Brad Wimmer, Alumni Leading Our Community

Brad Wimmer

CEO, Wimmer's Diamonds | Former Fargo City Commissioner & Fargo Park Board member | Elementary Education, 1976

"Leadership opportunities and roles are all around us and come in many different shapes and forms and at all times of the day or year."

How did your MSUM experience transform your life?

It was a very positive experience. MSUM lead and prepared me toward several career paths. I was able to finish in four years and opportunities seemed to be waiting for me.

Was there a faculty/staff mentor who inspired you? If so, tell me how he/she inspired you.

Marvel Froemming in the Math Department was a person who directly impacted and inspired me. Without her guidance, I would certainly not have had a math minor or even graduated on time. She made time to help me through some tough math classes and kept me in a straight line toward graduation. She was always there for me and I remember her as a wonderful, but tough teacher. We are friends today.

Tell me about a time when you failed and how it made you a better person and/or leader.

My losses in the political arena were very humbling. (two times running for Fargo Mayor) I have learned to get back up, stay positive, and stay friends with those you think may be competitors! Leadership opportunities and roles are all around us and come in many different shapes and forms and at all times of the day or year.

What advice would you give someone striving to improve their leadership skills?

Find good mentors. Move in and with a positive upbeat crowd. Stay down the middle. Stay away from the very highs and the very lows!

Parting thoughts?

Graduation and classes at MSUM seem like they were long ago, yet sometimes they seem like yesterday. MSUM and its leaders all had a very large impact on my career and family life. I am forever grateful for choosing MSUM and never realized how it was shaping me at that time in my life.