Feb. 8, 2022

This week’s Up & Comer is Jared Indahl, the event coordinator at Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. 

Name: Jared Indahl

Age: 33

Hometown: Burke

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

A job opportunity with Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Lots of year-round things to do from sporting events, concerts, festivals, along with the amenities of a large, urban city yet still a small-town charm!

What’s your favorite thing about your job? 

Working with local business owners around a common goal of putting on quality, fun events and promotions that showcase the amazing downtown businesses, parks, services and amenities downtown Sioux Falls has.

 How did you get connected to your industry?

The last 3 1/2 years I worked for the Mitchell Convention & Visitors Bureau/Sports & Events Authority and Main Street District doing a lot of the same events, promotions and activities with the intention of increasing visitors to The World’s Only Corn Palace and Mitchell’s historic Main Street. I’m familiar with a lot of DTSF’s events and promotions through participating in a majority of them over the last few years.

Describe DTSF in three words.

Fun. Welcoming. Engaging.

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

While I worked for the University of Tennessee athletic marketing department getting my master’s degree, I was a male practice player for the University of Tennessee women’s basketball team while Pat Summitt was head coach.  

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

At my previous job, I used the slogan “Buy Local, or Bye Bye to Local” in a lot of our community marketing ads, so I really try to live by that. I also try to support my community by recommending places to visitors or sharing social media content, which helps grow their brand, or by simply giving my time attending their events. This also extends to our community’s service organizations, and most often, they need your volunteer help more than money! 

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

I’m honestly struggling to answer this question! But one thing I miss about living in Tennessee is the tourist-attraction towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. One of the coolest places to visit was Dollywood. So that’s my answer: I’d love a Dollywood in Sioux Falls!!  

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Leading by example, continuing to grow the downtown Sioux Falls vibe of inclusivity, a fun experience and economic opportunities!