Williston Works brings you in-depth discussions with entrepreneurs, small business owners and investors that are getting it done in Western North Dakota. Hosted by Shawn Wenko, the Executive Director of Williston Economic Development, Williston Works finds out what it takes to make it in the Bakken.
…
continue reading

1
A Taste of Opportunity: Building a Food Empire in Williston, ND | Williston Works 2.0
29:30
29:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:30In this episode, we sit down with Mike Sartwell and Morgen Martelle of Preferred Restaurant Group to talk food, family, and the future of Williston. From the early days with Taco John’s to launching new brands like Slim Chickens and Rocky’s, Mike and Morgen share their journey of growing a regional restaurant empire rooted in North Dakota values. H…
…
continue reading

1
How the SBDC Helps Entrepreneurs Start and Grow in Williston | Williston Works 2.0
32:44
32:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:44The Small Business Development Center in Williston focuses on helping entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses throughout Northwest North Dakota. In this episode, Keith Olson, Regional Director of the SBDC, shares how the program partners with local entrepreneurs through every stage of the business journey. Keith, Cyrena, and Anna dive into th…
…
continue reading
The Northwest North Dakota Job Fair is connecting employers and job seekers to create new career opportunities in the region. In this episode of Williston Works 2.0, Anna and Susan explore how this job fair helps businesses find skilled talent and connects workers with great job openings. Whether you're an employer looking to hire or a job seeker e…
…
continue reading
In this week’s episode, Anna Nelson and Cyrena Weeks, talk about how to drive economic growth and impact. They discuss how Tri-County RDC helps businesses secure funding, access grants, and navigate loan programs to fuel local development. Cyrena shares insights on how Williston’s business landscape has evolved, the challenges entrepreneurs face, a…
…
continue reading
In this exciting relaunch of the Williston Works podcast, meet new host Anna Nelson, Executive Director of Williston Economic Development (WED). North Dakota was recently named the best state to start a business by Forbes for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), and Williston ranks as the seventh-best city in the nation to start a business (Walle…
…
continue reading

1
James & Summer Wilda (Dirty Dough Cookies)
15:49
15:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:49Join us in Season 6, Episode 3 of the Williston Works podcast as we dive into the sweet success of Dirty Dough! From the challenges of bringing a gourmet cookie franchise to the heart of Williston to the sweet victory of being a top-performing store, James and Summer Wilda share their entrepreneurial journey! Watch the podcast now!…
…
continue reading

1
Dr. Bernell Hirning, Kristal Schmit & Paula Lankford (Workforce Panel Discussion)
24:30
24:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:30Get ready for an important and insightful conversation about workforce challenges and solutions in Season 6, Episode 2, of the Williston Works podcast. In this episode, Dr. Bernell Hirning, Kristal Schmit, and Paula Lankford, explore the obstacles and opportunities in tackling the labor shortage. www.cityofwilliston.com #willistonworkspodcast #entr…
…
continue reading

1
Jeremy Stahowiak and Eli Black (The Range)
19:40
19:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:40We are kicking off Season 6 with a hole-in-one duo, featuring Jeremy Stahowiak and Eli Black from The Range Indoor Golf and Shooting Complex. ️⛳️ Not only is The Range our new recording location, but is a true story of entrepreneurship, success, and the journey of bringing a top-notch facility to Williston. From golfing tales to shooting challenges…
…
continue reading

1
Larry & Jared Medhurst (ACES Energy Services)
17:46
17:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:46In this Williston Works podcast, Larry Medhurst and Jared Medhurst talk about starting their family-owned oilfield business in Williston. ACES Energy Services LLC provides hotshot and transportation services, rentals and mechanical filtration systems.
…
continue reading

1
Keith Olson (Small Business Development Center)
13:41
13:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:41In this Williston Works podcast, Keith Olson, regional director at the Small Business Development Center in Williston, explains how his office provides free business advice to area entrepreneurs.
…
continue reading
In this week's Williston Works podcast, Janie Cox, owner of Happy Families Daycare, talks about starting and expanding her childcare business in Williston. Janie opened an in-home daycare in 2015, expanded to New Hope Williston in 2017, and is growing her business again at Williston State College.
…
continue reading

1
Anna Nelson (Williston Chamber of Commerce)
24:59
24:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:59In episode 4 of the 2022 Williston Works Podcast, Shawn Wenko interviews Anna Nelson, president of the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce, about her mission and goals for the group.
…
continue reading

1
Dr. Suess, Dr. Kirby & Dr. Erickson (Milestone Health Partners)
24:50
24:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:50In Episode 3 of the 2022 Williston Works podcast series, Shawn Wenko talks with the owners of Milestone Health Partners about starting a business and building a new facility in Williston.
…
continue reading
In our latest episode of the Williston Works Podcast, we sit down with Hunter Berg (WSC Foundation) and talk about the many ways that the WSC Foundation supports its students, what brought Hunter to Williston and the history and impact of the WSC Foundation.
…
continue reading
Williston Economic Development introduces Season 5 of its Williston Works Podcast. The first episode features host Shawn Wenko talking with Matt Clark, Williston Fire Chief, about the the Williams County public safety tax. A measure to renew the tax will be on the November 8, 2022 General Election ballot. A renewal would extend the tax to March 31,…
…
continue reading
On the final episode of season 4, Shawn Wenko interviews Steve Kemp with Wellspring Hydro about the functions of his business and its benefits to the Williston area.
…
continue reading

1
Rachel Laqua (City of Williston Planning & Zoning/Wayfinding Committee)
20:19
20:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:19This week on the Williston Works Podcast, Rachel Laqua with the City of Williston Planning & Zoning/Wayfinding Committee is interviewed by Shawn Wenko. Laqua discusses development projects for Williston.
…
continue reading
This week, Shawn Wenko interviews Kenley Nebeker of TrainND Northwest. Nabeker explains the training programs offers through TrainND Northwest and how they have been benefit to the Bakken area.
…
continue reading

1
Ian & Tricia Anderson (Pronghorn Well Service)
18:35
18:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:35Ian and Tricia Anderson of Pronghorn Well Service discuss the highs and lows of their entrepreneurial journey. The Anderson discuss their determination and how it has paid of with success.
…
continue reading

1
Kari Hauge (Exhale Yoga & Wellness Center)
12:03
12:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:03This week's Williston Works Podcast features the owner of Exhale Yoga & Wellness Center. Kari Hauge discusses why she returned to Williston and opened a business after living elsewhere for four years.
…
continue reading

1
Jonas & Bonnita McKenzie (Cold Stone Creamery & Crossfit Infliction)
16:47
16:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:47Williston Works Podcast, host Shawn Wenko interviews Jonas and Bonnita McKenzie, owners of Cold Stone Creamery and Crossfit Infliction. The McKenzie's discuss their entrepreneur journeys and the success they have had opening their two businesses.
…
continue reading
This week, host Shawn Wenko interviews Dave Juma, Williston City Engineer, about current and future infrastructure projects in the City of Williston - including the highly anticipated Williston Square development. Williston Works brings you in-depth discussions with entrepreneurs, small business owners and investors that are getting it done in West…
…
continue reading

1
Emma Kuester & Jake Boreson (Busted Knuckle Brewery)
16:05
16:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:05In Season 4, Episode 1 of the Williston Works Podcast, host Shawn Wenko interviews siblings Emma Kuester and Jake Boreson, about expanding their parents’ Glasgow-based brew pub to Williston. Ben and Connie Boreson of Glasgow, MT, converted the former Williams County Highway Department shop to Busted Knuckle Brewery. The Boreson’s utilized the Willi…
…
continue reading
Williston Economic Development Director Shawn Wenko interviews Lenny Johnson about the past, present and future of Genesis Clothing in Williston, North Dakota.
…
continue reading
Williston Economic Development Director Shawn Wenko interviews Anna Denton, owner of Anna’s Groom Room in Williston, North Dakota.
…
continue reading
Andy Njos from Dacotah West Crane Service is featured in this week's Williston Works Podcast!
…
continue reading
This week, Williston Economic Development Director Shawn Wenko sits down with Shanna Zaste, owner of The New Walt's Market in Williston, North Dakota. Learn how she utilized the Williston STAR Fund to enhance this iconic business.
…
continue reading
Williston Airport Director Anthony Dudas reflects on the Williston Basin International Airport's first anniversary.
…
continue reading
…
continue reading
…
continue reading
Little Muddy Gifts’ owner and 2017 Woman-Owned Business of the Year Award Recipient, Dana Johnson, is providing a new retail option for a city with an expanding demographic.
…
continue reading

1
Kevin & Malachi Black (Creedence Energy Services)
12:04
12:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:04Cousins Kevin and Malachi Black are servicing the oil industry in the Bakken by ensuring the longevity of equipment and machinery through Creedence Energy Services.
…
continue reading
After working nine years at Target’s corporate office in Minneapolis, Angela Skogan decided to return to her hometown and share her passion for cooking by opening Cooks on Main.
…
continue reading

1
JW & Blair Sheering (Fresh Fit Kitchen & The Body Shoppe)
11:07
11:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:07Fresh Fit Kitchen and The Body Shoppe offer unique services to Williston aimed at creating a healthier community, both physically and dietarily.
…
continue reading
Native of Williston with a love for the community, Falon Justice purchased Bride to Be to supply the region with wedding and formal attire.
…
continue reading

1
Misha Krivoruchko & Sarah Dobler (Gonzaga University Interns)
9:48
9:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:48Gonzaga University’s “Summer in Williston” internship program has been going on for many years and has provided college students with the opportunity to experience what life is like in western North Dakota.
…
continue reading
Mechelle Mortenson is a Williston Native who opened Grace & Glam to bring her favorite women’s clothing brands to her hometown.
…
continue reading

1
Dr. Jeremy Messer (Owner of Messer Dental, PC)
11:21
11:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:21By taking a leap with his move to Williston, Dr. Jeremy Messer started his own dental practice and quickly fell in love with the community.
…
continue reading

1
Tanner Overland (Owner of Overland Aviation)
9:48
9:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:48Tanner Overland started Overland Aviation in 2011 to provide flight services for the community through the current airport and will soon be expanding these services at XWA as the fixed based operator.
…
continue reading

1
Tavish Vestal (President of Arista Containers)
9:30
9:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:30Williston native and owner of Arista Containers, Tavish Vestal is continually help expand and improve the Bakken's oil industry.
…
continue reading

1
Caitlin Pallai (Former Gonzaga University Intern)
10:01
10:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:01A former Gonzaga University intern and current employee of Williston State College is helping create change in our community.
…
continue reading

1
Jawaid Surani (Owner of Safari Trampoline Park)
10:20
10:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:20Business owner and developer of Williston's very first trampoline park, Safari Trampoline Park, is bringing unique recreation opportunities to western North Dakota.
…
continue reading
US army veteran and owner of S&B Drilling is enhancing the way the oil field is laying down it's foundation.
…
continue reading

1
Katie Kringen (Owner of Chatter Pediatric)
10:18
10:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:18The owner of Chatter Pediatric and winner of the Williston Economic Development 2018 woman-owned business of year is making a difference in the lives of our area families.
…
continue reading

1
Anthony Dudas (Williston Airport Director)
10:48
10:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:48Anthony Dudas is the airport director for Sloulin Field International Airport and soon to be the airport director of XWA Williston Basin International Airport in Williston, North Dakota.
…
continue reading