March 30, 2021

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Kjersten Joachim, executive director of marketing and communications at Dow Rummel Village.

Name: Kjersten Joachim

Age: 37

Hometown: Britton

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I liked the idea of staying in my home state following graduation and had established some professional connections in Sioux Falls through various extracurricular activities in college. Sioux Falls seemed like a great place to live and start a family.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I’ve lived in both a big city and a small town, and I think the Sioux Falls area has great qualities of each along with career opportunities and great schools.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I really enjoy the variety of work on my plate. I love that at any given point in the day I could be analyzing marketing data, planning a video shoot, creating social media content or collaborating on an upcoming event. But one of my favorite things about where I work is the feeling of community. Connecting with the residents by simply taking the time to listen to a piece of their life story — or a good Ole and Lena joke — is such a joy. One of the first things I noticed when I began working at Dow Rummel over 10 years ago was the friendly, caring staff and welcoming residents. That hasn’t changed, and it’s a big reason for why I still feel motivated and privileged to tell the story every day.

How did you get connected to your industry?

After graduation, I started my career working in professional services marketing. But I had always thought it would be interesting to work in the senior living industry and loved the idea of working with older adults. A few community connections knew this about me and recommended me for an open position at Dow Rummel in sales. After a few years into that sales role, I took on more responsibilities and eventually found my way back to marketing along with sales management.

Describe Dow Rummel in three words.

Community. Caring. Secure.

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

My first official job at age 14 was developing film at my dad’s newspaper business. It’s still weird to think back and realize that’s no longer a thing!

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

Anything hands-on that I can do along with my kids. Whether it is encouraging my young kids to volunteer with resident activities at Dow Rummel, picking up trash in our neighborhood or participating in school and community fundraisers, I like supporting opportunities for kids to learn the importance of giving back at a young age. I also enjoy my involvement in community organizations and learning of new ways to get involved and give back.

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

Not a business in mind specifically but just more experience-based entertainment options in general.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

As a lifelong learner, I plan to continue challenging myself to learn and improve every day. I hope to check a few vacation destinations off the bucket list too!