Oct. 11, 2022

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Charlee Riker, the membership coordinator for Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.

Name: Charlee Riker

Age: 26

Hometown: Rapid City

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I graduated from the University of South Dakota with plans to move back to Rapid City, but instead, I jumped right into the small-business world of downtown Sioux Falls. I was offered a position at Spunky Fluff, a small wholesale business owned by Terri Schuver at Sticks and Steel. After three years of growth and a wealth of knowledge learned, I just recently landed an exciting new position at DTSF Inc.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I often get asked why I decided to move East River, and I always respond with the textbook “I love the big-city energy in a small-town community.” The support system I have created for myself and the community of people I am surrounded by makes Sioux Falls the perfect place to grow personally and professionally.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I have a front-row seat to all the exciting things happening in our community. I get to hear about all the new changes coming downtown and share that excitement with others.

How did you get connected to your industry?

It sort of happened organically. I moved to a place on Phillips Avenue, I worked at 8th & Railroad and spent my weekends at block parties, shopping at my favorite boutiques and splitting Burger Battle burgers with friends. DTSF was always at the centerfold of my life when I moved to Sioux Falls. When the opportunity presented itself to join the DTSF team, it felt like a perfect fit.

Describe DTSF in three words.

Inclusive. Engaging. Rewarding.

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

I graduated from USD with a degree in fine art. I studied many different mediums like painting and printmaking, and I even learned how to weld!

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

After working for a small business downtown, I’ve seen the impact we as customers can make in our community. By dining and shopping locally, we contribute directly to the growth around us.

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

In downtown Rapid City, there is a restaurant called Tally’s Silver Spoon. They have amazing food — the eggs Benedict is my favorite — and the best coffee I have ever had. I am sure Sioux Falls residents would love it as much as I do!

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

That’s a million-dollar question; I can’t give all my ideas away for free! But if I had to choose one, my dream job would be to read books all day. So maybe I would start my own publishing company!