Oct. 14, 2024

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Justin Christensen, property maintenance inspections manager with the city of Sioux Falls.

Name: Justin Christensen

Age: 40

Hometown: Hartford

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I was 6 when my family moved to the Sioux Falls area from Mitchell for a career opportunity. At the age of 6, my following was more required than optional.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls provides great career opportunities for both me and my wife. We enjoy not just what Sioux Falls has to offer but South Dakota in general. Other things that keep us here are the outdoor opportunities, including hunting, fishing, camping and hiking.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Serving the community.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I take pride in knowing what we do makes a difference. Friends and neighbors led me to a career with the city. Working with the city has provided great opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Entertaining, collaborative, engaging.

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

I am addicted to fishing tackle. I can’t hardly leave a store without adding to the collection of unopened items I already have.

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

I enjoy volunteering to coach youth soccer in the spring and fall. It’s a great opportunity to mentor and stay active.

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

REI would be a great addition.

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

With $1 million to start, I would look at a self-storage business.