This event is brought to you by Wildfire in partnership with Elevate Rapid City.
In this 90-minute professional development session, participants will explore how a clearly defined vision and mission serve as the strategic foundation of any successful startup. Whether you’re just launching or refining an existing venture, this workshop will guide you through the process of crafting purpose-driven statements that inspire your team, attract stakeholders, and drive decision-making.
Participants will learn the difference between a mission and a vision, examine real-world examples, and engage in hands-on exercises to draft and refine statements that reflect their startup’s unique goals and values. The course emphasizes alignment between these foundational statements and the overall strategic direction of the company.
Course Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will:
- Understand the distinct roles of mission and vision in organizational strategy
- Draft a clear, compelling mission statement for their startup
- Articulate a long-term vision that aligns with their strategic goals
About the Speaker:
Aaron Grinager
Aaron is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in healthcare administration, manufacturing, and higher education. Aaron is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and during the past eight years of adjunct teaching in innovation and entrepreneurship at SD School of Mines and Technology, he has encouraged numerous students to develop creative business ideas and assisted them in preparing for various business plan and pitch competitions.
Aaron earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from SD Mines and an MBA from the University of South Dakota. He has spent the past 18+ years working for the federal government, emphasizing process-based thinking in developing, deploying, and improving national programs to deliver benefits to veterans. Before that, he worked for 9 years with various manufacturing companies in quality assurance, supply chain management, industrial engineering, and production supervision roles. Aaron is also a veteran of the South Dakota Army National Guard.
With a keen eye for identifying opportunities and an obsession for driving improvement, Aaron has played a pivotal role in the success of multiple organizations. His strategic thinking, strong leadership skills, and ability to foster collaborative relationships make him an invaluable asset.
Aaron lives in Rapid City, SD with his wife and 3 children. He enjoys fishing, golfing, and swimming.
