The following was published as a SiouxFalls.Business Up-and-Comer feature.
Name: Jenna Harrison
Age: 27
Hometown: Rapid City
What brought you to Sioux Falls?
I was drawn to the area because of the wide range of job opportunities and the city’s ideal size, which offers a great balance between entertainment and community. The continued growth of Sioux Falls also makes it the perfect place to advance my career in the HVAC industry.
What keeps you in Sioux Falls?
Although I initially came here for job opportunities, I fell in love with the city and the community. I enjoy participating in the community bands here; they have allowed me to connect with other musicians and continue my lifelong passion of playing the flute. I am also thankful to have found a wonderful church community that actively works to meet the needs of people both inside and outside our congregation.
The size of Sioux Falls feels like a perfect balance of big city and small town to me. It’s large enough to have a variety of activities: an excellent recreation trail, nationally touring Broadway musicals, a talented symphony orchestra and a wide variety of eateries representing cultures from around the world. Yet Sioux Falls is small enough to feel a strong sense of connection and community.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
I love that my job allows me to be a part of designing buildings that have a lasting impact in my community. I especially enjoy working on projects for nonprofits, knowing that these buildings provide essential resources for those who need it most. One of my favorite opportunities was working on an addition and renovation to the church I attend. I also appreciate that my company gives us the opportunity to volunteer with various local organizations.
How did you get connected to your industry?
My high school AP physics teacher, Dr. Andrew Smith, introduced me to the field of engineering. His enthusiasm for the design process and ability to convey complex concepts to his students in an understandable and exciting way inspired me to explore engineering further and study it in college. I first learned about HVAC design in my college thermodynamics class when a few mechanical engineers from TSP gave a presentation on HVAC design. They showcased the buildings they had worked on and explained how HVAC design impacts everyday life. This presentation sold me on the field of HVAC design, and I knew that this is what I wanted to pursue from that point forward.
Describe your workplace in three words.
Collaborative, flexible, community-focused.
What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?
I play seven musical instruments — flute, piano, piccolo, alto saxophone, viola, violin, and organ — and I am trying to learn a couple more — clarinet and drums!
What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?
I enjoy volunteering with various organizations such as Feeding South Dakota, which works to fight food insecurity, and Charis Ministry Partners, which provides care to the Sioux Falls community, including free laundry and meal nights, hygiene product distributions, and food giveaways. I also support initiatives that promote mental health awareness and access to resources. Additionally, while I’ve learned I can’t change the world on a large scale, I believe in the power of kindness in my everyday relationships and interactions, and I believe that showing up for others and small acts of service can create meaningful change in my community.
What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?
I would love to see a restaurant serving traditional German food!
