Meet a member: Mindy Merchant
Mindy Merchant has worked for Walmart for 25 years and is currently an Academy Coach. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and leadership from Bellevue University. As a member of Leadership Sioux Falls class 38, Mindy enjoyed the opportunity connect with people and organizations that are impacting our community. She volunteers as a mentor with Teammates Mentoring of Sioux Falls and spends her spare time traveling, reading, listening to music or hanging out with family.
1. Why does Walmart choose to invest in a Chamber membership?
Chamber membership is the right thing to do. To me, it signifies that our facilities are rooted in the community in which our associates live and work and that we are proud to be a part of the Sioux Falls business community.
2. How did you choose your career?
I chose my career by accident. Growing up, I wanted to be an attorney. When I began working for the company in college, I fell in love with retail. The interactions with associates and customers, the constant changes, and the day-to-day experiences you encounter make for a rewarding career.
3. What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Step outside of your comfort zone and try in things (whether that is food, meeting new people, trying new activities). You will never know if you like something unless you try.
4. What is something you are optimistic about?
I am optimistic about the future of our community and the role which our youth will play in that. In the business community, you get the chance to see all the great things happening. In addition, having the experience of mentoring in the school district has allowed me to interact with the young people of today. They are excited for their chance to take on the world!
5. What is your favorite way to spend a day off in Sioux Falls?
Breakfast at The Original Pancake House, shopping with my niece followed by a walk through Falls Park. Dinner at one of the amazing restaurants downtown and a concert at the Premier Center.
6. How has your Leadership Sioux Falls experience impacted you professionally?
While being involved in Leadership Sioux Falls, I have had the opportunity to network with some amazing individuals. They have allowed me to get to know them and the organizations they are involved with that impact the community. This has given me the opportunity to get the business involved in these organizations that are making a difference in the community.
7. If you could witness any event of the past, present, or future, what would it be?
Being a Nebraska Cornhusker fan, I cannot wait to see another National Championship title come to Lincoln. Being a Minnesota Vikings fan, we have waited long enough for a Super Bowl trophy!
8. What is your go-to form of caffeine and how much do you consume in a day?
I am not much of a caffeine drinker, but I do start off my day with a Sprite Zero. My go-to drink would be a Strawberry Acai lemonade refresher from Starbucks.
9. What is a skill that you’d like to learn and why?
I would love to learn how to play the piano. I sang and played in the band during high school and college, but the piano was one instrument that I never learned how to play.
10. How do you approach challenges?
You must define the issue, set some goals to overcome the challenge, brainstorm possible solutions, rule out poor options for resolution, identify the best solutions, put those into play and examine your results.
