James Froelich, Mayor | City of Mandan
James Froelich, Mayor | City of Mandan
ProntoChore has been named the winner of the 2025 Mandan Business Pitch Challenge. The platform, created by Vaughn Deinhart, Michael Storick, Arnie Strebe, Hank Barry, and Malakhi Stevenson, connects small businesses and homeowners with local workers, known as “ProntoPros,” to complete various chores. The app became available on the App Store and Google Play in July 2025. As the top winner, the team is eligible for a forgivable loan of up to $10,000.
Soda Drop LLC, operated by Kimberly and Darren Hertz, took second place with their customizable beverage startup. The company offers dirty sodas, lemonades, energy drinks, and snacks, and is eligible for a forgivable loan of up to $3,000. Soda Drop LLC also received the People’s Choice Award.
Learning Loft Childcare, planned by Tauni and Cameron Causey to serve children from 8 weeks to 5 years old, secured third place and is eligible for a forgivable loan of up to $2,000. Dakota Sodas, run by Samantha Roth and supporting survivors of domestic and family violence, was named the fourth-place finalist.
All finalists received coaching from the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers and additional prizes.
The judging panel included Mayor James Froelich of Mandan; Dr. Kimberly Bloms, owner of Kids in Motion Pediatric Therapy & Wellness; Tess Schmidt, clinic director at St. Alexius Health Education and Mandan Growth Fund member; Tom Gerhardt, executive director of Dakota Media Access; and Dedra Hilman, founder of 13th Hat Business & Event Strategy and co-owner of 24/7Send-It! Cornhole.
The event was organized by the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC and the City of Mandan Business Development & Communications Department, with support from the North Dakota Small Business Development Center. The Mandan Business Pitch Challenge aims to give aspiring entrepreneurs feedback, exposure, and resources to help them start or grow their businesses in the local area.
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