Tom Hammann and his wife, Sunny, needed a change of scenery.
They had spent more than 20 years in the Twin Cities — “we thought it was going to be a short gig,” he said — as he grew a decades-long career at General Mills specializing in supply chain management, and she worked as a registered nurse and then volunteered for multiple community organizations before becoming a certified Pilates instructor.
They’re both military veterans, and he followed his father into a career of service.
“I was an Army kid who moved all over, including overseas, and by the time we got to Minneapolis, I was 32 and had moved 18 times,” Hammann said.
Still, they thought one more move might make sense. One of their adult children lives in the Twin Cities, while the other is in Omaha.
“We wanted to be a half day’s drive of both,” he said.
Years ago, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation began building name recognition for the city by purchasing radio advertising in the Twin Cities. The Hammanns remembered it.
“You used to hear a lot about coming to Sioux Falls, and a couple folks told us to check it out, so we came in October and really liked it,” he said. “We walked around downtown to the different restaurants and just got a good feel. So we said, ‘Let’s try something different.’”
They made the move late last year, downsizing from their home of 23 years into a downtown loft at Cherapa Place.
“We really like it,” Hammann said. “It’s a great building. We walked through and were amazed: concrete floors, tall ceilings, right downtown and very walkable even in winter. Lots of restaurants and shops, you name it.”
Not only that, his wife’s sister made the move too — and lives in the same building.
“We’re trying out a lot of restaurants, which is great,” Hammann said. “We’re looking forward to getting outside and walking and biking and doing a little travel in the area. Everybody liked it downtown, so we said, well let’s see if they have two places.”
They’ve tried curling at the Scheels IcePlex, gone to a Sioux Falls Stampede hockey game and recently made a trip to the Black Hills.
Sioux Falls also will serve as the home base for Hammann’s small business. He started WTH Solutions in 2021, offering consulting services specializing in process improvement and geared toward the food industry.
“I love getting into manufacturing environments, and it’s a challenge every day helping teams get better and solve problems,” he said. “I’ve seen more change in the last five years than the previous 20 in the food industry, which is great to see.”
He has connected with Startup Sioux Falls — just a short walk from his new home — “and I expect I’ll join and use it as office space,” he said. “I joined the chamber and reached out to Feeding South Dakota for volunteer opportunities, so I’m slowly getting into the community, which is great.”
The Hammann family’s experience is indicative of what newcomers can expect in Sioux Falls, said Denise Guzzetta, vice president of talent and workforce development for the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.
“I love that they remembered hearing about Sioux Falls years ago and were intrigued enough to pay us a visit,” she said. “Once people arrive here, they quickly realize this is a special place. I can see how Tom, Sunny and their family are going to be able to continue to connect here and find this is a wonderful move no matter what your career stage.”
Hammann appreciates the convenience and flight accessibility at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, easily connecting him with clients.
“I was pleasantly surprised there are a lot of options coming out of Sioux Falls to big cities,” he said. “I don’t think the fares are bad at all. I research traveling, and I’ve seen it’s cheaper to fly out of here than to drive to the Twin Cities or Omaha.”
To connect with his consulting business, visit here.
To learn more about making your own move to Sioux Falls, contact deniseg@siouxfalls.com.