By: Morgan Sauer

I’ve worked at 605 Running Company for over four years. I first started because I was still new to Sioux Falls, I needed another part time job, and although at the time I couldn’t run much due to a bad injury, I loved running. Did I know what a “toe-box” was or how to fit a person for shoes? Absolutely not. But I did know running. And I knew how to use that to help others.

In the first year, I slowly grew into organizing group runs, designing posts for social media, taking product photos, and eventually designing branded products. I loved what I was doing. It was the most entertaining and exciting job I’d ever worked in my life with people that I understood and wanted to work with. As of January this year, I became the Marketing and Community Engagement Manager. I’d been the marketing manager with different word combinations for a while, but that’s the official title.

Though some friends and family thought my job was odd, I disagreed. It’s a hard thing to wrap your mind around when you tell a person you work at a running store. Because what do you do?

Turns out lots of things. Much more than you could ever guess. Much more than I ever guessed.

The things I’ve been able to do, see, accomplish, and learn while working at 605 Running Company could be a twenty-page paper, and no one needs to stick around that long to read that. So, here are some of the big things.

Doing BIG things with few people:
605 Running Company is a small business. I think right now we have about nine employees which is undeniably small. And personally, I like it that way. You’d be surprised by how impactful just a few people can be on a business, a community, a city, and a passion. Derrick, Greg, and I have been a team for a handful of years and we’ve moved the store . . . three times, if you include opening our Bridges location. We’ve grown the races we put on, the number of races we put on, we do race timing, and we’ve been able to expand the coaching program. We’ve been able to enhance the interior of the shop to make it more engaging with customers. We’ve traveled, learned, brought in new brands, lead events, partnered with nonprofits, and, maybe the most important thing, kept the store clean while we were at it. So, you don’t need an army of people to make a difference, you just need you and a few trusted friends to hold you up where you fail.

Small business is about connection:
You can’t be a small business without the connection and relationships with other small businesses. The unique thing about small businesses is that they all share the same reason for existing. Well, okay, maybe not down to the specifics, but they all want to be different, to be something different. For 605, it’s all about servicing the customer and the running community in a way that no one else in town does.

Change is terrifying:
Again, I’ve worked here for over four years. It has been amazing. I’ve learned so many things, and been a part of changing so many peoples lives. It’s easy to forget that sometimes when the main focus for the day is trying to get an email out, or confirm a group run. In some ways, it’s hard to imagine not being a part of 605 Running Company when I’ve been a part of it for so long. It’s become a part of my identity. And that’s something I now have to let go.
 
Because I’m taking a new path in life, moving out of Sioux Falls, and will be working a completely different job as a Naturalist in Hinton, IA. I know I’ll have a lot of fun in this job, and getting to work outside all day and share my love for the details of the outdoors has been a lifetime goal of mine.

But it’s hard to leave a good thing behind.

Obviously I’m not moving to a different country, though if I could choose one it’d be either Norway or Greece. In fact, Hinton is only just over an hour away from Sioux Falls. But it still feels far. 605 Running Company won’t be an everyday thing for me. It’ll be through a screen on social media, or for a short visit on a weekend, or while running a race they put on. And that’s been a tough pill to swallow, in fact, I think that sucker is still stuck in my throat.

I love 605 Running Company. I’ve loved my time here. But through some deep soul-searching, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s time to move along. Not necessarily to better things, but to different things. To try my hand at my dream job.

Have no doubt, I will forever be an ambassador of 605 Running Company.

Today was my last day. Thanks for all the memories.
 
-Morgan Sauer
Ex. Marketing and Community Engagement Manager

By: Greg Koch

This morning I organized our monthly group run for my friends at The 437 Project — a cause that’s personal and deeply meaningful to me. Each month, I ask everyone who shows up to share a “win” from the past 30 days. It’s simple, but it always sparks thoughtful conversation. With this group — a blend of leaders, doers, and community-minded folks — the dialogue is rich and energizing.
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Lately, I’ve been asking myself a similar question: What does a win really look like?
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This past month, one of my biggest wins came from letting go. I had to be honest with myself about my role with The 437 Project. As much as I care, I took on more than I could reasonably give, and I wasn’t showing up in the way the project deserved. That realization hurt. I don’t like saying no. I don’t like stepping back. But for my mental health and to better serve the mission, I had to recalibrate and get clear on where my skills are most impactful. That wasn’t easy. It took some soul-searching, but I know it was the right call.

I saw another kind of win in my role as Board Chair of Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. — a milestone moment that’s been more than a decade in the making. On May 1st, new Downtown parking changes go into effect, the result of years of discussion and months of concentrated outreach. We held forums, did research, sent surveys, knocked on doors, and engaged with our development committee, retail roundtable, and BID board. It was a collaborative process, built on feedback and community input.

Still, when the announcement went public from the city, a familiar response surfaced. “Nobody told us.” “They pulled the rug out.” “This will ruin business.” I get it — change is hard, especially when it affects something as tangible (and emotional) as parking. But this experience reminded me that many folks only engage after the fact. It’s frustrating, sure — but it also shows how much work we still have to do to make engagement feel accessible and meaningful to more people.

And I see those same patterns in the running community — especially at 605 Running Company.

I’m proud of the work we do. But I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t hard right now. During the week, the shop feels quieter. Our races — and many other local races — don’t fill up the way they used to. And the doors that once opened easily now take a lot more knocking. New coaches, clubs, races, and timers are popping up all the time — but the audience isn’t really growing. The pie just keeps getting sliced thinner.

What makes this difficult is knowing that most people entering this space have good intentions. They care about runners. They want to give back. But whether we realize it or not, when we act in silos — without collaborating, without aligning — we dilute the impact. We compete for limited attention, time, and resources. We all end up working harder for smaller results.

At the same time, I’ve had to reckon with a hard truth: doing it the right way isn’t cheap. We invest in great brands, permits, insurance, paid staff, timing equipment, photography — because we want our stores and events to be professional, accessible, and memorable. But that all costs money. When foot traffic and registrations are down, and partnerships are slower to land, the pressure mounts.

But I don’t share all this to complain. I share it to invite something better.

Looking Ahead: From Silos to Bridges
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In May, my focus is clear: bridge building.

• I want to grow an ecosystem where every type of runner — competitive, casual, new, or returning — feels welcome and seen.
• I want to connect with other race directors, coaches, and community leaders to ask: How can we grow the audience together?
• I want to reimagine how we fundraise for nonprofits — with shared goals, broader storytelling, and smarter alignment.
• I want to reinvest in the core of what we do: helping people move their bodies, connect with others, and feel like they belong.
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I don't have all the answers. I also make mistakes which I'm willing to own. I’m here to contribute what I can, as clearly and sustainably as possible. That might mean smaller commitments, but it also means stronger ones. I want to serve the community — and be part of the community — in ways that are real, collaborative, and energizing.
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If you’re reading this and thinking, I feel this too, then let’s talk. Let’s partner. Let’s build something better — not just for today, but for the long run.

Sometimes, a simple compliment can change everything. That’s how Caitlin Moen discovered Permanent Jewelry — after admiring a stranger’s bracelet, she realized Sioux Falls didn’t have anything like it. So, she made a bold move: she bought the welder, stocked up on supplies, and launched Midnight Spark.

That was just two and a half years ago, and since then, Caitlin’s business has grown into a Downtown destination for custom-fit, high-quality, clasp-free jewelry — with meaning baked into every piece.

“Permanent Jewelry is more than just a product, it’s an experience,” she says. “Friends get it as modern BFF bracelets, couples celebrate milestones, moms and daughters come in for birthdays or girl's nights, and we also do a lot of memorial pieces.” Whether it’s a dainty anklet, a stackable bracelet, or a sleek necklace, the jewelry is designed to stay with you — a little reminder of the moment it represents.

Located inside the Nordic Hall at 218 W 13th St, Suite 109, Midnight Spark offers by-appointment service Monday through Saturday, plus private events and pop-ups. Caitlin also hosts creative gatherings for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and ladies’ nights, all in her beautifully curated Downtown studio. For her, the best Downtown day is one where she gets to spend time sparking joy — literally — with her clients.

This Spring Fling (April 12–19), Midnight Spark is offering 10% off all retail items, making it the perfect time to stop in, meet Caitlin, and see what permanent jewelry is all about.

Caitlin’s favorite thing about being in the Nordic Hall? “It’s like a creative co-op,” she says. “The building has so much cool history, and it’s filled with amazing tenants.” She also gives a shoutout to Good NAtured, a non-alcoholic social space that’s hosting fun community events, including karaoke nights. Downtown is full of these gems — but you have to slow down and explore to find them.

What Caitlin’s most excited for with Spring Fling is the collaboration — and the chance to meet new faces. “Owning a small business isn’t easy,” she says, “but when we come together, we create something special.”
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Stop by Midnight Spark during Spring Fling to support a local entrepreneur doing what she loves — and maybe leave with a little piece of jewelry that means something to you.
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Midnight Spark
218 W 13th St #109 (Nordic Hall)
📅 Spring Fling Special: 10% off all retail items (April 12–19)
Appointments available Mon–Sat via website

​What began as a floral business focused on weddings and events has grown into one of Downtown Sioux Falls' most charming and welcoming spaces. Bella Rosa Flower Market, co-owned by Leigh and Ann, has been helping people celebrate big days — and brighten everyday moments — for 17 years.

Leigh launched Bella Rosa in 2008, creating beautiful florals for weddings and special occasions. At the time, Ann was working in the school district and helping out on weekends and summers. Their friendship and shared passion for flowers quickly blossomed into a partnership — and when Leigh became a new mom in 2012, she asked Ann to join her full-time. Soon after, Bella Rosa became a full retail and floral storefront in the heart of Downtown.

Today, Bella Rosa is known for its stunning arrangements, friendly staff, and an environment that feels more like a breath of fresh air than a traditional flower shop. They also offer a curated mix of gifts, the best in faux floral, and one of the most thoughtful shopping experiences in the city.

Whether you’re picking up a last-minute bouquet, browsing for a unique gift, or just popping in to smell something beautiful, the Bella Rosa team is all about making each visit feel personal and joyful. “Our staff works diligently to create each floral order and shopping trip an exceptional experience,” they shared.

During Spring Fling (April 12–19), Bella Rosa will be offering daily specials and food tastings from their Finch & Fennel gourmet goods line — a delicious addition to your Downtown stroll and a great excuse to stop in and explore.

When asked about their perfect Downtown day, the team kept it simple: “Any day spent downtown is a perfect day.” That love for the district shows in everything they do — from the florals they design to the way they welcome customers in the door.
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Bella Rosa is more than a flower shop. It’s a reminder that beauty belongs in everyday life — and Downtown Sioux Falls is lucky to have them.
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Bella Rosa Flower Market
401 E 8th St Unit 101
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
📅 Daily Specials + Food Tastings | April 12–19
Featuring Finch & Fennel gourmet goods

​If you’ve spent time in Downtown Sioux Falls, there’s a good chance you’ve stepped into Sticks and Steel — and if you haven’t yet, Spring Fling is the perfect reason to visit.

For 23 years, this locally owned gallery-style boutique has been a home for artful gifts, inspired decor, and handmade jewelry. But it’s also been something more: a place where creativity, conversation, and community all collide — in the best way possible.

Owner Terri Schuver is a mentor, friend, and long-time creative force in the Downtown community. She started Sticks and Steel as a showroom for her metal art business Prairie Dance, as well as for a former partner’s organic wood furniture. Since then, the shop has grown into one of Downtown’s most beloved destinations — offering beautifully curated pieces from makers large and small across the country.

Terri’s goal has always been simple: “We want our customers to feel like dear friends.” And the experience at Sticks and Steel reflects that — it’s warm, welcoming, and full of one-of-a-kind items that feel personal, purposeful, and just plain fun.

During Spring Fling (April 12–19), Sticks and Steel will be hosting their much-anticipated Prairie Dance Metal Art Garden Sale, with 20% off all Prairie Dance metal products made right in their own studio. It’s a rare chance to grab a handcrafted piece of local art at a great price — and a reminder that beauty can be both durable and accessible.

Terri’s ideal Downtown day? Biking or walking to brunch at Josiah’s or R Wine Bar, shopping her favorite local haunts like Zandbroz, Say Anything Jewelry, Orion’s, and maybe capping it all off with a second glass of something wonderful on a patio.

As someone who’s been shaping Downtown’s creative and retail scene for over two decades, Terri knows how special it is when local businesses come together — and Spring Fling is a perfect reflection of that spirit.
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Whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time, stop in during Spring Fling and see what makes this shop — and this shopkeeper — such an important part of the Downtown heartbeat.
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Sticks and Steel
401 E 8th St #118, Sioux Falls, SD 57103
📅 Prairie Dance Garden Sale: 20% off all week (April 12–19)