--- title: John Pohlman. Proven Leadership for District 10 House. description: Vote for John Pohlman - District 10 House on November 3. --- [Skip to content](https://pohlmanforsd.com#main-content) [![John Pohlman for District 10 House](https://pohlmanforsd.com/hubfs/Pohlman%20for%20House_Logo_CLR_FINAL.svg)](https://pohlmanforsd.com/?hsLang=en) Open main navigation Close main navigation ![John Pohlman](https://pohlmanforsd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/JP_HeroImage-1.png?width=2000&height=2000&name=JP_HeroImage-1.png "John Pohlman") **Experienced. Collaborative. Results Driven.** # John Pohlman ## Proven Leadership for ## District 10 House --- [Donate](https://pohlmanforsd.com#support)  John Pohlman is a longtime Sioux Falls resident, business owner and community leader committed to delivering practical results for District 10. With decades of experience building organizations, creating jobs and working to strengthen South Dakota’s economy and quality of life, John brings steady, thoughtful direction where it matters most. ![John Speaking](https://pohlmanforsd.com/hubfs/JP_WebGraphic_600x300-1.png "John Speaking") ## Key Priorities: - **Affordability** – Ensuring that South Dakotans remain financially secure - **Fiscal Responsibility** – Keeping taxes low and government accountable - **Public Safety** – Standing with law enforcement to keep communities safe - **Economic Development** – Promoting smart growth for our children's future - **Strong Principles** – Supporting personal responsibility and South Dakota values - **Delivering Results** – Leveraging experience and common sense to create solutions ## About John John has called Sioux Falls home since 1984. He and his wife Stacey, both natives of Pierre, have been married for 41 years, raised three daughters in District 10 and are now proud grandparents. A graduate of the University of South Dakota, John has built a career as a business owner and leader, helping grow a respected marketing company and creating opportunities for others along the way. Over the years, he has worked closely with state and community leaders to promote economic development, strengthen the visitor industry, support agriculture, improve public safety, help fund education and advance research and innovation across South Dakota. John is known for bringing people together, solving problems and focusing on results, not rhetoric. He is a graduate of Leadership Sioux Falls and Leadership South Dakota and has received local, statewide and national recognition for his professional achievements. ![John With His Family](https://pohlmanforsd.com/hubfs/JP_WebGraphic_600x300.png "John With His Family") ![John Pohlman in Office](https://pohlmanforsd.com/hubfs/JP_WebGraphic_532x630_1.png "John Pohlman in Office") ## Community Involvement - Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership Foundation - TeamMates of South Dakota - Sioux 52 Mentoring Initiative - Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation Youth Safety Initiative - Downtown Rotary of Sioux Falls - Sioux Empire United Way - University of South Dakota advisory boards ## Positions & Beliefs ### Steady, Practical Leadership John Pohlman believes state government should be focused on common sense solutions that protect taxpayers, strengthen communities and preserve South Dakota values. ### Fiscal Responsibility South Dakotans expect government to live within its means. John will work to keep taxes low, control spending and ensure accountability in Pierre. ### Public Safety Safe communities are the foundation of a strong state. John supports law enforcement and policies that protect families and neighborhoods. ### Stronger Communities From economic development to workforce growth, John will focus on policies that help Sioux Falls and South Dakota continue to thrive for years to come. ### South Dakota Values Putting family first and exercising personal responsibility are at the core of what makes our state strong. John will stand firmly for those values. ### Results Over Rhetoric John believes leadership is about solving real problems, not chasing headlines. He will bring a steady, thoughtful approach to the legislature. ## Endorsements Support from community leaders, neighbors and organizations who trust John’s leadership and commitment to District 10. > ### **Governor Dennis Daugaard** > > #### "John Pohlman would be a great addition to the legislature. His logic, intelligence and emotional maturity are attributes we need in today's political arena. Please give John your vote!" ![John Pohlman with Governor Dennis Daugaard](https://pohlmanforsd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/JP_WebGraphic_370x300.png?width=370&height=300&name=JP_WebGraphic_370x300.png "John Pohlman with Governor Dennis Daugaard") ![John Pohlman with Paul TenHaken](https://pohlmanforsd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/JP_WebGraphic_370x300_2.png?width=370&height=300&name=JP_WebGraphic_370x300_2.png "John Pohlman with Paul TenHaken") > ### **Mayor Paul TenHaken** > > *Worked with John on Sioux 52 mentoring initiative* > > #### "John is an incredible business leader who knows how to get things done. I'd be proud to have someone of his caliber representing our city in Pierre." ### **Michele Brich** *Has decades of work experience with John* "As a first-time candidate for public office, John Pohlman brings a fresh perspective and rock-solid leadership to the race for District 10 State Representative. What sets John apart from other candidates is his decades of behind-the-scenes experience—creatively promoting South Dakota and helping individuals and businesses navigate challenges with practical, forward-thinking solutions. Having worked with John on several projects, I’ve seen first-hand his calm, fair-minded approach. He will listen to all sides, carefully weigh the facts, and make thoughtful decisions that serve the best interests of District 10 and our entire state. At a time when division often dominates our legislative process, John offers a much-needed commitment to cooperation, respect, and unity. Vote for John Pohlman—you’ll be glad you did." ### **J.C. Joyce** *Has served on a statewide board with John* "I am proud to endorse John Pohlman for the District 10 House seat after having spent the last six years working alongside him to build a non-profit board from the ground up. Throughout this journey, I have seen firsthand his unwavering integrity and his ability to turn a vision into a functional, impactful reality to serve kids across the entire state of South Dakota. John’s extensive business experience allows him to cut through the noise and make the kind of common-sense decisions our state desperately needs. I trust him implicitly to represent our interests with the same dedication and pragmatic leadership he brings to everything he does." ### **Russ Olson** *Longtime business associate* "John has spent most of his professional career working alongside individuals and businesses committed to making South Dakota a success story for the next generation. I am excited to see him put his many talents to work in the South Dakota House of Representatives. John is a true team player, with the experience and collaborative approach needed to work effectively with fellow elected leaders and help ensure that South Dakota continues to be a state others look to as a benchmark for success.” ### **Ron Nelson** *Sioux Falls business associate* “John is one of the brightest and most intelligent business leaders in the State of South Dakota. To pull a brand new face into Pierre and the State Capitol would be a breath of fresh air. New ideas from an expert in economic development who grew up in Pierre will offer a unique voice that will benefit the entire state. District 10 and all of South Dakota is fortunate that a qualified talent like John is willing to raise his hand and offer to serve. When rare opportunities come up, we need to seize them. This is one of those times. Please support John.“ ### **John Beranek** *Worked with John on youth safety initiatives for a decade* "John Pohlman is a visionary thinker who understands that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about listening carefully, wrestling with the tough questions, and finding common ground when the path forward isn’t easy. John has a remarkable gift with words, a wonderful sense of humor, and an authentic desire to serve. He will listen with heart, think deeply, and have the courage to make thoughtful decisions—and, just as importantly, explain the *why* behind them. That is the kind of leadership that will serve South Dakota well.” ### **Tom Walsh Sr.** *Sioux Falls business associate, served on a statewide board with John* "I have known John both professionally and through leadership programs like TeamMates Mentoring and other youth development programs. He has always been very professional and goal focused as he has led many successful community efforts. He is an optimistic, caring family man. He is a conservative, pragmatic experienced leader that you can count on to do the right thing." ### **Rick Melmer** *Worked with John on education initiatives* "John Pohlman would bring a wealth of knowledge to his role as a legislator. He has extensive knowledge of our state and a passion to serve the people of South Dakota." ### **Jim Creel** *Former restaurant chain president who worked with John for 10 years* "John has always been about a fair honest approach in his business dealings with me. His ability to take an independent approach to decision making makes him a valuable and thoughtful leader for the state of South Dakota. I fully support his efforts to become a state representative." ### **Kim Burma** *Business associate, Worked with John on a non-profit fundraising cabinet* "I’m supporting John Pohlman because his integrity, work ethic and dedication to the betterment of Sioux Falls and South Dakota makes him the right choice for effective local leadership. John is honest and will put people first, and I believe our community will be stronger with him in office.” ### **Dr. Michelle Van Maanen** *Worked with John on university advisory boards* "John has a long history of giving his time and expertise to community groups, proving his commitment to the public isn't new. He brings an established track record of using his expertise and ability to collaborate to solve problems. John has the rare ability to build consensus in a divisive environment, making his voice exactly what we need in the Statehouse.” ### **Shelly Johnson** *Local marketing and development professional* "I had the opportunity to work with John for 17 years and know him as someone who approaches his work with thoughtfulness and common sense. He is reasonable, logical, and a skilled problem-solver, all qualities I believe to be especially important in public service. As a lifelong South Dakotan, and with his years of leadership and involvement on issues across the state, he brings a valuable perspective on the opportunities and challenges ahead." ### **Allen Gordon** *Home builder, entrepreneur & longtime business associate* "I have known John Pohlman for many years, and I can say without hesitation that he is a man of integrity, vision, and character. John has a remarkable ability to see opportunities, communicate a clear vision, and bring people together to accomplish meaningful goals. His marketing expertise and strategic thinking are exceptional, but what impresses me most is his genuine care for people and his commitment to doing what's right. I have every confidence that John will serve our state with honesty, dedication, and thoughtful leadership. He has my wholehearted support, and I know he will work tirelessly to make a positive difference for the people he represents.” ### **Eric S. Erickson** *Worked with John on a non-profit campaign committee* "John is the first one to step up and take on challenges. He makes principled decisions rather than following the crowd or chasing attention. John represents people, not personal agendas, and will be a strong, positive presence in Pierre.” ### **Curt Soehl** *Former fireman, insurance agent and city councilor* "I have found John to be a great communicator and superior problem solver. His ability to find solutions to complex problems will serve us greatly as a representative of Sioux Falls. I am proud to give him my endorsement." ### **Nathan Sanderson** *SD Business Leader* "I’ve worked with John for years. He’s results-oriented and just plain gets the job done. He has a long track record of making good things happen and will be an excellent legislator." ### **Cindy Peterson** *Worked with John for non-profit organizations* “John has spent his 40-year career finding creative solutions to problems others can’t seem to figure out. And now he wants to bring that experience to Pierre. John will walk into every room as a calm, assertive leader. His leadership style is uniquely collaborative – letting all voices be heard and then ensuring a decision is made. South Dakota is better for all of us when smart, steady, servant leaders choose to work collaboratively on behalf of its citizens. I trust John with that responsibility.” ### **David Owen** *Former CEO of South Dakota State Chamber of Commerce* "I worked with John Pohlman for more than twenty years. He knows how leaders need to think about issues to find solutions that will solve problems and more important will be acceptable to the people in his district that sent him to Pierre to find those very answers. John Pohlman is smart. He listens. He can explain issues to voters. He gets that politics can be a bit messy. He knows solving problems takes guts, brains, and leadership. John is a leader. He belongs in the House of Representatives. John Pohlman is funny without being goofy; smart without being arrogant; listens without just thinking of his next comeback; works harder than anyone else without bragging. Send him to Pierre where he will do some good for all of us." ### **Tamien Dysart** *Business associate, served on a Chamber committee with John* "South Dakota doesn't need more noise in Pierre — it needs people who know how to listen and get things done. John Pohlman is exactly that. Over the years, I've seen him in the midst of forward-moving initiatives and campaigns that matter for our state — not on the sidelines, but driving them. He's built on the core values of our community, not afraid to put in the work, and represents the kind of common sense leadership we desperately need more of. John leads with humility and purpose, always focused on moving South Dakota forward. That's the leadership our communities deserve in the legislature. John has my full support." ### **Pat Costello** *Business associate, former Commissioner of Governor's Office of Economic Development* "I’ve worked with John on both a personal and professional level for many years. John’s work ethic, professionalism, and integrity are beyond reproach. He is a smart leader who works hard to understand the challenges before him and makes thoughtful decisions. District 10 and SD would be fortunate to have him working for us." ### **Jenny Olson** *Business associate, District 10 resident* "I am pleased to endorse John Pohlman for the South Dakota House of Representatives in District 10. I have known John professionally for many years and have consistently seen his exceptional leadership skills in action. He is thoughtful, capable, and deeply committed to serving the people of Sioux Falls. I am confident he will represent our city and District 10 with integrity and effectiveness in Pierre. I urge voters to support John Pohlman." --- ### Support the Campaign Help Bring Experienced Leadership to Pierre. Your support makes a difference.  - **Donate** – Invest in a stronger District 10 - **Volunteer** – Knock doors, make calls, spread the word - **Host an Event** – Bring neighbors together Together, we can deliver results for Sioux Falls.   ### Take Action Be part of the campaign: - Sign up for updates - Request a yard sign - Volunteer your time - Encourage friends and family to vote **Election Day is November 3rd. You can Absentee Vote or begin Early Voting on September 18th at the Minnehaha County Administration Building.** SD law limits donations to legislative candidates to $1000 per individual donor, per year.  Join the campaign for practical conservative leadership. Volunteer. Donate. Vote November 3. [![John Pohlman for District 10 House](https://pohlmanforsd.com/hubfs/Pohlman%20for%20House_Logo_CLR_FINAL.svg "John Pohlman for District 10 House")](https://pohlmanforsd.com/?hsLang=en) ## **Contact** ### Have a question? Want to get involved? 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