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At the core of every small business are brave, resilient, and inspiring individuals with an incredible drive to serve others and help make the world a better place.
These business owners are the movers, shakers, do-ers, and dreamers that transform our communities and create a ripple effect, trickling their impact into their economies and their state.
In this issue, we would like to recognize just a few of the many small businesses who inspire us every day for the ways in which they have impacted the lives of those around them.
The Team Player: CoJack Snack & Pack
CoJack Snack and Pack is a food manufacturing and packaging company that grows edible dry beans as well as produces and packages popcorn. Its founder, Brian Engstrom, is a fourth-generation farmer and entrepreneur who opened the business in Devils Lake, ND after an opportunity arose to purchase an existing food manufacturing facility.
In order to get the financing, he needed to make this project possible, Brian partnered with several different community and statewide entities including:
- Dakota Business Lending
- Western State Bank
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- Bank of North Dakota
- North Central Planning Council
- City of Devils Lake
- Devils Lake Economic Development
- Ramsey County
In 2020, CoJack received the Governor’s Choice Project of the Year Award for this expansion and were also recognized as the Community Partner of the Year Award from Lake Region Corporation.
Read the full story here.
The Community Builder: Corbin Insurance Agency
Daniel Corbin has owned and operated Corbin Insurance Agency – a State Farm insurance agency – Bozeman, MT for 7 years. IN 2020, his community faced several crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a large fire in the Bridger Foothills in early September 2020, that has greatly impacted the homes, properties, farms, and financial statuses of his customers.
In order to better assist them during these tough times, Daniel and his staff began making courtesy and wellness calls and setting up payment plans his customers who were struggling with their accounts due to COVID-19. He also spent a week assisting those who were affected by the Bridger Fires. He helped families move their valuables, evacuated community members, worked with volunteers to contain the east side of the fire, and organized donations to firefighters and volunteers with food, supplies, and other necessities.
Read the full story here.
The Jobs Creator: International Marketing Systems
International Marketing Systems is a minority-owned, small-manufacturing business in Fargo, ND with roots dating back to 1979. They are a unique, one-stop shop for e-commerce with everything from initial ideas, research, and development, to manufacturing, marketing, and shipping happening all under one roof.
In 2020, the current owners, Jon Golberg and David Haugrud, decided to move and lease a larger warehouse in and office space in Fargo. This expansion not only helped them increase efficiencies and provide room for growth within their business, but also created over 50 additional job for individuals within the Fargo/Moorhead community and beyond.
International Marketing Systems is a minority-owned, small-manufacturing business in Fargo, ND with roots dating back to 1979. They are a unique, one-stop shop for e-commerce with everything from initial ideas, research, and development, to manufacturing, marketing, and shipping happening all under one roof.