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The Question and Answer feature helps readers learn more about prominent people in the business community. This issue’s Q&A profiles Brenda Wyland, economic development director for South Eastern Council of Governments. As part of her duties, she works on behalf of Dakota Business Finance and South Eastern Development Foundation. She will be honored at a reception April 26 as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Financial Services Champion of the Year in South Dakota.
Q: Tell me about your hobbies.
A: “I enjoy reading, traveling, visiting with friends and family, going to the lake.”
 Brenda Wyland of the South Eastern Council of Governments (Inertia/for the SFBJ)
A: “I’ve always had an interest in helping others. I started out in the lines of strategic planning and long-term planning, and that evolved from helping communities and counties to small businesses. I worked for an international architecture firm in Kansas City, and when we moved to Sioux Falls that was not available here, so I started at SECOG. It’s the same field, just a different target market. My position has evolved from there. I’ve always had an interest in architecture and design and the business aspect. But it’s one thing to design a building and another to operate it. So I’ve come full circle now, helping small businesses. It’s more of a comprehensive approach to the business world.”
Q: What do you enjoy most about work?
A: “The part I enjoy the most is helping small businesses get the right kind of financing. It’s rewarding to see them get their business up and running.”
Q: Describe a typical business that your programs help.
A: “We help business in all industries, typically someone really starting out or expanding. In either case, they’re looking for the right kind of financing that they need to get started or take it to the next level.”
Q: What drives most entrepreneurs you work with? A desire to make money, to be their own boss?
A: “It’s a combination. They truly have a passion for what they do and think they can do it better on their own. ... Making money is down the road.”
Q: What’s the most important aspect to success for a start-up?
A: “Having a true understanding of how to run a business. These people are good at what they do. They have to have that passion and commitment, but they have to have a real understanding of the business side of it. That’s something that’s overlooked.”
Q: What’s your key piece of advice for a start-up?
A: “It’s important to have a thorough understanding of what owning your own business needs. There are lots of great resources out there, lots of people to help. You definitely take advantage of those.”
Q: What’s your definition of a successful small business?
A: “The business who is able to achieve the goals they set out with, and not necessarily financial goals. Being able to enter the market they wanted, building a customer base, being a good corporate citizen. They are truly successful when they get up and running and do what they want to do.”
Q: How do you find time to balance your job and your family?
A: “It’s important to make time for both. I try to do that. I’m strategic in the hours I do work. Sometimes, I’ll come in early, work through lunch. Sometimes there will be meetings at night. It’s a balance of spending time with family and my commitment to doing my job.”
Q: What kind of music is in your car or what do you listen to on the radio?
A: “I listen to ’80s, ’90s, some rock, country, a little bit of everything.”
Q: If you could have dinner with two or three people, alive or dead, who would you choose and why?
A: “The first would be my sister, Tammy. She died a couple of years ago unexpectedly. I’d love to have dinner with her. Bill Gates – he truly represents every small business’ dream. He represents what a small business can lead to.”
Q: What are the best and worst things about living in Sioux Falls?
A: “The best is definitely the people. We have a great resource in the people that are here. The business community is a true benefit. The worst thing is probably the cold, but that’s OK. You can’t change that.” The Wyland file
Name: Brenda Wyland
Title: Economic development director for South Eastern Council of Governments
Hometown: Emery
Age: 30
Background: Graduated from Emery High School; associate’s degree in architectural engineering, Southeast Technical Institute; bachelor’s degree in facilities management, North Dakota State University; MBA, University of Sioux Falls; worked for architectural firm in Kansas City; moved back to South Dakota in fall 2000; started at SECOG in spring 2001
Family: Husband, Jeremy
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