Jamestown Ope'n Forum

di Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce

Stagione 1

Jamestown Ope’n Forum | Episode 15: 75 Years Connected with Dakota Central

In Episode 15, Vincent and Warren sit down with Holly Utke and Brianne Partlow of Dakota Central as the company celebrates 75 years of keeping people connected. What begins as a look back at rural telephone lines quickly turns into Dakota Central trivia, party lines, chicken hatcheries, dial-up internet, fiber, and a reminder of just how much the way we communicate has changed. Holly and Brianne share how Dakota Central grew from its rural telephone roots into the company it is today, including its expansion into Jamestown and becoming the first provider in North Dakota — and one of the first in the nation — to fully connect its service area with fiber. Along the way, Holly shares her own path from the internet help desk in 2000 to CEO and General Manager, while Brianne talks about the marketing, PR, social media and other work that helps tell Dakota Central’s story. But 75 years of connection turns out to mean more than technology. The conversation explores why community is one of Dakota Central’s core values, why relationships built while knocking on business doors more than two decades ago still matter today, and why having local people available when something goes wrong continues to separate a local provider from other options. The episode also gets into the people behind Dakota Central, including long-tenured employees, popcorn in the office, cubicle golf and what new employees say they enjoy most about working there. Holly and Brianne also look ahead at AI, growing data use and the challenge of predicting whatever comes next — something Dakota Central has been doing in one form or another for 75 years. Guests Holly Utke CEO & General Manager Dakota Central Brianne Partlow Dakota Central Learn More https://dakotacentral.com https://www.jamestownchamber.com https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

S1 · E15

9 set 2026

23:44

Jamestown Ope’n Forum | Episode 14: Do Good Things, Bring Good People with Nick Bruns

In Episode 14, Vincent and Warren sit down with Nick Bruns of Nodak Insurance to talk about risk, entrepreneurship and why he continues to invest his time, money and energy into Jamestown. Nick traces that mindset back to growing up in an entrepreneurial family, including an early venture as a teenager when he and a friend installed a commercial door and opened a fireworks stand. Years later, a simple lesson from his dad stuck with him: if a community supports you as a business owner, you should find ways to support that community in return. That philosophy has followed Nick into projects throughout Jamestown. He talks about taking on an overlooked property, recognizing gaps in the community, helping create Drift Prairie Brewing Company and launching new ideas when he believes there is a problem worth solving. But Nick also explains why having an idea isn't enough. The conversation explores calculating risk, knowing the worst-case scenario, learning from ideas that don't work as planned and finding good people who can help turn an opportunity into something sustainable. Nick shares his household philosophy of “do good things, bring good people with you,” why he believes fear of failure can keep good ideas from ever getting started, and what he hopes to pass along to his own children as they grow up around entrepreneurship. Guest: Nick Bruns Nodak Insurance Learn More: https://www.jamestownchamber.com https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

S1 · E14

4 set 2026

27:46

Jamestown Ope’n Forum | Episode 13: In Your Corner with Emily Bivens

In Episode 13, Vincent and Warren welcome Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Emily Bivens back to the Ope’n Forum to tackle a word that can sound a lot more political than it really is: advocacy. Emily explains why advocacy is at the heart of what a Chamber of Commerce does and why it can look very different depending on what a business or community needs. Sometimes it means looking into legislation that could affect a member. Other times it means making a referral, connecting two businesses, supporting community beautification or simply helping a member find the right person or resource. The conversation gets into a real example involving Bison 6 Cinema, why the Chamber gives member businesses referrals first, how events like Buffalo Days can advocate for the image of a community, and why the relationships the Chamber builds matter when a business needs someone in its corner. The Bivness returns as Vincent, Warren and Emily share how they completed the previous connection challenge before Emily issues a new one: become a more informed voter by getting to know your ballot. The conversation closes with voter education, local candidate forums and the role the Chamber can play in helping residents connect with the people asking for their vote. Guest: Emily Bivens Executive Director Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Learn More: https://www.jamestownchamber.com

S1 · E13

2 set 2026

24:46

Jamestown Ope’n Forum | Episode 12: Be the Boss of Your Stuff with Ashley Strukel

In Episode 12, Vincent and Warren sit down with Ashley Strukel of Good Help Organizing to talk about clutter, overwhelm, and why getting organized is often about much more than finding the right storage bin. Ashley explains her goal of helping people become “the boss of their stuff” through practical, nonjudgmental solutions built around the way they actually live. She talks about why people often wait until they feel completely overwhelmed before asking for help, the shame that can come with letting someone into a messy space, and why the number of things someone owns has nothing to do with their value as a person. The conversation explores the emotional side of organizing, why one system does not work for everyone, what success actually looks like for a client, and the difference between creating an Instagram-worthy space and creating a home that makes everyday life easier. Ashley also admits that even a professional organizer has a “Monica closet” and shares the two items she is still irritated about losing during a move nine years ago. Ashley also shares what she has learned while building her first business, why supporting local businesses has always mattered to her, and why Jamestown feels like the “Goldilocks” community — not too big, not too small, with enough happening without becoming overwhelming. The conversation closes with the limits of what an organizer can solve alone and why collaboration with other community resources can be important when someone needs help beyond organizing. Guest: Ashley Strukel Good Help Organizing Learn More: https://goodhelporganizing.com https://www.jamestownchamber.com https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

S1 · E12

26 ago 2026

23:44

Jamestown Ope’n Forum | Episode 11: We’ve Got Your Back with Dr. Stephen Kutscher

In Episode 11, Vincent and Warren sit down with Dr. Stephen Kutscher of Rock Solid Chiropractic to talk about building a business, becoming part of a community, and why giving back has become an important part of the way he approaches both. After practicing in Colorado for more than a decade, Dr. Kutscher and his family made the move to North Dakota to be closer to family and give their children a different environment to grow up in. Jamestown became a natural fit, and in the years since, Rock Solid Chiropractic has continued to grow while becoming increasingly involved throughout the community. The conversation explores why Dr. Kutscher believes local businesses have a responsibility to invest in the communities that support them, what makes a good day at work, and why working directly with patients ultimately brought him back to the part of his profession he enjoys most. He also discusses the work and uncertainty that come with starting a business, the importance of building relationships, and what he has learned from the people he has served along the way. The episode also gets outside the office as Dr. Kutscher shares what surprised a Southern California and Colorado transplant about life in Jamestown, including its mountain biking trails, outdoor opportunities, slower pace, and the benefits of raising a family in a smaller community. Guest: Dr. Stephen Kutscher Rock Solid Chiropractic Learn more: https://www.jamestownchamber.com https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

S1 · E11

19 ago 2026

22:47

Jamestown Ope’n Forum | Episode 10: Driven by Trust with Ryan Fettig

In Episode 10, Vincent and Warren sit down with Ryan Fettig of Affordable Motors to talk about selling used vehicles, building trust, and doing business in a community where customers quickly become familiar faces. Ryan shares how a routine trip through the Chamber office eventually turned into a friendship with Vincent and membership in the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce. He also discusses growing up around his family’s automotive businesses, which began when his father opened Dale’s A-1 Auto in 1988, and how Ryan eventually began managing Affordable Motors. The conversation explores the stereotypes surrounding used-car sales, why Ryan focuses on finding the right vehicle rather than simply making the most profitable sale, and what happens when a customer experiences a major problem after leaving the lot. Ryan explains why protecting a customer relationship and the business’s reputation sometimes means taking back a vehicle, covering repairs, or accepting a financial loss. Ryan also talks about advising customers against vehicles that do not fit their needs, the challenges facing the current used-car market, and why relationships between local businesses help the entire community grow. The episode closes far away from the car lot with a discussion about Ryan’s adventurous cooking and one particularly memorable Filipino delicacy. Guest: Ryan Fettig Affordable Motors Learn more: https://www.jamestownchamber.com https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

S1 · E10

12 ago 2026

23:44

Jamestown Ope’n Forum | Episode 9: Connecting the Dots with Emily Bivens

In Episode 9, Vincent and Warren welcome Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Emily Bivens back to the podcast for another round of The Bivness. Emily explains why connections may be one of the Chamber’s most valuable and overlooked benefits. The conversation explores how events like STIR help people build relationships, why personal invitations make networking easier, and how the Chamber regularly connects residents and businesses with trusted local resources. The group also discusses the Chamber’s role in helping restore the interactive mural at Hugo’s after it was vandalized. Emily shares how the Chamber and Tourism originally helped bring the project together and how those same relationships are now helping connect Hugo’s with artist Max Patzner to repair the damage. Whether it is making a business referral, introducing two people who can help each other, or bringing organizations together around a community project, this episode shows how relationships help Jamestown get things done. Emily also delivers this month’s Unfinished Bivness challenge: make an introduction and help someone new build a connection. Guest: Emily Bivens Executive Director Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Learn more: https://www.jamestownchamber.com https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

S1 · E9

5 ago 2026

23:48

Jamestown Ope’n Forum | Episode 8: Small Town, Big Opportunity with Alyssa Looysen & Jamie Czapiewski

In Episode 8, Vincent and Warren sit down with Alyssa Looysen, Director of Business Development, and Jamie Czapiewski, Operations Coordinator, with the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation. Alyssa and Jamie explain what economic development looks like behind the scenes, from supporting childcare expansion and workforce programs to addressing housing needs and helping businesses invest in Jamestown and Stutsman County. They also share why major projects often require months or even years of conversations, planning, approvals, and patience before the public sees the results. The conversation explores why Alyssa and Jamie chose to build their lives in Jamestown, what people misunderstand about living in the community, and why the phrase “there’s nothing to do” does not match their experience. They also discuss the Jamestown: Hometown 2.0 series, the importance of sharing local success stories, and how Jamestown offers opportunities without the stress and pace of a larger city. Whether you are interested in economic development, considering a move to Jamestown, or wondering what happens before a new project is announced, this episode offers a look at the people and partnerships working to move the community forward. Guest: Alyssa Looysen Director of Business Development Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation Jamie Czapiewski Operations Coordinator Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation Learn more: https://www.growingjamestown.com https://www.jamestownchamber.com https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

S1 · E8

29 lug 2026

25:01

Jamestown Ope'n Forum | Episode 7: Building Community with Nate Willer

In Episode 7, Vincent and Warren sit down with Nate Willer, Branch Manager and Mortgage Loan Originator with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, Chamber Ambassador, Young Professionals of Jamestown member, Chamber Board member, and annual Chamber Banquet co-host. Nate shares how returning to Jamestown after college led him to become deeply involved in the community, and why joining the Chamber, Young Professionals of Jamestown, and the Ambassador Committee helped launch both his business and his network. The conversation explores the importance of community involvement, relationship building, professional networking, leadership, and why "you get what you give" when it comes to Chamber membership. Nate also discusses helping first-time homebuyers, the rewarding side of the mortgage industry, and how investing in people has helped grow both his career and Jamestown itself. Whether you're new to Jamestown, starting a business, or simply looking for ways to become more involved, this episode offers practical advice and a reminder that strong communities are built through relationships. Guest: Nate Willer Branch Manager & Mortgage Loan Originator Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation Learn more: https://www.jamestownchamber.com https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

S1 · E7

22 lug 2026

23:07

Jamestown Ope'n Forum | Episode 6: The Bivness Begins with Emily Bivens

Each month, Emily, Executive Director of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce and Jamestown Tourism, joins Vincent and Warren to discuss what's happening around the community, highlight Chamber initiatives, and share updates that matter to local businesses and residents. In this first edition, the conversation focuses on Buffalo Days, one of Jamestown's signature community celebrations. Emily explains how the Chamber works with dozens of organizations to market and coordinate the event, shares what's new this year, and gives listeners a preview of everything happening during Buffalo Days weekend. The team also introduces "The Bivness", a monthly update of our business community as well as a challenge encouraging listeners to support local businesses and try something new before the next episode. Other topics include Chamber Gift Cards, ribbon cuttings, new businesses coming to Jamestown, and why celebrating local business milestones matters. Guest: Emily Bivens Executive Director Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce & Jamestown Tourism Learn more: https://www.jamestownchamber.com https://www.discoverjamestownnd.com

S1 · E6

15 lug 2026

24:21

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