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Williston Works

Williston Works

By Williston Economic Development

Williston Works brings you in-depth discussions with entrepreneurs, small business owners and investors that are getting it done in Western North Dakota.

Hosted by Shawn Wenko, the Executive Director of Williston Economic Development, Williston Works finds out what it takes to make it in the Bakken.
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Currently playing episode

Shanna Zaste (The New Walt's Market)

Williston WorksOct 22, 2020

00:00
16:28
James & Summer Wilda (Dirty Dough Cookies)

James & Summer Wilda (Dirty Dough Cookies)

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!

Feb 14, 202415:50
Dr. Bernell Hirning, Kristal Schmit & Paula Lankford (Workforce Panel Discussion)
Jan 23, 202424:30
Jeremy Stahowiak and Eli Black (The Range)

Jeremy Stahowiak and Eli Black (The Range)

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 vibrant offerings and community of Williston. 


Don't miss out! Catch our first episode of Season 6 for a dose of inspiration and the American dream in action.

Jan 02, 202419:40
Larry & Jared Medhurst (ACES Energy Services)

Larry & Jared Medhurst (ACES Energy Services)

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.

Jan 06, 202317:46
Keith Olson (Small Business Development Center)

Keith Olson (Small Business Development Center)

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.

Dec 23, 202213:41
Janie Cox (Happy Families Daycare)
Dec 10, 202217:49
Anna Nelson (Williston Chamber of Commerce)

Anna Nelson (Williston Chamber of Commerce)

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.

Nov 28, 202224:60
Dr. Suess, Dr. Kirby & Dr. Erickson (Milestone Health Partners)

Dr. Suess, Dr. Kirby & Dr. Erickson (Milestone Health Partners)

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.

Nov 28, 202224:50
Hunter Berg (WSC Foundation)

Hunter Berg (WSC Foundation)

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.

Nov 07, 202223:07
Matt Clark (Williston Fire Department)

Matt Clark (Williston Fire Department)

Williston Economic Development introduces Season 5 of its Williston Works Podcast. The first episode features host Shawn Wenko talking with Matt Clark, Williston Fire Chief, about the the Williams County public safety tax. A measure to renew the tax will be on the November 8, 2022 General Election ballot. A renewal would extend the tax to March 31, 2035.

Oct 14, 202222:21
Steve Kemp (Wellspring Hydro)

Steve Kemp (Wellspring Hydro)

On the final episode of season 4, Shawn Wenko interviews Steve Kemp with Wellspring Hydro about the functions of his business and its benefits to the Williston area.

Nov 19, 202122:60
Rachel Laqua (City of Williston Planning & Zoning/Wayfinding Committee)

Rachel Laqua (City of Williston Planning & Zoning/Wayfinding Committee)

This week on the Williston Works Podcast, Rachel Laqua with the City of Williston Planning & Zoning/Wayfinding Committee is interviewed by Shawn Wenko. Laqua discusses development projects for Williston.

Nov 12, 202120:19
Kenley Nebeker (TrainND Northwest)

Kenley Nebeker (TrainND Northwest)

This week, Shawn Wenko interviews Kenley Nebeker of TrainND Northwest. Nabeker explains the training programs offers through TrainND Northwest and how they have been benefit to the Bakken area.

Nov 05, 202123:31
Ian & Tricia Anderson (Pronghorn Well Service)

Ian & Tricia Anderson (Pronghorn Well Service)

Ian and Tricia Anderson of Pronghorn Well Service discuss the highs and lows of their entrepreneurial journey. The Anderson discuss their determination and how it has paid of with success.

Oct 29, 202118:36
Kari Hauge (Exhale Yoga & Wellness Center)

Kari Hauge (Exhale Yoga & Wellness Center)

This week's Williston Works Podcast features the owner of Exhale Yoga & Wellness Center. Kari Hauge discusses why she returned to Williston and opened a business after living elsewhere for four years.

Oct 22, 202112:04
 Jonas & Bonnita McKenzie (Cold Stone Creamery & Crossfit Infliction)

Jonas & Bonnita McKenzie (Cold Stone Creamery & Crossfit Infliction)

Williston Works Podcast, host Shawn Wenko interviews Jonas and Bonnita McKenzie, owners of Cold Stone Creamery and Crossfit Infliction. The McKenzie's discuss their entrepreneur journeys and the success they have had opening their two businesses.

Oct 16, 202116:48
Dave Juma (City of Williston)

Dave Juma (City of Williston)

This week, host Shawn Wenko interviews Dave Juma, Williston City Engineer, about current and future infrastructure projects in the City of Williston - including the highly anticipated Williston Square development.

Williston Works brings you in-depth discussions with entrepreneurs, small business owners and investors that are getting it done in Western North Dakota.

Hosted by Shawn Wenko, the Executive Director of Williston Economic Development, Williston Works finds out what it takes to make it in the Bakken.

Oct 08, 202118:24
Emma Kuester & Jake Boreson (Busted Knuckle Brewery)
Oct 01, 202116:06
 Lenny Johnson (Genesis Clothing)

Lenny Johnson (Genesis Clothing)

Williston Economic Development Director Shawn Wenko interviews Lenny Johnson about the past, present and future of Genesis Clothing in Williston, North Dakota. 

Aug 24, 202116:21
Anna Denton (Anna’s Groom Room)

Anna Denton (Anna’s Groom Room)

Williston Economic Development Director Shawn Wenko interviews Anna Denton, owner of Anna’s Groom Room in Williston, North Dakota.

Aug 24, 202116:02
Andy Njos (Dacotah West Crane Service)

Andy Njos (Dacotah West Crane Service)

Andy Njos from Dacotah West Crane Service is featured in this week's Williston Works Podcast!

Nov 09, 202019:06
Shanna Zaste (The New Walt's Market)

Shanna Zaste (The New Walt's Market)

This week, Williston Economic Development Director Shawn Wenko sits down with Shanna Zaste, owner of The New Walt's Market in Williston, North Dakota. Learn how she utilized the Williston STAR Fund to enhance this iconic business.

Oct 22, 202016:28
Anthony Dudas (XWA Update)

Anthony Dudas (XWA Update)

Williston Airport Director Anthony Dudas reflects on the Williston Basin International Airport's first anniversary.

Oct 08, 202018:30
April Thiel & Mary Berg (Elite Designz)

April Thiel & Mary Berg (Elite Designz)

After coming to Williston with their husbands, April Thiel and Mary Berg saw the opportunity and opened Elite Designz to beautify the homes and offices around town.

Jan 08, 202010:37
Chuck Black (FlowCore Systems)

Chuck Black (FlowCore Systems)

US Air Force Veteran Chuck Black took advantage of Williston’s supportive community and booming economy to found FlowCore Systems, which is automating solutions for the oil and gas industry.

Jan 06, 202009:54
Dana Johnson (Little Muddy Gifts)

Dana Johnson (Little Muddy Gifts)

Little Muddy Gifts’ owner and 2017 Woman-Owned Business of the Year Award Recipient, Dana Johnson, is providing a new retail option for a city with an expanding demographic.

Dec 13, 201911:02
Kevin & Malachi Black (Creedence Energy Services)

Kevin & Malachi Black (Creedence Energy Services)

Cousins Kevin and Malachi Black are servicing the oil industry in the Bakken by ensuring the longevity of equipment and machinery through Creedence Energy Services.

Nov 27, 201912:05
Angela Skogen (Cooks on Main)

Angela Skogen (Cooks on Main)

After working nine years at Target’s corporate office in Minneapolis, Angela Skogan decided to return to her hometown and share her passion for cooking by opening Cooks on Main.

Nov 14, 201910:49
JW & Blair Sheering (Fresh Fit Kitchen & The Body Shoppe)

JW & Blair Sheering (Fresh Fit Kitchen & The Body Shoppe)

Fresh Fit Kitchen and The Body Shoppe offer unique services to Williston aimed at creating a healthier community, both physically and dietarily.

Oct 16, 201911:08
Falon Justice (Bride to Be & More)

Falon Justice (Bride to Be & More)

Native of Williston with a love for the community, Falon Justice purchased Bride to Be to supply the region with wedding and formal attire.

Oct 02, 201911:07
Misha Krivoruchko & Sarah Dobler (Gonzaga University Interns)

Misha Krivoruchko & Sarah Dobler (Gonzaga University Interns)

Gonzaga University’s “Summer in Williston” internship program has been going on for many years and has provided college students with the opportunity to experience what life is like in western North Dakota.

Sep 18, 201909:48
Mechelle Mortensen (Owner of Grace & Glam)

Mechelle Mortensen (Owner of Grace & Glam)

Mechelle Mortenson is a Williston Native who opened Grace & Glam to bring her favorite women’s clothing brands to her hometown.

Sep 04, 201909:38
Dr. Jeremy Messer (Owner of Messer Dental, PC)

Dr. Jeremy Messer (Owner of Messer Dental, PC)

By taking a leap with his move to Williston, Dr. Jeremy Messer started his own dental practice and quickly fell in love with the community.

Aug 21, 201911:21
Tanner Overland (Owner of Overland Aviation)

Tanner Overland (Owner of Overland Aviation)

Tanner Overland started Overland Aviation in 2011 to provide flight services for the community through the current airport and will soon be expanding these services at XWA as the fixed based operator.

Aug 07, 201909:49
Tavish Vestal (President of Arista Containers)

Tavish Vestal (President of Arista Containers)

Williston native and owner of Arista Containers, Tavish Vestal is continually help expand and improve the Bakken's oil industry.
Oct 11, 201809:30
Caitlin Pallai (Former Gonzaga University Intern)

Caitlin Pallai (Former Gonzaga University Intern)

A former Gonzaga University intern and current employee of Williston State College is helping create change in our community.
Oct 04, 201810:02
Jawaid Surani (Owner of Safari Trampoline Park)

Jawaid Surani (Owner of Safari Trampoline Park)

Business owner and developer of Williston's very first trampoline park, Safari Trampoline Park, is bringing unique recreation opportunities to western North Dakota.
Sep 27, 201810:21
John Lisle (Owner of S&B Drilling)

John Lisle (Owner of S&B Drilling)

US army veteran and owner of S&B Drilling is enhancing the way the oil field is laying down it's foundation.
Sep 20, 201810:34
Katie Kringen (Owner of Chatter Pediatric)

Katie Kringen (Owner of Chatter Pediatric)

The owner of Chatter Pediatric and winner of the Williston Economic Development 2018 woman-owned business of year is making a difference in the lives of our area families.
Sep 13, 201810:19
Anthony Dudas (Williston Airport Director)

Anthony Dudas (Williston Airport Director)

Anthony Dudas is the airport director for Sloulin Field International Airport and soon to be the airport director of XWA Williston Basin International Airport in Williston, North Dakota.
Sep 01, 201810:48