On May 6, Myriad Mobile co-founders Jake Joraanstad and Ryan Raguse were awarded the North Dakota State University Horizon Award, one of the highest awards given to NDSU alumni.

The Horizon Award is given to graduates from the past 15 years who have distinguished themselves in their profession or service to their community.

“Jake Joraanstad and Ryan Raguse are excellent examples of young entrepreneurs willing to take risks, and then working extremely hard to make their risks a dream of reality,” said the announcer, as the two were welcomed to stage.

“By following their own advice, ‘don’t wait for permission from someone to tell you that you have what it takes,’ these two gentlemen have undeniably shown they have what it takes.”

Jake Joraanstad Horizon Award

Jake Joraanstad (left)

“It’s an honor,” said Joraanstad, ’11. “It’s crazy to think that Ryan and I could receive such an award knowing how little we know about business so far in our careers. It’s humbling. I’m proud to be a Bison.”

During their time at NDSU, Joraanstad earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, and Raguse, ’11, earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. The two started up their mobile app company now known as Myriad Mobile shortly after graduation in 2011.

Since then they have grown from a handful of college students to around 50 full time employees. The company has developed more than 150 projects for clients across the nation.

Ryan Raguse, Horizon Award

Ryan Raguse (left)

Myriad also organizes the Midwest Mobile Summit, one of the largest mobile-specific conferences in the country. (The next Midwest Mobile Summit is next week!)

In addition, Raguse is involved in other projects such as an advisor for local startup AdShark Marketing, and Joraanstad is a co-founder of Emerging Prairie.

They were awarded the Horizon Award “for their innovation, determination and outstanding early success,” according to the NDSU Development Foundation and Alumni Association.

To the hundreds of college students currently graduating, Joraanstad offers these words of advice: pursue your passion. Don’t waste any time doing otherwise. In the words of Steve Jobs:

“‘Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on.'”

A huge, hearty congratulations to Jake and Ryan. We’re proud of you!

Photos courtesy of NDSU. Cover photo courtesy of Fargo Monthly.

Posted in

Marisa Jackels