This is shaping up to be one of the biggest Startup Drinks of the year. We’ll be outside enjoying summer at Brews on Broadway, with access to Proof Distillery, Texas BBQ food truck, and a whole host of people. Get to know a few of our special guests that will be there!
Adrienne Olson
Organization: Kilbourne Group
Do you have any nicknames? If so, share ’em with us: Yo
Something people should ask me about: How downtown Fargo has changed over the last couple decades and how it thrives through design, density, and diversity.
If you could launch any business in Fargo, what would it be? I think Fargo needs a hostel in our downtown neighborhood and I would very much enjoy being the front desk/breakfast maker for the travelers. I would also bring back Schlotzky’s and Lauerman’s as amenities for my guests (and me).
What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I snowboard and use most of my vacation time for that purpose. I could run a little snowboard travel agency from the front desk of my hostel. I know lots of good spots to send you too!
Josh Teigen
Organization: Protosthetics, Mind Shift
Do you have any nicknames? If so, share ’em with us: Bob, no one knows why, but that’s what my family calls me
Something people should ask me about:
If you could launch any business in Fargo, what would it be? I would build a Hyperloop from Fargo to Minneapolis.
Joel Kath
Organization: Proof Distillery
“Beer really doesn’t like me,” he said, attributing his adverse reactions to a likely brewer’s yeast allergy. “It just wasn’t worth it for me to continue to drink beer, so I switched over to distillates and I’ve been there ever since.”
Kath is the primary founder, main distiller, and president of Proof Artisan Distillers. The company was the first of its kind to open its doors in Fargo, with the distillery side opening in the spring of 2015 and the tasting room joining that September. (Continue reading…)
Aaron Duma
Organization: Jade Presents
Aaron Duma is the co-director of Jade Events, and now works at the brand new Sanctuary Events Center (read how Kilbourne Group transformed a century old church into a new venue space here).
He’s also an award-winning bartender, and took High Plains Reader’s Most Creative award for his drink creation, the Moorhead Mule.
Ian Abston
Ian Abston is an expert in Millennial talent attraction and retention. Abston founded NEWaukee, the largest Millennial group in the Midwest helping to connect and engage the next generation with today’s cities.
Speaking nationally on the emerging trends of this young audience, Abston has worked with both large corporations, and civic leaders on strategies and placemaking efforts to enhance the quality of life in Urban environments.
Abston studied Marketing and Advertising at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh –and began his career at Junior Achievement of Wisconsin as a corporate fundraising event planner. After a year in the non-profit sector, Abston took a position at GMR marketing running campaigns with national brands such as Power Bar, MLB, Gatorade, and NEW Balance.
Abston is a proud Eagle Scout, sits on the board for the Salvation Army of Greater Milwaukee, is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and In 2014 Abston was appointed to the Governor’s Talent Development Workforce Committee.
