Johnson named ‘Business Woman of the Year’

Jacquelyn Johnson likes to keep active.

Growing up, her dad, Tom Dice, taught her the importance of working hard and giving back to her community.

She took that advice and applied it to her own life, and now, Johnson works at Dice Financial Services Group in Mitchell and gives back as much as she can.

That drive to help out in her community, along with a great work ethic, is part of the reason Johnson was chosen as The Daily Republic’s “Business Woman of the Year.”

Johnson said the recognition is “flattering.”

She is a financial adviser and co-owner of Dice Financial Services Group.

The business has been in operation for more than 55 years; it was started by her grandfather. She assists clients with insurance, investments and employee benefits needs.

“I love working with people, and meeting employees from businesses across town that I may not meet otherwise,” she said.

Helen Runge, office manager at Dice Financial Services Group, nominated Johnson.

“She’s so involved in everything. I thought she was well deserving of it,” Runge said.

Runge has known Johnson since she was a child, and said she sets the example that community and family are the most important.

“That involvement is just a necessary part of being in the community,” she said.

On top of working full-time, Johnson serves on many committees. Some include the Lifequest Board of Directors, Junior Achievement at the local and state level, Government Affairs Committee, Avera Queen of Peace Board and Physicians Relations Committee, Visitor Center Finance Committee and the Corn Palace Workforce Committee. She is also a past president of the Chamber of Commerce.

“It feels good to be helping others. It’s a great way to get involved in the community and help make a difference and it gives your life a little more perspective than just working or just being with your family. It’s giving back to others as well,” Johnson said.

She and her husband, Dusty, were very active during their college days at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.

“We were always involved in a lot of things. And it’s who we are today. It’s always been important to stay busy and keep active,” she said. “I feel awkward when we’re in group situations and people are talking about pop culture and the latest TV shows. We’re not at home watching TV.”

The couple moved back to Mitchell in 2002, when Johnson chose to work at her family’s business.

She and her husband have to sons — Max, 5, and Ben, 2. And with a full-time work schedule and volunteering in the community, she admits it’s a bit hectic.

“It takes a village to raise our family. We all help each other out,” she said.

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