Sioux Falls Business Journal

Alan Rops keeps busy on his farm at the edge of Lennox. (Inertia/for the SFBJ)

A: “I’m interested in a lot of things, any type of athletic event from both college and professional sports to high school. I was a high school coach and principal. ... I like following sports. I love the NFL draft. I love the background stuff. I like to know where the teams are at, what their philosophies are.”

Q: How did you become interested in economic development?

A: “When I retired from education, I was invited to become a part of the economic development group. I’m part of a lot of things here, a lot of volunteer things. Because of all the things the area had given to me it was just a response to that.
In education as a principal and so forth, you’re in a decision-making role, and this opportunity brings that back. You have limited budgets, so you try to maximize your dollars and try to maximize your effect in things you hope will benefit the community and the area.”

Q: What’s a typical day like for you?

A: “On the family farm I have a 60 cow-calf operation, and 650 acres I farm. My typical day varies with the season. There are times when I’m a little less busy than others. That’s when I can give time to the groups I’m involved with. I’m always feeding cows at morning and night, doing seasonal chores. I’m hauling manure right now, and then I will move on to planting.”

Q: What do you enjoy most about work?

A: “I’m pretty much the decision maker. In the case of the economic development group, I’m part of a decision-making team. I’m part of the school board, the community foundation, all in decision-making areas.
As a farmer, we all say, we’re making our own decisions that we live with. Other people are making some of the decisions, but you make the decision to pull the trigger on a grain sale or an equipment purchase.”

Q: What are the keys to Lennox’s economic development success?

A: “A couple of things. Certainly the proximity to the largest city in the state of South Dakota. That provides opportunities. ... We have a cooperative group in terms of what we want to get done and how we’ll get it done. We work cooperatively with the City Council. There are a lot of quality people here.”

Q: What’s your advice for other communities?

A: “Have a plan, have an idea of where you want to go and be adaptable.”

Q: How do you find time to balance your job and your family?

A: “The older one gets, the more one understands the importance of that. Unfortunately when the kids are younger – we have four – the pressure is to do what you can to earn favorable standard of living for them. Sometimes you’re maxed. It’s important to make time.
On earth the most important thing is family and friends. That’s easier to understand when one is older. I can think back to things when I should have and I didn’t. If I have regrets, it would be that time. All four of our children are successful and close to us. My wife helps keep me grounded in that way as well.”

Q: What kind of music is in your car or what do you listen to on the radio?

A: “I’m an oldies guy, basically that and religious. Radio station-wise I listen to KNWC, KISD 98.7, 107.9. My CDs are all religious. I like gospel quartets, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. I’m a drummer, so I’m a beat guy. I like any kind of music that has a beat and moves to it. I’m a dial hopper, if there’s something I don’t like, I’ll go on to something else.”

Q: Do you have a charity or organization that’s especially close to your heart?

A: “My wife and I are big supporters of missionaries. We support a number not only through our local church but personally. I’m impressed with their commitment to give up everything and do that. Also important is support of our military. I am a veteran, and once you are you understand that a little better. They need our support.”

Q: What sparked your commitment to community service?

A: “I alluded earlier to the fact that I felt I received a lot. I was blessed with a great opportunity in this area. That worked well for me, and I hope it worked well for other people. I’ve got time and don’t have the greatest abilities, but I have the time and the opportunity to do some things.”

Q: What’s your favorite childhood memory?

A: “People use the term good old days a lot, and they tend to forget what they were like. But they forged who we are. I’m one of seven children. My father was the son of a pastor who also farmed, and my mother was the daughter of a barber. My father became a farmer. After the eighth grade he had to leave school to farm. He farmed with my mother, and they raised seven children. I was oblivious to things. They sacrificed a lot to provide us with opportunities. I understand that more completely now.”

Q: If you could have dinner with two or three people, alive or dead, who would you choose and why?  

A: “The apostle Paul. He was brilliant, the most brilliant man of his time. George Washington. Of all the places I’ve visited, Mount Vernon fascinated me the most. I’m a Dodgers fan, so I’d say Sandy Koufax. He’s a guy that’s very well-read and articulate. That would be a great conversation.”

Q: What do you think are the best and worst things about living in the Sioux Falls area?

A: “For me, part of the reason I came back here was to raise a family. I taught in Vermillion for six years after I got out of the military. I’m on the family farm. I was able to raise my family on the farm right on the edge of Lennox, now just 15 minutes from the largest city in the state. It’s all right here. We get the best Sioux Falls has to offer without being in it. Quite honestly, I wouldn’t want to live any place else.

I suppose if there would be something negative it would be the fact that Sioux Falls has grown by leaps and bounds. At some point in time, Sioux Falls isn’t going to quite be the Sioux Falls we remember it as. It’s kind of different to hear that coming from a economic development guy, but it’s necessary, and it changes things. It’s a plus, but sometimes it can be negative if they change drastically.”