Williquors is a locally owned liquor store with locations in Bismarck and Sioux Falls. Known for its massive selection, approachable staff, and community-focused spirit, it has become a regional favorite.
But this success didn’t happen overnight, find out how gravel and grit built a liquor experience unlike any other…
From Hard Hats to Happy Hour
Every great pour starts with a solid foundation. For Fredrick Ibach, Thomas Klein, Troy Matthiesen, and William Klein, that foundation was gravel…literally!
Years before opening what would become a North Dakota staple, they were in the construction business, building roads and moving dirt.
But a new idea was brewing…they wanted to take that same grit and build a liquor experience North Dakota had never seen before!
Setting the Groundwork
The Williquors team toured stores across the country, studying what worked and what didn’t. Right away, they knew they wanted to be different. It was to create a shopping experience that felt welcoming and exciting while also staying competitive in both price and selection.
Around this time, Brent Skjerseth joined the effort. Originally brought on as a consultant to help get things set up, Brent quickly became a key part of the team. Two years later, buying into the business as a co-owner.
“One of the biggest things for us was selection. We wanted a store big enough to carry virtually everything our distributors could bring in.” – Brent Skjerseth, Co-Owner
Bottled Up by an SBA 504
With support from an SBA 504 loan, in partnership with Dakota Business Lending and Dakota Community Bank & Trust, Williquors constructed their first store in northeast Bismarck. This liquor store was different than anything ND had seen before, equipped with seven registers, a walk-in beer cave, and even a tasting classroom.
And the timing couldn’t have been better! Bismarck was growing fast and the new location offered good visibility near a major road and interstate.
“The SBA 504 process was smooth, and having more funds available made all the difference. Without the support of this loan we may not have had the growth we did.” – Brent Skjerseth, Co-Owner
Stocked, Stacked, and Ready
When the doors opened, Williquors quickly became more than just another liquor store…it became an experience. Customers enjoyed wide aisles, an expansive selection, and approachable staff while the Williquors team delivered on their promise: to provide “the best service and the best selection in town.”
A Second Round in South Dakota
By 2018, the team was ready to grow. Working with Dakota Business Lending and Dakota Community Bank & Trust to secure a second SBA 504 loan, Williquors expanded into Sioux Falls, SD, entering another thriving community and bringing lessons learned from Bismarck along with them. The store became a hub for high quality selections, including wines, beers, and spirits as well as cigars, cheeses, and tasting events.
Adapting with the Market
As trends shifted, Williquors could follow right along. The team listened closely to what customers were looking for and made changes that kept the store fresh and relevant. Because they’re locally owned, they didn’t have to wait on outside approval, instead they could move quickly, adjusting shelves or hosting new experiences the moment demand called for it.
“When something new takes off, we can reset the store and make changes right away. That flexibility has been huge for us.” – Brent Skjerseth, Co-Owner
A Community that Cheers Together
Williquors’ success has never been just about sales. The business has poured back into its communities, supporting causes like cancer research and giving through donations, fundraisers, and partnerships. At the same time, many of the original employees and managers remain on staff, reinforcing a family-like culture that customers feel every time they walk in.
“We live in the community, we built in this community, and we’re part of the community.” – Brent Skjerseth, Co-Owner
Raising a Glass to the Future
As Willliquors continues to grow, so does their recognition! Since 2019, Williquors has been named one of the Top 100 Retailers in the U.S. by Beverage Dynamics and voted “Best of the Best” locally.
Yet for the team, the real reward is seeing their vision continue to grow. With two thriving stores, committed employees, and SBA support, Williquors is well-positioned to keep pouring success into the future.
Visit their website to learn more about Williquors.
This article was written by Dakota Business Lending with permission from Williquors and is not to be edited or redistributed without permission.
