Photo by Samantha Davis. Former Southwest Minnesota State University student Shauna Bjorklund, left, and current SMSU students Devin Carter (middle) and Morgan Mueller (right) talked at an entrepreneurship panel Wednesday afternoon about owning businesses in the conference center at SMSU.

MARSHALL — For Global Entrepreneurship Week, Southwest Minnesota State University former and current students, along with other local business owners, participated in a panel Wednesday afternoon to discuss business owning, personal journeys and networking advice in a session that was open to the public.

Hosted by the SMSU Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship along with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Tom Carlson, Shauna Bjorkland, Devin Carter and Morgan Mueller are all entrepreneurs of their own and shared the ins and outs to entering the business industry.

“Challenges come and go. But, with having a small business, it’s just the mindset that not every day is going to be a bad day,” said current SMSU senior Morgan Mueller, who owns and runs Morgan Mueller Photography. “With a new business, there’s a lot that can come up where it’s questionable like, ‘What am I doing? Am I taking the right steps forward?’ But, know that at the end of the day, it’s going to all be okay.”

Mueller is studying communications with a minor in public design, and also interns with the wrestling team and takes photos for the team. She initially started photographing her sister’s softball games in 2020, and grew a passion from there.

“My ‘why’ is just to make people happy, and capture those special milestones in their life,” Mueller said. “I think that me being able to capture those milliseconds of an action and that picture can be worth a million words, I think that’s why I do it.”

Devin Carter also spoke on the panel, and is a current SMSU freshman on the wrestling team and owns S&P Window Control, a window tinting business.

“Like many others, I have big dreams of starting a small business,” Carter, who started S&P Window Control in July 2024, said. “You’re going to deal with failure … For me, I kind of view it as a process more than a goal, where I’m building this small business. If it doesn’t work out, I’ve learned things throughout the way, and that doesn’t put me down.”

Carter’s business started as a favor in helping a friend darken his house windows, which ignited his interest.

“I enjoy business in general. I like to create things, I like to build more ideas, and obviously run with it,” Carter said. “If I’m spending time on something and it’s enjoyable for me, it’s way easier to justify spending that time, versus working a 9 to 5.”

Shauna Bjorklund is the current owner of the Gambler on Main Street in Marshall, buying it in October of 2022. She graduated from SMSU in 2017 with a marketing degree.

“My 10-year-old self would never imagine that I would be here right now,” Bjorklund said. “It’s the customers (that I enjoy). They’re like family. I know pretty much everyone’s name when they come in, and I take pride in that.”

Bjorklund said she worked at the Gambler for about five years before taking over, and feels as though that gave her good insight before becoming a business owner.

“I would say, definitely work in the field before you just jump into it,” Bjorklund said regarding advice she’d give. “I don’t know that I would have actually bought a bar and restaurant, had I not been working there beforehand … Find some mentors or talk to someone in that field before you just jump in.”

Carter and Mueller both acknowledged that time can be limited with being a student and involved with athletics, but staying organized and leaning on others is what the two recommended for advice.

“We have great professors here that are always willing to help, and there’s many business owners around here that want to see young people thrive,” Carter said.

The panel acknowledged the importance of networking when it comes to entrepreneurship, as it can be a key factor in how a business’s success turns out.

“I won’t say it (networking) was easy, but it helped a lot. Just talking with people and showing them, “Hey, this is what I took of you, I can come to more of your games if you want,” Mueller said about starting her photography business. “The networking piece is super, super important. Just branding yourself, getting your name out there.”

Bjorklund said community plays a big role in her networking, and often tries to host or attend events to give back or create fond memories for Marshall residents.

Tom Carlson also spoke on the panel, and owns the 5 Family Ranch with his wife, which opened in August 2023. He said he took his passion for building and designing and wanted to bring a ranch and barn-like venue to host weddings and various events to the Marshall area.

“I work for a company, my wife works for a company, we’re very proud of those companies. But, this is something that’s our own … We are very proud of it,” Carlson said. “If you don’t have any clue where to start, they’re (SBDC) a good resource. Otherwise, I would say maybe seek somebody out who’s done it and get their feedback.”

Through sharing their journeys in becoming entrepreneurs, the panelists agreed that starting a business can be intimidating, but is rewarding.

“It’s okay to be uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable is the first step to changing,” Mueller said. “As long as you’re

ok with just being a little bit nervous for a little, it’ll all be OK.”