Katey Ulrich On Balancing School Admissions and XIX Brewing
Join us on this episode of Tips for Change as we chat with Katey Ulrich about her dual roles at the University of South Dakota and XIX Brewing in Vermillion. Katey shares her journey, love for community, and how she balances her responsibilities.
Key Takeaways:
Balancing multiple roles requires support and time management.
Finding a business partner with complementary skills is crucial.
Staying true to your passions can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Katey's Journey
Katey Ulrich, originally from Watertown, South Dakota, started her college education at the University of South Dakota (USD). After graduating, she worked in different roles at USD. With her experience, she took a chance and took her talents to USD’s School of Law.
She became the Director of Admissions and Marketing for the law school. Her passion for recruitment and community engagement led her to this role, supported by her colleagues at USD.
Choosing and Shaping Vermillion
Katey loves the sense of community in Vermillion and the chance to make a meaningful impact. The small-town feel, combined with the opportunity to meet new people, makes Vermillion the perfect place for her.
Vermillion has grown significantly over the past decade, with more businesses and community involvement. Katey hopes to support other entrepreneurs and contribute to the town's economic and community development. She envisions welcoming new businesses and helping them thrive.
Co-Owning XIX Brewing
Katey co-owns XIX Brewing in Vermillion with Ed Garish, a professor at USD. The idea for the brewery came from a desire to provide a space that matched Vermillion's vibe. They spread the word about their new venture to gauge community interest and received overwhelming support.
Balancing Responsibilities
Balancing her role at the university and the brewery is challenging but rewarding. Katey finds that both roles complement each other, allowing her to apply her skills in marketing and event planning to both. She credits the support of her dean and colleagues for making this balance possible.
Insights Into Community Engagement
Katey advises aspiring entrepreneurs to find a business partner whose strengths complement theirs. She and Ed's different skill sets make their partnership successful.
She also highlights the importance of community engagement for both the law school and XIX Brewing. At the law school, community involvement helps attract prospective students and build strong relationships within the legal community. For the brewery, local support has been crucial to its success.
Regarding marketing strategies for small businesses, Katey emphasizes knowing your audience and finding creative ways to reach them. She acknowledges the challenges of marketing in a small community and the need for continuous learning and adaptation.
Episode Mentions:
About Katey Ulrich
Katey Ulrich is the Director of Admissions and Marketing at the University of South Dakota School of Law and co-owner of XIX Brewing in Vermillion. With a background in higher education and a passion for community engagement, Katey makes a positive impact both at USD and in her local community.
