Fast-scaling fanwear business owner to headline annual Founders Day event
Feb. 15, 2024
This paid piece is sponsored by Startup Sioux Falls.
Jael Thorpe’s business might revolve around gameday apparel, but when it comes to entrepreneurship, she has learned to embrace what happens when the wins aren’t necessarily adding up.
Thorpe’s boutique, which at one point had two locations, struggled to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
But, if that hadn’t been the case, she knows now that she would “likely still be ticking along” with only a partial focus on the business that already has become much bigger than one or two boutiques.
“I would have completely missed this opportunity that naturally blossomed when I gave it my focus,” she said.
Gameday Social Apparel Co., which Thorpe moved from Brookings to Sioux Falls, is finding a growing niche in clothing and accessories for what Thorpe calls “the social fan.”
“We’ve been able to add several key leaders to the team, added numerous powerhouse licenses like Georgia, Wisconsin and Oklahoma, and we’re expanding into the NHL,” she said. “We’re also onboarding two of the nation’s largest retailers later this year, which will be announced soon.”
Thorpe is quick to share, though, that the path of an entrepreneur generally is not smooth, straight or stress-free. She’ll share her insight as the keynote speaker for Founders Day on March 6, an annual event organized by Startup Sioux Falls.
“Going from a tiny idea/basement hustle to building a national brand does not happen overnight, or smoothly, or beautifully,” Thorpe said.
“Two decades of trying, failing, hearing no, losing money, losing friends, losing sleep, more hits to your ego than you can imagine are the parts you don’t see on a founder’s highlight reel. I deeply want to encourage founders to embrace the moments of difficulty and failure because that’s when you learn.”
She plans to share insight on her industry, including her focus on female sports fans, as well as her own founder’s journey – “the grit, the failures, working through thousands of noes, placing myself at tables I didn’t belong at – but owning it – and I am starting to finally see the reward,” she said. “I’m hoping other founders will hear that, yes, it is hard ‘AF’ to build a great company, but walk away from your dream on your terms and your terms only.”
Thorpe’s story shows continuous evolution as an entrepreneur, said Sara Lum, vice president of Startup Sioux Falls.
“I think founders, business leaders and community supporters will be inspired by Jael’s grit and perspective as a serial entrepreneur, as well as her commitment to proving that fashion innovation can come from flyover country,” Lum said.
Founders Day will offer a daylong opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and resources through Startup Sioux Falls. Founders, business leaders, stakeholders and startup community supporters are invited to attend.
“In everything we do, entrepreneurs are at the center of our work,” Lum said.
“During the three events throughout the day, 12 founders will share part of their founder story. Some are still at the beginning, and others are on the other side of ‘success.’ Through this event, we seek to connect founders across the spectrum with each other and to the community of people who support them.”
Attendees also will learn the results of the State of Startups survey and learn about the challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping the present and future of the regional startup community.
The day begins with a special Startup Sunrise, featuring Milana Semmler and Kimber Severson, partners in Jodder. Startup Sunrise is the new local branding for 1 Million Cups, but it is a similar format.
Two events during the day are new or retooled for this year’s Founders Day: the CO.STARTERS alumni luncheon and the State of Startups event.
Invite-only CO.STARTERS alumni luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Founders Day celebrates the 350-plus individuals who have participated in the CO.STARTERS business accelerator program with an invite-only lunch. Participants will hear from alumni of the Zeal Center — the precursor to Startup Sioux Falls. Featured speakers will include:
- Trisha Dohn, Well365
- Andy Jorgenson, Fire Bros Fireworks and AIEdge Summit
- Vaney Hariri, Think 3D
- Dan Oakland, Alternative HR
- Cindy Peterson, Maximizing Excellence
- Amos Kittelson, Sidewalk Technologies
State of Startups at Startup Sioux Falls, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the success of founders and startups in the ecosystem and discuss the challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping the present and future of the regional startup community. Featured speakers will include:
- Special guest: Head coach emeritus John Stiegelmeier, SDSU football
- Keynote speaker: Jael Thorpe, Gameday Social
- Brady Barr, Allergy Aware
- Amy Pokela, AMPO
- Adam Ellsworth, Molten Audio
Since moving her business to Sioux Falls, Thorpe has found the startup community “absolutely phenomenal,” she said.
“The collaborative, creative spirit of the business community in Sioux Falls is bar none, and I believe that culture has contributed significantly to both the company’s growth and my own growth as an entrepreneur.”
Founders Day is an ideal day to tap into that community yourself, Lum said.
“It is an opportunity for founders to take a moment to breathe, consider what they have accomplished and be inspired to continue their journey.”
RSVP and purchase tickets here:
In the spirit of celebrating the accomplishments of the founders and business owners in the Sioux Falls area, Startup Sioux Falls is collecting information about the awards, honors and achievements of the founders and businesses in Sioux Falls.
You can fill out this form for your own business or as a recognition of another founder using this link.
The 2024 Honor Roll will be shared as part of the State of Startups event. Note: Anyone who fills out the 2024 Honor Roll form will receive a code for $25 off to State of Startups.
