Matt Langemo is inspired by his fellow young professionals in North Dakota, but also works outside of his workplace to aid every generation living in his community.

Age: 27

Position: Technology Advisor

Family: Father, Dave; mother, Laura; younger brother, Nate; younger sister, Anna

Hobbies: I’ve never been a “stuff” guy. I’m what I’ve heard as referred to as a “memories” guy. I don’t have collections of artifacts, but experiences. I enjoy traveling, making music, and outdoor activities such as fishing, golf, playing volleyball and softball.

Community involvement: Community involvement is a huge part of my life. North Dakota and my local community have always been supportive of me, and I feel a strong sense of responsibility to give back much of what has been given to me. I am an active member at my church, helping with the technical arts ministry and also playing the drums for the worship team. I am an active member of Rotary International, and am serving as our club’s president beginning in July. I ring bells for the Salvation Army, I serve on a college advisory board and, of course, help fight painfully annoying floods.

Career path: Following a double-major and a Rhodes Scholar nomination in college, I began my young career as a vendor working on location at Microsoft. Having a linguistics background with a stint in computer science, Microsoft asked me to work with their international partner and customer channels. Upon fulfillment of our contract, I worked as an Account Executive at a regional commercial printing company, Knight Printing. Knight Printing taught me much about business, managing clients and consultative selling. They were extremely supportive of my service and networking efforts. I owe much of who I am as a professional to Knight Printing. Then a few months ago, I met with Marco and fell in love. Our work at Marco is a perfect marriage of my two professional backgrounds — print and technology. Marco has asked me to work in the community, which I love, and is also extremely supportive of service, networking and spiritual efforts.

Mentors: I’ve been fortunate to have a number of mentors in my life. Some of my earliest mentors were my grandfathers. They were both very hard-working men of the highest degree of integrity. They taught me much about how to treat people, and how to conduct myself. Rich Slagle, former CEO of Knight Printing, has been enormously supportive of me and has helped me grow immensely professionally. Rich has shown me the power of positive networking, the concept of service above self, and that the process of consultative selling builds mutually beneficial, long-term relationships. I’ve also had a tremendous mentor in our current Rotary club’s president, Stan Kaufman. Stan has welcomed me with open arms, and lifted me up higher than I could have climbed myself. He’s instilled in me the confidence to lead those a generation or two older than I am.

Briefly, tell us about yourself: I thought about simply saying, “I’m succinct.” But I thought that might be TOO brief! I am a proud North Dakota native, and would like to remind everybody that the strength of the herd is the Bison, and the strength of the Bison is the herd. I love to learn and try new challenges. I think there is still a place for kindness and humility in a fast-paced world, but encourage people not to mistaken those attributes for weakness. I believe people have more power over themselves and their circumstances than they often give themselves credit for, and that it’s never too late to change behaviors and make healthy choices. I want to lift people up all around me, and can’t wait to see how our state will grow in the upcoming years.

What motivates you? Without avoiding the question, I’d have to say that depends on the circumstances! I want to conduct myself in such a way that when I’m on my deathbed, those around me will say, “He did it right.” But in the same token, when it’s near month-end, a looming mortgage payment does the trick as well! But in all seriousness, I want to encourage others to find joy in their life and pursue it. I want us as a society to constantly push ourselves to improve, and to take initiative in our lives. And if there’s even a small way in which I can serve (hopefully as a good example), that motivates me.

Challenges in your career path: Most of the challenges in my career path I’ve brought upon myself. Unlike many people, I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I knew I had a lot of very diverse interests, but what to do with myself I could never decide. Once I graduated, I had degrees and didn’t really want to pursue anything in either field! So there was a period of searching, which at times was challenging. But, gratefully, I’m surrounded by a network of supportive family and friends, and with hard work and healthy choices, I’ve been able to meet them.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? I’m sure some people would say jumping out of an airplane or washing “dry clean only” slacks, but I can’t say I’ve taken a risk my entire life. Why would I make a decision if I felt it was “risky”? I think there is an element of risk with any decision we make in a day, whether it’s deciding what tie to wear, to the speed at which you drive your car, to what investments to make in your business, to how to plan for retirement. I feel we all weigh the benefits to the risk, and hopefully make a decision about which we feel good, and move on to the next decision.

Anything you’re particularly proud of? This is the “How egotistical are you?” question! I’m sure some who know me would answer that differently. I would say I’m particularly proud of my brother and sister. They’ve made great choices over the years, have each forged their own path, and live with joy. One thing I will say is that both my brother and I were Mensans before the age of 25, maybe that’s one egotistical thing I’m particularly proud of.

What advice would you offer other young professionals? As a young professional, I would encourage all of us to take advice like we give it – with humility and an openness to perspectives. There are a lot of things we can learn from older or previous generations, and then we must take it upon ourselves to apply it to our lives. I would encourage young professionals to conduct themselves with integrity and to make healthy, beneficial choices. Take ownership of your life and hold yourself accountable, because there are few others who will.

What are you thankful for? I am thankful for the opportunity to be on this list with such deserving folks. I’m thankful for North Dakota’s next generation, and the opportunities and advances it will bring our great state. I’m thankful for a loving God, family and network of friends. I’m thankful for life, liberty and the right to pursue happiness. And I’m thankful the Twins signed Joe Mauer.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? In 10 years I’d like to be a single-digit handicap golfer, who’s getting ready to pick his first-born up from finishing up a year in school. I see myself looking back and reading how I answered these bio questions, and hopefully saying, “Way to go, Matt. You weren’t that far off.” I see myself as a successful member of the business community, and continuing to hold community service as a priority in my life. I also see myself holding the June 2020 issue of Business Watch and proudly reading about the next group of young professionals in this great state.