Reliabank marketing director doubles as professional pitmaster

Feb. 21, 2023

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Zach Bauer, director of marketing at Reliabank.

Name: Zach Bauer

Age: 40

Hometown: Billings, Montana

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

In 2012, my wife and I began the exciting journey of launching a new church in Sioux Falls. We had only been here twice before deciding to make this great city our new home. Not long after arriving, I joined the team at 5J Design + Marketing, a local marketing company.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls is a vibrant community, full of friendship and opportunity. Some of my closest friends are here — the city has so much to offer in terms of connection and growth! From its unique culture to innovative pursuits, Sioux Falls truly shines as an extraordinary place to live.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I love the creative process. Nothing is quite as satisfying as seeing a spark of creativity transform into something that can connect and inspire others. It’s why I love the journey from concept to realization!

How did you get connected to your industry?

After high school, I followed my passion for website and graphic design to college in Wyoming. There, I discovered the power of combining creative elements with website and marketing strategies.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Reliable. Community-oriented. Relational.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

Since 2014, I’ve been a professional pitmaster on the Kansas City Barbecue Society circuit. This past year, I competed and won best brisket at the Sanford International Golf Tournament – 2022 Beef BBQ Contest of Champions. After years of honing my competitive cooking skills, I seized the opportunity to launch a barbecue food truck with friends last year. Since then, 605 Barbecue Co. has been serving up delicious dishes around Sioux Falls for individuals and private events alike!

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

My wife and I are passionate about helping those in transition. So many people are in transitions dealing with poverty, family crisis and affordable housing. For years, we have partnered with families and individuals at the Children’s Inn, Rich in Compassion House and Empower Sioux Falls.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Five on Black — Brazilian Street Food restaurant in our hometown of Billings, Montana.

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

Would love to see a rentable commercial kitchen space, a place where food trucks and small catering companies can have access to a commercial kitchen. This space would solely be intended for food prep and production. The commercial space is licensed, certified and equipped for large-scale food production. This allows you to have the freedom to rent the space for a few hours or on fixed terms.

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Reliabank marketing director doubles as professional pitmaster

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Zach Bauer, director of marketing at Reliabank.

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