DIGITAL DESIGNERS
JOIN US WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4th
In March, we’re sitting down with Web Design entrepreneurs Karla Santi, founder of Blend Interactive, and Stefan Hartwig & Aaron Mentele, founders of Electric Pulp, for a conversation on building and growing digital agencies. Ben Forred, founder of Forred Web Design, will join us as the emcee!
SCHEDULE
8:00 AM: Connect over coffee & pastries
8:30 AM: Welcome performance by local artist
8:35 AM: Founder Stories
9:15 AM: Event concludes & FREE coworking begins
WHO & WHY
Startup Sunrise is for founders, innovators, community leaders, creatives, and anyone curious about the topic of the month. Start your day with inspiration, real founder stories, and meaningful conversations.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Karla Santi, Blend Interactive
Karla is the CEO of Blend Interactive, where she leads the company’s vision, strategy, and culture while driving innovative technology solutions for clients. A 2022 SBA South Dakota Small Business Person of the Year and longtime advocate for women in STEM, she began building websites in 1997 and now mentors founders while balancing life as a wife, mom, dancer, and tennis champ.
Stefan Hartwig & Aaron Mentele, Electric Pulp
Electric Pulp is a digital agency providing website design, development, and digital marketing for local, regional, and global brands. Founded in 1996, we build high-performing websites focused on growth, visibility, and long-term results.
Ben Forred, Forred Web Design
Ben Forred is a Sioux Falls–based web developer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of biomedical research experience and an MBA in marketing. He runs Forred Web Design and ZebraSite Studios, using his blend of scientific insight, business strategy, and technical expertise to create mission-driven websites for both local businesses and national rare disease advocacy organizations.
ENTRY
Please enter from the east side of the building, directly adjacent to the parking lot. If an ADA accommodation is needed, please contact Startup Sioux Falls at 605-275-8000.
View parking map
CONTACT
[email protected]
SCHEDULE
8:00 AM: Connect over coffee & pastries
8:30 AM: Welcome performance by local artist
8:35 AM: Founder Stories
9:15 AM: Event concludes & FREE coworking begins
WHO & WHY
Startup Sunrise is for founders, innovators, community leaders, creatives, and anyone curious about the topic of the month. Start your day with inspiration, real founder stories, and meaningful conversations.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Karla Santi, Blend Interactive
Karla is the CEO of Blend Interactive, where she leads the company’s vision, strategy, and culture while driving innovative technology solutions for clients. A 2022 SBA South Dakota Small Business Person of the Year and longtime advocate for women in STEM, she began building websites in 1997 and now mentors founders while balancing life as a wife, mom, dancer, and tennis champ.
Stefan Hartwig & Aaron Mentele, Electric Pulp
Electric Pulp is a digital agency providing website design, development, and digital marketing for local, regional, and global brands. Founded in 1996, we build high-performing websites focused on growth, visibility, and long-term results.
Ben Forred, Forred Web Design
Ben Forred is a Sioux Falls–based web developer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of biomedical research experience and an MBA in marketing. He runs Forred Web Design and ZebraSite Studios, using his blend of scientific insight, business strategy, and technical expertise to create mission-driven websites for both local businesses and national rare disease advocacy organizations.
ENTRY
Please enter from the east side of the building, directly adjacent to the parking lot. If an ADA accommodation is needed, please contact Startup Sioux Falls at 605-275-8000.
View parking map
CONTACT
[email protected]
Location
Startup Sioux Falls
100 East 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
100 East 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Date & Time
March 4, 2026, 8:00 - 9:15 AM