In September 2023, Emily celebrated ten years with Ernst Capital, she joined our team in 2013 and is a Senior Associate where she assists with human resources, accounting, asset management, marketing activities, data collection, analysis and investor relations.

What do you like most about your job?
The thing that I most enjoy about working at Ernst Capital is the ability to watch a project come to life. Each project that we raise capital for is unique. Considering our projects are all in the region and many right here in Sioux Falls, it’s easy to drive by them frequently and watch the progress. Over the past ten years, I have watched so many parcels of bare land develop into full blown communities.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Hands down, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my family. My kids, Braxton and Hadley are hilarious and watching them learn and grow is the most rewarding thing. My husband Paul and I stay (probably too) busy with house projects and travel when we can. The whole family also enjoys getting outdoors. My in-laws have a summer cabin in Canada, so we try to get up there to catch the really big fish at least once a year with the whole family. Even if they’re not biting, I’m more than happy relaxing with a good book.

Where is your hometown?
I moved to Mitchell when I was little and graduated from high school there, let’s go Kernels! My mom and most of her family still live in Mitchell, so it’s a quick trip to get back to visit when we can.

In January 2022, Karla Jackson celebrated ten years with Ernst Capital. She joined our team in 2012, starting in asset management and investment sales. She now runs our commercial real estate brokerage and works with many investors on their private equity investments.

What does a typical day look like for you?
Evolving! My husband John and I have two children, so our days have started very early for many years! Most days include school preparation, homework and school projects, tennis practice and whatever each new day brings. On my way into the office, I usually make a check-in call to our daughter who is in her first year of college. The office schedule is a blend of meeting clients and working on real estate transactions. After work activities include working out, walking our dogs and with any luck, an evening cocktail!

Where is your hometown?
My hometown is Herreid, South Dakota and is located seven miles from the North Dakota border. With a population of 300 people, life moved at much slower pace! Herreid is also my dad’s hometown, so I grew up surrounded by a lot of family. My graduating class consisted of fourteen students – eleven boys and three girls. I learned how to fish and shoot a gun, which I still enjoy doing both. I don’t get back to Herreid very often but am thankful for the memories of growing up in a small town.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
There are a few things that come to mind with this question. My favorite aspect of my role is meeting and working with clients over the years. I have had the privilege of meeting some great people. I also enjoy working on the real estate transactions. Each deal presents variety and obstacles to challenge me to look at things in a different way. Lastly, I enjoy being part of a small office surrounded by sincere, hard-working people. We support each other and make each other stronger and am thankful to be a part of this team!

We’d like to introduce you another member of our team, Tami Broekemeier. Tami is an Associate with Ernst Capital where she assists with investor relations, data collection, and clerical support for the office. Tami is a graduate of Northeast Technical Community College with an associate degree in Criminal Justice. Tami joined the firm in August and brings with her many years of administrative assistant experience.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?  The people.  I enjoy meeting new people from all walks of life and look forward to greeting many more new faces when they visit our office.  I’ve only been here a short time but can confidently say we have a great group of hardworking people here at Ernst and its inspiring to see how many friendships our Representatives and Associates have built with our clients.

What are three career/life lessons you’ve learned thus far?  As a 50+ year old woman three lessons I’ve learned over the years of working/living is to never judge a book by its cover, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks, and you can grow up but don’t grow old.

What do you like to do in your spare time?  I’m most at peace when I’m outside in nature whether that’s hiking, biking, kayaking, archery, clay target shooting, reading, or working in the garden.  I also love spending family time with my husband Greg, our four children, their significant others and most importantly, our grandson.  A rousing game of croquet amongst competitive loved ones really makes the bond of family stronger!

Where do you see yourself in five years?  Right here at my desk hopefully surrounded by a few more photos of grandkids.

We’d like to introduce you to one of the members of our team, Kody Henning. Kody is a Senior Associate with Ernst Capital where he assists with asset management of the investment properties. Prior to joining Ernst Capital in the fall of 2020, Kody worked in accounting and financial analysis roles in the healthcare and insurance industries. Kody is a graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance. Kody is a CPA and is pursuing licensure as a Securities Representative.

Tell Us About Yourself:
I grew up in Adrian, MN, 45 miles east of Sioux Falls. My childhood was full of watching and playing baseball. Because of baseball, I met my high school sweetheart, Carly, and she followed me to college at Minnesota State University, Mankato. After graduating, we spent three years south of the Twin Cities before getting married and relocating to Sioux Falls in 2019. We have a daughter, Hallie, and a golden retriever, Winnie. We love Sioux Falls and never plan to leave.

Where would you like to go on a dream vacation?
A few decades too soon but I can share my current dream retirement vacation. My plan is to experience the east coast by bouncing between cities every one or two months living in furnished, short-term rentals. I appreciate the history of the east coast and would really enjoy attending sporting events at all of the stadiums in the cities. Consider it a hybrid of what a lot of baseball enthusiasts do when attending games at all MLB ballparks in a summer.

You’re happiest when?
I’m happiest when I’m around water. Whether it is a lake, ocean, river, or pool – you name it, I love it. Unfortunately, it is also true for my golf game. Always in or around the water.