Geneva Nodland
Director of Operations, Great States Construction
Hello, my name is Kevin Hochman, and I am the director of operations with Great States Construction. My wife and I moved to Fargo in 2020 after spending the previous 10 years in New York City. While we enjoyed our time in, “The Big City,” we were ready to find a place we could call home and start a family. Since moving here, we bought our first house and have a daughter turning two. Working with Great States Construction has allowed me to witness first-hand, the incredible growth in Fargo, ND. Admittedly, I never imagined living in Fargo, but soon after moving here, we knew we found the perfect place for us. In my spare time, I love to golf, visit the lakes, dine at new restaurants around town, and take our daughter to the zoo and local parks.
Why be an Icebreaker?
“I decided to join the Icebreaker program because I’m a huge advocate for this region and love to share my story on why I moved to Fargo. So much of the country is unaware of the incredible employment and quality of life opportunities that are available here. The Icebreaker program is providing a platform for us to connect with future community members and helps ease the difficult decisions and stressors that revolve around moving to a new home.” – Kevin Hochman
Kevin’s typical day in Fargo…
You want to relax?
On a nice night, I love to sit out on the deck and enjoy the sunset next to our fire table. If I’m out and about, The Drawing Room is a great speakeasy-style cocktail lounge to escape the hustle and relax with a handcrafted cocktail. Mason makes the best Old Fashioned in town!
Mid-morning break?
If I’m fortunate enough to have a mid-morning break, I enjoy stopping by Koda Koffee for a latte. It’s close enough to the office, the coffee is delicious, and the ambiance is perfect to connect with a colleague or read the news.
Afternoon pick-me-up?
A great afternoon pick-me-up that has it all is SCHEELS. I could get lost in there for hours or grab a coffee and bite to eat in Ginna’s Cafe.
Late in the evening, but you can’t sit at home?
Since I live down in Horace, Big Erv’s is a great spot to grab a few beers and a light bite before it’s time to wind down. I love the small-town vibe that has a great atmosphere and staff.
Kevin’s Top 10 can’t-miss things in the FM area!
In no particular order…
1. Dinner and Wine at Spaghetti Western— I love the intimacy of a small restaurant. Spaghetti Western’s menu with Italian classics, handmade pasta, and a unique wine list make this the perfect spot for a date night. I always recommend Grandma’s Meat Sauce made with American Wagyu and paired with a bottle of wine. For dessert, you have to try their homemade Tiramisu.
2. The Drawing Room—Found in the basement of Mezzaluna, this is a great option for unique handcrafted cocktails. My wife and I love to visit here on date nights. If you go, have Mason make you an Old Fashioned and you won’t be disappointed.
3. Suite Shots—Whether you enjoy golfing or not, Suite Shots is guaranteed to be a blast. Packed with family-friendly fun and interactive games using Toptracer technology. Inside, you’ll also find DJ’s Grill & Lounge, serving up great food in a lively atmosphere.
Earlier this spring, DJ’s Grill & Lounge officially opened inside Suite Shots—and they’ve made a name for themselves! From killer smash burgers and clubhouse classics like a cordon bleu chicken sandwich and pilly cheesesteak to pasta and salads, the menu is a well-rounded American casual dining experience with a mix of classic, comfort, and pub-style foods!
4. Red River Zoo—We love taking our daughter to the Red River Zoo. We opted for the Family Membership that allows us unlimited admission to the Red River Zoo as well as free or reduced admission to over 150 zoos and aquariums around the county. From petting the alpacas to watching roaming bison, this is definitely a highly recommended place to visit.
5. Lindenwood Park—This is a great way to enjoy nature, campgrounds, and playgrounds. We love to visit here as a family and walk the trails, cross the bridge to Moorhead, and let our daughter play on the various playgrounds found throughout.
6. SCHEELS—What would Fargo be without SCHEELS? Whenever I have visitors in town, I always stop by SCHEELS and we never leave empty-handed. You’re guaranteed to find the best customer service and can trust your getting the best answers to any question you may have.
7. Beer & Fish Co—Tucked in Robers Alley, Beer & Fish Co serves up the best fish and chips in the area. My favorite is the cod and halibut combo. Pro tip: get the buffalo sauce for dipping your fish!
8. Any of the Fargo/Moorhead Golf Courses—After moving here from the east coast, I was blown away at how great the golf courses are here. Rose Creek, Edgewood, Village Green, and The Meadows all offer great course layouts and are approachable for all handicaps. The greenskeepers at all of these courses are topnotch!
9. FARGODOME—This is a great venue with easy access. The FARGODOME has it all between football games, concerts, comedians, and conventions like the Boat Show hosted every year in January.
10. Drekker Brewing Company/Brewhalla—We absolutely love visiting Drekker and Brewhalla. Shop, eat, drink—what could be better? The market is filled with a great lineup of vendors that include pizza, coffee, ice cream, and oysters. Let’s not forget that Drekker is serving great craft brews that has a nationwide following. We’re lucky to have them here in Fargo!
24 Hrs in Fargo – Kevin’s Quick Recs
Where are you going for local food?
I’m taking them to Beer & Fish Company or Spaghetti Western in downtown Fargo. I love that these places serve great food and provide great service. The menus offer enough variety that there’s something for everyone and I’m always confident my guests will enjoy their mea
Where are you going for local shopping?
First stop is always Scheels. Every visitor I’ve brought to Scheels is immediately blown away at they truly have it all. From sports gear to dress shirts, Scheels has it all. Halberstadt’s for men’s clothing has great options you won’t find anywhere else. My wife loves to recommend The Nines in downtown Fargo. They are a great boutique option for women.
Where are you going for local nature?
Lindenwood & Gooseberry Mound Park are fantastic options to experience local nature. I always love to walk across the pedestrian bridge for a view of the Red River. If my guests are up for a drive, we drive out towards Detroit Lakes to walk the trails at Detroit Mountain for some added elevation.
Where are you going for local community spaces?
The Plains Art Museum is a great community space that features exhibitions, classes, programs, and lectures. They feature local artists as well as permanent collections that include national and international fine art. The new Fargo Parks Sports Center is an amazing new addition to the area. Phase 1 opened in June with Phase 2 slated for January 2025. The amenities include basketball courts, concessions, meeting rooms, and walking tracks.
Where are you going for local networking?
The best source for local networking is through the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. They are constantly hosting networking events around Fargo through the Young Professional Network, Business After Hours and Women Connect to name a few. Another great way to socialize with the locals is to grab a drink after work at Brewhalla, Fargo Brewing, or Rosewild.
Where are you going for Fargo YOU know and love?
I’m taking this person to downtown Fargo to soak in the history and character of Fargo. You can’t visit Fargo and not get a photo in front of the Fargo Theater. I know it’s the first thing I did when I was a tourist for the first time and it’s a memory that’s always stayed with me.
Fargo By The Season
Winter
Snowshoeing at a local park, ice skating, and snowboarding at Detroit Mountain.
Spring
Hiking at a local park, RedHawks game, and local spring markets.
Summer
Visit a local brewery, golf, and outdoor concerts.
Fall
Pumpkin patches, Red River Market, and NDSU Football games.
Q&A with Icebreaker Kevin
Q: What and why do you enjoy living, working, and playing here?
A: I love that Fargo has a small-town feel where you’re always bound to run into someone you know, but yet large enough that there’s something to do for everyone. The people around here are proud of this community and embrace all of our seasons (even winter)!
Q: What is on your “Fargo-Moorhead Bucket List?” What haven’t you done or where haven’t you been that you’d like to go?
A: I’d love to try ice-fishing one of these winters and also go deer hunting.
Q: If you moved here from somewhere else—what was your perception of this area before? And, how has that developed or changed since living here?
A: My original perception of this area was, “cold, flat, and boring.” While a couple of those are true, I can say Fargo is far from boring and while the country sees us as a fly over state, I’ve realized the rest of the country is missing out!
Connect with Kevin on Linkedin!
Linkedin | / Kevin Hochman
