Sept. 2, 2025

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Sheldon Jensen, a development representative for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Name: Sheldon Jensen

Age: 25

Hometown: Owatonna, Minnesota

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I went to college at Augustana University.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

The city has a great pace for life. It is growing and maintaining its strong sense of place at the same time. The opportunities are endless here.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

While I am new to my role with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, I am already loving the ability to connect with businesses and communities across the state. I love helping people pursue their passions to better the places they call home.

How did you get connected to your industry?

Through internship programs from the Augustana Student Success Center, I was placed with great learning opportunities with the Hartford Area Development Foundation, South Dakota International Trade Center and the U.S. House of Representatives.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Collaborative, positive and impactful.

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

I am a substitute member of the up-and-coming band The Brassholes, who will be playing at Riverfest in September.

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

While I have supported various community resources, I would love to help out even more. I am working to find additional places to invest my time.

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

I would love to see an indoor mini-golf business like Puttshack. My fiancee and I enjoy mini-golf as a date-night activity.

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

I would want to create a facility for curling. I am a member of the Sioux Falls Curling Club, and operating a facility for the sport would be fun. It would be great to help people learn, host events and share recreation with others.