Nov. 29, 2022

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Erica Schilling, vice president of business development at Mammoth Sports Construction.

Name: Erica Schilling  

Age: 34 

Hometown: Huron

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Professionally speaking, Mammoth and Augustana University. My husband, Cody Schilling, is an Augustana alumnus and now an assistant men’s basketball coach. It’s truly awesome for him to work for his alma mater under the coach he played for! Mammoth had just opened an office in Sioux Falls, and I am grateful to be part of the growth and story that has unfolded since then.  

Personally, we were hoping to get the chance to move back to the Midwest and be closer to family. This was the perfect opportunity.  

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

It’s home. We are close to family and friends. Sioux Falls has everything we need and beyond to live an awesome life. We continue to find more great details about it daily. The people are amazing. They are kindhearted and genuinely want the best for others and to see the city and state succeed together.  

What’s your favorite thing about your job?  

The people I work with – they are truly the best. Also, working with people across the Midwest and country to help build the places where passion and community collide. Our business development team gets to hear all the details of upcoming projects early on and see them come to life.  

How did you get connected to your industry? 

I spent nine years in college athletics, mostly in fundraising and in a chief of staff role. Those are two different job descriptions that complement my work now and connect me to the sports facilities world. Both industries are fast-paced and involve a competitive environment. Our team at Mammoth focuses on building relationships with clients and helping provide solutions to transform the dream state of a project to a reality, tailored specifically to their needs and budget. 

 Describe your workplace in three words. 

Genuine, innovative, fun. 

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

 I could get locked in a library and be perfectly content reading every book in it before I left.   

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

Service. Any time I can volunteer or lend a hand, I’m happy to do so. I love people and love working alongside motivated people who are dedicated to doing good to enhance the community and serve people in the community. Also, spreading positivity. There can never be enough, and I hope I bring positivity and encouragement everywhere I go.  

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

Torchy’s Tacos.  

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

A sports consulting and agency business. Or a place where people with business ideas and inventions could come and get help with launching to turn them into South Dakota-established businesses or products.