Experience From Both Sides of the Table

For more than 16 years, Dane built and operated independent bookstores across North Dakota, growing Ferguson Books & More from a single storefront into a multi-location business. Along the way, he learned entrepreneurship the practical way: opening doors, building teams, managing cash flow, creating community, solving problems, surviving hard seasons, and knowing when it was time to pivot. His work in bookselling ultimately helped seed other independent bookstores and entrepreneurs—a legacy he remains especially proud of.

Beyond retail, Dane has led organizations and initiatives at the intersection of fundraising, operations, business development, marketing, public affairs, and community engagement. His experience includes statewide organizational leadership, nonprofit development, capital campaign work, government and external affairs, board service, and advising business and community leaders.

Dane has served as Executive Director of the North Dakota Political Party, an elected member of the Grand Forks School Board, and a Chamber of Commerce government affairs leader. He has worked alongside nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs, elected officials, donors, community leaders, and business owners—often serving as the person who can connect the vision, the people, and the path forward.

Today, through Fergies & Frenchies, LLC, Dane brings those experiences together to work alongside bookstores, small businesses, nonprofits, and organizations that need experienced leadership without unnecessary layers or pretense.

His approach is highly relational: listen first, understand what makes an organization unique, and then help create a strategy that is both ambitious and executable.

Polish without Pretense.