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Shad Vedaa (business administration ‘20) is the owner of Vedaa Consulting, co-founded with his father in October 2025, which focuses on rural economic development and community-driven infrastructure projects. The Vedaas primarily work with the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperative (NDAREC) on a $12.6 million grant for strengthening rural grocery stores across North Dakota. Through this work, they’re forming a cooperative of rural N.D. grocers and developing a regional food distribution center in the former Dot’s Pretzels facility in Shad’s hometown of Velva.

Shad’s goal is to support local producers with food aggregation, cold storage, and meat and produce distribution, while serving schools, hospitals and assisted-living facilities with more affordable, locally sourced food.

Previously head of sales for Chezy, Shad led a strategic overhaul of sales messaging and outreach strategies. He had a 90% increase in sales during his first two quarters and drove 54% year-over-year revenue growth by refining outreach initiatives and optimizing service offerings. Shad also developed new ways to amplify nonprofit storytelling.

Prior to Chezy, he earned his BS in Business Administration & Management (2021) and Master of Business Administration (MBA, 2022) at Minnesota State Moorhead.

Shad is a known leader within his community. He is a defensive coordinator for Park Christian High School, where he mentors student-athletes on leadership, resilience, and teamwork to help them grow on and off the field.

Shad resides in Fargo, N.D., and makes efforts to find connections with his community on and off the football field. He regularly interacts with parents, faculty, and students at Park Christian Schools to foster mentor-student relationships and help students be the best versions of themselves. He has a unique ability to connect with young athletes and has been instrumental in nurturing their talents and inspiring his team to achieve high standards.

In recognition of Shad’s business leadership and heart for youth, he has been named an ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø Foundation 2026 10 Under 10 Awardee.

Joe Tjosvold, the founder and CEO of Chezy, received the 10 Under 10 Award in 2025. Their colleague Luke Steichen is also receiving a 2026 10 Under 10 Award. What a great team of Dragons!