Retailer of the year
PIERRE Sam Olson of Buffalo Hardware has been honored as the 2024 South Dakota Retailer of the Year.
Presented annually since 1982 by the South Dakota Retailers Association, the award recognizes businesses committed to excellence in their business and community.
Buffalo Hardware was already a mainstay in the small community of Buffalo when Olson returned to his hometown and took over the business after graduating from college in 2014. The previous owner, who had planned to retire after running the store for 47 years, continues to work at the business.
Since assuming ownership, Olson has continued to grow both the types of services offered and the market area. The business delivers purchases to customers across a wide area.
We show up at their doorstep and give the services that otherwise cant be provided in rural America, he said.
The business has a solid reputation for outstanding customer service. Olson attributes that to his employees.
I think the biggest reason people keep coming back is because of the people we employ, he said.
They do a great job of caring for each individual that walks through the door. They go the extra mile to find what you need to get your project done to the best of your ability.
Olson and his family now operate five businesses in Buffalo including the hardware store, Olson Construction, Buffalo Ranch Supply, Olson Propane, and Olson Fuels.
We didnt set out to buy five businesses, Olson laughed. Ultimately, we got into business to give more opportunities to people here and to grow our community.
Retailers Association Executive Director Nathan Sanderson says Olson and his team exemplify what is best about the businesses that line Main Street South Dakota.
Buffalo Hardware demonstrates a clear commitment to their customers and are a vital part of their community and surrounding area.
Restaurant of the year
Skogen Kitchen in Custer has been selected as the South Dakota Retailers Associations Restaurant of the Year. Presented annually, the award recognizes a restaurant with a reputation of excellence in food, service, and atmosphere.
Skogen Kitchen is a chef-driven fine dining restaurant concept that offers a unique dining experience with each visit.
Owners Chef Joseph and Eliza Raney met while working in the restaurant industry in southern
California. After moving to Custer and working for other restaurants, they decided to open their own
restaurant in the summer of 2017. The name Skogen is a nod to Josephs Norwegian heritage. In bNorwegian, the word Skogen means forest a fitting name given the location.
Their ever-changing menu incorporates a variety of American cultural cuisines featuring fresh foods from across the country, including many locally sourced foods.
He takes a lot of fun ingredients and puts it together to make this masterpiece, Eliza says of her husband. He is so good about his flavors and layers of flavors. Its really a party in your mouth!
Sanderson, says the Raneys have more than met their goal of being unique but not pretentious.
Skogen Kitchens menu and the excellent service combine to deliver a dining experience that draws rave reviews, Sanderson said. Local customers, visitors from across the country, and restaurant review publications sing their praises.
Joseph notes that the restaurant and the menu are small by design, to allow them to take really good care of each person and serve the customer best.
If you have an idea and you have an ability, you can try that anywhere, Joseph said. But we want to make sure that were advocating to our employees that you can follow your dreams whatever they are, just appreciate where you are. Youre in South Dakota.
Community service award
The SDRA has recognized Oh My Cupcakes! in Sioux Falls with its annual Community Service Award.
The award recognizes a business that goes above and beyond to give back to the residents of the community it serves.
Melissa Johnson started the business in 2009 in the middle of an economic downturn with just $67 in her business checking account and, as she says, A great big dream to create beautiful things that bring people joy. Thats what we strive to do each and every day.
Sanderson says she definitely accomplishes that goal.
Her gourmet cupcakes brighten the days of her customers, he said, but Oh My Cupcakes! also brings happiness to the community through their dedicated support of local activities and causes.
Johnsons staff of cupcake ninjas enjoy doing team events such as serving The Banquet for families in need, coordinating a holiday toy drive for Childrens Home Society, and holding a pet food drive for the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. She also gives back to the community by donating cupcakes to the Bread Break organization and donating a percentage of sales in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. She serves on boards for the Childrens Home Society and the Avera Regional Council and has also been involved with the Compass Center and Volunteers of America.
Generosity is one of our core values, Melissa explained. We take care of our community because good neighbors help support good neighbors.
She believes its important to give back not just in great ways, but in small ways as well, pointing out that something as simple as sharing an extra smile may make the difference in the day of a person who is facing a challenge in their personal life.
Of all the things I get to do in a day, my favorite role is professional encourager, she shared. Helping others along with their journey is really my lifes passion.
To learn more about the retailers associations additional award recipients, visit sdra.org/awards.
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