The turkey has been gobbled up, the last slice of pumpkin pie divvied and shared, and the rest is now stocking up the fridge for those beloved Thanksgiving leftovers that might even be better than the meal itself. The guests have gone home, the goodbyes have been said. Another day of thanks has come to a close.

But there’s more left over from Thanksgiving than turkey and pie.

We wanted to know what people take with them after the meal is over. So we asked some Fargo friends a simple question: What are you thankful for?

The responses, we found, were varied. Some shared gratitude for family, community, and furry friends:

“Living away from the area for many years has made me appreciate how great this community I call home really is. I’m thankful to be in Fargo with family and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday this year.” – Clint Howitz, founder of DogIDs.

“A healthy family and a great startup community.” – Josh Christy, founder of Codelation

“I’m thankful for many things this year – so many that I decided to take the easy route and choose a furry member of my family that – while he toots and snores more than anyone I have ever met – I am still thankful we were able to rescue this little bugger a couple years ago. Beans has added a lot of laughs (and smells) to our life.” – Shannon Luney, co-founder of Girl Develop It Fargo.

SantaBeansOthers shared a thankfulness for Fargo, and the startup-friendly community to be found up here in the great white tundra.

“I’m thankful for a great community that loves its startups!” – Miguel Danielson, co-founder of Emerging Prairie and founder of Danielson Legal.

“I am thankful for the immense support that we received from Fargo. It has helped us grow from an idea to startup and get us closer to our goal.” – Saurabh Tyagi, founder of Medytex.

“GoodSurv is thankful for an inclusive community that has been extremely supportive throughout the start-up process… and some great locally sourced beer!” – Rachel Black, co-founder of GoodSurv.

And then of course there are the little joys.

“I’m thankful for the simplicity of just being with family. And for time spent in the outdoors. And for leather bound books.” – Drew Spooner, founder of the Hammock Initiative at NDSU.

“I am thankful for new adventures,” – Jenna Galegher from Emerging Prairie, who has recently been on multiple sailing trips as part of NDSU’s sailing team.

“Sandy’s donuts, downtown.” – Sam Jacobs, GoodSurv co-founder and Emerging Prairie finance guy. (You can find him there almost every morning, most likely buying a pistachio muffin.)

Don’t forget to share all that Fargo and co-worker love:

“I’m thankful for Sam’s love of puns and word play – and my fun, wacky, ambitious and talented coworkers.” – Annika Nynas, Emerging Prairie.

“I’m thankful for Fargo gems that keep things warm despite the cold – like Teaberry, Dot’s pretzels, and all these awesome people.” – yours truly.

“I’m thankful for Greg.” – Jake Joraanstad, co-founder of Emerging Prairie and Myriad Mobile.

“I’m thankful to be part of a community that cares about their neighbor, that is interested in supporting others, and has the chance to be the greatest city in the world.”- Greg Tehven, co-founder of Emerging Prairie.

Startup_Weekend_Fargo

Thank you to all who shared their thankful thoughts with us. It’s these things that are more wonderful than all the turkey, and more lasting than all the pie. Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted in

Marisa Jackels