Schedule
4:00 - 5:00 PM - Networking
Food and Cash Bar Available
5:00 - 7:30 PM - Program
Finalists Pitches
Attendee Networking
Winner Announced
Finalists
In order by presentation.
frodo
Robin Niewenhuis
Mattress Medic Mobile
Shaun McNeely
Optimal Performance
Samantha Wipf
Sunrise Greens, LLC
Samantha St. Clair &
Nicholas Tucker
TopDown Drone Services
Jonah Schmidt
$10,000 first-place prize to be used to start or expand business operations. (Sponsored by the Aberdeen Development Corporation)
Honorable Mention
Round 2 Judges
Chad Evans, Centennial Homes
Centennial Homes has been in existence for 55 years of which Chad has been with Centennial Homes for 31 years in about every capacity possible starting in sales, sales management, service, marketing, and product. His current role is president of the company which involves all aspects of the Management Company and all 7 sales centers throughout Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Dr. Sal Villegas, Northern State University
Dr. Sal Villegas is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs in the Aberdeen community, working closely with local individuals to help bring their ideas to life. Whether mentoring students for entrepreneurial success or collaborating with small business owners, he’s committed to building a stronger, more innovative future for our region.
Eldon Swingler, Insurance Plus
President and owner of Insurance Plus an Independent Insurance Agency with offices in Aberdeen and Milbank, SD. Co-founder and owner of Premier Tax Services, Inc. and Dakota Financial Services, Inc. with numerous offices in SD and ND. Investor in several other start-up ventures in the Aberdeen Area.
Graduate of NSU and long-term supporter of NSU and the Foundation.
Currently serves on the Board of Directors for Aspire, Inc, SPURS, Inc. and the Great Plains Foundation
Kae McNeil, Retired
Kae is retired from U.S. Bank with experience helping customers with wealth management and small business. Kae has over 40 years’ experience as a community volunteer, mentor and current Board member of: SDCEO and SD Education Access Foundation.
Taylor Sumption, Maple Valley Foods
Taylor is the Chief Executive Officer of Maple Valley Foods, LLC. An ag producer, instrument-rated pilot, entrepreneur, and Emergency Medical Technician, Taylor brings a diverse skillset to both business and community. He serves on the board of South Dakota Corn and is a member of the advisory board for the Northern Innovation and Startup Center.
Katie Washnok - Blackout Industries
Kelly Weaver - Small Business Development Center
Kristie Martin - Dacotah Bank
Laure Swanson - South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Mark Gederos - RhodesAnderson Insurance
Paul Forst - Agtegra Cooperative
