Feb. 4, 2025

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Marisa Foster, the commercial real estate marketing and operations manager, broker associate, at Lloyd Cos.

Name: Marisa Foster

Age: 29

Hometown: Brookings

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

During the pandemic, my husband and I were living in Scottsdale, Arizona. While we enjoyed our time there, we felt a strong pull to return to South Dakota to be closer to our families. The move also aligned perfectly with our goal of starting to invest in real estate, and Sioux Falls presented the ideal opportunity to plant roots and build a foundation for our future.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls offers an exceptional balance of opportunity, affordability and community that’s hard to find elsewhere. The thriving market has been the perfect place to grow my career in real estate, and being close to family has made it even better — it’s great knowing they’re just a short drive away. Beyond that, the community here is dynamic, welcoming and full of energy. It’s where we’ve chosen to proudly call home, a place where we can see ourselves thriving for years to come.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

What I love most about my job is the variety — no two days are the same. I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with incredible people, solve challenges creatively and help clients achieve their goals in ways that leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s crafting a unique marketing strategy, navigating a complex deal or building meaningful relationships, every part of what I do feels rewarding and exciting.

What makes it even more special is knowing that the work we do helps bring business owners’ dreams to life. Seeing their vision take shape and knowing we played a part in their success is truly inspiring. It’s a career that keeps me on my toes, pushes me to grow and reminds me daily why I love what I do.

How did you get connected to your industry?

A few years ago, I started exploring real estate as a career and found myself drawn to the unique challenges and opportunities within commercial real estate. Initially, I didn’t know much about the industry, but as I began learning, I was inspired by how spaces play a role in shaping businesses and communities. Over the past few years, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the process of helping businesses find the right location to grow and succeed. It’s been a journey of continuous learning, and I’m committed to using what I’ve learned to contribute to the Sioux Falls community and beyond.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Collaborative, innovative, resilient.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

My husband, Mitch, and I visited Bodega Catena Zapata in Mendoza, Argentina, which was voted the No. 1 winery in the world at the time. It was such an incredible experience, from touring the vineyard to tasting their amazing wines. What made it even more special were the Andes mountains in the background, the warm and welcoming people and the peaceful openness of the Mendoza wine country.

We took two weeks to explore Argentina, including Mendoza, Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls. Every part of the trip was unforgettable, from the world-class wine to the incredible food, the vibrant culture and the kindness of the people we met along the way. Argentina captured our hearts in so many ways, and it’s a trip we’ll always cherish.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

Giving back is one of the most meaningful ways I connect with my community, and I’m especially passionate about supporting efforts to uplift families and create opportunities for children to thrive. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with organizations like Feisty Fighters, Junior Achievement, Sioux Empire United Way and EmBe. Each experience has not only allowed me to give back but has also shown me the incredible spirit of our city.

I’m always on the lookout for new ways to serve because it’s the programs and people here that truly make Sioux Falls special. Whether it’s mentoring a student or contributing to initiatives that strengthen families, I’m constantly inspired by how much we can accomplish when we come together as a community.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Trader Joe’s, without a doubt. I used to live just a couple of blocks from one, and ever since, I’ve felt like something’s missing. Their cookie butter ice cream alone is reason enough to bring one here! But it’s not just the ice cream — they have the best home products, greeting cards, florals and self-care items. Trader Joe’s would be such a great addition to Sioux Falls, and I know I’m not the only one who would be thrilled to see it here.

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

I’ve always dreamt of owning a winery or vineyard — something about the idea of cultivating grapes and crafting wine feels so fulfilling and romantic. But let’s be honest, the South Dakota climate isn’t exactly ideal for turning that dream into a reality!

Instead, I like to think of it as a lifelong research project — and a great excuse for plenty of “field trips” to wineries around the world. While it may remain a dream, that’s the beauty of dreaming — it inspires you, sparks joy and sometimes leads to unforgettable adventures along the way. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll find the perfect place to make it happen. Until then, I’ll keep “recon” at the top of my to-do list!