Sept. 5, 2023

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Bethany Buitenbos, marketing director at Chick-fil-A in Sioux Falls.

Name: Bethany Buitenbos

Age: 34

Hometown: Marshall, Minnesota

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I grew up not far from Sioux Falls, and we’d often visit for shopping sprees. Then, when I was studying at Mount Marty in Yankton, I’d escape to Sioux Falls for a day now and then. When it came time to kick off my career, Sioux Falls felt like a comfortable place to start, and I’ve been rooted here ever since.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

What makes me stick around Sioux Falls is the people and that something extra that’s indescribable. It’s got that small-town vibe but with a touch of city energy. People here still give friendly Midwestern waves and genuinely care about each other, lifting each other up and making the community strong. It’s like having the best of both worlds – that warmth of a close-knit community mixed with the perks of “city” life.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

What I love most about being a marketing director is combining digital strategies to create meaningful connections with the brand. Plus, having the chance to use those skills to give back to the community adds an extra layer of fulfillment to my role.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I started my career as a graphic designer, and when I transitioned into a role at a nonprofit, there was more of a need for me to become a marketing generalist. This pushed me to grow my skills and knowledge, and helped propel me forward and fueled my passion for marketing, digital strategy and strategic communications.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Human-centric, supportive, uplifting.

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

I was a member of a competitive collegiate a cappella group for two years, and we opened for Tonic Sol-fa at the Washington Pavilion. I was also a Minnesota Ambassador of Music in high school and traveled seven European countries with a band and choir. Outside of music, my husband and I are a billet family for the Sioux Falls Stampede.

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

One of my favorite ways to give back is probably volunteering with America’s Kids Belong. I get to take personality photos of children that are legally free to adopt in the state of South Dakota to help connect them with potential families. Getting to know these kids, their stories and see them find those families is incredibly rewarding. I also love being a diplomat for the chamber and being able to learn about so many amazing business owners in Sioux Falls and helping them succeed in whatever way we can.

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

I would love to see Zaroty come back. That was one of my favorite pizza places! I would also love a concept like an Alamo Drafthouse theater; you have a full dining experience while you watch a movie. Or a concept like Can Can Wonderland in St. Paul, an indoor mini golf course that is artist-inspired and has some out-of-the-box mini golf ideas!

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

Staying in a more marketing mindset, I’d definitely go all-in on opening a marketing consultation firm. I’ve always been passionate about helping businesses grow and thrive through effective strategies and creative campaigns. My goal would be to provide personalized guidance to businesses of all sizes, helping them navigate the dynamic world of marketing and achieve their goals.

If I am thinking more towards something I think could be useful to the community, I would say I would want to start a community music school offering affordable lessons and workshops to people of all ages, fostering creativity and a love for music.