Why did you choose to attend Dickinson State University-Bismarck?
I enrolled at Dickinson State University (DSU) because of the classes offered on the Bismarck State College campus. I prefer the traditional classroom setting over online courses so this was a perfect scenario because I wanted to stay in Bismarck.
In what year did you graduate and what degree(s) did you earn?
I graduated from DSU with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Business Administration in 2014.
Was there a certain professor who made a big impact on your life?
Charles Conrick IV had a big impact on my studies. I was attracted to his methodical and strategic way of thinking and solving problems. One class in specific was his business appraisal class, which was one of the harder classes I ever took, but it helped me understand that knowing your numbers is a crucial part of any business.
What is a favorite memory you have of your time as an undergrad?
My favorite memory at DSU was making the dean’s list for good grades. I was always a “B” average student so that was pretty cool to be on the same level as the “A” students, haha!
What are you most proud of when you look back at your time at DSU?
The thing I am most proud of while looking back at my time at DSU was graduating. School was always something that was hard for me to focus on, so DSU paved the way for me to then go on and get my master’s degree. I never would have thought in a million years back in high school that I would have gone to school for seven years and graduated with a master’s degree. DSU played a big part in that.
What was the most difficult thing for you as an undergraduate, and how did you overcome it?
The most difficult thing for me as an undergraduate student was actually completing my homework. I have always been a mover and shaker so I really had to put in the extra effort to find time to make sure I was excelling at my studies.
What did you enjoy most about being a Blue Hawk?
The things I enjoyed most about being a Blue Hawk were my classmates and professors. Great people!
What would you tell someone who is considering attending DSU?
For anyone thinking about attending DSU, especially if you live in Bismarck, it is the best option for business studies.
How did DSU help shape your decisions for your path after you graduated?
DSU helped shape me into a working professional that confidently decided to pursue a master’s degree which was not in my education plan at all. One of my friends and classmates at DSU went on to get his master’s, and that had a lot of influence on me to follow suit. Thank you, Tyler!
How did your time at DSU help you to be successful in your later pursuits?
My time at DSU has helped me in my path to entrepreneurship by creating connections and people I can still count on for advice.
What are you doing now?
I currently own Grand Junction Grilled Subs in Bismarck and Mandan along with franchise locations that I oversee in Fargo, Grand Forks and Moorhead, Minnesota. I also own The CraftCade which is a retro arcade, craft beer hall and NY-Style pizzeria in downtown Bismarck. Along with Grand Junction Subs and The CraftCade, I own two duplexes and have a company that places ATMs in businesses that need cash services.
Do you have any plans for the future you would like to share?
I have so many plans and ideas for the future but can’t share the details right now! Follow me on social media and you will be able to stay tuned with my future endeavors that I have up my sleeve!
