June 10, 2025

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Alexa Jerstad, assistant general manager at Great Bear Ski Valley.

Name: Alexa Jerstad

Age: 31

Hometown: Sioux Falls

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Born and raised!

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

My family, my love of the city and the abundant opportunities it offers. I feel lucky to live in such a vibrant city filled with engaged, talented people.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Any moment I can step out of the office and be surrounded by 220 acres of nature. Going on a hike or doing a quick lap on skis is a great way to recharge and reconnect to our mission.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I’ve been skiing for as long as I can remember. I started at Great Bear as a seasonal guest services employee in high school. After a history degree and a brief stint in journalism, I was lucky to join Great Bear full time in a marketing role. In recent years, I’ve found a passion for business and team-building.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Collaborative, fulfilling, hard-working.

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

I played rugby in college. It was the best experience! For those in the know, I was an 8-man.

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

Supporting small businesses! My husband, Adam, and I love to eat at local restaurants like Nick’s Gyros, Golden Bowl or R Wine Bar. Plus, through Great Bear, there are so many opportunities to partner with area businesses like Spoke-N-Sport and local nonprofits like Emily’s Hope.

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

Answer: Ikea! Whenever I’m feeling nostalgic about my semester abroad in Sweden, I crave a plate of Swedish meatballs with lingonberry jam.

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

Probably too practical of an answer, but I’d invest in the small business my husband and I started last year: Sunbird Meta Works. We dream of him working from home with our son and daughter as his little assistants in the workshop!