B l a c k Fo r e s t In n l E l e v a t e L e a d e r s h i p In s ti t u t e l B o kuj o R a m e n
JULY 2021
RELOCATING TO RAPID CITY New Jersey couple leaves the big city to find the perfect work-life balance
Volume 2. Issue No. 7
Sports physicals are available
FREE OF CHARGE in all of our clinics and urgent care locations
Monument Health wants to keep all of our area athletes going higher, faster and farther. To prep our athletes and provide the best care to our communities, we’re offering free sports physicals. Call your local clinic to schedule an appointment or stop into one of our Urgent Care locations throughout the hills.
Keep going with Monument Health as your partner.
www.monument.health
S D N U F D E E N
? N U F R O F
Fund your summer fun by letting your home’s equity pay you with our line of credit special, now through August 31, 2021.
605.718.1818 | bhfcu.com/HELOC Offer subject to credit approval. To receive the discounted rate, a new line of credit or an existing line of credit increase must be $10,000 or more. The 2.99% discounted rate is available on loans with a Loan to Value Ratio of up to 90%. The rate for a Line of Credit with Loan to Value Ratio greater than 90% is 3.99%. These rates are fixed through August 31, 2022. After that, the variable rate APR will apply. Current APRs range from 4.00% to 8.75%, based upon your credit worthiness. Offer expires August 31, 2021. Some restrictions apply. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice. Call us at 605.718.1818 or 800.482.2428 for details.
JULY 2021 Volume 2 // Issue No. 7
8
MEMORABLE MAKEOVER
Former Minnesota couple creates new life through renovating historic Black Forest Inn.
15
RIGHT PLACE FOR RAMEN
Food Network star traveled the country in an RV to find the ideal spot.
32
SO LONG, SAN JOSE Netflix engineer and livestreamer Michael Paulson left the Bay Area in search for small-town feel.
SUMMER NIGHTS
The Brandon Jones Band performed opening night of the downtown Summer Nights series June 3rd. Join the summertime fun every Thursday night.
4 ELEVATE • JULY 2021
ELEVATE RAPID CITY J U N E 2 0 2 1 E C O N O M I C I N D I C AT O R S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 3.1%
AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGES $ 877
ECONOMY RAPID CITY GROSS SALES $ 708,465,567
AIRPORT PASSENGERS 59,094
BUILDING PERMITS 501
BUILDING VALUATION $44.5M
REAL ESTATE
Rapid City metro statistics
ACTIVE LISTINGS 120
Month-over-month increase
MEDIAN LISTING PRICE $ 359,900
Month-over-month decrease
Monthly comparisons, industry analysis and additional economic indicators available on exclusive investor report.
Clinic Care Direct to Your Staff! Employers -- prevent workplace injuries and keep your staff doing their best work with one of our on-site care options. This in-(your)-house physical therapy clinic aims to minimize repetitive stress injuries so your team can keep being awesome without missing a beat!
Sundog Rehabilitation, llC Serving Rapid Valley, Custer and West Rapid locations. 605-787-2719 www.sundogrehab.com - Most Insurance Accepted elevaterapidcity.com 5
THE BLACK HILLS ARE ATTRACTING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS South Dakota is the freest place on the planet. We’ve been saying this for awhile now, but don’t take our word for it. Just ask entrepreneur and remote worker David Zehnter, who moved from Madison, Wisconsin to Rapid City during the pandemic. Those are his exact words. Or ask the Food Network’s Justin Warner, who moved to the Black Hills with his wife Brooke (a native of the area) to open up the amazing restaurant (and one of my local favorites) Bukujo Ramen. Or Netflix engineer and passionate live streamer Michael Paulson, who came here from California to make a difference. Or KOTA’s Aaron Dickens, who came from New York City. Or couple Francisco and Stephany Arceo, who also came from New York. Or Jodi and Ryan Frisk, who came from Minnesota to purchase the Black Forest Inn. Or dozens and dozens of other young professionals coming to the area. All are discovering what you already knew and what I discovered when I came here from the Front Range of Colorado a year and a half ago: this place is pretty cool. And the people are much nicer and more welcoming. Welcome to this issue of Elevate, which is dedicated to those who took the risk, made the decision, and moved to the Black Hills for a better life. Like the pioneers and indigenous peoples before them, they’re discovering what makes the area so special, so magical, and so free. Whether it’s the cost of living, the worldclass mountain biking and hiking, or just the ability to live downtown—things are pretty special here. And, with the all the new additions to the community, things are only getting better.
Tom Johnson
President & CEO, Elevate Rapid City
Tom Johnson, President & CEO Dana Borowski, Finance & Operations Director Matt Brunner, Economic Development Director Shiloh Francis, Marketing & Communications Director Anna Hays, Public Policy Director Brandis Knudsen, Small Business Development & Investor Relations Director Samantha McGrath, Workforce Development And Talent Attraction Director Mitch Nachtigall, Ecosystem Development Director Rachel Day, Events & Training Manager Andy Greenman, Creative Services Manager Liz Highland, HR Coordinator/Office Manager Becky Knox, Executive Assistant Debbie Leber, Finance Manager & Investor Coordinator Loni Reichert, Data Analyst & Program Support Coordinator Dan Logan, DoD SkillBridge Intern Garth Wadsworth, Business Retention & Expansion Manager Brian Rugg, DoD Skillbridge Intern Design and layout: Andy Greenman Published by the Rapid City Journal Bill Masterson, Publisher, bill.masterson@bhmginc.com Advertising: Eddie Hebron, ehebron@amplifieddigitalagency.com, 605.394.8354 Printed by Simpsons Printing Elevate is a monthly publication produced by Elevate Rapid City. It is the premier business magazine for the Black Hills region telling the stories that make our area unique and vibrant. PO Box 747, Rapid City, SD 57709 605.343.1744 // elevaterapidcity.com
On the cover The Arceo's are enjoying a slower-paced lifestyle in the Black Hills and do not miss the long New York City commutes. Photo by Andy
Greenman 6 ELEVATE • JULY 2021
COMMENTS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
"Between working at The Cave Collective 50+ hours a week and attending school full time while raising a baby, it’s easy to feel like I might be on a bit of a fool’s errand. It’s things like this that remind me of the value of the work I am doing, and encourage me to keep going. Thanks to Elevate, and all that have supported me in my goals." - Dexter Carman
REVITALIZING RETAIL
“Very cool to read about all these new businesses! If you’ve lived around Rapid City for a long time it’s interesting to see new life coming to these places. 40 years ago Baken Park was the only place I shopped!” - Jinx Stovall Maude
DAKOTA BUTCHER TO OPEN IN RAPID CITY
“So happy to be a part of this team. Just finished up some training in Watertown! Prepare to be blown away!! There is nothing like this on the western side of the state!" - Heather Kusick
CALENDAR June 25-27
Black Hills Bluegrass Festival
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Black Hills Bluegrass Festival at Rush No More RV Resort and Campground near Sturgis. Learn more at blackhillsbluegrass.com.
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Summer Nights: Weekly Concert Series
Summer Nights is a free event for all ages. There’s no better way to experience the vibrant nightlife of Rapid City, SD. Learn more at rapidcitysummernights.com.
July 6
Trolley on the Trail
The Trolley on the Trail allows people with impaired mobility to experience the Mickelson Trail. Riders will learn about the history of the former railroad line and the inception of the trail. The rides are about four hours long. Buy tickets at deadwood.com
July 8
Splash Patio ft. Tanner Johns & the Canadian Tuxedos
Feel the mist of the Main Street Square Fountains while you enjoy a refreshing beverage in the heart of Downtown Rapid City and listen to beloved, local artists. Learn more at mainstreetsquare. org.
July 9-10
Native Pop: People of the Plains
Native POP is a one-day, juried Native American fine art show at Main Street Square featuring original work by established and emerging Native visual artists focusing on Great Plains culture. Learn more at nativepop.org.
July 10
Spearfish Canyon Half Marathon & 5K
CONNECT W I T H U S!
Road race down beautiful Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway featuring limestone canyon walls blanketed with coniferous and deciduous trees along Spearfish Creek. Learn more at nhcasa.com/canyonrun
July 17-18
Hills Alive Music Festival Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/ElevateRapidCity), Instagram (@elevaterapidcity), LinkedIn (/company/elevate-rapid-city) Twitter (@Elevate_RC), and YouTube (youtube.com/elevaterapidcity). Share your thoughts and help us Elevate Rapid City together!
Send us a rant: magazine@elevaterapidcity.com
Hills Alive is a free summer music festival held at Memorial Park in Rapid City. Artist lineup includes: Steven Curtis Chapman, Crowder, Building 429, The Afters, Nicole Nordeman, Mandisa, and Apollo LTD. Learn more at hillsalive.com/2021.
July 29
Drink Beer. Save Turtles.®
Join Reptile Gardens at Hay Camp Brewing from 7-10 p.m. Reptile Gardens will be bringing live turtles for people to see and ask questions. Learn more at haycampbrewing.com.
elevaterapidcity.com 7
JODI & RYAN
FRISK
I
VIA: ROCHESTER
MINNESOTA
BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI
"I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD LIVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A NATIONAL FOREST."
t all started as a quick trip last summer to escape the craziness of both work and the Covid-19 pandemic. A few months later, Jodi and Ryan Frisk, lifelong Minnesota residents, had sold their home and other properties, packed up their life in Rochester, and purchased the historic Black Forest Inn, starting a whole new life in the Black Hills.
8 ELEVATE • JULY 2021
restaurant by Bernice Musekamp. “Little did we know that the original location of this is at the bottom of the lake. We had no idea that we were standing looking out at where it used to be,” Jodi said. When the valley was acquired to become the Pactola Dam reservoir, Bernice built Musekamp Lodge, now known as the Black Forest Inn, in 1953. “It has been fun looking at those old photos and newspaper articles. We have our own story but also the history of Pactola and where this all first started.” Ryan and Jodi began extensive interior renovations at the beginning of the year welcoming their first guests in April. The couple has loved getting to know
IT IS SO REFRESHING TO BE IN A SPACE WHERE YOU SIT AND TALK WITH PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER...
“We were standing at Pactola (Lake) and, plain as day, God said this is clearly home,” Jodi said. A photo of the lake from that July day is now blown up and hanging behind their newly renovated bar. Jodi and Ryan, both who spent family vacations in Rapid City and the Black Hills, had never planned on moving from Rochester. Both had successful real estate careers along with some Airbnb properties. “We were building our rentals, starting to feel secure. This is what we were going to do until we retired early,” Jodi said. While Jodi was settled on staying in Rochester, Ryan’s loyalty to his hometown started to wane after he saw a client’s photographs of the Black Hills. “Things were changing very fast, and it was becoming more and more clear. I came here (in July) with the intention of hoping to move here,” Ryan said. “That’s how it started.” Jodi, however, was not on the same page – at first. “I never thought I would live in the middle of a national forest,” Jodi said adding that she grew up hating pine trees. Her dad had 300 pines that Jodi would have to transplant and water. “I remember having to mow around them and watering them, counting to 10 and then moving onto the next pine tree.” Now, surrounded by the trees, Jodi has a new appreciation and enjoys the peacefulness they bring. After their three-day getaway, the trip back to Rochester was quiet, both contemplating their next step. “When we got back, it (Rochester) didn’t feel like home anymore,” Jodi said. They immediately started looking for income properties and found the Black Forest Inn – a historic bed and breakfast located just minutes from the view of Pactola Lake they had visited months earlier. Pactola, prior to its life as a reservoir, was also the original spot of the Black Forest Inn which was opened as a
elevaterapidcity.com 9
10 ELEVATE • JULY 2021
IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR US TO CREATE A SPACE WHERE WE LOVED LIVING AND WORKING.
each visitor who end up becoming part of their extended family. “It is so refreshing to be in a space where you sit and talk with people from all over and all different walks of life, upbringings and backgrounds, and they are just enjoying a conversation with each other.” The couple plans to work on the exterior along with the owner’s suite this fall. They also hope to lease out the adjacent restaurant. In the off season, Ryan and Jodi plan to get involved within the community hosting retreats and other events. They have already partnered with Mark Little Elk, an artist from the Rosebud Reservation, to host a retreat with students and families from the He Dog School in Rosebud. “It is so awesome how God has brought us together with that ministry,” Jodi said telling the story of a postcard her uncle drew of an Oglala Lakota Chief. The postcard is now a lifesize mural on the wall in the common room at the Inn. Jodi later learned the drawing was of Chief He Dog. Ryan and Jodi know they have made the right decision and are loving their life in the Black Hills. “We strongly believe that life is so dang short, so you need to love what you do and where you are. It was important for us to create a space where we loved living and working,” Jodi said.
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12 ELEVATE • JULY 2021
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elevaterapidcity.com 13
DAV I D ZEHNTER
VIA: MADISON
WISCONSIN
BY SIANDHARA BONNET
"AT SOME POINT I JUST THREW UP MY HANDS AND SAID SCREW IT, I CAN WORK FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD."
D
avid Zehntner only planned to live outside of Wisconsin during the pandemic but ended up finding a home in Rapid City. Zehntner moved to the city in September 2020 and found an apartment after staying at an Extended Stay. “At some point I just threw up my hands and said screw it, I can work from anywhere in the world,” he said. “I will go anywhere — Sweden, Hong Kong, wherever I need to go, I’m going to do it. I started doing some research and it turned out at the time that South Dakota was the freest place on the planet.”
14 ELEVATE • JULY 2021
He said businesses started to shut down, bars shut down and his friends stopped making plans. That’s when he decided to make the move. Zehntner said he loves the Black Hills and the Badlands. Now that it’s warmer, he said he’s going out hiking.
“Rapid is amazing for hikes,” he said. “The hiking is awesome to begin with, but there’s trails in town you can go on. It’s cool.” He said he plans to go boating when he’s not hiking or doing his own drone photography. Zehntner also makes his own wine, which he said he started while in Wisconsin. “They’re big drinkers,” he said. “My favorite things were sausage, beer and cheese. It was amazing.” He said it’s just a small set-up and buys the kits that come with the juice, chemicals, yeast and other materials necessary. Zehntner said he didn’t have any problems or challenges moving to Rapid City. He said he typically
I WAS WORKING FROM HOME BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Zehntner loaded his truck with most of his belongings and drove a little over 400 miles to Sioux Falls. “I stopped and saw the falls, they were awesome by the way,” he said. He looked at the map to see what else was around and decided to head to Rapid City. Zehntner said he did more research into the area, discovered that there was no income tax and found an apartment on Main Street he liked and decided this was where he wanted to live. Zehntner lived in Madison for about 13 years. He worked for Epic, an electronic medical software company, for three years and then transitioned to working for startups. Three companies failed, but he was able to take the product of the third company and make it his own. He turned that into “Z Cloud” and put it into his own company of “Zehntner LLC,” which was sold to his current employer CallCorp, which is based out of Utah. “I was working from home before it was cool,” he said. Zehntner moved to Madison after he graduated from Western Carolina University. He grew up in Franklin, North Carolina and “as soon as I could get out, I moved out,” he said. He said there were always computers around while he was growing up. He said his dad was really into them, but it was just a hobby for him. “When it was time for me to pick my profession in college, it was obvious to do something in computers because I’m good at them,” he said. “I’m good at programming and like it and everything, so that was that.” Zehntner was in Madison when the pandemic started. He said at first he was scared, but after doing some research decided it wasn’t a big deal for him.
elevaterapidcity.com 15
solves his problems. “I don’t get into trouble, and if anything happens, I’m able to just figure it out and do whatever I need to do,” he said. Zehntner said he wishes Rapid City was a little bit bigger, but likes all the available entertainment, bars, restaurants, shops and other businesses in town.
Question: : How do we divide summertime with children from divorce? Answer: Most DIVORCED or UNWED SEPARATED parents communicate very well for summertime activities and vacations with children. South Dakota Parenting Guidelines encourages parents to share the summer if living in proximity with one another. If living far apart, extended time with non-custodial parent is strongly encouraged. If you need help working out a summer schedule, please call BLACK HILLS MEDIATION AND LAW. CONTACT: Lorie Melone at Black Hills Mediation and Law to get legal assistance. 605-791-4850
Lorie D. Melone 1107 Mt. Rushmore Road, Suite #3A Rapid City, SD 57701 Phone: 605-791-4950 Lorie D. Melone • Family Law Attorney & Certified Mediator
16 ELEVATE • JULY 2021
elevaterapidcity.com 17
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thank you. Behind every business and bold move were those who believed we should have these freedoms. We are grateful to honor those who have served and sacrificed.
elevaterapidcity.com 19
FRANCISCO & STEPHANY
ARCEO 20 ELEVATE • JULY 2021
VIA: JERSEY CITY
NEW JERSEY BY M I C H E L L E PAW E L S K I
Photos by Andy Greenman
F
rancisco Arceo’s favorite part of the day is the sunrise walks with his sixyear-old rescue dog Ivy through his new neighborhood in Red Rocks. The Chicago native then grabs a cup of coffee and commutes down a few stairs to his home office, complete with a picture window and a view of the golf course and surrounding Black Hills. His mornings are much different now than a year ago when he was commuting over an hour from Jersey City into New York City. “We’ve adjusted nicely,” Francisco’s wife Stephany said of their new, slower paced, lifestyle. The couple moved to Rapid City on Halloween 2020 after a quick visit in August for an interview Stephany had with Black Hills Pediatric Dentistry. “Before, Francisco was commuting to work a total of two and a half hours so that was a huge chunk out of the day, and then I was working a lot of Saturdays. Now, we can spend more quality time with each other. We don’t feel so stretched out.” elevaterapidcity.com 21
22 ELEVATE • JULY 2021
no place ever seemed to be the right fit for the both of us. It was because of the pandemic that Francisco had this opportunity to work from home and not be bound to New York City.” With FAST completely remote, Francisco could live anywhere as long as he had a good view and high-speed internet. That gave Stephany the freedom to explore different opportunities. Stephany, originally from New Jersey, searched all over the country applying for jobs in Vermont, New Mexico, and Georgia along with her application to Black Hills Pediatric Dentistry. “We came up for an interview in August and then made a decision just after a week. It felt like a good fit. You really have everything you need here.” One of the biggest selling points for the couple were the direct flights to New Jersey and Chicago from Rapid City Regional Airport. “It was comforting to know that my family was just a plane ride away.” Stephany has also loved her new job. “The owners and everyone there have been so incredibly nice and welcoming and really care about the community and what they do and the kids they see.” Both Francisco and Stephany are
IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC THAT FRANCISCO HAD THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WORK FROM HOME AND NOT BE BOUND TO NEW YORK CITY.
Francisco grew up in South Side, Chicago, the middle child of two Mexican immigrants. Growing up in Chicago, he enjoyed spending time with his large, extended family, cheering on the White Sox, and boxing, even winning his first amateur match. “I was an amateur boxer for about three years and then stopped during graduate school.” While his focus now is computers, that was not always the case. “My path into computers and computer science was a little nonstandard. I was very passionate about economics, then the intersection of statistics and economics… programing was a critical part of being able to do that sort of work which is what ultimately led me to discover my passion for computer science.” Francisco works as a senior machine learning engineer with FAST, an earlystage technology company focused on one-click internet checkouts. “I build software at the intersection of data and machinery.” Prior to joining the FAST team, Francisco spent most of his career in financial services. The couple met at Columbia University where Francisco was earning his second master’s degree, and Stephany was following in her father’s footsteps and attending dental school. “My father is a dentist which piqued my interest in dentistry. I enjoy helping people and working with my hands.” She especially loves working with kids and their unfiltered honesty. “The first dental visit can have a lasting impression, so my goal is to provide a positive fun dental experience for every child.” Stephany was working in Newark but looking for a change. “I’ve always wanted to move out of New Jersey, but
THE WAY TO REALLY HELP A COMMUNITY IS TO INVEST IN IT.
excited to create partnerships and provide additional opportunities to those in Rapid City. Both know the importance of investing in people and the community. “I was a firstgeneration college student, and the first in my family to go to graduate school. Over time, some family members would tell me that they looked up to me because of that,” Francisco said. He hopes to foster more technology innovation by working with local businesses, startups, and would love to recruit from the South Dakota school of Mines. “We are looking for talented people, and I know the School of Mines has some talented engineers that are graduating every year. Hopefully, a pool of those students can be interviewed and brought on board and create a great collaboration between the school and FAST. Technology and innovation are shaping the future, and I’d love to share some of my learnings here.” Leaving a positive impact is important in any community you live in, Francisco said. “The way to really help a community is to invest in it. Invest in supporting businesses. Invest your dollars not just your words. I am excited to get closer to the community and see how we can be helpful in whatever means that might be. “
elevaterapidcity.com 23
BrooKE
& JUSTIN
VIA: NEW YORK CITY
NEW YORK
BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI
"LIFE HAS ONLY GOTTEN BETTER SINCE WE SETTLED HERE."
L
ife is always an adventure with Food Network Star Justin Warner and his wife, Rapid City native, Brooke Sweeten. From Colorado to Brooklyn to Japan, the couple has made the most of each destination. Their newest adventure has brought them back to Brooke’s hometown – a move they are both happy to have made. “Life has only gotten better since we settled here,” said Justin, season eight winner of Food Network Star. In March, the couple opened Bokujo Ramen, a quaint restaurant in the former Black Hills Works’ BakeWorks bakery that combines their love of Japanese food with local ingredients.
24 ELEVATE • JULY 2021
THE HARD-BOILED EGG IS NOW A SYMBOL OF MY LIFE. WE FEATURE A SOFT-BOILED EGG IN OUR RAMEN DISHES.
“Brooke and I met in a Japanese restaurant in Fort Collins, Colorado, and Japanese food has always been one of the many pillars of our relationship. We have also been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time in Japan and ramen was the food we wanted to eat the most. When we looked around at the environment here and saw how many fantastic agricultural products there were, we decided that ramen was the way to go.” The decision has been a popular one. “The response has been totally overwhelming. Day one we had a line out the door,” Justin said. Bokujo means “pasture” or “ranch” in Japanese and Warner and Sweeten focus on using the freshest ingredients working closely with local producers such as Wild Idea Buffalo, Black Hills Mushrooms and Wall Meats. “A restaurant needs to grow organically from the environment that it is in,” Justin said. Their flagship dish, Beef Bone (gyokotsu) Ramen, is a celebration of South Dakota’s agricultural industry. The broth is cooked for 24 hours creating a creamy, milky white broth and then the ramen is topped with chislic, the state’s nosh. “It is so rich and so satisfying and is truly a taste of the land around us.” Justin and Brooke landed in Rapid City after a year-long RV trip across the country where they were “dating” cities to find the perfect match. Tired of living in New York, the couple was in search of a different lifestyle that provided a better work-life balance. After buying an RV off Craigslist, they brought it to Brooke’s parents’ house in Rapid City to get it ready for their crosscountry trek. Spending most of 2019 traveling, the couple decided their perfect match was where they started. “While we love that sort of lifestyle, it is adventurous and fun, but you don’t get that sense of home,” Justin said. “We realized that this was a great place. We fell in love with the outdoor activities, and the friendly nature of people. The community is so welcoming.” The couple eventually purchased a small house off West Boulevard, only a short distance from Justin’s favorite spot – M Hill. Aside from being close to family and the outdoors, the ease of traveling in and out of Rapid City’s airport was
elevaterapidcity.com 25
key to their decision to stay. “All these pieces fit together,” said Justin who frequently flies to both coasts to shoot for Food Network. Justin, who grew up in Maryland, began his Food Network fame by accident. In his journey to become “the greatest waiter alive” he received a casting call for a Food Network show that needed cooks. “They said, ‘you are a waiter not a cook’ and I said how hard can it be. When do you shoot? I’ll learn.” His arrogance paid off winning a spot on the show. In 2012, he auditioned for Food Network Star with a tutorial on how to peel a hardboiled egg. “The hard-boiled egg is now a symbol of my life. We feature a softboiled egg in our ramen dishes, peeling hundreds and hundreds of eggs [a day].” Since winning season eight, Justin has joined the roster of Food Network chefs appearing on a variety of shows including Cutthroat Kitchen, Meet Bobby Flay, and Guy’s Grocery Games. Since meeting at the Colorado restaurant more than a decade ago, Justin and Brooke’s lives revolved around first-class food so it was likely their new adventure would involve the same thing. “We have a distinct checklist on what it takes to open a restaurant – right place, right time, right money, right attitude and right people. To get all those things is pretty hard to do, but we found it here.” Now the couple hopes they are impacting the community by supporting local growers and producers as well as leaving a “trail of deliciousness.” Bokujo Ramen is open for takeout and in-person dining 5 – 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
26 ELEVATE • JULY 2021
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elevaterapidcity.com 27
Aaron
DICKENS
A
VIA: NEW YORK CITY
NEW YORK
BY MAIN STREET SQUARE
"JOURNALISM FOR ME IS ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE. IT'S ALL ABOUT ENSURING A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY."
aron Dickens grew up in Los Gatos, California and wanted to pursue an education at University of Southern California. However, a low grade in AP Probability and Statistics class changed Aaron’s fortune. “I was a straight A student and after getting a D+, USC rejected me. I had already been accepted to NYU so I reached out to them and moved to New York City at 18 years old without knowing a single person,” Dickens said. And so Aaron adjusted his plans and moved cross country to pursue his dream in journalism.
28 ELEVATE • JULY 2021
I HAVE LIVED IN BIGGER CITIES AND I KNOW HOW HECTIC THEY CAN BE. I’M IN NO HURRY TO LEAVE.
Dickens gained prominence in the New York region covering Hurricane Sandy as it barreled through the New Jersey region. During the aftermath of the hurricane, Aaron worked with communities and residents rebuilding the area. He helped secure FEMA funding while using his reporting to uncover inconsistencies in the processes during one of the worst storms in the region’s history. “Journalism for me is about helping people. It's all about ensuring a better quality of life for people in the community,” stated Dickens. Fast forward eight years and New York was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest. All of the things that made New York fun and exciting were gone. “A lot of people were moving out of New York. Fifth Avenue was boarded up and the city shut down. I had friends that moved to Wyoming, so I started researching jobs in the region.” Grey Media had an opening for an evening anchor and Aaron followed up. After two phone interviews, Aaron packed up his car and headed to South Dakota. “I remember driving through the middle of the state and thinking to myself, I hope Rapid City is more than plains.” When Dickens arrived in Rapid City, he settled into a downtown apartment. “I have a men’s clothing store on the block, a coffee shop on the corner and I can get anywhere I need to go quickly.” A change in cities has brought a change in culture for Dickens. "People pay for a random person's coffee in the drive-through. Another major difference is the gyms here are so much nicer. They are better quality and more accessible in Rapid City,” stated Dickens. But there have been noticeable draw backs for the big city boy now living in Rapid City. “Things shut down early here. I get off work around 11:00 p.m. and the only place to get a cup of coffee is Taco Bell." Through all the lifestyle changes, Aaron has been able to adapt and get comfortable in his new home. “I have lived in bigger cities and I know how hectic they can be. I’m in no hurry to leave.”
FUN FACTS: • Aaron’s dorm at NYU was close to the twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001. He was not allowed back in his dorm for six months following the attacks. • One of Aaron’s passions is fitness. He hopes to compete in the upcoming Dakota Games. elevaterapidcity.com 29
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fter only a year of living in Rapid City, Michael Paulson has already made his mark on the community. He raised $17,000 for Monument Health, is serving as a board member for Elevate Rapid City, and has already helped mentor local students on the ins and outs of computer programming. Michael, an engineer with Netflix, moved with his wife Lana and their then three kids from California to South Dakota last March, just a day before California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a stay-at-home order. The family was looking for a change after spending six years on the West Coast.
32 ELEVATE • JULY 2021
EVERYONE SHOULD TRY TO HAVE ONE ADVENTURE IN THEIR LIFE.
“We committed to [be there for] five years,” said Michael who was not thrilled about the original move to California. Lana and Michael, who met at Montana ThePrimeagen State University in Bozeman, were living in Montana when Michael was offered the job with Netflix. “Being from Montana, I wasn’t exactly stoked to be in California,” he said. “But everyone should try to have one adventure in their life.” The couple moved west five weeks before their first child Asher was born. “I didn’t like it,” Michael said of living in the Golden State. “You just feel the weight of everything at all times. Even if you are doing good, it is hard.” At year five, the couple began looking around for their next adventure but could not find anything they wanted. Then 2020 happened. It was their sixth year in California, and the couple was still searching for their next move. “Then partway through (the year) a little thing called COVID happened. At that point it was pretty obvious it was time to get out of there.” The family of five packed up and moved to Rapid City where Lana’s parents live. “We hung out here for awhile trying to figure out if I had to go back to California. I just didn’t think we could go back.” The couple decided they would settle in Rapid and found a property. Then, Michael’s boss allowed him to work remotely. “We are very happy,” Michael said. “My wife grew up here, and we always wanted to return to the area. I just didn’t want anything big again.” Michael’s family had moved away from Montana and Rapid City provided the small-town feel Michael loved with the convenience of traveling for work all while being close to family. Michael transformed a portion of his garage into a home office complete with a green wall and sound-proof foam so he can easily live stream for Twitch and his YouTube channel ThePrimeagen. Aside from his work at Netflix, his live streaming tech videos, and spending quality time with Lana and his now four kids, Michael is getting involved in all aspects of his new community. Last fall, he raised $17,000 for Monument Health through a 24hour video game marathon. Netflix matched every dollar Michael raised through his participation in Extra Life, an online grassroots movement that brings together thousands of gamers around the world to play in support of their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Players, like Michael, live
elevaterapidcity.com 33
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stream their gaming on Twitch to get donations. “I really wanted to be a part of (this community),” Michael said of his donation to Monument Health. “I want to have a more meaningful impact here.” He is already prepping for the next event in November hoping to up his play time to 36 hours. Netflix will also double match the donations this year. For every dollar raised, Netflix will match two dollars. “It is a fun event and there are a lot of really awesome people that come and join along.” For years, Michael has helped college-aged students throughout the world get a better understanding of the programming world. His interaction has helped many young adults, including a School of Mines student he connected with prior to moving to Rapid City. Michael continues to mentor the student and meet up with him face-to-face. He hopes to continue mentoring additional students at the school as well as help in other areas through his position as a board member of Elevate Rapid City. He intends to use his time on the board to get to know where his talents and resources could best be utilized. “My first and foremost goal is to have better insight into what is going on here. I want to help, but I am not sure the best way to do that. I want to understand what’s happening, so I can better assist things moving forward.”
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Elevate Rapid City is a merged organization of the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, and Innovation center. Since its launch in 2019 Elevate has been working hard to serve the region for everyone.
CAREER BOARD TO SERVE JOB SEEKERS AND BUSINESSES LOOKING TO HIRE
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR INAUGURAL ELEVATE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Elevate Rapid City recently launched a career page that allows businesses to post open positions and for job seekers to search local jobs and upload resumes. The career board also features a career pathway that help users map out different entry level positions and stepping stones other people have taken to get to the top position of their chosen occupation. Visit the career board at careers. elevaterapidcity.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Elevate Rapid City is excited to hold its first Leadership Institute class this fall and is accepting applications through July 15. The new program will be held from September 2021 to May 2022. “The Elevate Leadership Institute (ELI) helps provide leaders the training they need today for the challenges the community and their organizations will face tomorrow. Anyone interested in taking a leadership position inside their company or holding a leadership position in the community will benefit from going through this new and innovative leadership program,” said Tom Johnson, president and CEO of Elevate Rapid City. To apply, visit elevaterapidcity.com.
HOUSING STRATEGIES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JULY 1 // 11:30-1:00 P.M. ELEVATE RAPID CIT Y
As we witness the explosive growth of Rapid City’s population, community partners identified the need for affordable housing to support a need for workforce and promote the quality of life in the Black Hills.
NETWORKING MIXER JULY 13 // 4:30-6:30 P.M.
Make new connections and snack on appetizers on the beautiful new outdoor patio at the Cambria Hotel & Suites.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT ELEVATERAPIDCITY.COM 38 ELEVATE • JULY 2021
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