North Dakota's 2023 Small Business Persons of the Year

FARGO, ND - Red E is an engineering services and manufacturing support company in Fargo, North Dakota. The company is headed by Matthew and Jesse Faul, who were named SBA’s 2023 North Dakota Small Business Persons of the Year following a statewide competition.

The red-headed twin brothers grew up working on farm equipment. Their grandpa would pay them “a penny a bolt” to salvage parts from old machines to help maintain his farming equipment. Matt and Jesse went on to study Mechanical Engineering at North Dakota State University. Their career paths diverged for a time while they worked for different engineering firms. In 2012, Matt founded Red E, an engineering services company. Matt reached out to SBA resource partner, SCORE Mentors, for guidance on the practical steps for starting a business. Jesse joined the firm in 2015.

Matt and Jesse encountered a major challenge when their largest account stopped making payments. Putting their engineering expertise and farm experience to work, they began designing, manufacturing, and installing solutions to repair and upgrade ag equipment, specializing in air seeders. Financed in part by an SBA-guaranteed loan, this addition to their business model helped them get their company back on track. Matt also credits his participation in SBA’s Emerging Leaders class for preparing him to launch a new direction for the company.

In the years since, revenues from domestic sales and exports worldwide have significantly increased, resulting in more staff and larger facilities. Today, Red E employs 25 people and operates in 23,000 sq. ft. of space with plans for another expansion.

Matt and Jesse are active in industry organizations and volunteer their time and resources to their local church and charities to assist people in need.