Feb. 27, 2024

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Brian Rehnke, director of marketing and business development at The Empire Mall.

Name: Brian Rehnke

Age: 45

Hometown: Bloomington, Minnesota

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I received a scholarship to run track at Augustana University.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

My family, friends, community activities and it is just a great place to live. There is just so much to see, do and eat here! Lots of great restaurants!

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

No two days are ever the same. There is always something going on here at the mall, and there is just so much to do. From the outside, you may not see it, but from the inside, there is just so much changing all the time. It really keeps you on your toes!

How did you get connected to your industry?

I previously worked for a company that expanded and built a store in the mall. From there, I got to know the staff and saw firsthand what the mall can do for you and a company. Everyone was so positive to work with, and I just wanted to continue to be a part of it.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Fun, positive, change.

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

I interned on Hot 104.7 back in college.

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

 Coaching. I really loved helping the kids overcome obstacles and create a positive mindset that I hope they carry with them for the rest of their lives.

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

IFly. It is an indoor skydiving experience.

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

I would really like to start a nonprofit business that would tie together with the Ronald McDonald House. The very long story short is that many families that need and use the Ronald McDonald House have siblings that are healthy and need activities and supervision while their brother or sister is receiving the medical care they need in the hospital. So there is a real need to fund and update and make these sibling rooms as amazing as possible to help create a positive environment while their brother or sister is having their medical procedures. Plus, help the parents put their mind at ease so they can focus on helping the child that needs all the medical attention, knowing the siblings are taken care of. So my goal would be to visit the facilities around the country and fund those sibling rooms that needed it the most.