Jordan Schuetzle

At the tender age of 25, Jordan Schuetzle has started his own law fi rm, his own company, and still has time to shred some snow and hike through national parks.

Age: 25

Position: Attorney, Schuetzle Law Offi ce, PLLC CEO, Algean Energy

Hobbies: Outdoor activities, snowboarding, auto restoration, carpentry, technology

Community Involvement: Pro Bono Legal Services, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, Alerus Center Board Member, Habitat for Humanity, Center for Innovation Foundation

Career Path: I attended the University of North Dakota from 2001 to 2009, earning a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate. During that time, I worked in a variety of industries: serving as student body president; writing a grant to perform pro bono legal services to indigent and elderly citizens in rural western North Dakota; interning for the United States Senate Budget Committee and the North Dakota Legislative Council; working as a secret agent camp director in California, and operating several entrepreneurial ventures to put myself through school. I established Algean Energy in 2008 after an extensive exploration of opportunities for renewable energy in North Dakota.

Mentors: Bruce Gjovig, Teddy Roosevelt, every successful entrepreneur

Briefly, tell us about yourself: Born, raised and educated in North Dakota; a volunteer, entrepreneur, and community leader; die-hard University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux Fan; outdoorsman, adventurer, handyman; passionate about business and the state of North Dakota.

What motivates you? Doing something extraordinary.

Challenges in your career path: Overcoming age discrimination and assumptions surrounding qualifi cations and abilities.

What challenges do you face as a young professional, particularly during difficult economic times? Overcoming age discrimination and assumptions surrounding qualifi cations and abilities. What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? Forgoing steady income, benefi ts, and security and choosing the path of the entrepreneur. Anything you’re particularly proud of? I take a lot of pride in being from North Dakota. There are tremendous opportunities here for those who are willing to pursue them. What advice would you offer other young professionals? Become lifelong learners and never close the door on an opportunity to serve your community. What are you thankful for? A community that supports education, business development and entrepreneurship. What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? Leading Algean Energy through a successful initial public offering and expanding operations throughout the state; reducing North Dakota’s carbon imprint and reducing the United State’s dependence on foreign oil. Serving the public in a variety of capacities and supporting charities throughout North Dakota.