About Dakota Business Lending
Small Business Lending Partnerships for North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana
Small business is built by the work of exceptional people, superior products and services, and a passion for creating something that is bigger than any single person. Sometimes, all it takes is a partner to provide the financial resources, needed to fuel the machine with necessary capital.
Dakota Business Lending knows each machine, or each small business, is different. YOUR small business has a unique story, which is why we aim to tailor loans that are the perfect fit for YOUR business.
Regardless of the type of loan you need, we are excited to get to know YOU. We consider it a privilege to gain an understanding of your opportunities and challenges and provide you with the boost you need to be successful.
Putting a small business plan into action often requires long hours, late nights, and a brand of sacrifice that is specially coded into the DNA of entrepreneurs.
We believe that business lending is not just about lending money to business owners. It’s about taking your dream, your hard work, and your sacrifice, and infusing it with the financial resources that help you soar to new heights.
Our Vision
Dakota Business Lending strives to build lasting relationships and drive economic growth by being the premier small business resource in our footprint.
Our Mission
Dakota Business Lending is a small business resource that drives economic growth by:
- Providing unique financing opportunities
- Positively impacting the communities we serve
- Educating and guiding small businesses
- Building partnerships that add value and creating an environment where our team members thrive
Our Values
Integrity
Dedication
Knowledgeable
Professionalism
Responsiveness
Meet the Dakota Business Lending Team
Behind the scenes, we have a dynamic team committed to our mission. When you are looking for a progressive and creative partner for small business financing needs, look no further. We are here to help!
President & CEO
Meet Steve Dusek
Steve Dusek
Senior Business Development/ Commercial Loan Officer
Meet Roxi Pfliiger
Roxi Pfliiger
Community Lending Director
Meet Emily Schroeder
Emily Schroeder
Sr. Closing Officer
Meet Katie Anderson
Katie Anderson
Marketing Director
Meet Kaitlyn Wiebusch
Kaitlyn Wiebusch
Closing Officer
Meet Christie Williams
Christie Williams
Sr. Credit Manager
Meet Anjie Martins
Anjie Martins
VP/Loan Operations
Meet Ann Peterson
Ann Peterson
Business Development / Commercial Loan Officer
Meet Jason Gerdes
Jason Gerdes
Portfolio Manager
Meet Rochelle Anderson
Rochelle Anderson
Marketing Specialist
Meet Sophia Gallagher
Sophia Gallagher
Assistant Loan Officer
Meet Kate Savage
Kate Savage
Underwriter
Meet Shelby Kraemer
Shelby Kraemer
Business Development / Commercial Loan Officer
Meet Molly Bradford
Molly Bradford
Business Development / Commercial Loan Officer
Meet Brandon Orr
Brandon Orr
Executive Assistant
Meet Chantell Ramberg
Chantell Ramberg
Loan Closing/Servicing Specialist
Meet Sarah Hauser
Sarah Hauser
Assistant Loan Officer
Meet Angelica Alexandrou
Angelica Alexandrou
Loan Specialist
Meet Carter Johnson
Carter Johnson
Loan Specialist
Meet Shandi Puhr
Shandi Puhr
Intern
Meet Kylie Laurence
Kylie Laurence
Come Work with Our Team!
At Dakota Business Lending, we believe in working hard to help North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana business owners achieve their dreams. We are passionate about small business and finding creative financing options. The work we do is challenging and rewarding.
As a small, not-for-profit company, the resolve and support of our team is paramount to our success. We strive to create a work environment that is collaborative, fun, flexible, and engaging. If you are intrigued by this type of work and our team, see below for potential opportunities to be part of something we think is rather incredible!
Meet our Advisory Committees
Dakota Business Lending has established itself as a lending partner for small business thanks to the wisdom, leadership, and guidance of our Advisory Committees. We are proud to have decision-makers in our corner that combine centuries worth of experience in the areas of business, finance, economic development, public service, and more.
Board of Directors / ND Loan Review Committee
John Phillips
First Elected - 2008
With almost 30 years in housing and city planning, John is currently retired and is active with many organizations including the Beulah JFA, Mercer Economic Development, Coal Conversion Counties, ND Association of Oil and Gas Producing Counties, Lignite Energy Research Council, the ND Chamber of Commerce, and church council.
Jim Hambrick
First Elected - 2016
With over 28 years of experience in the banking industry, Jim has focused on relationship management for small to large sized operating businesses. He also serves on the board of directors for NDSU Team Makers and NDSU Alumni Association, and has been involved in local community non-profits such as Red Cross, United Way, and Fraser, Ltd.
Tonya Holmstrom
First Elected - 2019
As a CPA and current partner of Schmitz-Holmstrom, Tonya brings over 15 years of public accounting experience in various industries and business sizes. She also serves on various other boards throughout the state including Greater North Dakota Chamber, the Missouri Family YMCA, and the University of Jamestown Alumni Association.
Jason Hopfauf
First Elected - 2020
With over 22 years of working in the banking and finance industry, Jason has gained experience with management and all aspects of commercial lending. He brings with him a passion for fostering and growing the community, and currently serves on several boards throughout the state including the Dickinson State University Booster Board, Dickinson Baseball Club, Badlands Big Sticks Baseball Clubs, and past President of CHI St. Joseph’s/St. Alexius Foundation.
Steve Gehrtz
First Elected - 2020
As President of Gehrtz Construction Services, Steve brings over 35 years of leadership and construction management experience and a passion for developing the community. He also serves on other various boards including Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church's Long Range Planning and Building Committees, the Industry Advisory Council for the Construction Management Department at NDSU, and the Moorhead Business Association.
Cole Keney
First Elected - 2021
With over 18 years in the banking and finance industry, Cole has focused on commercial relationships and being a trusted point of contact for businesses. He has been a part of several other boards and organizations such as United Way, F/M/WF Chamber of Commerce, F/M AM Rotary Club, and RMA North Central Chapter and was named Prairie Business Magazine’s “40 Under 40” in 2016.
Heather Ranck
First Elected - 2022
Heather is an International Trade Specialist for the U.S. Department of Commerce and Director of the Fargo office, where she has worked to expand exports and investments in rural America for 17+ years. She serves on several boards throughout the state, including the FM Rotary Foundation and the Fargo Rotary Club.
Matt Marshall
First Elected - 2023
Matt has worked in the community and economic development industry for 10+ years and currently serves as Economic Development Administrator for Minnkota Power. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the community development sector, as well as valuable experience from several boards he serves on including EDND, Mid-America Economic Dev., Riverside Christian School, and ND Workforce Development.
Montana Loan Review Committee
Bert Bartle
First Elected - 2020
Currently serving as VP/Sr. Commercial Loan Officer for Opportunity Bank in Bozeman, MT, Bert brings extensive knowledge in SBA, USDA, and other financing programs to the Montana Loan Review Committee. His experience allows him to work with borrowers and counsel businesses to create financing solutions to meet their needs.
Chad Molden
First Elected - 2020
Chad truly knows the ins and outs of combining traditional financing methods with non-traditional sources to help small businesses secure financing to meet their needs. He has an extensive understanding of what small businesses need to thrive in rural settings and currently serves as a Commercial Loan Officer for Stockman Bank in Sidney, MT.
Brandon Boka
First Elected - 2024
As a Commercial Relationship Manager for First Interstate Bank in Helena, MT, Brandon’s work with small businesses on a daily basis makes him a valuable resource for helping businesses get the financing they need to succeed. His enthusiasm for finding financing solutions and understanding of the overall loan process provides a significant perspective to the Montana committee.
AJ Spear
First Elected - 2024
Currently serving as VP/Commercial Loan Officer for Glacier Bank in Whitefish, MT, AJ brings over two decades of commercial banking and financing knowledge to the Montana Loan Review Committee. His experience offers a valuable perspective on small business loans and the impact they have on local communities in western Montana and across the entire state.
Minnesota Loan Review Committee
Anthony Hanson
First Elected - 2023
Currently serving as President of Citizens Bank & Trust in Hutchinson, MN, Anthony brings extensive knowledge in the banking, finance, and lending industry to the Minnesota Loan Review Committee. His experience and perspective allow him to help find the best financing solutions for borrowers throughout the state.
Clay Sharkey
First Elected - 2023
Clay knows the ins and outs of assessing risk, consumer credit, and what it takes to make financing successful. He has an extensive understanding in the credit world and serves as the Chief Credit Officer for Pioneer Bank in Mankato, MN. As the owner of Beans Coffee Company, he also brings firsthand knowledge about running and growing a business.
Ryan DeBates
First Elected - 2023
As Market President for Security Savings Bank in Luverne, MN, Ryan’s daily work in business financing makes him a valuable resource for helping businesses get the capital they need to succeed. His 25+ years of experience in the banking/lending world and knowledge in all types of lending provides a significant perspective to the MN LRC.
Brent O'Neil
First Elected - 2023
Brent lives out his passion for helping local businesses and communities thrive in his role as Economic Development Director for the City of Elk River. His years of economic development provide a valuable perspective that is instrumental to the success of businesses in MN.
Jeremy Gossen
First Elected - 2023
As President/CFO for Carlson & Steward Refrigeration, Inc. in Marshall, MN, Jeremy understands firsthand what it takes to manage & grow a business. His real-world experience, coupled with 18 years in the banking world, makes him a great advocate, partner, & advisor to small businesses across the state.
New Markets Tax Credit Governing Board
Cole Keney
Alerus – Fargo, ND
Steve Dusek
Dakota Business Lending – Fargo, ND
Craig Hanson
Bank of North Dakota – Bismarck, ND
John Phillips
Housing/City Planning/Economic Development (Retired) – Beulah, ND
Steve Britsch
Britsch & Associates, PC – Devils Lake, ND
New Markets Tax Credit Advisory Board
Stacey LaCompte
ND Native American Tourism Alliance – Bismarck, ND
Todd Burianek
Burianek Law Office – Grafton, ND
Jim Hambrick
Cornerstone Banks – Fargo, ND
Steve Dusek
Dakota Business Lending – Fargo, ND
Ryan Aasheim
Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation – Fargo, ND
