May 2026 – Page 7

I began my career managing corporate wellness events across the country, which gave me the opportunity to travel to every state in the U.S.—except Alaska (I’ll get there one day)!. Along the way, I met incredible people and gained valuable experience working with diverse teams and organizations.

About ten years later, I was approached by GoDaddy at the perfect moment, just as I was starting a family. I stepped into a role where I could help small businesses grow their presence on social media. While I had always enjoyed working with large corporations, the opportunity to support small businesses and watch their growth year over year was especially meaningful.

I joined the Marketing Services Premium team as an Account Manager, where I spent five years working closely with clients and building strong relationships. During that time, I advanced into a Team Lead role and truly valued the collaboration and impact our team made for so many businesses. When the account management team was eventually eliminated, I knew I wanted to continue my journey with GoDaddy.

I stayed proactive, exploring new opportunities within the company, and was excited to step into a role in Commerce Account Management when it became available. This position has allowed me to expand my impact by helping businesses grow not only through marketing, but by leveraging the full suite of GoDaddy products. It’s been exactly the challenge I was looking for, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed being part of this team ever since.

How do you stay connected to your customers’ evolving needs as their businesses change and grow?

I stay connected to my merchants by building a strong relationship from the very beginning. As soon as they’re assigned to my book, I reach out to introduce myself as their direct point of contact for anything GoDaddy-related and look for an opportunity to provide immediate value. That early support helps establish trust and sets the tone for an ongoing partnership.

From there, I maintain consistent communication—typically reaching out at least every other month to share relevant updates, check in on their business goals, and follow up on any challenges they may be facing. I also make sure they’re connected with the right resources quickly, so issues are resolved efficiently and they can stay focused on running their business.

Beyond day-to-day support, I prioritize listening to their feedback and advocating for their needs internally.

Our role allows us to be a true voice for our merchants, and as a team, we’ve helped drive meaningful improvements based on their input.

It’s incredibly rewarding to see those changes make a real impact on their experience and support their continued growth.

How do you keep up with e-commerce trends so you can be a valuable resource for your customers?

I stay current on e-commerce trends through a combination of team collaboration and ongoing learning. As a team, we regularly share insights, emerging trends, and real-world merchant experiences so we can proactively bring relevant ideas to our customers.

One example is the growing use of surcharging as businesses look for ways to manage rising costs in a challenging economic environment. While many merchants are initially hesitant to pass fees on to their customers, we’re able to provide context around how widely this approach is being adopted and help them evaluate whether it makes sense for their business.

By staying informed and having these consultative conversations, I’m able to offer practical, timely guidance that helps my customers make informed decisions and adapt as their businesses evolve.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their online business, what would it be?

If I could give one piece of advice to someone just starting a business, it would be to prioritize building a strong online presence from day one. A user-friendly, well-designed website is essential—it’s often your first impression and a key factor in turning visitors into customers.

Just as important is making sure people can actually find you. Investing in marketing, especially social media, can make a huge difference. While it may seem time-consuming at first, many businesses thrive because of the visibility and connection they build through those platforms.

No matter what you sell or where you operate, having a consistent and intentional online presence will set the foundation for long-term growth.

How has GoDaddy supported your personal growth and learning initiatives?

GoDaddy has played a huge role in my personal growth by consistently challenging me to learn and expand my skill set. I’ve had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of a wide range of GoDaddy products, especially in my current role, where I’m trained across the full suite and regularly speak to merchants about how to use them effectively.

Because GoDaddy offers so many solutions, this experience has allowed me to become more well-rounded and confident in identifying the right tools for each business. I’m able to better understand my merchants’ needs and provide solutions that truly support their growth, no matter what challenges they’re facing.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, my time is mostly spent with my family. I’m a mom of two, and even though they’re still young—5 and 7—they’re already very active in sports. My daughter, Charli, is on a traveling all-star cheerleading team and also performs as a ballerina in local recitals. My son, Huxley, plays both soccer and baseball, so our schedule is always full and constantly on the go.

In addition to family life, I recently took the leap into starting my own baking business, The Rustic Belle. Working with so many business owners inspired me to build something of my own, and GoDaddy has been a great resource in helping me get it off the ground—from building my website to supporting marketing and payments.

Between family, sports, and running a growing business, I definitely stay busy, but I genuinely enjoy it all.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

Entrepreneur Fund Announces 26 Recipients of Rural Field to Market Grant

Posted on May 20, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

DULUTH, Minn., May 20, 2026 /3BL/ – The Entrepreneur Fund (EFund), with support from the Wells Fargo Foundation, is excited to announce the 26 recipients of the Rural Field to Market Grant, a one-time funding opportunity designed to strengthen small- to mid-size farm and food businesses across EFund’s Minnesota service area.

Through a highly competitive application process, EFund received over 100 applications from food and farm businesses across the region. Following careful review, 26 grants totaling $450,000 were awarded to businesses in 11 Minnesota counties, supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of the field-to-market journey.

Grant funds will support a wide range of business investments, including purchasing equipment to increase production, improving harvest and processing efficiencies, and establishing more permanent pathways to market. Collectively, these investments will help recipients increase revenue, strengthen long-term viability, expand local sourcing, and create new market opportunities within their communities.

“We believe strong rural businesses create opportunities for families, jobs, and entire communities,” said Gustavo Perez, vice president, Philanthropy and Community Impact at Wells Fargo. “This program stood out because it helps food and farm entrepreneurs make practical investments that deepen roots in the region and contribute to tangible economic growth.”

2026 Rural Field to Market Grant Recipients: (listed alphabetically by county)

Murphy’s Grove, Aitkin County – Purchase equipment that allows farm to produce a high-quality frozen yogurt ice pop at scale.
River Bend Gardens, Aitkin County – Improve efficiencies with fiber processing and increase wool washing.
Food Farm, Carlton County – Extend the growing season to provide increased wholesale production or local, organic, vegetables.
Native Wise, LLC, Carlton County – On-site meat house to process bison quarters and halves, allowing the farm to establish a permanent field-to-market pathway from pasture to consumer.
Northern Harvest Farm, Carlton County – Increased harvest efficiency, expanded storage capacity, and measurable growth in retail distribution through the purchase of scale-appropriate harvesting equipment and storage bins.
Spirit Lake Native Farms, Carlton County – To create a reliable, temperature-controlled storage infrastructure that directly increases revenue capacity, expands market access, and strengthens the business’ long-term viability.
Brakstad Family Farm, Cass County – Increased wholesale revenue and new institutional market opportunities through the purchase of enhanced distribution materials.
Strictly Mushrooms, Cass County – Increase consistent, efficient, and safe transportation for product and supplies, allowing for an immediate and sustained increase in their farm’s long term business viability.
Downtime Farm, Cook County – Increased farm productivity and expanded production capacity through the purchase of a high-powered potato digger and increased irrigation.
Good Nature Farm, Cook County – Enhanced post-harvest equipment allowing their farm to increase salad mix revenue, expand and enhance institutional markets in healthcare, and strengthen their overall business.
Treeline Acres, LLC, Crow Wing County – Equipment upgrades to expand CSA production.
Ya Sure Kombucha, Crow Wing – Increased production and efficiency through the purchase of an electric brewhouse, fermenters and chiller equipment resulting in up to 75% growth.
Dowell Farm and Garden, Itasca County – Increase production efficiency, improve crop reliability, and strengthen the farm’s ability to meet consistent demand from wholesale and institutional markets through the purchase of a greenhouse.
Orty’s Custom Meats, Itasca County – Increased market access for small livestock producers, improved efficiency at their processing facility, and expanded availability of locally raised, inspected meat.
Dustin Roemhild Farm, Kanabec County – Diversify operations with the addition of cow calf pairs to grow cattle production.
Goldenrod Market Garden, Kanabec County – Diversify product offerings with an herb drying and processing area to enable the production of tea and medicinal herbs for off-season sales.
In-Cider Orchard, Kanabec County – Supports the successful completion of their apple processing facility allowing them to produce a value-added product and expand their market base.
Nelson Grass Farm, Kanabec County – Farm infrastructure improvements to increase egg production by over 4,300 dozen per year.
Sapsucker Farms, Kanabec County – To purchase a keg washer and pump to expand cider production.
Backroad Meats Inc, Mille Lacs County – Temperature controlled delivery vehicle to expand supply chain for local restaurants and area non-profit meat raffles.
Peterson’s Farm, Mille Lacs County – Expand pasture land and add egg mobile to increase egg production revenue 500% by 2030.
Meadowbrook Dairy, Inc., Stearns County – Expand and strengthen the farm’s direct-to-consumer beef business generating long-term impacts on revenue, market access, and community engagement.
Arrowhead Outdoors, St. Louis County – Develop an efficient, reliable source of Minnesota-grown baitfish.
Farm Sol, St. Louis County – Improve product quality, extend shelf life, and reduce loss through increased long-term cold storage capacity for flowers and produce.
Rose Cottage Baking Co. LLC, St. Louis County – To expand local offerings within the store and catering through a cooler space expansion.
Stone Hill Farms, Todd County – To significantly increase the productivity, consistency, and profitability of vegetable operation by installing and utilizing a heated greenhouse for plant starts.

About the Entrepreneur Fund

The Entrepreneur Fund is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening local businesses and promoting economic growth and success in central and northeast Minnesota, and northern Wisconsin. For over 35 years, EFund has partnered with thousands of entrepreneurs in rural and underserved areas, providing over $177 million in accessible capital, strategic advising and business-building programs. Learn more at www.efund.org.

Contact: Samantha Erkkila, Marketing Content Manager
samanthae@efund.org, 763-229-7470

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

Entrepreneur Fund Announces 26 Recipients of Rural Field to Market Grant

Posted on May 20, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

2026 Rural Field to Market Grant Recipients: (listed alphabetically by county)

Murphy’s Grove, Aitkin County – Purchase equipment that allows farm to produce a high-quality frozen yogurt ice pop at scale.
River Bend Gardens, Aitkin County – Improve efficiencies with fiber processing and increase wool washing.
Food Farm, Carlton County – Extend the growing season to provide increased wholesale production or local, organic, vegetables.
Native Wise, LLC, Carlton County – On-site meat house to process bison quarters and halves, allowing the farm to establish a permanent field-to-market pathway from pasture to consumer.
Northern Harvest Farm, Carlton County – Increased harvest efficiency, expanded storage capacity, and measurable growth in retail distribution through the purchase of scale-appropriate harvesting equipment and storage bins.
Spirit Lake Native Farms, Carlton County – To create a reliable, temperature-controlled storage infrastructure that directly increases revenue capacity, expands market access, and strengthens the business’ long-term viability.
Brakstad Family Farm, Cass County – Increased wholesale revenue and new institutional market opportunities through the purchase of enhanced distribution materials.
Strictly Mushrooms, Cass County – Increase consistent, efficient, and safe transportation for product and supplies, allowing for an immediate and sustained increase in their farm’s long term business viability.
Downtime Farm, Cook County – Increased farm productivity and expanded production capacity through the purchase of a high-powered potato digger and increased irrigation.
Good Nature Farm, Cook County – Enhanced post-harvest equipment allowing their farm to increase salad mix revenue, expand and enhance institutional markets in healthcare, and strengthen their overall business.
Treeline Acres, LLC, Crow Wing County – Equipment upgrades to expand CSA production.
Ya Sure Kombucha, Crow Wing – Increased production and efficiency through the purchase of an electric brewhouse, fermenters and chiller equipment resulting in up to 75% growth.
Dowell Farm and Garden, Itasca County – Increase production efficiency, improve crop reliability, and strengthen the farm’s ability to meet consistent demand from wholesale and institutional markets through the purchase of a greenhouse.
Orty’s Custom Meats, Itasca County – Increased market access for small livestock producers, improved efficiency at their processing facility, and expanded availability of locally raised, inspected meat.
Dustin Roemhild Farm, Kanabec County – Diversify operations with the addition of cow calf pairs to grow cattle production.
Goldenrod Market Garden, Kanabec County – Diversify product offerings with an herb drying and processing area to enable the production of tea and medicinal herbs for off-season sales.
In-Cider Orchard, Kanabec County – Supports the successful completion of their apple processing facility allowing them to produce a value-added product and expand their market base.
Nelson Grass Farm, Kanabec County – Farm infrastructure improvements to increase egg production by over 4,300 dozen per year.
Sapsucker Farms, Kanabec County – To purchase a keg washer and pump to expand cider production.
Backroad Meats Inc, Mille Lacs County – Temperature controlled delivery vehicle to expand supply chain for local restaurants and area non-profit meat raffles.
Peterson’s Farm, Mille Lacs County – Expand pasture land and add egg mobile to increase egg production revenue 500% by 2030.
Meadowbrook Dairy, Inc., Stearns County – Expand and strengthen the farm’s direct-to-consumer beef business generating long-term impacts on revenue, market access, and community engagement.
Arrowhead Outdoors, St. Louis County – Develop an efficient, reliable source of Minnesota-grown baitfish.
Farm Sol, St. Louis County – Improve product quality, extend shelf life, and reduce loss through increased long-term cold storage capacity for flowers and produce.
Rose Cottage Baking Co. LLC, St. Louis County – To expand local offerings within the store and catering through a cooler space expansion.
Stone Hill Farms, Todd County – To significantly increase the productivity, consistency, and profitability of vegetable operation by installing and utilizing a heated greenhouse for plant starts.

About the Entrepreneur Fund

Contact: Samantha Erkkila, Marketing Content Manager
samanthae@efund.org, 763-229-7470

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL