Ten Questions with Nick Blumer
Nick Blumer, a Sioux Falls native, is the co-owner and President of JD’s House of Trophies, which he revitalized with his wife, Kellee, after acquiring the business in 2021. Nick began his career serving in the Marine Corps, followed by sixteen years in the Air National Guard, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. His civilian roles have included positions in risk management & operations at a health care clearinghouse and the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center before becoming a small business owner. Under his leadership, JD’s House of Trophies earned the APA Small Business Retailer of the Year award in 2023.
Nick is dedicated to supporting veteran organizations and advocating for the recognition of military service. Through JD’s House of Trophies, he champions initiatives that honor veterans, including awards for military service and various recognition programs. Together with his wife, Kellee, they have one child, Austin, who is currently pursuing a degree in nursing.
1. What is a piece of advice you’ve received that has made a difference in your life?
A piece of advice that has resonated with me throughout my life came from my time in the Marine Corps and South Dakota Air National Guards: adapt and overcome. This mindset not only shaped my approach to challenges in life but also guided me through the complexities of running a small business like JD’s House of Trophies. It’s a reminder that success isn’t about avoiding difficulties, it’s about facing them head-on and finding a way to prevail.
2. If you could witness any event of the past, present, or future, what would it be?
If I could witness any event again, it would be the birth of our son Austin. That day was just so special, and it changed my whole perspective on life and gave me a deeper sense of purpose, not just as a father, but also in how I approach life and business.
3. What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was younger, I wanted to be an architect. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of building and creating. In many ways, running JD’s House of Trophies allows me to fulfill that dream. I may not be designing buildings, but I’m building a business and creating lasting relationships with customers through the products we offer.
4. What is one of Sioux Falls’ best-kept secrets?
Sioux Falls has so many hidden gems, but one of the best-kept secrets is the tight-knit, supportive business community. People here genuinely want to see each other succeed, and there’s a spirit of collaboration that I think surprises newcomers. It’s part of what makes this city such a great place to live and do business.
5. What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is new to owning their own business?
Embrace the hard work. There will be roadblocks and obstacles and the need to adapt quickly is important. Surround yourself with good people like family, friends and mentors who you can lean on for advice, and don’t lose sight of why you’re doing it. When times are tough, remembering what got you started in the first place can keep you grounded and motivated.
6. Name a tool you could not live without. Why?
I’d have to say the internet. Coming from an IT background, it’s been instrumental in helping us build and connect with people both locally and nationwide, expanding the reach of JD’s House of Trophies. On a local level, it allows us to stay connected with the Sioux Falls community, interact with customers, and offer personalized service. From e-commerce to customer service and marketing, the internet is what keeps our small business competitive, driving growth, and connecting us with customers in new ways.
7. What might someone be surprised to learn about you?
People might not know that I’m a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and a Black Belt in Judo. Martial arts have taught me a lot about patience, discipline, and staying level-headed under pressure. Being able to adapt and stay focused during challenges is something I rely on every day.
8. What is something you learned as a member of our armed forces that serves you well in business?
Discipline and attention to detail are two of the most valuable lessons I took from my time in the Military. In business, as in the military, success is often in the details. For us, it’s about creating a reputation for reliability and precision that customers can always count on.
9. What led you to become a small business owner?
My wife, Kellee, and I decided to become small business owners because we wanted the freedom to control our own future and create something that reflected our passions. After spending 20 years in the corporate world, where I often felt disconnected from people, I realized how much I enjoyed working directly with others and seeing a project through from start to finish. The challenges posed by COVID-19 made us both realize that having the flexibility to work for ourselves and build something lasting was a priority. With JD’s House of Trophies, we’re able to blend our expertise, work closely as a family, and give back to our community through the services we provide.
10. Why does your company choose to invest in a Chamber membership?
Being part of the Chamber is important to us because it’s all about community. Sioux Falls has a strong, supportive business environment, and we’ve found that success really comes from building relationships with other local businesses and business leaders. Through the Chamber, we’ve been able to connect with people who understand the unique challenges of running a small business. It’s helped us not only grow JD’s House of Trophies but also be part of something bigger. At the end of the day, it’s about supporting each other, and that’s why we value our Chamber membership.