It's More Than a House!

What does it mean to build a place where people feel at home? In this episode of It’s More Than a House, host Scott Engmann welcomes Cante Heart, executive director of He Sapa Otipi, and capital campaign manager Murray Lee to explore the vision for an Indigenous-hosted community center in Rapid City. Rooted in a dream passed down through generations, the proposed center would provide space for cultural celebrations, traditional wakes and funerals, youth activities, wellness programs and connections to essential resources, all while welcoming the entire community. Heart and Lee discuss the project’s $18 million vision, the city’s $9 million Vision Fund commitment and the fundraising effort needed to move it forward. They also share the personal experiences behind their work and explain how culture, kinship and a shared sense of belonging can help build a healthier, more connected Black Hills community.

Technology is changing how we work, build businesses and think about the future, but what could that change mean for communities like the Black Hills?In this episode of It’s More Than a House, host Scott Engmann sits down with Todd Gagne, co-founder of Wildfire Labs, to explore entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence and the opportunities emerging across South Dakota. Drawing from three decades in software and startups, Gagne shares lessons on building successful companies, developing strong leaders and creating a culture where failure can become an opportunity to learn. He also explains how Wildfire Labs is helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable businesses while working to create technology jobs and keep talented people in the region.The conversation also tackles the uncertainty surrounding AI, from its potential impact on jobs to concerns about where the technology could ultimately lead. While acknowledging those risks, Gagne offers an optimistic perspective on how AI can eliminate repetitive work, help businesses grow more efficiently and allow people to focus on the work where human connection matters most. Ultimately, the conversation comes back to something bigger than technology: people. Coachability, empathy, community, balance and a willingness to take risks may prove just as important to the future of the Black Hills as the technology itself.Season 2 of It’s More Than a House explores abundance - the community, opportunity, generosity and purpose already around us — and how those resources can help build stronger lives and stronger communities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to build a stronger community? United Way of the Black Hills Executive Director John Cass joins Scott Engman to talk about leadership, trust and the power of truly listening to one another. Drawing from decades of leadership experience and travels around the world, Cass explores why nonprofits must break down silos, embrace collaboration and invest in the next generation of leaders. From building trust through accountability to finding new ways to address the needs of working families across South Dakota, this conversation is a reminder that our greatest impact happens when we work together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 2 of Season 2, Scott Engmann welcomes John Ligtenberg, Executive Director of Love INC of the Black Hills, for a thoughtful conversation about compassion, collaboration, and the power of relationships to transform lives. For more than 25 years, Ligtenberg has helped mobilize churches across the Black Hills to meet practical needs while addressing something even deeper: the broken relationships that often lie at the heart of poverty. Together, Scott and John explore why lasting change isn't created through handouts alone, but through dignity, personal responsibility, authentic community, and hope. The conversation dives into nonprofit collaboration, leadership, faith, healthy conflict, volunteerism, and what it means to love your neighbor in an increasingly divided world. Along the way, Ligtenberg shares lessons learned from decades of servant leadership, why mission always outweighs efficiency, and how churches can work together to strengthen communities without losing sight of their purpose. If Season 2 is about abundance, this episode reminds us that some of life's greatest riches are found in relationships built on trust, compassion, and service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 2 of More Than a House begins with a powerful conversation about abundance, service, leadership, and community. Host Scott Engman sits down with retired South Dakota National Guard General Jeff Marlette, who is currently seeking a seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives for District 33.Marlette shares lessons learned from his upbringing in rural South Dakota, the values instilled by his mother, his decades of military and public service, and how faith has guided him through some of life's most difficult challenges. The conversation explores leadership, education, public service, artificial intelligence, the future of South Dakota, and what it means to live a life focused on adding value to others.As Season 2 launches its mini-series on abundance, this episode examines how courage, generosity, faith, and service create stronger communities and why building a thriving community requires more than just a house. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Scott Engman sits down with Brady MacIver, mortgage loan originator and co-owner of Heritage Home Lending, to unpack the realities of homeownership in western South Dakota. Brady shares his path from Augustana University football standout to mortgage broker and Habitat for Humanity volunteer, and how his passion for people, numbers, and problem-solving shaped his career.Together, Scott and Brady explore the forces shaping today’s housing market — rising home prices, increased debt loads, interest rate challenges, and the limited inventory created by homeowners locked into low rates. Brady breaks down debt-to-income ratios, the sharp rise in average loan sizes, and why affordability has tightened for both first-time buyers and families hoping to move up. He also outlines practical strategies for buyers, including down payment assistance programs, equity planning, and creative paths like house hacking or purchasing duplexes.Listeners get an inside look at the unique dynamics of the Black Hills market, from aging housing stock and land development hurdles to out-of-state migration driving demand. Brady also highlights the importance of early financial planning, building credit, and the value of sitting down with a lender long before you’re ready to purchase.Ultimately, this conversation reminds us that buying a house is far more than a transaction — it’s a journey toward stability, community, and long-term wealth. And with the right guidance, even complex financial paths can lead to a place to truly call home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Scott Engman sits down with Jessica Olson, CEO and founder of Stay Graceful, an in-home healthcare company serving clients from infancy through end-of-life. Jess shares how her personal experiences, nonprofit leadership, and time in the South Dakota Legislature shaped her passion for improving healthcare access and helping people safely remain in their homes.Scott and Jess explore the deep connection between healthcare, housing, and community, discussing the challenges families face when illness, disability, or aging suddenly make a home inaccessible. Jess sheds light on the real costs of home modifications, navigating complex paperwork, available state programs, caregiver burnout, and how her team provides reliable, person-centered care.The episode highlights why housing is far more than a physical structure, it’s stability, dignity, and independence, and how proper healthcare support can help people maintain that sense of home for as long as possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of It’s More Than a House, Scott is joined by one of America’s leading healthcare CEOs — a leader whose heart for people is as strong as her vision for excellence. Paulette Davidson has spent nearly a decade guiding Monument Health in Rapid City, helping it earn national recognition across 31 medical specialties. From her humble beginnings in Waukegan, Illinois, to her first job as a hospital housekeeper, Paulette’s journey to the CEO’s office is a story of grit, vision, and unwavering commitment to the community. We talk about her personal path, the future of healthcare in the Black Hills, lessons from the pandemic, and how Monument Health is working to ensure everyone — from rural patients to those without housing — receives quality care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Scott sits down with Jim Scull, founder of Scull Construction—a name synonymous with growth, craftsmanship, and community impact in Rapid City and across the region. From schools to hospitals to major infrastructure, Jim and his team have helped shape the physical and economic landscape of western South Dakota. In this conversation, they explore what it takes to build more than just buildings, the challenges facing the construction industry today, and Jim’s personal journey as a leader and visionary. If you’re passionate about development, community, or the people who build our world—this one’s for you. Let’s dive in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of It’s More Than a House features South Dakota Housing Director Chaz Olson in conversation with host Scott Engman. They discuss the agency’s mission to create affordable housing opportunities through programs ranging from first-time homebuyer assistance and down payment grants to financing for developers and special initiatives like the Governor’s House Program, where incarcerated individuals build affordable homes while learning trades. Olson outlines major efforts such as the $200 million Housing Infrastructure Program, the flexible Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF), and the innovative Grants for Grads program, which helps recent graduates purchase homes in South Dakota. The conversation also explores housing affordability challenges, growth trends, and the importance of housing in building strong communities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.