A native of Hibbing, Sara Jespersen takes her Minnesota values seriously. After settling in Stillwater, she made it her mission to “bring joy to the city” by becoming a local business owner. In 2021, Jespersen acquired the Mad Capper, the oldest existing bar in Stillwater with more than 40 years of service. She reinvigorated the menu while staying true to Mad Capper’s roots; as a result, the bar’s revenue has grown by 20% each year. Jespersen also owns The Lumberjack, an axe-throwing space down the block from Mad Capper, which serves regional beer, liquor, and food from local makers. In between both businesses is the Union Art Alley, a former “garbage alley” that Jespersen helped refresh into a community gathering spot. She is chair of the Discover Stillwater tourism board and is on the board of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.