Fargo-Moorhead changemaker empowers local entrepreneurs

People who know John Machecek now know him as a leader, loud and proud about what makes Fargo-Moorhead a great place to live and work. It was at Minnesota State Moorhead where John found his voice, trading his shyness for confidence.

The move to the Fargo-Moorhead area wasn’t just about earning a degree. For John, it was an opportunity to reinvent himself. Thirty one years later, he is the recipient of a 2026 MSUM Foundation Dragon Impact Award.

“Coming here was the next stage of developing who I am,” John says. “I was there for an education, but part of it was being independent, meeting people from different backgrounds and parts of the world, and getting involved in the community.”

John graduated in 1995 with a double major in hotel/motel/restaurant management and business management. He joined organizations like the Habitat for Humanity and the Club Managers Association of America. These experiences pushed him far outside of his comfort zone.

BS in Business Administration

John’s degree paid off in more ways than one. “Getting a degree at Moorhead is an amazing investment,” John says. “It may not seem that way while you’re in school, but as you go further in your career, you see the difference. It’s a great value financially, but also mentally, with the stimulation of what you learn.”

The more John got involved in the Fargo-Moorhead community, the more his passions made way for his current position as chief innovation officer at the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation.

In this role, he works closely with entrepreneurs to help them find resources, build relationships, and navigate the Fargo-Moorhead business ecosystem. He also manages a loan fund and prepares financial documents.

From an economic perspective, John explains that progression in diversity is a major advantage for the Fargo-Moorhead area. “The community has progressed so much in the last 10 years in a positive direction,” he says. “It’s welcoming, it appreciates creativity, and is filled with what I like to call ‘the good weirdos.’ People from around the world are choosing to live here, which shows they feel safe and welcome.”

That sense of belonging, John adds, is something students should actively explore by getting off campus and engaging with the community in the area.

He advises taking advantage of being a college student by reaching out to higher-ups and CEOs. “People are often more willing to connect than you think,” he says. “There are so many resources for the help you’re looking for, but you need to involve yourself and make relationships to be aware of them.”

The work John does to make an impact in the community is not limited to economic development. “All of us strengthen our community and contribute to the positive environment that the Fargo-Moorhead area has,” he says.

In recognition of John’s local influence, the MSUM Foundation awards him the 2026 Dragon Impact Award.