From NDSU to SCHEELS
Bison Athletics

From NDSU To SCHEELS

Former Bison athletes continue to show their passion for sports in their SCHEELS careers. Learn more about three alumni who took their Bison pride to work.

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Photos courtesy of SCHEELS

Former Bison athletes continue to show their passion for sports in their careers at SCHEELS.

 

Austin Farnlof

Austin Farnlof

NDSU Football 2012-2015

Assistant Store Leader – Scheels Home & Hardware, Fargo, ND

Austin Farnlof

Coming all the way from Cave Creek, Arizona, Farnlof played for the Bison football team from 2012 until graduation in 2015. In that time, North Dakota State won four FCS National Championships.

What is one value that SCHEELS and NDSU athletics share based on your time in both spheres?

Consistency

How do you feel you have exemplified that value in your time at SCHEELS and your time at NDSU specifically?

I have exemplified this value by staying consistent in the culture at SCHEELS and NDSU. At NDSU there were a lot of things in practice or in the weight room that did not change much from the year before. We kind of had the “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. If something is working and we are winning, why change it? It is the same way at SCHEELS, we have a very strong culture in the way we do business. We are passionate about helping the customer and have been since 1902, why change it?

Compare the philosophies of both SCHEELS and NDSU. How are they similar? Or how are they different?

Both SCHEELS and NDSU are much the same in regards to the philosophies. At SCHEELS, our philosophy or goal is to “be the best retailer in the USA in the eyes and minds of our customers & associates”. At NDSU our philosophy or goal was to be the best football team we could possibly be, to do that we had to win the Missouri Valley Conference Championship and after that win the National Championship. Both are similar, we want to be the best we can possibly be.

How did your time as an NDSU athlete prepare you for a career at SCHEELS?

When I was done at NDSU and ready to start my full-time career at SCHEELS, I was a better person. I was more disciplined, I had more drive and I knew what hard work was. I learned so many great lessons from my teammates and coaches throughout my 4 years at NDSU that set the foundation of my leadership capabilities. Without those people, I would not be in the position I am today.

What does Bison pride mean to you, and what does SCHEELS pride mean to you?

Bison Pride to me is giving your full effort each day regardless of position or status to improve the overall performance of the team.

SCHEELS pride goes right along with Bison Pride. SCHEELS pride is doing all that you can do each day to improve the customer experience and our company as a whole.

Janae Burich

Janae Burich

NDSU Women’s Basketball 2009-2013

Marketing Leader – Scheels, Johnstown, CO

Janae Burich

At the time of graduation in 2013, Burich was second in school history in blocked shots for the Bison women. She was also voted All-Summit League second team in 2012 and had two seasons averaging 10 or more points per game.

What is one value that SCHEELS and NDSU athletics share based on your time in both spheres?

One value that SCHEELS and NDSU athletics share is community.

How do you feel you have exemplified that value in your time at SCHEELS and your time at NDSU specifically?

During my time at NDSU, and even now, I’ve always felt I am a member of the Bison Family. The phrases “Bison Pride” and “Once a Bison, Always a Bison” hold strong and true within myself and every person I’ve met that went to NDSU.

SCHEELS is very similar in that we always refer to our team as the SCHEELS family. We are all there to support, challenge and encourage one another both at work and outside of it. Many of my closest friends I met through SCHEELS.

Compare the philosophies of both SCHEELS and NDSU. How are they similar? Or how are they different?

The philosophies of both SCHEELS and NDSU are very similar in that they both share core values such as building an organization focused around people, creating an environment and culture that is passionate and fun, as well as providing a positive and memorable experience for all.

How did your time as an NDSU athlete prepare you for a career at SCHEELS?

My time as an NDSU athlete helped me develop vital skills such as time management, leadership, a hard work ethic, teamwork, a passion for sports and an understanding of the strong community that can be built around athletics. I use each of these skills every day in my work at SCHEELS.

What does Bison pride mean to you, and what does SCHEELS pride mean to you?

To me, Bison Pride means throwing the horns up every time someone mentions NDSU because I want everyone to know that I went to school there. It means attending the Bison Football Watch parties here in Colorado where 50 of us gather each week to cheer on our team and are proud to be a part of the Bison family.

As for SCHEELS pride, I am proud to wear my SCHEELS branded items in public, and look forward to the question “Do you work for SCHEELS?”. I love talking to customers and community members about our company, and I yearn for the opportunities to spread the “Why SCHEELS?” story. I am proud to play a big part in the impact SCHEELS has on our local communities through sponsorships, donations and volunteer work. I am proud to be a SCHEELS associate.

Pam ‘Stencel’ Schroeder

Pam 'Stencel' Schroeder

NDSU Volleyball 1993-1996

Shipping and Defectives Specialist – Scheels, Eau Claire, WI

Pam 'Stencel' Schroeder

One of the great setters in NDSU volleyball history, Schroeder (then Stencel) was elected to the NDSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. She is still in the school’s record books for career digs and service aces.

What is one value that SCHEELS and NDSU athletics share based on your time in both spheres?

Dedication

How do you feel you have exemplified that value in your time at SCHEELS and your time at NDSU specifically?

I put everything I had into volleyball and being the best player, teammate and coach I could possibly be while I was at NDSU. I try to do the same thing with my position at SCHEELS. I’ve been here for almost 17 years (September 2017) and not only do I work hard in the returns and shipping area, but have played a big part in fundraisers here at SCHEELS that benefit the community.

Compare the philosophies of both SCHEELS and NDSU. How are they similar? Or how are they different?

Like SCHEELS philosophy of being the “Best Retailer in the Eyes of our Customers and Associates” and NDSU’s philosophy of representing the college in everything you do. I, to this day, strive to be the best coach, friend, mom and employee that I can be.

How did your time as an NDSU athlete prepare you for a career at SCHEELS?

Being an athlete at NDSU prepared for my career here at SCHEELS in many different ways. It taught me that not all successes come easy. That prioritizing your time is a huge asset in creating a less stressful workplace. And most importantly that working together as a team has the greatest rewards! So thankful for the many great friends I have made by being a Bison and a long-time SCHEELS employee!

What does Bison pride mean to you, and what does SCHEELS pride mean to you?

Bison Pride, along with SCHEELS Pride, means being committed and passionate and promoting all the good things that come along with these two roles that are a huge part of my life.

Be sure to look for the print edition of our special Alumni issue on magazine stands or in your mailbox later this month.

From NDSU To SCHEELS
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