April 19, 2022

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Jamie Stanley, carrier management coordinator at SDN Communications.

Name: Jamie Stanley

Age: 42

Hometown: Arlington

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I lived in St. Paul for a couple of years after graduating from college at SDSU. I always thought I was a big-city person, but I really wasn’t. I wanted to move back to South Dakota, and I got a job with the Sioux Falls Stampede, which brought me to Sioux Falls.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I know Sioux Falls continues to grow, but I still feel it is a small-enough city. There are so many things to do and lots of different opportunities for our kids. My husband has been a deputy with the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Department for 19 years, and I have now been at SDN for a little over 10 years. So job stability is also a big reason.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Things are always changing, and there are always new things to learn, so I never get bored. The people I work with are great, and I appreciate the flexibility.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I graduated with a degree in sales and marketing, and always wanted to work in the sports industry. I did a lot of events coordinating and sales before, but after getting married and having kids, I realized I wanted to do something different. I first joined SDN working in the IT department and moved to service design and now carrier management.

Describe SDN Communications in three words.

Dependable. Friendly. Adaptable.

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

My parents have owned the bowling alley in Arlington since I was 5 years old. I grew up there, and now my kids get to enjoy going there when we visit.

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

I have been a volunteer for Junior Achievement for seven years at Garfield Elementary in Sioux Falls. I enjoy teaching kids about the business world, but they also teach me how they view it, and that is the best part.

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

Ikea would be wonderful.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I am taking part in SDN Communications’ Emerging Leaders program and want to continue to grow and take on more of a leadership role at SDN.