Stay ConnectedWilliston Works brings you in-depth discussions with entrepreneurs, small business owners and investors that are getting it done in Western North Dakota.
Hosted by Shawn Wenko, the Executive Director of Williston Economic Development, Williston Works finds out what it takes to make it in the Bakken.
Copyright: © Williston Economic Development
In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson is joined by Kenzi Brown, Haley Jeannotte, and Jana Jirik to talk about how Career and Technical Education is opening new doors for students across the Williston Basin.
They discuss how CTE programs are helping high school students earn certifications, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for in-demand careers.
Learn how the Williston Basin CTE Center, partnerships with industry, and events like Career Signing Day are reshaping the future workforce of Northwest North Dakota.
Check out the Williston Basin CTE Center:
https://www.willistonschools.org/o/wbctec
Learn more about Williston Economic Development:
https://www.willistondevelopment.com
In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Lenny Johnson, owner of Genesis, to talk about his journey from military service to small business ownership, what inspired the creation of Genesis, and how Williston's growth has shaped his business.
Learn about the evolution of Williston’s retail scene, the opportunities available for entrepreneurs, and how Genesis has become a trusted name for clothing, footwear, and eyewear in Northwest North Dakota.
Plus, hear how Williston Square is creating new possibilities for local businesses and the community.
Explore Genesis online at shopgenesis.com
Learn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.com
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Sartwell and Morgen Martelle of Preferred Restaurant Group to talk food, family, and the future of Williston.
From the early days with Taco John’s to launching new brands like Slim Chickens and Rocky’s, Mike and Morgen share their journey of growing a regional restaurant empire rooted in North Dakota values.
Hear how Williston’s support, community engagement, and the vision behind Williston Square made it the ideal place to invest and expand.
Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone who just loves a good success story, this episode is packed with insights on building something that lasts.
The Small Business Development Center in Williston focuses on helping entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses throughout Northwest North Dakota.
In this episode, Keith Olson, Regional Director of the SBDC, shares how the program partners with local entrepreneurs through every stage of the business journey. Keith, Cyrena, and Anna dive into the tactical guidance the SBDC provides, from starting an LLC to accessing financing, and discuss who the program is best suited for.
Want to learn more about the Small Business Development Center?
Visit https://ndsbdc.org
Learn more about Williston Economic Development:
https://www.willistondevelopment.com
Chapters:
00:00 - Teaser
00:12 - Episode Intro
00:30 - Williston Works Podcast Intro
00:48 - Meet Keith Olson
03:01 - What is SBDC?
05:24 - Cyrena Weeks Role in SBDC
06:15 - How Does SBDC Help Launch Businesses?
07:47 - What is SBA?
08:55 - SBDC Demand
10:31 - What Types of Businesses Does SBDC Work With?
12:08 - Non-Profits
13:37 - Most Common Mistake
15:55 - Business Bookkeeping
17:52 - Williston’s Business Landscape
20:40 - How Does SBDC Help Businesses Navigate Challenges?
23:38 - The STAR Fund
25:30 - Advice for Long Term Success
29:50 - Continuous Support
32:05 - Closing Remarks
The Northwest North Dakota Job Fair is connecting employers and job seekers to create new career opportunities in the region.
In this episode of Williston Works 2.0, Anna and Susan explore how this job fair helps businesses find skilled talent and connects workers with great job openings.
Whether you're an employer looking to hire or a job seeker exploring new opportunities, this event is a game-changer for Northwest North Dakota.
If you’re looking for more information on The Northwest North Dakota Job Fair, head to: https://www.jobsnd.com/williston
For more information on Williston Economic Development, check out: https://www.willistondevelopment.com/
In this week’s episode, Anna Nelson and Cyrena Weeks, talk about how to drive economic growth and impact.
They discuss how Tri-County RDC helps businesses secure funding, access grants, and navigate loan programs to fuel local development. Cyrena shares insights on how Williston’s business landscape has evolved, the challenges entrepreneurs face, and how strategic partnerships have led to major infrastructure projects, including the region’s new airport and workforce training programs.
If you’re looking for more information on Tri-County Regional Development Council, you can reach them at https://tricountyrdc.com/
For more information on Williston Economic Development, check out https://www.willistondevelopment.com/
Chapters:
00:00 - Teaser
00:12 - Episode Intro
00:30 - Williston Works Podcast Intro
00:50 - Meet Cyrena Weeks
01:56 - What is Tri-County RDC?
03:21 - Williston’s Business Culture
07:12 - Challenges for Small Businesses
08:33 - $117 Million in Business Funding
09:08 - Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
11:21 - Successful Business Partnerships
14:43 - The Future of Williston’s Growth
16:23 - Goals for Tri-County RDC
17:53 - Workforce & Childcare Initiatives
18:22 - Supporting Entrepreneurs with SBDC
19:48 - How to Contact Tri-County RDC
20:47 - Closing Remarks
In this exciting relaunch of the Williston Works podcast, meet new host Anna Nelson, Executive Director of Williston Economic Development (WED). North Dakota was recently named the best state to start a business by Forbes for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), and Williston ranks as the seventh-best city in the nation to start a business (WalletHub, 2022).
Anna sits down with two of her team members—Ann Kvande and Brenda Schmidt—to talk about Williston’s continued growth, the city’s history supporting entrepreneurs, and the innovative programs shaping the community.
Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or local resident, this episode provides an inside look at how Williston is fostering growth and maintaining its reputation as a top place to start a business.
🎧 Listen now and stay connected with Williston Works for more inspiring conversations about the people and projects driving the city's future at WillistonDevelopment.com.
Join us in Season 6, Episode 3 of the Williston Works podcast as we dive into the sweet success of Dirty Dough! From the challenges of bringing a gourmet cookie franchise to the heart of Williston to the sweet victory of being a top-performing store, James and Summer Wilda share their entrepreneurial journey! Watch the podcast now!
Get ready for an important and insightful conversation about workforce challenges and solutions in Season 6, Episode 2, of the Williston Works podcast. In this episode, Dr. Bernell Hirning, Kristal Schmit, and Paula Lankford, explore the obstacles and opportunities in tackling the labor shortage.
www.cityofwilliston.com
#willistonworkspodcast #entrepreneurs #SuccessStory #podcast
We are kicking off Season 6 with a hole-in-one duo, featuring Jeremy Stahowiak and Eli Black from The Range Indoor Golf and Shooting Complex. ️⛳️
Not only is The Range our new recording location, but is a true story of entrepreneurship, success, and the journey of bringing a top-notch facility to Williston. From golfing tales to shooting challenges, this episode will give you a glimpse into the vibrant offerings and community of Williston.
Don't miss out! Catch our first episode of Season 6 for a dose of inspiration and the American dream in action.
In this Williston Works podcast, Larry Medhurst and Jared Medhurst talk about starting their family-owned oilfield business in Williston. ACES Energy Services LLC provides hotshot and transportation services, rentals and mechanical filtration systems.
In this Williston Works podcast, Keith Olson, regional director at the Small Business Development Center in Williston, explains how his office provides free business advice to area entrepreneurs.
In this week's Williston Works podcast, Janie Cox, owner of Happy Families Daycare, talks about starting and expanding her childcare business in Williston. Janie opened an in-home daycare in 2015, expanded to New Hope Williston in 2017, and is growing her business again at Williston State College.
In episode 4 of the 2022 Williston Works Podcast, Shawn Wenko interviews Anna Nelson, president of the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce, about her mission and goals for the group.
In Episode 3 of the 2022 Williston Works podcast series, Shawn Wenko talks with the owners of Milestone Health Partners about starting a business and building a new facility in Williston.
In our latest episode of the Williston Works Podcast, we sit down with Hunter Berg (WSC Foundation) and talk about the many ways that the WSC Foundation supports its students, what brought Hunter to Williston and the history and impact of the WSC Foundation.
Williston Economic Development introduces Season 5 of its Williston Works Podcast. The first episode features host Shawn Wenko talking with Matt Clark, Williston Fire Chief, about the the Williams County public safety tax. A measure to renew the tax will be on the November 8, 2022 General Election ballot. A renewal would extend the tax to March 31, 2035.
On the final episode of season 4, Shawn Wenko interviews Steve Kemp with Wellspring Hydro about the functions of his business and its benefits to the Williston area.
This week on the Williston Works Podcast, Rachel Laqua with the City of Williston Planning & Zoning/Wayfinding Committee is interviewed by Shawn Wenko. Laqua discusses development projects for Williston.
This week, Shawn Wenko interviews Kenley Nebeker of TrainND Northwest. Nabeker explains the training programs offers through TrainND Northwest and how they have been benefit to the Bakken area.
Ian and Tricia Anderson of Pronghorn Well Service discuss the highs and lows of their entrepreneurial journey. The Anderson discuss their determination and how it has paid of with success.
This week's Williston Works Podcast features the owner of Exhale Yoga & Wellness Center. Kari Hauge discusses why she returned to Williston and opened a business after living elsewhere for four years.
Williston Works Podcast, host Shawn Wenko interviews Jonas and Bonnita McKenzie, owners of Cold Stone Creamery and Crossfit Infliction. The McKenzie's discuss their entrepreneur journeys and the success they have had opening their two businesses.
This week, host Shawn Wenko interviews Dave Juma, Williston City Engineer, about current and future infrastructure projects in the City of Williston - including the highly anticipated Williston Square development.
Williston Works brings you in-depth discussions with entrepreneurs, small business owners and investors that are getting it done in Western North Dakota.
Hosted by Shawn Wenko, the Executive Director of Williston Economic Development, Williston Works finds out what it takes to make it in the Bakken.
In Season 4, Episode 1 of the Williston Works Podcast, host Shawn Wenko interviews siblings Emma Kuester and Jake Boreson, about expanding their parents’ Glasgow-based brew pub to Williston.
Ben and Connie Boreson of Glasgow, MT, converted the former Williams County Highway Department shop to Busted Knuckle Brewery.
The Boreson’s utilized the Williston STAR Fund Flex PACE program for the project. The brew pub opened in early 2021 in Williston.
Williston Works brings you in-depth discussions with entrepreneurs, small business owners and investors that are getting it done in Western North Dakota. Hosted by Shawn Wenko, the Executive Director of Williston Economic Development, Williston Works finds out what it takes to make it in the Bakken.
Check out the full podcast videos at https://youtube.com/willistonwire or listen to the full episode on Anchor or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
Williston Economic Development Director Shawn Wenko interviews Lenny Johnson about the past, present and future of Genesis Clothing in Williston, North Dakota.
Williston Economic Development Director Shawn Wenko interviews Anna Denton, owner of Anna’s Groom Room in Williston, North Dakota.
Andy Njos from Dacotah West Crane Service is featured in this week's Williston Works Podcast!
This week, Williston Economic Development Director Shawn Wenko sits down with Shanna Zaste, owner of The New Walt's Market in Williston, North Dakota. Learn how she utilized the Williston STAR Fund to enhance this iconic business.
Williston Airport Director Anthony Dudas reflects on the Williston Basin International Airport's first anniversary.
After coming to Williston with their husbands, April Thiel and Mary Berg saw the opportunity and opened Elite Designz to beautify the homes and offices around town.
US Air Force Veteran Chuck Black took advantage of Williston’s supportive community and booming economy to found FlowCore Systems, which is automating solutions for the oil and gas industry.
Little Muddy Gifts’ owner and 2017 Woman-Owned Business of the Year Award Recipient, Dana Johnson, is providing a new retail option for a city with an expanding demographic.
Cousins Kevin and Malachi Black are servicing the oil industry in the Bakken by ensuring the longevity of equipment and machinery through Creedence Energy Services.
After working nine years at Target’s corporate office in Minneapolis, Angela Skogan decided to return to her hometown and share her passion for cooking by opening Cooks on Main.
Fresh Fit Kitchen and The Body Shoppe offer unique services to Williston aimed at creating a healthier community, both physically and dietarily.
Native of Williston with a love for the community, Falon Justice purchased Bride to Be to supply the region with wedding and formal attire.
Gonzaga University’s “Summer in Williston” internship program has been going on for many years and has provided college students with the opportunity to experience what life is like in western North Dakota.
Mechelle Mortenson is a Williston Native who opened Grace & Glam to bring her favorite women’s clothing brands to her hometown.
By taking a leap with his move to Williston, Dr. Jeremy Messer started his own dental practice and quickly fell in love with the community.
Tanner Overland started Overland Aviation in 2011 to provide flight services for the community through the current airport and will soon be expanding these services at XWA as the fixed based operator.
Williston native and owner of Arista Containers, Tavish Vestal is continually help expand and improve the Bakken's oil industry.
A former Gonzaga University intern and current employee of Williston State College is helping create change in our community.
Business owner and developer of Williston's very first trampoline park, Safari Trampoline Park, is bringing unique recreation opportunities to western North Dakota.
US army veteran and owner of S&B Drilling is enhancing the way the oil field is laying down it's foundation.
The owner of Chatter Pediatric and winner of the Williston Economic Development 2018 woman-owned business of year is making a difference in the lives of our area families.
Anthony Dudas is the airport director for Sloulin Field International Airport and soon to be the airport director of XWA Williston Basin International Airport in Williston, North Dakota.
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