Business entrepreneurs from Pierre, Miller and Kadoka are three of the 17 members of the South Dakota Retailers Association’s inaugural NextGen Business Builders cohort.
Ashley Boone with The Farr House in Pierre, Leslie Brueggeman with Brue 605 Coffee of Miller and Justin Dorn of Western Vet Services in Kadoka are participating in a 13-month program for individuals who have owned their business for five years or less or are on an ownership track.
Retailers Deputy Executive Director Brooke Bohnenkamp said the group gathered for the first time during the Association’s Annual Board Meeting and Conference last month (Jan. 2026).
“Our board was so excited to have the cohort join them, and the board was even more excited after meeting the group. The members of this NextGen cohort are impressive and energetic; we’re very fortunate to have them doing business in our state.”
During that first meeting, the cohort had the opportunity to network with association board members and other business leaders, as well as receiving training on artificial intelligence and customer service. Through in-person and virtual sessions, participants will expand their knowledge in marketing, customer service and other important skills, while networking with other business owners across the state.
Selected to participate in the NextGen Business Builders program are:
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Ashley Boone, The Farr House, Pierre
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Leslie Brueggeman, Brue 605 Coffee, Miller
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Justin Dorn, Western Vet Services, Kadoka
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Lacey Birmingham, I-29 Brick, Tile, and Stone Company, Sioux Falls
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Lisa Converse, Element, Watertown
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Jeremy Cummings, The Rooster, Rapid City
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Amanda Dulitz, Day County Printing, Webster
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Alex Ellis, Madame Peacock’s, Deadwood
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Ian Escribano, Brunos Aquarium, Huron
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McKenzie Farmen, Shoe Science, Aberdeen
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Erika and Travis Hellvig, Hartford Building Center, Hartford
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Hope Karels, HK Cupcakes & Bakery, Big Stone City
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Bailey Meyer, Northern Edge Marketing, Webster
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Shania Rozeboom, Rainy Day Coffee, Beresford
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JC Rudolph, Dave Hahler Auto, Webster
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Samantha Wipf, Optimal Performance, Aberdeen
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Emma Yeske, HealthFix & OnTrack Nutrition, Aberdeen
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