Amy Daws, Author

From a small high school lawn-mowing business to a multi-location landscaping company, Cole Weller’s journey is a true testament to hard work, persistence, and smart business growth. On the latest Behind the Business, Founders in the 605, Cole shares how he and his brother Brent built Weller Brothers from the ground up—focusing on quality service, a strong company culture, and doing the basics well.

From a tire shop waiting room to bestselling bookshelves and feature films, Amy Daws is redefining success as an author! Hear her story on the latest Behind the Business, Founders in the 605 with hosts Marcus & Alexis Mahlen. From indie publishing and spicy romance to global audiences, this Sioux Falls native’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

From Brookings roots to business leadership, Van Fishback shares his inspiring journey on the latest episode of Behind the Business, Founders in the 605. As Chairman of First Bank and Trust and Fishback Financial Corporation, Van discusses his family’s 140+ years in banking, his dedication to supporting innovation in South Dakota, and the importance of education and community partnerships.

This week’s Behind the Business | Founders in the 605 podcast episode features Rory Kelly, a Sioux Falls entrepreneur who built a business empire with 58 Verizon Wireless stores and overcame personal challenges to redefine success. Tune in with Marcus and Alexis for a deep dive into leadership lessons, the power of persistence, and what it takes to grow and mentor others.

Dr. Vance Thompson, Founder of Vance Thompson Vision shares his journey of turning an eye care practice into a community-focused hub of innovation and compassion on the latest episode of Founders in the 605. Growing up in small-town South Dakota, inspired by his family’s legacy in medicine, he discovered his passion for eye microsurgery.

Meet Brandon Maddox, the CEO and Founder of Silencer Central. Brandon saw a gap in the silencer market and set out to make a difference. By overcoming skepticism and focusing on customer education, Brandon transformed the perception of silencers into must-have accessories.

Ken Cutler, a fourth-generation Sioux Falls lawyer, shares his family’s legal legacy and entrepreneurial ventures, from law firms to campgrounds and even a wax museum! Listen to the full episode!

Listen in to the latest episode with Alex Jensen, a proud Sioux Falls native who has built a successful entrepreneurial career in the city he loves. From his early days working at Uncle Ed's Specialty Meats to his current roles as a partner of Max Muscle Nutrition and DakPak Solutions, Jensen's journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

Cindy Peterson, the CEO and Founder of Maximizing Excellence, recently shared her inspiring journey on the 605 Founders podcast. Through Maximizing Excellence, Cindy has created a collective impact, helping organizations do more with the resources they have, and her work continues to make a significant difference in the Sioux Falls community. Listen to her full episode at the link below!

Tune into the latest podcast episode featuring Chief Strategy Officer at ISG, Chad Suprenant! Chad has seen the company grow from an idea in his family home basement to a multi-disciplinary firm with 14 offices across five states, serving clients nationwide. In this episode, Chad shares the challenges of scaling a business, maintaining high standards of service, and fostering a company culture that attracts top talent. Listen to his full episode at the link below!