Williston Works

In this special episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson records live from the SelectUSA Investment Summit, where leaders from around the world gather to discuss business growth, investment, and economic opportunity. Featuring guests Joe Wiegand, Margaret Rose, Susan Donkers, and Ann Rybka, this conversation explores what makes communities stand out to investors, the importance of...

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Ron Ness, President of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, to discuss the evolution of the oil and gas industry and what’s next for the Bakken. From workforce needs and new technologies to “Bakken 2.0” and long-term economic impact, Ron shares how the industry continues to drive growth, innovation, and opportunity acro...

In the Season 8 premiere of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Dr. Zahi Atallah, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Williston State College, to discuss how the college is expanding healthcare programs to meet growing workforce needs in northwest North Dakota. From a new state-of-the-art facility to expanded nursing, EMT, and medical assistant programs, Dr. Atallah shar...

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Taylor Grundstad of American State Bank and Jackie Duke of Bank of North Dakota to talk about how funding tools like the STAR Fund and Flex PACE are helping local businesses thrive in Williston. Learn how public-private partnerships are making financing easier, what makes Williston’s approach to economic development un...

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with members of the Williston Community Builders, Brooke Mapes, Lexi Halvorson, Heather Stevens, and Nick Lippert, to talk about the story behind Williston Water World and the mission that drives their nonprofit. They share how this community-led project came to life, what it took to earn two statewide awards, and how publi...

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Louise Skaare, founder of Young Bucks Coffee and The Cabin, to talk about entrepreneurship, expansion, and community in Williston.  Louise shares how her business grew from a single idea into multiple thriving locations and why connection, faith, and perseverance have been at the heart of that growth. The conversation...

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Lucas Natwick, Realtor with eXp Realty and president of the Williston Board of Realtors, to break down the state of Williston’s housing and commercial markets. They cover why the average list price has shifted to just under $400K, what a two-month absorption rate means for buyers and sellers, and how a renter-to-listin...

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Lindsey Harriman, Community Engagement Coordinator for Williams County, to discuss the newly launched Builder Buyer Housing Incentive Program. They explore how this two-pronged initiative supports both builders and buyers to address housing needs across the region, from helping first-time homeowners to encouraging new...

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Katie Ralston Howe, Deputy Commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Commerce, to discuss the innovative programs and partnerships that are reshaping North Dakota's workforce. They cover public-private collaborations, efforts to retain talent, and how workforce development is being reimagined across the state. Lea...

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson is joined by Kenzi Brown, Haley Jeannotte, and Jana Jirik to talk about how Career and Technical Education is opening new doors for students across the Williston Basin. They discuss how CTE programs are helping high school students earn certifications, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for in-demand careers. Learn how the Willist...

In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Lenny Johnson, owner of Genesis, to talk about his journey from military service to small business ownership, what inspired the creation of Genesis, and how Williston's growth has shaped his business. Learn about the evolution of Williston’s retail scene, the opportunities available for entrepreneurs, and how Genesis h...

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Sartwell and Morgen Martelle of Preferred Restaurant Group to talk food, family, and the future of Williston. From the early days with Taco John’s to launching new brands like Slim Chickens and Rocky’s, Mike and Morgen share their journey of growing a regional restaurant empire rooted in North Dakota values. Hear how Williston’s support, community engagement,...

The Small Business Development Center in Williston focuses on helping entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses throughout Northwest North Dakota. In this episode, Keith Olson, Regional Director of the SBDC, shares how the program partners with local entrepreneurs through every stage of the business journey. Keith, Cyrena, and Anna dive into the tactical guidance the SBDC provides, from starti...

The Northwest North Dakota Job Fair is connecting employers and job seekers to create new career opportunities in the region. In this episode of Williston Works 2.0, Anna and Susan explore how this job fair helps businesses find skilled talent and connects workers with great job openings. Whether you're an employer looking to hire or a job seeker exploring new opportunities, this event is a ga...

In this week’s episode, Anna Nelson and Cyrena Weeks, talk about how to drive economic growth and impact. They discuss how Tri-County RDC helps businesses secure funding, access grants, and navigate loan programs to fuel local development. Cyrena shares insights on how Williston’s business landscape has evolved, the challenges entrepreneurs face, and how strategic partnerships have led to major in...

In this exciting relaunch of the Williston Works podcast, meet new host Anna Nelson , Executive Director of Williston Economic Development (WED). North Dakota was recently named the best state to start a business by Forbes for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), and Williston ranks as the seventh-best city in the nation to start a business ( WalletHub , 2022). Anna sits down with two of her tea...

Join us in Season 6, Episode 3 of the Williston Works podcast as we dive into the sweet success of Dirty Dough! From the challenges of bringing a gourmet cookie franchise to the heart of Williston to the sweet victory of being a top-performing store, James and Summer Wilda share their entrepreneurial journey! Watch the podcast now!

Get ready for an important and insightful conversation about workforce challenges and solutions in Season 6, Episode 2, of the Williston Works podcast. In this episode, Dr. Bernell Hirning, Kristal Schmit, and Paula Lankford, explore the obstacles and opportunities in tackling the labor shortage. www.cityofwilliston.com #willistonworkspodcast #entrepreneurs #SuccessStory #podcast

We are kicking off Season 6 with a hole-in-one duo, featuring Jeremy Stahowiak and Eli Black from The Range Indoor Golf and Shooting Complex. ️⛳️ Not only is The Range our new recording location, but is a true story of entrepreneurship, success, and the journey of bringing a top-notch facility to Williston. From golfing tales to shooting challenges, this episode will give you a glimpse into the v...

In this Williston Works podcast, Larry Medhurst and Jared Medhurst talk about starting their family-owned oilfield business in Williston. ACES Energy Services LLC provides hotshot and transportation services, rentals and mechanical filtration systems.

In this Williston Works podcast, Keith Olson, regional director at the Small Business Development Center in Williston, explains how his office provides free business advice to area entrepreneurs.

In this week's Williston Works podcast, Janie Cox, owner of Happy Families Daycare, talks about starting and expanding her childcare business in Williston. Janie opened an in-home daycare in 2015, expanded to New Hope Williston in 2017, and is growing her business again at Williston State College .

In episode 4 of the 2022 Williston Works Podcast, Shawn Wenko interviews Anna Nelson, president of the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce, about her mission and goals for the group.

In Episode 3 of the 2022 Williston Works podcast series, Shawn Wenko talks with the owners of Milestone Health Partners about starting a business and building a new facility in Williston.

In our latest episode of the Williston Works Podcast, we sit down with Hunter Berg (WSC Foundation) and talk about the many ways that the WSC Foundation supports its students, what brought Hunter to Williston and the history and impact of the WSC Foundation.