MyCreativeShop

company profile

If there's such a thing as "serial entrepreneurs," Jason Frueh and D.J. Colter would fit the bill. They co-own several businesses in and near Fargo, North Dakota: Mrs. Fields Cookies, Ron's Aqua Massage, Basement Technologies of North Dakota and a number of Oreck Clean Home Centers. Additionally, D.J. owns D.J. Colter Agency, Inc., an independent American Family Insurance agency.

Their latest business venture is MyCreativeShop, an online store where members can design and create their own professional marketing materials.

situation

Jason and D.J. knew that there might be unique challenges with MyCreativeShop since the business doesn't have a storefront but rather exists only on the Internet. Although they were already operating a number of successful businesses, Jason and D.J. weren't receiving the kind of support they expected from their banking relationships.

"We were somewhat motivated to seek a new banking relationship for this venture," says Jason, "so the timing was perfect. I met Caileen Heuertz (an Alerus Financial relationship banker) at a Small Business Administration training session, which told us that Alerus ensures that its bankers are well prepared to help businesses like ours."

Jason and D.J. agreed to "take a look" at Alerus. Both walked away from the meeting very pleased and ultimately chose Alerus as their new banking partner. "We were able to sit down with the Alerus decision makers and tell our story, which really impressed us," says Jason. "It's great to work with a bank that believes in us and our ideas and expresses a desire for more of long term "partnership" as opposed to just giving us funding."

solution

D.J. and Jason are also impressed with Small Business Connect, Powered by Alerus. The online community, created specifically for small business owners, is a one-stop resource for all things small businesses. "We really appreciate that additional value Alerus provides," says D.J. "With Small Business Connect and the investment they make in training their staff, we believe Alerus is on the right track for small business owners."

For Jason and D.J., they've found a banking partner that truly understands small businesses. "For any small business owners or entrepreneurs that are frustrated with their current banks inability to provide financing or support- or want a different bank to take a look at things - we would tell them to contact Alerus," says Jason.

"As entrepreneurs, we often see things differently," concludes D.J. "We've found a bank that understands our vision. We know that Alerus is in this for the long run, and we know that we have their support."

MyCreativeShop is located in Fargo, ND. Visit the MyCreativeShop website.