Join us for the FAIL Fest edition of the Community Champions Network — a night for dreamers, doers, and anyone who believes in learning from the journey.
Come celebrate regional wins, share a laugh (and maybe a few lessons), and hear from a panel of local entrepreneurs who’ve turned setbacks into success. Enjoy networking, appetizers, and a cash bar as we toast to growth and new opportunities ahead!
At Innovation Center, we believe that FAIL stands for First Attempt In Learning, so help us celebrate progress, perseverance, and the power of trying again.
The entrepreneur panel will include Taylor Sumption, Julie Fischbach, and Ryan J. Rivett. You can learn more about them below!
Taylor Sumption
CEO OF Maple Valley Foods & Co-Founder of Anthem Oats
Taylor is an ag producer and entrepreneur from Frederick, South Dakota. He began his farming career after receiving an associate’s degree in general agriculture from South Dakota State University in 1996. During his time in production agriculture, he has seen firsthand the positive impact of value-added agriculture to both the Ag industry and local communities. Taylor, along with his wife Cassandra, vertically integrated oats from their farm into their own brand, Anthem, selling oatmeal products nationwide. He is currently President of South Dakota Corn Growers Association, an advisory board member of Northern State University’s Innovation and Start-up Center, an instrument rated pilot, and a volunteer EMT. His biggest enjoyment is time spent with his wife, Cassandra, and their children.
Julie Fischbach
Owner of the Finery Marketplace and Finery on Main Event Venue
Julie’s path hasn’t always been straight forward, nor easy. From corporate retail, corporate banking, pharmaceutical sales, business owner, realtor, to small business coach & consultant, every twist has taught her something powerful. From her “real-life” hands on experience she believes imperfect progress still counts, pivots creates possibility, and you don’t need a flawless plan to take the next step. Julie enjoys sharing her heart, her lessons, and her belief that women can build lives and businesses that truly reflect who they are. She believes if you have passion, perseverance, determination, and can embrace change, the sky is your limit! Fischbach resides in Warner, with her husband, Greg, of 35 years. She has two daughters and son-in-laws, Keeley and Ryder Fuhrman and Ashley and Tyler Ogle). Her biggest blessing is her first grand baby, Greyson Thomas Ogle (just born a couple weeks ago).
Ryan J. Rivett
President & CEO OF My Place Hotels of America
Ryan J. Rivett, Co-founder, President & CEO of My Place Hotels of America, Ryan leads the vertically integrated hospitality organization, driving the rapid growth of My Place Hotels to more than 120 franchises nationwide—earning recognition as Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing hotel company of 2020. He is also active on industry boards, including the AH&LA Foundation, and is widely respected for his collaborative, people-focused leadership style