The Good Life – March-April 2024

DAD LIFE
Navigatiing THE Conversatiion
A Guide to Discussing Dating with Your Pre-Teen Son
WRITTEN BY: PAUL HANKEL
As your pre-teen son enters a phase of self-discovery
(and hopefully everyday hygiene practices) and begins to
show interest in relationships, every parent must open
up a healthy and supportive dialogue about dating and
appropriate interactions with the opposite sex. While it
may seem challenging, fostering open communication
is essential for your child's emotional and social
development. In terms of my own pre-teen, my goal is to
help him navigate this new territory with confidence and
respect.
Start Early and Keep It Casual
There is no absolute set time that a parent should begin,
“the talk”. Some children mature earlier, some are late
bloomers. However, it is important to set a framework for
dating and healthy relationships as soon as your son can
grasp the concept.
Having conversations about dating shouldn't be a onetime
event; it's a process that should start early and evolve
as your son ages. To begin - introduce casual discussions
about friendships and relationships, creating a foundation
for more in-depth discussions as your child ages. By
incorporating these conversations into everyday life, you'll
make the subject feel more natural and less intimidating
or embarrassing.
Be More of a Listener
One of the keys to effective communication with pre-teens,
especially boys, is active listening. Create an environment
where your son feels comfortable sharing his thoughts
and experiences. By being an active listener, you'll build
trust and encourage your child to seek guidance when
facing challenges.
Share Your Own Experiences
You may be tempted to give advice based on your own
dating experiences, some of which may be negative. It
is important to include a caveat with said experiences
and to impart the fact that everyone’s dating experiences
are wildly different in most cases. By offering personal
anecdotes, you'll humanize the conversation and show
your son that you understand the complexities of
relationships. Share the lessons you've learned along the
way, both the positives and negatives, and impart wisdom
without being too “preachy”.
Discuss Emotional Intelligence
Dating is the ultimate test of emotional intelligence. Help
your son recognize and understand his own emotions
and those of others. Discuss the importance of empathy,
self-awareness, and effective communication in building
meaningful connections. Encourage him to be in touch
with his feelings and in tune with the feelings of those
around him, especially a romantic partner.
Be Ready and Willing to Apologize
When dating, will your son need to know when and how to
apologize? Absolutely. Will he sometimes feel like he isn’t
in the wrong? For sure.
This is one of those universal scenarios that there isn’t
a definitive answer for. I explain it best by saying: just
because you don’t feel like you’re wrong, doesn’t mean
2 | THE GOOD LIFE

you didn’t do something “wrong,” (ie hurt your partner’s
feelings). An apology, followed by forgiveness, is always the
first step on the road to fixing an issue.
Does the above paragraph mean that your son is always in
the wrong and should just default to an apology when his
romantic partner is upset? No. The adage of, “happy wife,
happy life,” is outdated and often taken out of context to
mean that we, as males, are always wrong. What it instead
means is that, in a holistic sense, ensuring that his romantic
partner is happy within the confines of their relationship is
his duty as a partner and should, therefore, be a constant
priority in his relationship.
Peer Pressure
Pre-teens often face peer pressure, and this is especially
true when it comes to dating. Smoking, drinking, dating,
sex, and misbehavior are all common pitfalls in the teenage
experience.
Discuss the significance of making smart choices and
not giving in to social and peer pressure. Help your son
understand the importance of being true to himself
and choosing relationships that align with his values
and priorities. Also, be sure that he is fully aware of the
consequences of deviating from those values and priorities.
Establish Boundaries
While encouraging independence, it's crucial to help your
son establish healthy boundaries in his relationships and to
recognize those same boundaries in any romantic partners
he may choose to be in a relationship with. Discuss the
concept of personal space, the importance of consent,
and the significance of setting limits. To summarize: “no,”
means, “no,” for both parties, full stop.
Sometimes it’s OK to Stick with the Classics
While love and relationships continue to evolve and
progress, I will never not try and instill a sense of the
“classic gentlemen,” in my son. In this household we:
• open car doors and pull out chairs
• greet each other in the mornings and say goodnight
before bed
• send flowers just because
• dress to impress
• offer to pay on dates
• hold hands and walk nearest to the curb
Talking to your pre-teen son about dating may seem
exhaustive and uncomfortable (it is), but it is a crucial
aspect of his overall development. By initiating open, nonjudgmental
conversations, teaching the importance of
respect and emotional intelligence, and sharing your own
experiences, you can guide your son through this exciting
yet challenging phase of life.
Keep in mind that, at the end of the day, the goal of
raising sons is simple: to raise conscious, empathetic, and
productive young men who are of benefit to society. •
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CONTENTS
MARCH-APRIL 2024
VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 5
18
ON THE COVER
ERIK HOPPERSTAD
DREAMING BIG IN A SMALL CITY
Fargo Allows PRx Performance and
Other Businesses to Boom
02
DAD LIFE
NAVIGATING THE CONVERSATION
A Guide to Discussing Dating
with Your Pre-Teen Son
06
MAKIN' THE GARDEN GROW
Planning and preparing for a
successful garden.
10
HAVING A BEER WITH
SCOTCH, TANK AND MANDY
from "The Wake Up Call"
14
MATTHEW'S VOICE PROJECT
Being a Voice for Those Who Need It Most
Fargo-based nonprofit helps local
students experiencing homelessness
24
MEN CAN DO POLE FITNESS
Busting up stereotypes by warmly
welcoming male athletes into the studio
for a workout unlike any other.
28
HOMEWARD ANIMAL SHELTER
Looking for Some-bunny to Love?
30
LOCAL HERO
MARVIN NICKLAY
VALOR NEVER RETIRES
Veteran Marches On, Creating a Legacy
of Volunteerism
COVER IMAGE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DARREN LOSEE
DESIGN BY: DAWN SIEWERT
HAIR BY: TREV'S BARBERSHOP
4

PUBLISHED BY
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Dawn Siewert
dawn@urbantoadmedia.com
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Darren Losee
darren@urbantoadmedia.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Paul Hankel
Ben Hanson
Jeffrey Miller
Hillary W. Sorenson
Emma Vatnsdal
Amy Wieser Willson
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dawn@urbantoadmedia.com
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urbantoadmedia.com | 5

6 | THE GOOD LIFE
WRITTEN BY: JEFFREY MILLER

The first step in a successful garden
is deciding what is going to be
planted.
Even the mildest of winters has me looking towards
spring. Daydreams of sunshine, warm soil and
growing plants consume my thoughts during the late
winter. Fortunately, planning and preparation at this
time of year can pay dividends come summer.
What to Plant?
The first step in a successful garden is deciding what
is going to be planted. It seems like I get a new seed
and garden catalog nearly daily in my mailbox, and it
pays to sit down and leaf through each one.
There are some yearly standbys that my family has
found that they like best. Long ago I decided bush
beans weren’t for me, as I got tired of bending over
and picking the low hanging beans. Instead, I put up
a pair of sheep wire trellis for two rows of pole beans.
Pole beans grow up and vine around the wire, making
picking a breeze.
In years past, I had grown Blue Lake pole beans
exclusively. However, last year I decided to compare
them to Seychelles pole beans and discovered they
grew well and had a better flavor. This year I’ll be
ordering more of those!
My family eats a lot of potatoes, so each year I plant
nearly 160 hills. Yukon Gold is the mainstay, but I’ll
also put in reds and whites as well. I ordered my seed
potatoes through the mail last year, and on planting
day I ended up running short by ten seed spuds.
Luckily, I hadn’t cleaned out the potato storage rack
in the basement. Some of the spuds in storage had
started to grow eyes, and it was a piece of cake to split
the potatoes and finish my planting.
Order your seeds early, to make sure that they arrive in
plenty of time for planting. Store them in a cool, dark
place until planting day. Seeds can also be saved from
season to season in the same manner. I’ve recently
started seed saving. Seed saving is the process of
harvesting mature fruits and removing the viable seed
to plant the next year. In particular, there is an okra
variety that is very difficult to find from seed houses.
If it works, I’ll just keep a stash of viable seeds each
year to alleviate the need to find the seeds. After all, I
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need to make sure my pantry has plenty of quart jars
of pickled okra for winter!
Some gardeners can start peppers and tomatoes
at home, under grow lights. Unfortunately, I am not
one of those. My plants always turn out spindly and
anemic, no matter how much I try. Because of that,
I always plan to purchase started plants from local
greenhouses. That way I know I’m getting a healthy
plant.
Garden size is extremely important when planning
for the season. Plants that vine like pumpkins, winter
squash, watermelon and cucumbers require plenty
of space, making them difficult to raise if the garden
is small. It’s easy to over plant in the spring,
resulting in a mess come summer.
Garden size is extremely
important when planning
for the season.
Gardening Extras
Before the hustle and bustle of spring arrives, try to
think back to what caused any struggle the previous
year. I always have a hard time seeding small seeds like
carrots and parsnips, so this year I plan on ordering
seed tape. It should be easier than spilling most of the
seeds on the ground!
Kneeling pads are also something that I began
purchasing last year. Spending a couple of hours with
a cushion between me and the ground makes life
much easier, to say the least.
Garden Prep
The first few days of warm sunshine in the early spring
almost makes it worth the entire winter. The snow
starts to melt, the twinkle of water in the rain gutters
is heard, and my girls start tossing the softball
around the back yard.
Once the snow is gone, it’s easy to jump
the gun. The best advice is to WAIT! Let
the ground warm up, as seeds planted
in cold soil do nothing but rot. Many
gardeners will start to clean up the detritus
8 | THE GOOD LIFE

from the previous season, but in doing so do a
disservice to the overwintering pollinators. Leave
any flowers, veggies and even weed debris until
the daytime temperatures start to hit 50 degrees.
At that point, pollinating insects will have vacated
their winter homes.
Weeds are always a struggle, and most gardeners
exacerbate the problem by tilling the soil before
planting. While the scent of freshly worked earth
is lovely, and to many people the sight of black
soil is very appealing, working the ground invites
weeds to set up shop. Nature abhors exposed soil,
and tilling moves seed to the top of the soil profile.
Cool season weeds will explode.
Instead of tilling, try no-till gardening this year. I
use 3 mil woven weed barrier fabric, moving the
panels each spring to rotate crops. Newspaper
and cardboard also will work, with the added
benefit that they will decompose into the soil.
With a garden nearly a half-acre in size, we
simply don’t have enough time in the day to spend
weeding. The weed barrier keeps weed pressure
to a minimum as well as conserving moisture
on hot days. Another benefit of no-till is that the
complexity of the soil structure remains. The
complex web of ecology in the soil is disrupted by
tillage and requires additional inputs to the soil to
replace what is lost.
Hit the Ground Running!
Once it’s go time, it’s easy to get into the soil when
you have planned the vegetables’ locations, have
the seed ready to go and have your tools ready.
Proper preparation makes it easier to make your
garden grow! •
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HAVING A BEER WITH | SCOTCH, TANK AND MANDY
HAVING A BEER WITH
THE WAKE UP CALL
WRITTEN BY: BEN HANSON
PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA | ILLUSTRATION BY: NOEL "SCOTCH" ANDERSON
It was an afternoon of firsts for
all of us that day at Drekker’s
Brewhalla. Amanda “Mandy”
Krautkraemer, the newest
addition to Froggy 99.9’s
morning show, had never been
interviewed before. Nor had Mark
“Tank” Hamre (whose stature
doesn’t match his nickname).
And apparently nobody has ever
asked Noel “Scotch” Anderson
about his signature hairstyle, at
least not on the record.
10 | THE GOOD LIFE
As for me, I had never groupinterviewed…
uh, what do you
call a group of radio DJs? A
bumper? An arbitron? We may
never know. Regardless, the trio
of prodigious personalities that
make up “The Wake Up Call”
made it easy. Their instinct to
not speak over one another was
incredibly helpful.
Still, it was a fast-paced
conversation that began before
we even took our seats. While
loitering at the bar ordering
beers, a toddler-sized juice
box suddenly materialized in
Mandy’s hands. The mother of
two claims the server offered it
to her, but it looked suspiciously
like a secret purse snack to the
rest of us. Again, we may never
know.
So belly up as we get to know
Mandy, Tank and Scotch over
more than a couple of midday
beers.

Where’s everybody from?
Scotch: Hawley, Minn. I moved
to Fargo when I was 18, moved
back to raise my family and just
moved back to Fargo three years
ago.
Tank: Hillsboro, N.D. I moved to
town in 2000.
Mandy: I’m Originally from
Morris MN, been here since 2005,
MSUM, Off and on in radio from
2010, left in 2016, came back in
2021… interim run away from
radio to Discovery Benefits.
How’d you end up the butt of
the world’s laziest joke (face for
radio)?
Scotch: I’ve been in radio for
30 years, although I left for a
year to draw comics for the
Fargo Forum. Apparently, I drew
boobs that were too big for their
readers to handle.
Mandy: It’s a similar story for
all of us… leave and come back,
leave and come back.
Tank: The good ones always
return! I was 19 years old when
I got my first radio job, and my
first paycheck bounced. But I’m
still here.
Speaking of jokes, aren’t you
three basically a “how many
people does it take to host a
morning show” setup waiting
for a punchline?
Scotch: Well, it’s kind of tough to
bounce jokes off yourself [idiot].
It was nice to get paired up with
Tank again, as we’re each other’s
best audience, and Mandy is the
perfect foil.
Tank: Yeah, you want it to be a
party in the morning, get their
day going, make ‘em laugh.
Mandy: These two are like
walking dad jokes, and I'm the
cheerleader of the dad jokes.
That’s how I explain them both,
I work with two walking dad
jokes.
Present company excluded,
who’d be your dream co-host?
Tank: It’s cliché, but I wouldn’t
want to do this with anyone else.
Corporate radio is taking over.
The computer has taken over.
Scotch: I’d find somebody else in
an instant.
Mandy: We finally found this
mashup!
Tank: Let’s all say Joel Heitkamp.
Mandy, I can’t help but notice
the lack of a nickname. What
gives?
Mandy: I wanted to be Chloe,
but they said no because Chloe
didn’t sound like a radio name.
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HAVING A BEER WITH | SCOTCH, TANK AND MANDY
So they were like, we'll call you
Mandy for now and think of
something. Nope.
Tank: I got my nickname from Big
Eddie [Ed Schultz]. I was his first
full-time radio producer. He told
me in my interview If I hire you, I’m
going to call you Tank McNamara.
He literally changed my life… I
was Mark for 22 years, but not
anymore.
What’s the dumbest thing you’ve
ever heard someone say live on
the radio?
Mandy: Aside from what I say?
Scotch: We were playing this game
where Mandy gives us a word and
we’d make up the definition… The
word was forgettaboutit, but it
came out fudge about it.
Tank: I worked for Ed Schultz,
where do you want me to start,
day one or day 840?
Do you own any Guiness-style
records, official or unofficial?
Scotch: I did the longest movie
watching marathon several
years ago. We had to watch sixty
hours of movies. At the Century
Theater… it was Dewey and I. We
had to have someone come and
take records, observe, we had a
12
No dead air for this trio of early-morning
risers… despite missing their nap.

nurse on hand. The record got broken quickly,
but I didn’t want to do it again. It wrecked my
brain.
Scotch, at what point in your life did you stop
experimenting with hairstyles and opt for the
fresh out-of-bed look?
Scotch: It’s sad to say but I’ve probably had the
same hairstyle since 1987, with the exception
of trimming the mullet. As soon as I discovered
punk rock. My wife hates it when we go out
because people recognize my hair.
How many days a week are you guys getting
a nap in?
Scotch: Naps are a priority. I get at least a twohour
nap every day. I get to work at 3:00 a.m.
Tank: I got another job, but at least two a
week. It just makes everything easier.
Mandy: Never, I’m a mom. I do fall asleep at
8:30 p.m. without trying. Turn the TV on and
I’m out in five minutes.
Who’s the last person you want to see when
you walk into a sauna?
Tank: We don’t need to answer that question,
we’ve been in the locker room at the YMCA.
Scotch: Those old men are so comfortable
walking around naked.
Most famous person you’ve ever interacted
with?
Scotch: I got to go to the Larry Flynt Friars Club
roast. I met Ron Jeremy, Pauly Shore, Anna
Nicole Smith, Larry Flynt… got my picture taken
with Larry and Eddie Griffin. I was having
cocktails with all these people in the VIP area
because I had done the artwork for the back of
the program.
Tank: When I was working for Eddie… John
Kerry, Hillary Clinton, Joe Lieberman, Byron
Dorgan.
Mandy: Taylor Swift… it was a meet and greet.
I told her she smells nice. She said “Oh, you’re
so sweet,” and we took a picture and that was
it.
What does the good life mean to you?
Scotch: We don’t take days off, because it’s
too much fun doing the show. In the words of
Stephen Stills, “If you can’t be with the one you
love, love the one you’re with.”
Tank: I left for a while, and I couldn't find my
happy spot when I wasn’t on the radio. With
the right people, it’s not a job.
Mandy: A job you love, a job your spouse
loves, a healthy family and a bunch of really
good friends. Oh, and not to be the boss. •
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14 | THE GOOD LIFE

Being a Voice For Those
Who Need It Most
Fargo-based nonprofit helps local students
experiencing homelessness
WRITTEN BY: EMMA VATNSDAL
High school.
The one place that brings up some of the biggest
memories for nearly everyone who attended.
Football games, art class, pep rallies, school dances –
everyone had their time to shine. Remember studying
all night for the big test? Or the anxiety that came with
running “the mile” in gym class?
Now imagine going through some of the most important
years of your life, all while experiencing homelessness
at the same time.
That’s the reality for more than 900 students in the
Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo area, and the number
keeps growing.
But one group is trying to change that.
Matthew’s Voice Project is a Fargo non-profit that aims
to elevate youth out of homelessness by providing the
resources they need to reach graduation and beyond.
“We are designed primarily to bridge the gap between
what the students need and what the schools can
provide,” said Jenny Schuster, co-founder and board
president. “The schools do amazing work, but they
are limited in the things they can actually provide to
the students. That’s when we step in. We’re there for
emergency needs.”
Emergency needs, like a warm coat for these harsh
North Dakota winters or exercise clothes so students
can participate in gym class. If there’s a need for
something, chances are Matthew’s Voice Project can
help students get it.
“I always tell people that we’re not the hospital, we’re
the ambulance,” said Schuster. “We come in and
immediately do everything we can – everything that is
urgent and emergent, and get it to them right away.”
Area schools have the opportunity to apply for what
is called the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance
Act, a federal law created to support the enrollment
and education of homeless students. It’s intended
urbantoadmedia.com | 15

to provide these students the same educational
opportunities as housed students by removing as
many barriers to learning for homeless students as
possible.
But this law comes with limits.
“One of the limitations of the Act is that (schools)
get a certain amount of money,” said Calli Adamson
Bakken, volunteer coordinator with Matthew’s Voice
Project. “And they have limitations with how they can
use it. There are programs in place that can provide
specific services, like getting mental health services
for students, but if they don’t have transportation to
get to that appointment, how great is that resource for
them? That’s where we come in.”
From gas cards to get to appointments to winter
clothing to stay warm in the winter and everything
in between Matthew’s Voice Project works hard to
provide. Just like it has been for the past 12 years.
Matthew’s Voice Project started out focusing on
students ages 12 to 21. However, in the more than a
decade since, they’ve followed the liaisons’ leads as
to where the need is greatest with one main goal: get
kids to graduation.
“It’s not just our community experiencing this,” said
Schuster, referring to the growing population of
students without a place to call their own in the Fargo
metro area. “It’s everywhere, but we can do something
here. So my goal, our goal as a group and organization
is to do what we can, when we can the best we can and
make a difference in these kids’ lives so they actually
know someone cares about them.”
In addition to the emergency needs and funding they
provide, Matthew’s Voice Project hosts a clothing
closet for social workers and school liaisons to “shop”
for things they need on behalf of students. Donations
from local businesses and community members help
to ensure this closet is stocked with things needed
most and partnerships with other local nonprofits
allow the love to be shared area-wide.
“I could never have seen it going from the very
conception to where it’s at right now,” said Schuster.
“But I’m so thankful that people have come alongside
and have taken part in (Matthew’s Voice Project) and
have said ‘I don’t know if you need help, but I am
willing to help.’ At the end of the day, the only way
we can do this is because other people are willing to
volunteer their time and efforts and skills and gifts.”
Want to get involved? Visit MatthewsVoiceProject.
com to see the items on their Top Needed Items list.
You can also find links to their Amazon wishlist, as
well as other opportunities to make an impact through
monetary donations.
You can also follow them on Facebook and join their
email list for upcoming volunteer opportunities. •
16 | THE GOOD LIFE

• There are approximately
950 students identified as
experiencing homelessness
across Fargo, Moorhead
and West Fargo.
• High School graduates
earn an average of $10k
more each year than those
who do not complete high
school. (U.S. Census Bureau)
• From 2009 to 2019, the
U.S. saw a 70% increase
in identified students
experiencing homelessness.
• Students experiencing
homelessness in N.D. are 31%
less likely to graduate high
school than their peers.
• Nationally, it’s projected
that as many as 50% of
students experiencing
homelessness have not
been identified.
urbantoadmedia.com | 17

ON THE COVER | ERIK HOPPERSTAD
DREAMING BIG
IN A SMALL CITY
Fargo Allows PRx Performance
and Other Businesses to Boom
WRITTEN BY: HILLARY W. SORENSON
PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
A 1996 cult classic, two-time Academy Award-winning movie, and now FX
series, “Fargo,” created a less than desirable image of the “North of Normal”
community, Fargo. In 2016, Fargo’s mayor, Tim Mahoney, said that despite the
film's success, it reflected “an unfair stereotype and appearance” of his city.
Fargo, not only took back the woodchipper (if you know, you know) but
embraced its eccentricities with the daring slogan “North of Normal.”
The official trademark slogan leaves some room for interpretation,
however, the statement declares there is far more to the city
than desolate plains, cold winters, and exaggerated accents –
including, but not limited to, booming business potential.
In 2024, Forbes Advisor named North Dakota the best state
to start a business. However, well before the rest of the
world caught on, Erik Hopperstad and Brian Brasch were
already kicking off their business ventures by starting PRx
Performance right here in Fargo.
WHAT IS PRX PERFORMANCE?
Hopperstad and Brasch met through their wives, and on
a summer evening in 2013 surrounding a campfire the
dream of PRx was sparked. The pair, who are both fitness
enthusiasts, had an idea for a barbell collar. “We quickly
realized that it was going to take a lot longer to get to market
than we anticipated, so we had to find other opportunities,”
Hopperstad said. “At that time we had a large competitor that
was preaching to fitness enthusiasts to give up their entire
garages and fill it with weight lifting equipment – which is
awesome, but especially around here, we love our garages, and
we’ve learned that people feel that way all over the country. So,
that’s when we set out to design equipment that people could
get the same experience from, but when they weren’t using it,
it wasn’t taking up any space.”
18 | THE GOOD LIFE

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ON THE COVER | ERIK HOPPERSTAD
PRx Performance designs both commercial
and consumer equipment and has always
kept customer satisfaction at the forefront.
Whether the equipment is being used by a
new mom or dad who isn’t able to make it to
the gym every day or someone who lives out of
town, the equipment is the same quality that
one would find in a gym.
Hopperstad explained that the name PRx
comes from two acronyms that they melded
together. “PR,” which stands for “personal
record,” and “Rx,” which means “as
prescribed.”
SHARK TANK EPISODE 718
PRx Performance was already in full-swing
production when Brasch and Hopperstad got
the opportunity of a lifetime and appeared on
the show Shark Tank.
I think Kevin O’Leary and the
Wonder Fund in the state of
North Dakota are doing a good
job of pulling that curtain back.
There’s a lot to offer here, and
North Dakota is a fantastic
place to do business.”
– ERIK HOPPERSTAD
Shark Tank, which first aired in 2009, is an
American business reality television series
that features entrepreneurs presenting their
businesses to venture capitalists known as
“sharks.” Following the business owner(s)
pitch, the “sharks” determine whether or not
they want to invest. Even without receiving an
offer, appearing on the show has been shown
to boost product sales by 10 to 20 percent –
this is known as the “Shark Tank effect.”
In June of 2015, unable to tell a soul except
their spouses, Hopperstad and Brasch were
featured on an episode of Shark Tank. To
make matters even more exciting, they got
the deal! How the pair ended up auditioning
for the show was somewhat coincidental, as
they were in Miami doing a trade show the
same weekend as the auditions. However,
everything that followed the auditions came
down to hard work and determination.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: ERIK HOPPERSTAD
To prepare, not only did Hopperstad and
Brasch watch all six seasons of Shark Tank
(for research purposes, of course), but they
studied each judge’s typical line of questioning
and made sure each was a wiz at a specific
area of their company e.g. marketing, finance,
strategy, operations, and installation.
Their episode didn’t air until Feb. 21, 2016,
and for eight months, they had to live in silent
reverie of their success. “It was kind of strange,
20 | THE GOOD LIFE

we went out to film, got this deal with Mr. Wonderful,
and then came home and had to get back to business
as usual,” said Hopperstad. “After about six months is
when we took the investment, and I think we had his
investment paid back in 18 months or less, and we’ve
just continued to rock from there.”
gem,” he said. “There’s so much that goes on here, and
there’s not a lack of opportunity.”
For the PRx team creating a fun, flexible, and familyoriented
environment was the goal. “That’s why you
hear loud music or you may see dogs, kids, or maybe
DREAMING BIG IN FARGO
For the newly budding business or hopeful
entrepreneur, a larger metropolitan area may be
something to consider, but for Hopperstad, who is
a self-described serial entrepreneur, the Fargo-
Moorhead area was, and still is, the perfect
location for his business ventures. He said
in his twenty years of living here, picking
up to move has never been on his
agenda (except maybe during the
winter). “We really have a hidden
urbantoadmedia.com | 21

ON THE COVER | ERIK HOPPERSTAD
even a basketball game when you visit. Our people
are our most valuable asset and we do our best to
treat them that way,” Hopperstad said.
Day-to-day at PRx isn’t much different than the
typical eight to five – some days Hopperstad
and his team are stuck in meetings, and other
days they are brainstorming groundbreaking
fitness equipment, but most days are “exciting,”
Hopperstad said. “The key is to be able to weed
out the garbage and the good with our team.”
Hopperstad said that he doesn’t necessarily
remember what he wanted to be as a kid, but
he wanted to work for himself, and he saw an
opportunity to make an impact in the fitness
world. “Fitness equals longevity,” Hopperstad said.
“Seeing the opportunity is the easy part, taking
action is harder. We saw an opportunity 11 years
ago – every day of the week there are hundreds of
people who will receive exercise equipment from
PRx, and they will be better off because of it.”
PRX IS MORE THAN SQUAT RACKS
The newest product line from PRx Performance
is one with a higher purpose and gives kids with
Our newest product line, SensoryRx,
offers structures and attachments
designed specifically for sensory
motor movement. From swings to
ladders to ziplines – every product
from SensoryRx is intentionally
made to be durable, versatile and
inclusive.”
22 | THE GOOD LIFE

disabilities the opportunity
to play and explore fitness.
“We believe everyone has
a right to move, no matter
their physical or cognitive
ability,” Hopperstad said.
“Our newest product line,
SensoryRx, offers structures
and attachments designed
specifically for sensory motor
movement. From swings to
ladders to ziplines – every
product from SensoryRx
is intentionally made to
be durable, versatile and
inclusive.”
Hopperstad said when it
comes to following through
with your dreams there are
a couple of different things
to remember. “Number one,
you have to believe in your
dreams, and number two,
you can’t listen to people
who might doubt you. I think
if people aren’t doubting
you, you aren’t thinking big
enough. And the key from
there is to take action. It
doesn’t have to be much - you
know, go find someone to talk
to who’s been there and done
that before because I think
you’ll quickly learn that those
people are more than willing
to share, help, and guide as
best they can.”
Hopperstad said that
ultimately creating a
business in Fargo has given
him “flexibility” to do what
he wants when he wants,
and for him, that’s a big part
of the Good Life. “I think of
the Good Life, and what that
means, I believe that means
doing what you want, when
you want, with who you want,
and I think the last ten years,
what we’ve done has really
allowed us to do that, so we
are pretty fortunate.” •
urbantoadmedia.com | 23

MEN
CAN DO
POLE
FITNESS
WRITTEN BY: BEN HANSON
PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
By day, he’s a mild-mannered city
employee, washing buses for the city
of Fargo. By night, he’s an athlete of
an unusual sort. When Tom Copple
walks into the studio at Zero Gravity,
he gets a rush he likens to that of
a kid at recess flying through the
schoolyard playground.
“My mentality when I’m on the
pole,” Copple explained, “is that I
imagine I’m a kid on the playground,
exercising on the monkey bars.”
“I imagine I’m a kid
on the playground,
exercising on the
monkey bars.”
His awakening to the world of
pole fitness (aka pole dancing,
pole performance, pole art or
pole athletics) was born from a
passion for the extreme sports
world of obstacle course racing. At
first, it was Ultimate Beastmaster
on Netflix, then American Ninja
Warrior. Ultimately, he set his sights
on training for a Tough Mudder race
this coming summer down in the
Twin Cities.
“I was looking for a way to
complement the exercise I was
already doing at another gym,”
Copple said. “I found out that pole
could be a viable fitness option, so I
typed in ‘pole fitness’ in Google and
up popped Zero Gravity.”
Fitness As Art
Gina Bushey, co-owner of Zero
Gravity Alternative Fitness, had a
similar inadvertent introduction
to the pole. While celebrating a
thirtieth birthday on a party bus, she
found herself dancing on the pole in
the middle of the bus. Something
clicked, and during her first few
classes at a private studio, she fell in
love with the artform.
“A friend introduced me to someone
who taught classes,” Bushey
said. “So I checked that out and
absolutely fell in love with what she
was teaching.”
Those classes were held privately
in a small studio, seemingly away
24 | THE GOOD LIFE

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from public awareness. And for understandable reasons.
Everyday Jacks and Jills only associated pole dancing with
one thing.
“The fitness movement was moving away from just the gym,”
Bushey explained. “Things like aerial arts, hoops, Cirque du
Soleil style stuff were slowly earning their place. The pole at
the time wasn’t considered part of the aerial arts. It wasn't
associated with fitness… only strippers.”
Bushey wanted to bring pole fitness out into the daylight and
invite all who were interested to participate. She found a
willing and knowledgeable partner in Misty Tomchuk, who
was a lifelong multi-sport athlete and had the same passion
and vision as Bushey.
“We were like let’s go big and not be ashamed!” Bushey said.
“So we opened our own place. We do performances, we do
private events like fundraisers, and of course a variety of
classes like basic pole, heels, twerk dance classes.”
And believe it or not, Bushey and Tomchuk had men in mind
when building their business.
“We knew there was a lot of interest from men,” Bushey said.
“It was one of the reasons why we started our own business
– a lot of gentlemen wanted to attend at the previous studio,
but it was women only. We thought it didn’t make sense to
turn away business… you don’t see a traditional gym turning
away men because they’re afraid of what would happen if
you allow men and women to get sweaty in the same space.”
A valid point. One proven – and perhaps vindicated – by
client feedback.
“Women feel secure here,” Bushey said confidently.
“Absolutely. The whole idea here is to be encouraging and
supportive. If a guy comes and you can tell he feels awkward,
the rest of the class throws them encouragement. They know
it’s taken some extra courage to be there and that he’s there
for the right reasons. I’ve never had someone come up to me
and say hey we gotta get this guy outta here.”
Copple was relieved by the reception he got when he first got
on the pole. He says everyone there is really happy to have
him as a part of class, so much so that his participation has
been used as enticement for more men to check out a class.
“The thing that always strikes me as surprising whenever
I think about it, “ Copple said, “is that after the last two
shows I did… like days after… women would come up to me
and say that they used me as an example of why they [their
male partners] should go do pole. I’m honored and genuinely
surprised at that.”
Plans for Zero Gravity are all focused on growth and
exposing more people to the art, the toughness and the skill
of pole fitness. Bushey wants their public performances to
expand and to see audiences grow.
26 | THE GOOD LIFE

“We had some in-house recitals in the
beginning,” Bushey said, “but it was extremely
small. We want to go big… have friends and
family clapping, professional photographers
capturing the performances, actual shows so
the public can participate and see these artists
at work.”
To Be the Best Version of Yourself
As an Army Reserve Officer, part of Adam
Konieska’s training involved climbing up a
big rope — the kind you’d find in any 1990’s
elementary gymnasium, making fools out of
fourth-graders with nothing but a 3” foam floor
mat for “safety.” Konieska was the one kid who
actually liked the climb. Adult Konieska still
liked it.
“I liked doing it, and wanted to keep doing it,”
a wry Konieska said. “I joined a gym that had
a climbing rope, but one day the gym took it
down… kind of a safety thing. So I talked to some
friends and one of them knew Gina. I figured a
pole is basically a rope, and I could climb the
**** out of that.”
Konieska admits he had no appreciation for
just how physically difficult the pole would be.
It was not a rope, and the muscles used on the
pole include many not used on the rope… or
during any part of any normal day. Aside from
the unexpected exertion, Konieska had another
challenge.
“I was worried about being the weird guy that
showed up,” Konieska said, “but everybody was
really respectful and welcoming. It was a great
experience to be put at ease like that. Everyone
is there for the same reason… to be the best
version of themselves they can.”
“I was worried about being
the weird guy.”
Since joining Zero Gravity, Konieska has become
quite the pole athlete, and he’s expanded his
social circle. On a deeper level, he’s found pole
fitness to be a balm for prior insecurities.
“It actually helped me care less about what other
people think,” Konieska said calmly. “My mental
state, being more comfortable with myself… now
if I like something, I’m going to do it because it
makes me happy.”
Sounds like the good life. Who would’ve guessed
it’d be hiding at the top of a pole? As for Bushey,
her good life is focused on growing the sport
and welcoming in a diverse group of athletes
and performers. •
urbantoadmedia.com | 27

Looking for some-bunny to love?
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: HOMEWARD ANIMAL SHELTER
BELLO
Male | 2 years old | Orange Tabby & White DSH
Feline Leukemia positive
The name's Bello, which translates to beautiful in Spanish, and could not be any
more descriptive of me! I was in my foster home for nearly 24 hours when my
foster called the shelter to confirm I am 100% a lap kitty. I take turns sleeping in
the laps of everyone in the home, and when all the people are gone, I will curl
up with my Feline Leukemia foster kitty friends instead. I would love to share a
home with pets and kids, but because I am Feline Leukemia positive, I should
only be with other cats that are also Feline Leukemia positive. I have so much
to offer to any household, please look past my diagnosis and take a chance on
me! I'll be the snuggly companion you have always wanted, no doubt.
SOKKA
Male | 2 years old | Husky & Pit Bull Terrier Mix
I'm Sokka — an outgoing Pitsky with an unmatched love for human companionship.
My loyalty is evident as I eagerly seek affection and follow my humans for every
adventure. While I'm a bit of a lone wolf around other animals, I shine brightest
with people. My howl, a mix of husky attempt and soulful pit cry, echoes my deep
emotions and the yearning for a loving home. On top of that, I'm a natural in front
of the camera, with captivating blue eyes that steal hearts effortlessly. As your
photogenic partner, we might even become TikTok famous together! In essence, I'm
a unique blend of affection and independence, ready to bring exceptional love and
charm to a new home. Adopt me, and together we can embark on a journey filled
with love, happiness, and belonging. Can't wait to meet you!
DOJO
Male | 2 years old | Tabby DSH
Do you need a little more joy in your life? Are you a fan of playtime, fun, and a
little bit of kitty swagger? If you answered yes, then I’m the kitty for you. I am noholds-barred
happiness and confidence in a cat body. My friends at HAS tell me
they love my perfect tabby pattern, especially the little black markings over my
eyes that make my face SO expressive. So, if you are looking for a kitty who will
remind you to live-in-the-moment and enjoy every minute of the journey, fill out an
application for me — don’t wait! We shouldn’t waste another minute apart!
28 | THE GOOD LIFE

These are just a few of the
many faces in our care that
are patiently waiting for their
forever families to find them. We
know there’s a match out there
for all of them. And for all the
rest of their friends at the shelter
and in foster homes that aren’t
pictured here on these pages.
Maybe one has been waiting all
this time to rescue YOU... Adopt a
shelter pet today!
At Homeward Animal Shelter,
our mission is: “Rescue. Shelter.
Protect. Rehome.” We provide a
second chance at happiness to
lost, abandoned, and ownersurrendered
animals; and
educate the community on
the proper, loving, and kind
treatment of animals.
Homeward Animal Shelter is
committed to preventing animal
overpopulation and spays/
neuters all animals 6 months or
older before adoption. Since
its inception in 1966, Homeward
Animal Shelter has placed
nearly 41,000 animals in lifelong
homes. •
For information on adopting,
volunteering or to make a donation,
visit: homewardonline.org
LARS
BLUEY
BRONSON
Male | 1 ½ years old | Cattle Dog Mix
Greetings, I'm Bluey, a ball-loving, squeak-obsessed canine with a heart as
large as my paws. Bursting with boundless energy, I'm a big, strong guy who
adores playing, especially with squeaky balls. While my enthusiasm for play
is unmatched, I'm also a quick learner motivated by treats. Balanced and
disciplined, I've mastered commands and even formed furry friendships with
dogs and cats. With my handsome features, including the best-looking ears
in town, I'm eager to find a home and family. As a spirited, big-hearted pup, I
promise to bring joy, laughter, and a whole lot of ball-squeaking fun into your life.
Ready for a howlin' good time? I’m your guy!
Male | 4 years old | Orange Tabby & White DSH
Hey guys! I'm Lars, and if you are familiar with orange cats, you may already suspect
I LOVE food and am always down for a good time. I am very social and outgoing,
and love to play, but will also snuggle up next to you when I am tired out. I feel that
everyone needs orange cat energy in their lives, so let me fulfill yours! I will make you
laugh and be the best companion to any active household. Come hang out with me,
give me a couple snacks, and we will be friends forever!
Male | 4 years old | Pit Bull Terrier Mix
I'm Bronson, a spirited and joyful fella in search of a forever home. With my
handsome brindle coat and a perpetual smile, I embody happiness and zest
for life. Playfulness is my forte, and I'm a ham, always ready to bring laughter
and cheer to any home. Social and friendly, I get along famously with everyone,
including cats, dogs, and kids. Thriving best with energetic canine companions, I
promise to be the perfect addition to your family, spreading love and joy through
games, snuggles, and simple pleasures. Beyond looks and playfulness, I have a
heart of gold, offering unwavering loyalty and boundless affection. If you're
seeking a four-legged friend brimming with warmth and enthusiasm, look
no further!

LOCAL HERO | MARVIN NICKLAY
WRITTEN BY: AMY WIESER WILLSON
PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
In his 83 years, Marvin J. Nicklay has seen a lot, and he’s
served a lot. Many of his stories are “off the record,” but
if you buy him a coffee, you just might be privy to more
tales. What’s on the record, though, paints a picture of
a man dedicated to serving his country and to helping
and honoring others who have done the same. A strong,
emotional passion still drives him today, as he stands in
the cold honoring veterans who have died without family
and friends. Now, they’re remembered as part of Nicklay’s
veteran family.
FROM GREEN RECRUIT TO SEASONED LEADER
He grew up on a dairy farm in Barnesville, Minnesota,
so it’s not a surprise that hard work is in his DNA. With
barely two dozen Holsteins and a twin brother, Maurice,
also on the farm, Nicklay knew there wouldn’t be enough
work to go around after high school. He earned a degree
in office management from Interstate Business College in
April 1962. When he set out to find a job post-graduation,
though, he quickly learned that no business would risk
hiring a military-aged man during the Vietnam War era
since their employment time could be short-lived.
His girlfriend at the time, LaVonne – now his wife of
almost 60 years – had a brother in the National Guard,
and he still remembers the day he headed to the armory
in Wahpeton, North Dakota, just to “check it out.” It was
July 2, 1962. That day launched a 32-year military career
and many decades more of service for the man who
carefully combs and pomades his hair and proudly wears
his Moorhead American Legion service cap atop it.
On October 10, 1962, Nicklay boarded a train in
Barnesville alongside Arnold Fankhanel, who was to
become his brother-in-law, and they headed to basic
training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. When they
arrived, they learned that instead of the typically
prescribed physical training, the blockade around Cuba
had prompted the base to replace it with a three-mile
march to the rifle range.
After basic training, Fankhanel trained as a mechanic and
Nicklay became a clerk-typist. At that time, a six-month
active-duty tour was required upon enlistment, which
started with basic military training and was followed
by Nicklay’s clerk training before he headed to the 14th
Corps Reserve Headquarters in Minneapolis to complete
the initial six months of service.
By the following summer, he was promoted to a
noncommissioned officer and served as a squad leader.
Numerous stateside missions for security and disaster
recovery followed: the 1963 Fairmont, North Dakota,
tornado; winter storm responses; an explosion at a
Milnor, North Dakota, manufacturing plant; a hydrogen
train derailment in Wyndmere, North Dakota; and many
floods.
“Whatever it was, I went,” he said.
That included training and schools in Fort Carson,
Colorado; Fort Lewis, Washington; Fort Drum, New York;
and six months at Sergeant Major Academy in Fort Bliss,
Texas.
When asked about his leadership style, he doesn’t need
to think.
“By the books,” he said without hesitation. “That’s the only
way to do it. That’s what they write the manual for. Sure,
sometimes you’ve got to change things if the situation is a
bit different from the manual.”
30 | THE GOOD LIFE

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LOCAL HERO | MARVIN NICKLAY
By 1989, he had earned the rank of first
sergeant and was ready to lead his first
overseas mission. His unit was scheduled to
do two-week rotations in Honduras to build
a road between towns.
“It was an eye-opener,” he said of his
first trip outside the United States. Most
transport was by foot or donkey. Clothes were washed
in creeks and laid on rocks to dry. Huts had openings
but no doors or windows that could close. Food was
made in clay ovens inside or next to huts. Fighting
was taking place with the nearby Nicaraguans, too,
and the conflict lodged a few bullet holes in the unit’s
equipment.
Nicklay returned to Honduras in 1992, when the
project wrapped up, for closing ceremonies.
Marching Ahead with Future Leaders
On November 1, 1994, – after “32 years, 4 months
and one day … well, maybe an hour or so short for the
full day” – Nicklay retired from the military. He had
earned the right to don a veteran cap and relax, but
that wasn’t his nature.
By 1996, he acknowledged something was missing
from his life, so he walked into Bentson Bunker
Fieldhouse at North Dakota State University, which
housed the college’s ROTC program, and offered
himself up. By that fall, he was volunteering at 7 a.m.
Wednesday mornings to teach the students drill and
ceremony. As an experienced NCO, he considered
marching and leading troops a specialty of his. He
returned every Wednesday evening to provide more
training.
That wasn’t all, though.
When Nicklay first approached the ROTC leadership
in the spring, they were packing up at the end of the
school year. When he returned in the fall, they were
packing up again, but this time for a field training
exercise at Camp Ripley, near Little Falls, Minnesota.
That was on a Thursday. The next day, Nicklay had his
bags packed and was heading out with them.
Due to the military drawdown at the time, there were
only three ROTC leaders on staff.
“I told them, ‘Whenever you get filled up or don’t need
me, just tell me. I don’t want to get in the way.’”
It seemed he never did interfere.
32 | THE GOOD LIFE

After more than seven years of
assisting with Army ROTC, he
walked across the hall and started
fresh with the Air Force ROTC
program. In all, he dedicated 20
years of his life to helping nurture
young military leaders.
“They’re just a great bunch of kids,” he
said.
He still stays in touch with some of
them. During his first semester with
the program, there were only two
cadets, and they were both women.
Last year, he got an invitation to
one of those cadet’s promotion
ceremonies. She rose to the
rank of brigadier general.
Leaving No Soldier Behind
This brings us to 2016, just
a couple of years before
Nicklay retired from working
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LOCAL HERO | MARVIN NICKLAY
full-time, which he had been doing all the while he
was serving and volunteering. Being in his mid-70s,
one would think it was time to fully enjoy some R&R
while cherishing the memories of his more than 50
years of volunteer service to the military.
You know that’s not where this story ends, of course.
Throughout the years, Nicklay had been providing
funeral honors, starting in Barnesville in 1963 and
continuing with the American Legion after moving
to Moorhead the following year. In 1997, he joined
the United Patriotic Bodies, which is comprised
of volunteers from local veteran organizations, to
provide funeral honors. The efforts stepped up after
the Fargo National Cemetery was dedicated in 2019.
Like all things in life, Nicklay went all in. He’s lost
count of how many times he has provided funeral
honors, but he keeps a log and knows the exact
count of how many have been laid to rest at the Fargo
National Cemetery: 902 as of the end of 2023, 145
of whom were veterans’ spouses. He’s paid honors
to most. He does more than just the actual funeral
honors, though. He works directly with the funeral
homes, and he alerts the team on times and dates.
When the cemetery was able to hire a manager, he
continued to coordinate and help while she got a feel
for the job responsibilities.
Even more so than his other volunteer work, this
one is deeply personal – especially when it comes to
veterans who die without family.
Nicklay chokes up talking about the first unclaimed
veteran to be buried at the Fargo National Cemetery.
“He’s gonna have a family,” he insisted with watery
eyes when he was told there wouldn’t be anybody
there.
Through veterans’ efforts, about 200 people came
to pay respects to that first unclaimed veteran. The
Legion Riders provided an escort from the funeral
home to the cemetery along with more than a dozen
classic car enthusiasts from the Valley Vintage Car
Club.
“From everywhere,” he said. “They were willing to
come.”
And they did.
“The TV station was there. Radio was there. We had
cars lined up at least a quarter mile back if not farther.”
They all showed up to respect a veteran they never
knew.
Ten more unclaimed veterans have since been laid
34 | THE GOOD LIFE

to rest at the cemetery, and each time, Nicklay
ensured they were sent off surrounded by their
new family of veterans.
Living The Good Life
So, what does a good life look like to Nicklay?
“Well, my toes are still pointing straight ahead,”
he said with a half-smile and a sparkle in his eye.
It’s more than that, though.
“Throughout the Guard years, and with ROTC,
and even now, without my family’s support,
including my wife, LaVonne, and daughters,
Sandy and Janice, I couldn’t do it.”
He tries “to make the best of what happens,” too.
“If you think you’ve got it tough, look around.
You’ll see you really ain’t got it so damn tough.” •
“IF YOU THINK YOU’VE GOT IT
TOUGH, LOOK AROUND.
YOU’LL SEE YOU REALLY AIN’T
GOT IT SO DAMN TOUGH.”
- MARVIN NICKLAY
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: MARVIN NICKLAY
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