. It was at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause. the first time I took ownership SheRising learned to navigate Young im- over talking through obstacles perfect situations and relate with someone. to a new culture and people. “NowProfessionals when I’m working with What achievement are you executives, I might not have most proud of? the same experience they My year in China. Being able have, but I’m still able to relate to thrive in an environment to them and build that rela- that was so foreign to me has tionship,” she explained. had long-lasting effects. That Burkman joined the team year I won best foreign teach- two years ago when it was a er at my school. I kind of lived startup within the accounting my year there saying “yes” to a firm. In three years, the divi- lot of things. That made me do sion has tripled its revenue. things that I typically wouldn’t Burkman says her role in that feel comfortable doing, like success is about helping peo- leading seminars and being an ple through what can be a emcee for school-wide activi- long, stressful and life-chang- ties. I wanted to get the most ing process. Building those out of the year that I could. relationships leads to repeat — Julie Swiler

Jordyn DiOrio

ho needs an MBA U of M’s journalism school and at when entrepreneur- MPLS MadWomen. And, as MEND W ship is in your blood? grows, she has plans for more in- By age 16, Jordyn DiOrio was tentional philanthropy, possibly making her own canvas tote bags. centered on heart health or stroke At the University of Minnesota, recovery. she co-founded CLAgency, a stu- What’s the best advice you’ve dent-run public relations agency received? housed in the College of Liberal At a recent conference, a pan- Arts. After graduation, she took elist named Lisa Lavin said some- a project manager job at GoKart thing that stuck with me: “The Labs — “a super entrepreneurial en- next thing is the best thing.” This vironment, where all ideas are good really captures the essence of until proven otherwise,” she said. optimism: pushing through hard- RisingAnd, in her spare time,Young DiO- ships and looking to the future. rio launched MEND Jewelry, a one-woman enterprise that pro- What’s something that most ducesProfessionals and sells jewelry made people don’t know about you? from “healing, empowering gem- I grew up in a large Italian family, stones.” just one kid out of seven. I feel like DiOrio deferred long-held MBA I’ve been a project manager my dreams to nurse MEND into a full- whole life. time job. It’s now a venture cap- Also — I love macaroons. I ac- ital-funded operation courting a tually did an Ignite talk [a 5-min- production partner. “I make every- ute free-form presentation] about thing myself right now, but I want this. Can’t bake ’em, but love tak- to be more than a local brand.” ing pictures. DiOrio also finds time to give What do you like to do in your back. She sits on CLAgency’s spare time? board and mentors its student I bike a lot, but I’m not one of employees; she hired her current those bikers. I also try to visit at mentee, a sophomore, to a MEND least one new city every year. Last internship this summer. She’s a fix- year, I made it to Nashville and ture on the local speaking circuit, San Diego. with recent engagements at the —Brian Martucci

June 2018 finance-commerce.com Rising Young Professionals 7 Rising Young Professionals

Rising Young Professionals FAKE or REAL? These days, getting news from an actual newspaper seems like a good idea

Get your news from us and you’ll be confident you’re reading facts.

• Written by professional journalists, our articles are thorough and relevant: You’ll get news about commercial construction, transit, economic development, stadiums, commercial real estate and so much more • Award-winning and respected: Thousands of Minnesota professionals rely on us for news that can help them win deals, land projects, advance their careers, and stay up to date • Expanded data on our website including development trackers, public notices in a searchable database, article archives, and more • Know who’s being honored in our prestigious awards for Top Projects, Top Women in Finance, Rising Young Professionals, Progress Minnesota and Reader Rankings • Daily Morning Memo email news, breaking news alerts, full online access, optional Sheriff’s Sales email alerts, and more

JUST SOLD Work to start on Wayzata Supreme Court

Blu condos hears online sales tax case Page 2

Page 3

PERIODICALS POSTAGE VOL. 131, NO. 77 | $1.50

Former theater siteFINANCE-COMMERCE.COM reels in apartment plan BY BRIAN JOHNSON Wednesday Staff Writer | April 18, 2018 Ave. S. is in the southwest corner of Developer Ted Carlson hopes to be France Avenue and Sunnyside Road. The gin construction as soon as this fall on a site is immediately west of France Ave project that would redevelop the site of a- nue, a mile west of Lake Harriet and five former movie theater and dry cleaner in blocks north of 50th Street. - Edina into apartment and retail uses. Some neighbors have pushed back with The Edina City Council on Tues concerns about the proposed four-story day night was scheduled to review Edi building’s height and other issues. But na-based Carlson Commercial’s plans - Carlson said his plans would be a big im to tear down the vacant Edina Cleaners - provement for the property, which previ building on the site and replace it with ously housed the Westgate Theater and, - 52 apartments, 6,400 square feet of retail more recently, the Edina Cleaners. - and green space. “If you flipped your dictionary Considered a gateway to the north side open and looked to the word ‘blight’ of Edina, the 1-acre site at 4500 France

EDINA Developer Ted Carlson’s planned development would bring 52 apartment units and 6,400 to page 16 square feet of retail to an underused 1-acre site at 4500 France Ave. S. in Edina.

SUBMITTED RENDERING: ESG SUBSCRIBE NOW Go to finance-commerce.com/print-digital/ andOffice building planned at enter promo code “Real” to access this specialbusy rate. Rochester AND SAVE $100! intersection

BY WILLIAM MORRIS Staff Writer

North Rock Real Estate is building a new office building that it believes will capitalize on a key intersection in a northwest corner of Rochester, Min nesota. The development and brokerage - company, which has offices in Roches ter and Chanhas The three apartment buildings Dominium plans to build at 11001 Bren Road E. in Minnetonka will be next to the planned Opus sen, closed a deal - - Station on the future Southwest Light Rail Transit line. last week for 3.5 acres of vacant land in the south 24 SUBMITTED ILLUSTRATION: BKV GROUP east quadrant of - THOUSAND Live, work, play in Minnetonka West Circle Drive Square feet of Northwest and office space 26th Street North in building Dominium finesses workforce, age 55+ apartments in Opus business parkwest. North Rock - planned along BY MATT M. JOHNSON paid $1.977 mil West Circle Drive NW in Staff Writer lion for the site, - Rochester Bren Road E. in September or October. approximately The city of Minnetonka is hoping a 482- The first units would open in early 2021, $565,000 per acre. The purchase cov unit workforce and affordable apartment at least two years before the Southwest company in the park. Dominium will raze ers two parcels with an estimated mar project Dominium is planning next to a fu Light Rail Transit line is expected to begin Digi International’s 130,000-square-foot ket value of $2.22 million, according - ture light rail transit station will lure people operation. The line’s Opus Station would be building to make room for the apartments, to Olmsted County tax records. The - - working in the city to live in the city. next door to the Dominium project. said Willy Boulay, a Dominium develop seller is Northwest Investments of La Plymouth-based Dominium is the latest UnitedHealth Group has three office ment associate. Crosse LLC. developer to try its hand at apartments in buildings in the park. Other major build - The Economic Development Advisory North Rock partner Jeffrey Brown Minnetonka’s Opus II business park. The de ings include the Minneapolis Marriott Commission on Thursday will consider said in an interview Tuesday the veloper, which usually specializes in afford Southwest hotel at 5801 Opus Parkway and- recommending that the City Council ap- company intends to build a two-story, - able housing, plans to start construction on the headquarters for the Opus Group at prove a development contract for the proj 24,000-square-foot office building with - the $130 million project on 9.8 acres at 11001 10350 Bren Road W. ect that could include $7.8 million in tax a drive-through lane. He said the loca Dominium has the project site under increment financing. - tion is a good one for companies seek contract with Digi International, a tech ing greater visibility. - “The 25,000 vehicles we see a day on- MINNETONKA to page 16 ROCHESTER to page 16 Megan Dsida

nnovation might not be ers,” nominator Abbie Lund the first word that comes wrote. “The direct result of I to mind when you think her works drives change in about a company with nearly complex and unique environ- 300,000 employees, but for ments.” UnitedHealth Group’s Megan Dsida’s aim in bringing in- Dsida, it is everything. novation to health care is Dsida — whose official title personal: Her younger broth- is senior program manager 2, er has battled Type 1 diabe- enterprise innovation — has tes for years. been integral in bringing the “I’ve seen what a chronic spirit of entrepreneurship disease can do to a kid,” she and innovation to the me- said. “That’s my motivation ga-size corporation. in helping to change health RisingDsida organized the Youngcom- care.” pany’s first Innovation Chal- What’s the best advice lenge, open to all employees, you’ve received? toProfessionals develop ideas on how to Listen. You don’t always improve the health care sys- have to be the first to speak tem. The ideas ranged from — you can be the one helping. big, industrywide changes to simple ways to improve em- What’s something people ployee productivity. don’t know about you? “We are changing to bring I enjoy sports and athlet- us an innovation culture,” she ics — watching and partic- said. “To help employees feel ipating. I run in marathons like they are innovators.” and love basketball, which I The change was directly played in college. due to Dsida’s efforts, ac- What do you like to do in cording to her Rising Young your spare time? Professionals nomination. I like to run, travel, read “Megan and her team and head to our family cabin make innovation real for in Wisconsin. the enterprise and consum- —Kate Leibsle

CONGRATULATIONS KYLE HOLMES ESTIMATOR, KNUTSON CONSTRUCTION

ON YOUR MUCH-DESERVED RISING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AWARD

“With his strong work ethic, innovative ideas, and talent for implementing

new technologies in a fast-paced commercial preconstruction department,

Kyle has played an integral role in Knutson’s success since joining ‘Team Blue.’”

– Vital Brouillard Vice President of Preconstruction Knutson Construction

June 2018 finance-commerce.com Rising Young Professionals 9 Rising Young Professionals Louis Engler

ouis Engler became a How and when did you full-time financial ad- know this is what you want- L viser at Northwestern ed to do? Mutual’s Minneapolis office I started in Northwestern five years ago. Since then, he Mutual’s internship program has built a successful finan- while I was in college at the cial planning practice while University of Kansas. Around earning many internal sales that time I had some family awards. members who went through medical crises, and it really Engler also works as brought into focus the im- Northwestern’s college unit portance of having the right director, helping to recruit, kind of financial advice. train and develop talent in the firm’s internship pro- What achievement are you Risinggram. He travels to Youngcam- most proud of? puses and leads discussions In our business, there’s a big emphasis on making it about finances and financial Professionalspast your fifth year. If you planning. make it that far, you have a Last year, Engler took on 96 percent chance of retir- an additional leadership role ing with the company. That in which he helps attract new just happened for me, so full-time advisers. He also that was kind of big. helps to mentor and develop What’s something that new advisers to help them most people don’t know get off to a fast start. about you? Engler, 27, has done all I used to be an intern on this while keeping a keen the “Dave Ryan in the Morn- eye on his own productivity. ing” show on KDWB. I got He received Northwestern’s to be on the air a few times. Pacesetter award, which is Even now, every so often, based on sales goals in the people will see my LinkedIn first six months on the job profile and ask, “Were you — an honor given to only 13 Intern Louis?” percent of advisers. —Dan Heilman

Robin Fries

fter graduating What’s the best advice from Cornell you’ve ever received? A College in Iowa, One of my psychology Robin Fries fell into a professors imparted on comfortable career in re- me the idea of continuous tail. Then she heard about learning. He said there an opening at HomeTown will always be someone Credit Union in Owaton- smarter, younger and na, Minnesota, and she more ambitious on your decided to take a chance heels. Everyone is always and apply. superior to you in some She got the job and way. But if you’re always found a new calling. In learning and honestly 2016, she joined Roches- passing on knowledge to ter’sRising First Alliance Credit Young others, you’ll have plenty Union, becoming a top of opportunities. performerProfessionals by generating What’s something that $5.1 million in loans. most people don’t know Having proved her about you? mettle, Fries took a new I’m an avid reader, and role as an organizational I like to share what I’ve development specialist read with people. I am in 2017, helping to train, great at trivia because mentor and coach new I have lots of useless and existing employees. knowledge. She said she likes sharing What do you like to do her knowledge with em- in your spare time? ployees and embracing My husband, Todd, and the bank’s “All for One” I have been hitting some mission. lakes around Minnesota She’s also working on in our new boat. I’m not a master’s degree in or- athletic, but I coach kids ganizational psychology in a Dodge County youth at the University of Min- hockey program. nesota. —Frank Jossi

10 Rising Young Professionals finance-commerce.com June 2018 Rising Young Professionals

Rising Young Professionals Gregg Fuerstenberg

regg Fuerstenberg’s support for Digi-Key, the Thief official title is vice River Falls-based electronic G president of business component distribution com- and economic incentives at pany that’s building a 1 mil- the Minneapolis office of JLL, lion-square-foot distribution a global real estate and invest- facility. The project represents ment management company. an investment of more than In conversation, he refers to $200 million and is expected himself as a site selector. to bring 1,000 new jobs over The role combines Fuer- a decade. stenberg’s legal, accounting “To be able to partner with and finance expertise with his all units of government and love of construction. His goal, [bring] such a tremendous as- he said, is to “to help marry set to our state and that com- aRising project with a community,” Young munity was a fantastic experi- something he has helped doz- ence,” Fuerstenberg said. ens of companies do across ProfessionalsWhat’s the best advice the country. you’ve ever received? It’s exactly what he wanted This came from one of my to do after first encountering first bosses, Dan Kahnke, au- site selectors as general coun- dit director at MnDOT: Listen sel and auditor for the Minne- more and talk less. sota Department of Transpor- tation. What’s something that most An attorney and accoun- people don’t know about tant, Fuerstenberg has de- you? grees from Mitchell Hamline Most people professionally School of Law and Gustavus see me as buttoned up. But if Adolphus College. He has also they could see me in my home worked as an auditor for a re- life, I’m one of the biggest gional public accounting firm. goofballs ever. They would For a recent JLL project, say, “I had no idea Gregg was Fuerstenberg worked with a such a goofy dad.” team to secure state and local —Todd Nelson

Bethany Burkman Leader Problem solver Valued Business Advisor

RISING YOUNG PROFESSIONAL 2018

We are proud to recognize Bethany’s ongoing dedication and commitment to providing Exceptional Client Service.

Congratulations on being named a Rising Young Professional!

Congratulations Jocelyn for being recognized as a 2018 Rising Young Professional! Connect with us: bakertilly.com Baker Tilly refers to Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, an independently owned and managed member of Baker Tilly International. © 2018 Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP

June 2018 finance-commerce.com Rising Young Professionals 11 Rising Young Professionals Sara Grasmon

ara Grasmon has a pas- How and when did you know sion for baseball and this is what you wanted to do? S sharing stories. Her Choosing a career where I dream to work for a baseball could work closely with other team came true when she took people and create something her bachelor’s degree in com- positive for them through my munication studies from Con- work was important to me. That cordia College in Moorhead, led me to communications in col- Minnesota, and went to work lege when I realized this would first for a minor league team, be a great opportunity to write, then the Washington Nationals to work with people, to share and finally the Kansas City Roy- stories and see where that takes als. me. That experience led the Olivia, What’s something that most Minnesota,Rising native to the Young Minne- people don’t know about you? apolis public relations firm Bell- When I was a senior in high mont Partners, where she is a Professionalsschool, the Twins Caravan came senior account executive. In less through my little town. They than a year, she has helped the picked me out of the crowd, agency expand its sports mar- and I sang “Take Me Out to the keting practice. Ballgame” with Joe Mauer. One of her first projects was for client Midwest Dairy at the What do you like to do in your Super Bowl Experience. “It was spare time? a team effort,” Grasmon said. “It I do like being involved in the was a brand-new experience in community. That’s something terms of working with the NFL I’m excited about in my role with and the parameters that go Bellmont. In Kansas City, I got along with that, figuring out the involved with Girls on the Run, best way to maximize this in- a program that uses running to vestment for the client and then teach girls life lessons. I was a problem-solving every step of coach last year, and here I’ve vol- the way.” unteered at some of their events. —Julie­ Swiler

Congrats, Gregg!

With strategic, creative solutions, Gregg not only helps his client achieve their real estate goals, but also ensures the best possible outcome for each of the communities he proudly serves.

12 Rising Young Professionals finance-commerce.com June 2018 Rising Young Professionals Kyle Holmes

ince the fall of 2015, Kyle in central Illinois, he co-founded a Holmes has poured hun- student-led safe driving committee S dreds of work hours into after a spate of texting-related road launching Knutson Construction’s deaths. The committee launched an real-time 3D estimating platform. annual “safe driving day” — still a The system generates accurate con- fixture of the school calendar, eight struction cost estimates early in the years later. design process, even before visual How and when did you know this schematics have been completed. is what you wanted to do? That’s added significant value to Some view the construction in- Knutson’s preconstruction services dustry as behind the curve or, at — and no doubt contributed to suc- least, not tech-savvy. I’m very pas- cessful bids. sionate about using technology to “What we’re doing differently is make work processes more effi- bringingRising it on really early Young on for es- cient. I’m fortunate to have found a timating,” said Holmes. “It’s rare for niche doing what I love in an indus- everyProfessionals pursuit [bid] to involve 3D try I love. models — that’s the value-add.” What achievement are you most All told, Holmes and his digital in- proud of? novations have aided preconstruc- I married my high school sweet- tion work on projects worth more heart last summer. Adjusting and than $300 million, including the building our lives around one an- 165,000-square-foot resort hotel other has been new — and big — for at Treasure Island Resort & Casino both of us. and the 19,260-square-foot Shep- herd Laboratories renovation at the What’s something that most peo- University of Minnesota’s College of ple don’t know about you? Science and Engineering. I have seven of the 10 most com- As a member of his church’s au- mon food allergies: milk, soy, pea- dio-visual team, he helps set up and nuts, walnuts, corn, tomatoes and disassemble the entire professional wheat. They’re all very mild but still AV system in under 30 minutes. problematic and limiting for my He’s long shown promise as a proj- diet. ect manager, too. At high school, —Brian­ Martucci

2018 Rising Young Professional Honoree

Congratulations Payton Maiers

Payton embraces her role as an Ag Lending professional with leadership and grace. She truly embodies MidCountry Bank’s corporate values of Compassion, Honesty, Integrity, Excellence and Fairness.

MidCountMidCountry Bank applauds all Finance & Commerce Rising Young Professionals, for setting the pace for others in their field.

www.MidCountryBank.com 320-234-5490 © 2018 MidCountry Bank

June 2018 finance-commerce.com Rising Young Professionals 13 Rising Young Professionals Johanna Holub

ohanna Holub readily She started a rooftop herb admits that she hasn’t garden and a composting J always been dedicat- program in the staff kitch- ed to living a green life. en, and led the sustainabil- It was a College of St. Ben- ity committee’s first effort. edict roommate who gave The committee introduced a her a push and an educa- two-prong “Lean and Green” tion that is coming back to challenge that had employ- help her now as she leads ees tracking their behaviors the sustainability committee relating to their health and at the public relations firm green efforts. Bellmont Partners. Q: What’s the best advice As a senior account ex- you’ve received? ecutive, Holub works with a Ask for what you want, varietyRising of companies. SheYoung is otherwise you might not get integral to the firm’s health it. People want to be helpful; practice group, representing never hesitate to reach out clientsProfessionals at trade shows, de- and ask for help. veloping and implementing intensive media programs Q: What’s the biggest and helping companies mar- achievement you have had? ket their work to a wide au- I think it’s taking my own dience. She’s working now advice and asking for what on the firm’s efforts to en- I want. It was scary, but I’m gage with technology com- glad I did it. panies. Q: What do people not But in 2017, Holub saw the know about you? need for Bellmont Partners I like to learn new skills. to take its internal green ini- I’ve taken on rock climbing, tiatives a step beyond sim- swing dancing, knitting, cro- ple recycling. cheting … I’m always on a “I just saw some easy ways hobby search. we could increase what we — Kate Leibsle were doing,” she said.

14 Rising Young Professionals finance-commerce.com June 2018 Rising Young Professionals Vachel Hudson

achel Hudson has outreach for a housing orga- made it his mission nization as well as teaching V to build communities and coaching youth football. I while he builds his own resume. would go door-to-door to let Hudson was recruited by people know about renova- Aeon during an industry con- tions that the organization was ference in Seattle, based part- planning and to invite them to ly on his evident drive and community discussions. I found passion. Now he helps bring it gratifying to find ways of stability to the lives of Minne- letting people know that their apolis residents who are facing voices mattered. eviction, and he is pursuing his MBA from St. Mary’s University. What’s something that most As he sees it, his role as a people don’t know about residentRising connections Youngcoordi- you? nator is to make residents feel I used to be afraid to speak in like they’ve truly come home. front of and talk to people due AmongProfessionals other efforts, he gives to my hearing loss as a child. welcome baskets to new, for- But I recently have blossomed merly homeless or displaced into a social butterfly through Aeon residents that contain the process of my education personal hygiene items and and career and using my voice cleaning supplies for their for others. home. He acquires the items via donations. The baskets What do you like to do in your are meant to help the families spare time? start their new lives with a few I’ve only been in Minneso- essentials that many take for ta about 11 months, so I try to granted. look for events where I can net- How and when did you know work. I also like to read leader- this is what you wanted to do? ship-oriented books. I want to It was back in Louisville, develop the leadership side of Kentucky, where I’m from. I my career. was working in community —Dan­ Heilman

CONGRATULATIONS Ashley Lair & Hudson Brothen for being named Rising Young Professionals and delivering exceptional results for our clients.

952.831.1000 cushmanwakefield.com

June 2018 finance-commerce.com Rising Young Professionals 15 Rising Young Professionals Amanda Janzen

hile pursuing a the industry by serving on graduate de- several boards and commit- W gree in urban tees. She visited Toronto in planning at the University of May as part of the Young Minnesota, Amanda Janzen Leaders Exchange Program made a discovery. of the Urban Land Institute. “I learned that develop- What she loves about be- ers, not planners, are the ing in development is seeing key players in shaping cit- people use and react to proj- ies,” Janzen said. “They ects. “I love seeing the end have the vision, the risk tol- user in a building I had a part erance and the work ethic in creating,” Janzen said. to execute an idea.” What’s something that That led her to a job af- most people don’t know terRising graduation as an Youngana- about you? lyst with Maxfield Research, I don’t own a TV. I am whereProfessionals Janzen worked for clueless about pop culture three years before becom- or sports. If it’s on TV, I don’t ing a project manager at know anything about it. I oc- Schafer Richardson. casionally watch Netflix on Among her favorite proj- my computer, but I’m years ects is an event center in a behind in watching shows. historic building, the Ma- chine Shop at 300 Second What do you like to do in St. SE in Minneapolis, and your spare time? the 71 France apartment I do a lot of running, bik- complex at 7161 France Ave. ing, cooking and traveling. S. in Edina. Currently she’s My goal is to go to a new overseeing several projects, country every year, so I’m among them construction going to Norway in July. I’m of the 175-unit Irvine Ex- super excited; there’s going change at 217 Chestnut St. to be 20 hours of daylight in St. Paul. when I’m there. Janzen stays involved in —Frank Jossi

Chris Knutson

hris Knutson serves on ect manager in 2013. His promo- project-management tion to project manager came in C teams for large, complex 2016. projects, including Kraus-Ander- Knutson completed his MBA son’s HQ Apartments, a 17-story with a specialization in project residential tower on the compa- management at St. Mary’s Uni- ny’s comprehensive block devel- versity of Minnesota. opment in downtown Minneap- He also volunteers with Hearts olis. & Hammers, a nonprofit that To arrive at this job, Knut- offers free exterior home im- son first had to build a pathway provements to senior citizens, leading to what would become disabled adults and veterans. As his career in construction man- a “house captain,” he plans proj- agement. ects’ scopes and budgets and RisingThe first step toward Young Knut- seeks donations of labor and son’s career in construction materials. managementProfessionals came when he was What achievement are you a student at Park High School in most proud of? Cottage Grove. Uncertain about Generally working at his future, he took a counselor’s Kraus-Anderson — just the con- suggestion to enroll in a con- stant collaboration and team struction occupations course. effort every project brings and The course sealed Knutson’s the challenges that reside within interest in construction, es- each specific project and being pecially the hands-on work of able to accomplish that feat in building a house. a very specific time frame and Knutson received Kraus-An- within budget. derson’s Future Builder’s Schol- What do you like to do in your arship and took his next step, spare time? enrolling at the University of Wis- I love to hunt and fish. I’ve consin-Stout and earning a con- been an outdoorsman forever. struction management degree. My father got me into the out- After two summers as a doors as a young man and I cer- Kraus-Anderson intern, Knutson tainly do that today. was hired as an assistant proj- —Todd Nelson

16 Rising Young Professionals finance-commerce.com June 2018 Rising Young Professionals

Rising Young Professionals Jocelyn Kortan

hristensen Group vice Homeless. This year, she was a president Jocelyn Kor- district captain for the group’s C tan doesn’t mince words “Homeless on the Hill” advocacy about anything or anyone — even day. her fellow insurance agents. She also serves on Stepping “This industry is populated by a Stone Emergency Housing’s pro- lot of white dudes with gray hair,” gramming committee, volunteers she said. monthly at Simpson Shelter in As president of the young Minneapolis and helps raise funds agents council of the Minnesota to build dressers for families Independent Insurance Agents & emerging from homelessness. Brokers Association, it’s Kortan’s What’s the best advice you’ve job to make her field more attrac- ever received? tiveRising to other young, ambitiousYoung Never bash anybody, no matter professionals. what they say about you. Years She’s a fixture at the Carlson ago, when a prospect asked my SchoolProfessionals of Management, where mentor and me what we thought she dispels unflattering myths of their current agent, my men- about the insurance industry, tor’s response was, “I’m not here judges student sales compe- to talk about your agent; I’m here titions and mentors local high to talk about what we can do for school students. She also leads you.” Later, the prospect told us insurance and risk-management the other agent had torn us apart courses for all-ages women’s en- and that it reflected badly on him. trepreneur groups. What do you like to do in your When she’s not putting a bright spare time? face on the insurance industry, I’m very outdoorsy — hiking, Kortan is a fierce housing advo- boating, fishing. I also love all cate. things fitness — cycling, Pilates, “So much of [Minnesota’s] af- weightlifting. I was my YMCA’s fordable housing is in shambles,” member of the month recently, she said. and I trained with [fitness guru] Kortan is an active member Jillian Michaels once. of Minnesota Coalition for the —Brian Martucci

Ashley Lair

his isn’t where Ash- & Wakefield’s CommUNITY ley Lair thought she Day project. She’d learned T would be at this about the challenges at point in her career. The plan Hope Healing House from when she graduated from a friend, and thanks to her college and the Aveda Insti- work, employees and ven- tute was to open a spa. dors converged on the fa- But the spa life wasn’t cility and fixed a variety of fast-paced enough for Lair, problems for the recovery so she started looking for program in north Minneap- an administrative role. Her olis. sister worked at Cushman What’s the best advice & Wakefield and sent her a you’ve received? posting about an operations Networking is so import- positionRising — and the rest Young is ant. You have to build a history, with Lair eventually good network so you have becoming a senior property people you can call on when manager.Professionals you have a question or need She oversees two sub- something. urban office properties of more than 500,000 square What accomplishment are feet. She is responsible for you most proud of? engineers, administrative as- I received my RPA (Real sistants, accounting teams Property Administrator) cer- and more. She also works on tification. It was 2.5 years of branding the buildings and classes. I loved it; I met won- helping with leasing. derful people and learned a “I really enjoy that each lot. day is different,” she said. “I What do you like to do in get things thrown at me, and your spare time? I have to adapt and prob- I love to play hockey. I en- lem-solve.” joy watching sports in gen- Lair also believes in giv- eral. I love going up north ing back. In 2017 she vol- and traveling. unteered to head Cushman —Kate Leibsle

June 2018 finance-commerce.com Rising Young Professionals 17 Rising Young Professionals

Rising Young Professionals TOP FINANCE & COMMERCE IS PLEASED PROJECTS of 2017 TO RECOGNIZE MINNESOTA’S TOP CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS OF 2017

Please join us as we honor the companies behind the outstanding projects that make up the Top Projects of 2017. TO PURCHASE TICKETS GO TO finance-commerce.com/top-projects

Nicollet Island Pavilion • Thursday July 26th, 2018 • 5:00 – 7:30pm Watch for the Top Projects Magazine featuring all of the Top Projects of 2017 inserted in Finance & Commerce on July 27, 2018.

Barrel House Lofts at Mayo Park NorShor Theatre Building 222 rehabilitation The M on Hennepin North Market and renovation Mathisen/Electric Steel St. Anthony Parkway Cirrus Aircraft Completion Center demolition project Bridge Projects Fifth Street Towers Convention St. Croix Crossing bridge The Finn Center Expansion Renovation Foundry Lake Street Midway Stadium Business Center Target Downtown The Gardner Schoo Millworks Lofts Minneapolis remodel Hawthorne EcoVillage Apartments Millwright Building/Ryan Cos. Treasure Island Center US Inc. Office HealthPartners TRIA Orthopaedic Center Neuroscience Center Restoration University of Minnesota and Conversion Hennepin County Main Energy Plant Library–Webber Park Minnesota Children’s Museum Wolf Ridge ELC – Lakeview expansion and renovation Kraus-Anderson Headquarters Student Lodge Minnesota State Zvago at Glen Lake The Landing Hotel and Residences Capitol restoration

Event Sponsor: High Performance Building Honoree Sponsor: Centerpiece Spirit Sponsor: Award Sponsor: Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors: Silver Sponsors:

Diamond Sponsor: Supporting Sponsors:

Contact Kelsey Broadwell for information about tickets: 612-584-1534, [email protected] Teresa Lingg

Teresa Lingg is a born en- dustry, you’ll probably deal trepreneur. That talent has with everyone you meet. served her well in the world Those relationships are in- of commercial real estate, valuable. where she’s part of two bro- What achievement are you kerage teams at Newmark most proud of? Knight Frank: one that fo- Earlier this year, I was cuses on suburban and one on downtown. named the MNCAR Rising While Lingg specializes Star of the Year. It’s proba- in Minneapolis’ commercial bly the biggest honor I’ve business district downtown ever received. market, she has also complet- What’s something that ed transactions in the south- most people don’t know westRising and western markets. Young about you? Last year she was involved in When I was in high school, 86Professionals lease transactions, rang- I started an auto-detailing ing from 300 square feet up company called Detail-Lingg. to 105,000 square feet, for a I learned what work ethic is total consideration of more all about, and that’s where than $106 million. my entrepreneurial spirit Also in 2017, Lingg handled really came around. There her largest sole transaction, were a lot of lessons that I representing Madel PA with a 15,000-square-foot office still apply to my career to- project. day. What’s the best advice What do you like to do in you’ve ever received? your spare time? Just be patient. The first I’m updating a condo I few years in this business just bought. I’m a big DIYer. can be really tough. Also, Right now I’m on the kitchen do as much networking as and bathroom. you can, because in this in- —Dan Heilman JUST ADD FUNDING. Take advantage of opportunities for your small business with a Kabbage line of credit up to $250,000.*

> BUY INVENTORY > HIRE STAFF > UPDATE EQUIPMENT > EXPAND > MANAGE CASH FLOW

ACCREDITED BUSINESS $4 billion funded to 130,000+ small businesses A+

Get started > www.kabbage.com/pursue or 833-4KABBAGE

Credit lines and pricing are subject to periodic review and change, including line and pricing reductions, line and pricing increases, or line eliminations. This is not a revolving account. Individual requests for capital are separate installment loans. All Kabbage business loans are issued by Celtic Bank, a Utah-chartered Industrial Bank, Member FDIC.

June 2018 finance-commerce.com Rising Young Professionals 19 Rising Young Professionals Payton Maiers

he daughter of a ness coach for women. farmer, Payton Maiers How and when did you today works closely T know this is what you want- with farmers and ranchers as ed to do? an agricultural banking offi- I started my college career cer at MidCountry Bank. at the University of Minne- When Maiers joined the sota-Morris with a desire to bank, she learned about become a doctor. But after MidCountry’s operations I didn’t do well on a chem- through a training rotation istry exam, I had a talk with associated with agricultur- my mother and she suggest- al lending. Maiers quickly ed I take some personality moved up the ranks to be- exams. All the results point- come an agricultural banking ed to a career in finance. I officerRising with more than Young 50 cli- switched to Bethel Univer- ents in the Hutchinson office sity and never looked back, ofProfessionals the Bloomington-based graduating summa cum bank. laude. Offering banking services to farmers can be “challeng- What’s the best advice ing” in a male-dominated you’ve ever received? field, but Maiers remains pas- I received some awesome sionate about improving the advice about personal devel- fortunes of her customers. opment and how you should Although a self-described work on yourself and be- introvert, she has been pro- come the person you want moting the bank at commu- to be. nity expos and lending her What do you like to do in expertise to several local or- your spare time? ganizations. I love being outside and She’s involved in Habitat hiking, biking and doing oth- for Humanity and the local er activities. I’m trying to be- Chamber of Commerce and come a gardener. serves as a health and well- —Frank Jossi

Kailee Ogden

ailee Ogden is not your typ- Ogden’s mission is growing. She ical financial adviser. She’s recently launched a nonprofit that K a social entrepreneur on a trains case managers and shelter mission to financially empower do- workers on financial literacy, and mestic abuse survivors — and give she’s spoken about her work before them the confidence to master a a collective audience of 15,000. domain that abusers routinely use How and when did you know this to cow and control their partners. is what you wanted to do? “The overwhelming majority of At [the College of] St. Scholasti- domestic abuse includes some ca, I started a financial literacy pro- form of financial abuse,” said Og- gram for students. I’d have such a den. high after talking with students — At the Northwestern Mutual prac- seeing them walk out with a smile tice she founded in January 2017, on their face, feeling hopeful. I real- OgdenRising sets aside enough Young revenue ized that I had the ability to make to pay herself and two employees. complex concepts approachable, The rest goes into a capital account to help people make sound finan- thatProfessionals disburses three types of grants cial decisions. to survivors: debt payoff, scholar- ship, and hardship grants for wom- What achievement are you most en temporarily unable to work. proud of? The grants enable recipients to I worked with a domestic abuse move past difficult circumstances, survivor [at the shelter] who had often imposed by their abusers. a young child. Recently, she was One of Ogden’s clients used her accepted into a local college pro- grant to pay off municipal fines her gram, and I was able to pay her tui- abuser racked up in her name; an- tion. It was so rewarding to help her other cleared a four-figure utility after all she’d gone through, and bill preventing her from securing humbling to be at a point in my ca- new housing. reer where that was possible. “Financially speaking, people as- What’s something most people sume women in shelters are starting don’t know about you? from ground zero, but old debt can I used to be a fishing guide on prevent them from finding work or Lake of the Woods. purchasing a car,” said Ogden. —Brian Martucci

20 Rising Young Professionals finance-commerce.com June 2018 Rising Young Professionals

Rising Young Professionals Catherine Quinlan

t’s not that Catherine making an impact both per- Quinlan wasn’t happy sonally and professionally.” as an analyst working I What’s the best advice behind the scenes at BMO you’ve received? Harris Bank. But she found My mom, as a partner in that she enjoyed client her law firm, always says, meetings, being in front of “We have to show up. The people, more. world belongs to those Now, she has transi- who show up to make pos- tioned to more of a 50 itive change.” percent portfolio manage- ment/50 percent sales, What’s your biggest relationship-management achievement? andRising business-development Young Public recognition like role as a commercial bank- this award. It validates my ing relationship manager. work and the time I spend Professionals“I really like going to see investing in my community. clients,” she said. What’s something people Quinlan has also been don’t know about you? more out-front in her com- I’ve played ice hockey in munity, working with non- four European countries. I profits such as the United started playing when they Way, the Pinky Swear Foun- needed someone for the dation for the families of neighborhood association. children with cancer, and After watching me on the the LAUNCH Committee of ice my first day, my father Women Winning. was convinced I’d never “I am convinced that we want to go back. Instead, can all use our skills and he says, I came off the ice talents to leave the world with the biggest grin on a better place,” she said. my face. “And I’m committed to —Kate Leibsle

June 2018 finance-commerce.com Rising Young Professionals 21 Rising Young Professionals Don Raleigh III

on Raleigh works When I was around 10, I as business man- realized what it meant to D ager in the family work in a family business. I business — St. Paul-based did janitorial work in mid- web development and dig- dle school, quality assur- ital marketing company ance work in college and Evolve Systems — but that I’ve been in sales for three doesn’t mean he’s had it years. easy. In fact, he’s seen to it that he gets to know the What achievement are you family business from the most proud of? bottom up. I received the Anoka At 23, he was the young- County Public Health Award estRising graduate to go through Young in 2012 for creating my non- the Leadership Saint Paul profit, Project Purple. It ed- 2017 program, and he is a ucates high school students certifiedProfessionals Social Media Ex- on what domestic violence pert for Businesses. He also is and how to recognize it. is enrolled at the University What’s something that of St. Thomas, studying en- most people don’t know trepreneurship with a focus about you? on family business. I was a cheerleader in In addition to his work college. I was the one who at Evolve, Raleigh is a first lieutenant in Minnesota’s would throw girls in the air Civil Air Patrol. There he and catch them. uses his marketing experi- What do you like to do in ence to improve the public your spare time? awareness of the program I enjoy volunteering and and share events with cur- being in the community. rent members. I live in St. Paul, and I love How and when did you walking my dog on Summit know this is what you Avenue. wanted to do? —Dan Heilman

Cassie Roman

assie Roman ed to work in advertis- graduated sever- ing as an illustrator, but C al years ago from her classes in strategic the University of Minne- communications at the sota in a time when jobs University of Minnesota were still sparse, and she introduced her to public struggled to find a full- relations and she found time one. she “really liked it.” After spending three What’s the best advice years working internships you’ve ever received? and a part-time job, she I am quite the perfec- landed at Pineapple RM tionist. My boss once told in 2014. Today, Roman me if it’s close to perfect, has a flourishing career it’s done. If it’s 90 per- withRising a host of achieve Young- cent there, it’s good. Stop ments ranging from help- stressing over it. ing rebrand a northern MinnesotaProfessionals bank to pro- What achievement are moting the work of the you most proud of? family-owned Meritex in Small Business Week 12 communities where it this year was one of the works. In 2017 she set up biggest pieces I’ve ever more than 100 interviews done. We worked with for Meritex, which leases Calhoun Cos., the Better light industrial properties. Business Bureau and the As a volunteer, Roman James J. Hill Center with works with the addiction the #SmallHelpsAll cam- service provider Minneso- paign. ta Adult & Teen Challenge What do you like to do in on its “Statistics and Solu- your spare time? tion” conference and stays I rock climb, hike, ski and active in the local Chapter visit the craft breweries in of Public Relations Soci- town. I want to explore all ety of America. of them. Roman initially want- —Frank Jossi

22 Rising Young Professionals finance-commerce.com June 2018 Rising Young Professionals

Rising Young Professionals Emily Smith

mily Smith knows she science was formative and she is part of a small sis- returns often to encourage the E terhood of women in next generation. the construction industry, so “I enjoy going back there and she works hard not only at her making sure the young girls job, but also at making time to know the appeal of STEM,” she mentor and encourage the next said. generation. Additionally, Smith mentors As a project manager at Met- an intern in the office each sum- ropolitan Mechanical Contrac- mer and volunteers with the tors, she is charged with follow- Constructium Mentorship pro- ing multifaceted projects from gram, which introduces college conception to completion. She students to careers in building is the primary customer con- design and construction. tactRising with MMC, working Young with customers on planning, sched- What’s the best advice you’ve uling — anything having to do received? ProfessionalsBe prepared; be confident; be with the mechanical aspects of a project. honest. Smith has had several men- What’s something people tors in her career, including the don’t know about you? president of her company, Kris- Within the past six years, I tin Schultes. Smith has used have lived in five states and Schultes as a role model in and moved 10 times. I’m very mo- out of the office, she said. bile. In my previous job I was on “It’s been interesting to watch rotations. When I got this job, I how she does it all,” Smith said. moved back to Minnesota. Smith graduated from an all- girls high school, Convent of the What do you like to do in your Visitation in Mendota Heights, spare time? before attending Villanova Uni- Running, reading, enjoying versity, where she earned a de- time with family and friends, gree in mechanical engineering. being outside. Her high school experience in —Kate Leibsle

Max Smith

n only three years with I have always been fasci- Burnsville-based Innova- nated with how she ran her I tive Office Solutions, ac- business. She inspired me to count executive Max Smith also start our nonprofit, the learned the business of InSports Foundation, when selling furniture and office I was in college. Business supplies to multi-location, has always been about giv- high-traffic customers. More ing back in our family. The than that, he has taken lead- more people we can help, ership roles whenever possi- the more enjoyable work is. ble. He often leads his peers What’s the best advice in business-development you’ve ever received? activities, customer satisfac- My father has been one of tionRising and sales performance. Young my mentors ever since I was In addition, Smith is found- little. He is a funny guy, but er and managing director of also has a lot of great ad- Professionalsthe InSports Foundation, vice. He told me about the which encourages and helps 6 P’s: Proper Prior Planning find competitive athletic Prevents Poor Performance. opportunities for kids who What achievement are you otherwise might not have most proud of? the means to gain access I was in sports my entire to them. So far InSports has life and had lots of success- helped more than 27,000 es growing up. But what I kids gain exposure to ath- have been most proud of letic opportunities that they is starting a family with my would otherwise not have wife, Bridget, and having had. our first son, Braxton, five How and when did you months ago. know this is what you What’s something that wanted to do? most people don’t know I grew up working at Inno- about you? vative. My mom started the I have a black belt in karate. company when I was 10, and —Dan Heilman

June 2018 finance-commerce.com Rising Young Professionals 23 Rising Young Professionals

Rising Young Professionals oFn UStN. Pa IuSl’s FGroOnt POorDch!

651-644-6659 saintsbaseball.com