July 9, 2024

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Aspen Thorstenson, business owner and architect, CREATE design + develop.

Name: Aspen Thorstenson

Age: 32

Hometown: Richland, Washington

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

We were drawn to Sioux Falls for our professional careers, community size and business opportunities. With family in proximity, it was the perfect place to balance our interests.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls offers a unique blend of community spirit, economic opportunity and a high quality of life. The city’s vibrant downtown, network of people and excellent schools for my daughter to attend make it an ideal place to live and work. Additionally, the supportive business environment and growth potential keep me excited about the future here.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is the ability to innovate and bring new ideas to life. Every day presents a new challenge and an opportunity to learn and grow. Seeing the positive impact our buildings have on our clients is incredibly rewarding. We get to create new things and solve problems, with awesome people!

How did you get connected to your industry?

I got connected to my industry through a combination of education and spending time with my mentors, colleagues and friends. I have explored multiple entrepreneurial avenues, which has built a network of people who have helped along the way.

What made you decide to start your own business, and how would you describe your experience since launching?

First off, the Sioux Falls community was incredible as I softly launched CREATE design + develop. The intent of opening the firm is to be on the front end of architectural projects, development planning and business planning, to create more good work in our community. We want to work closely with contractors, owners and developers to ease the process early on. I decided to start the business quietly and do some light development in my spare time but am continually astonished at the support and relationships that have come so quickly. It truly shows how the community supports each other through referrals, collaboration and positive initiatives. The Arc of Dreams really does resemble the process of taking the leap in entrepreneurialism!

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

I have a diverse portfolio, including purchasing and operating a trailer park, opening a fitness center to be acquired by the community, flipping houses and having served on boards and as a mayor. These adventures are what led to CREATE d+d because it has become apparent that I like to make things.

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

My favorite way to give back to the community is through mentoring young entrepreneurs. I often have coffee with aspiring business owners to navigate the early stages of their ventures and create realistic approaches. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help others achieve their dreams.

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

Breaking the rules here, but how can you choose just one?

• A permanent food truck park/food hall/indoor market, local to a venue space. This would be an incubator for entrepreneurial businesses by offering short-term leases.
• Creating a west-side “micro-downtown.” We have our city core, we have an east-side shopping area at Dawley Farms, the south side is taken care of, but the west side is calling our name to create a district, while taking advantage of the 12th Street traffic!
• Co-living hub: I think there is a demand for flexible housing that allows for transient stays with hybrid living, education and working. This would align with the current demand for work-life balance, be fully furnished living with modern and flexible areas and focus on creating a lifestyle that aligns with values of collaboration and flexibility. Smaller community scale than a hotel but offering a well-designed space that people enjoy being in.

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

If I had $1 million to start a business, I would open a casual bistro with extremely good food! I am such a foodie and love to explore what is out there. I would focus on high craft and creative design.