Suggestions
Jorg Pierach
Founder, Fast Horse — An Integrated Creative Communications Agency
Jorg Pierach is a business professional based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a diverse career spanning over 35 years in communications, marketing, and entrepreneurship.14 In March 2023, he announced his new venture as Co-Owner of Herbst Eatery & Farm Stand, described as a chef-driven neighborhood restaurant.5
Career Highlights
Fast Horse: Pierach has been associated with Fast Horse, a company that has been recognized for its rapid growth:
- Fast Horse was listed among the 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America1
- The company received an AIA Honor Award from AIA Minnesota in December 20151
- In April 2022, Pierach announced the creation of a new position at Fast Horse: Integrated Campaign Manager2
Herbst Eatery & Farm Stand:
- Pierach became Co-Owner of this establishment in 20235
- The restaurant aims to bring a taste of Dover to St. Paul3
- It's described as a chef-driven neighborhood restaurant and farm stand5
Recent Developments
- In December 2023, Pierach reflected on the year, stating it was the most challenging of his nearly 35-year career, but also one of the most rewarding4
- Herbst Eatery & Farm Stand was recognized among the Best New Restaurants of 20234
Professional Approach
Pierach appears to value innovation and employee well-being, as evidenced by policies at his previous company, which included:
- Uncapped Paid Time Off
- Paid Sabbaticals
- Focus on mental health and wellness6
Throughout his career, Pierach has shown a commitment to communications, marketing, and business growth, with a recent focus on the restaurant industry through his co-ownership of Herbst Eatery & Farm Stand.
Highlights
2023 has easily been the most challenging year of my nearly 35-year career.
It's also been one of the most rewarding.
Last May, my wife and I opened Herbst Eatery & Farm Stand, a restaurant and market we'd been working on since late 2019. We vastly underestimated how hard it would be to pull this off. COVID had a little something to do with that. So did supply chain issues. And labor issues. And navigating the hopelessly short-staffed city bureaucracy. And on and on. All the while, I was still focused on my day job as Founder of Fast Horse, where the same labor issues, a quickly changing marketing landscape and other unique factors presented new challenges and opportunities. Throw in raising a couple of busy teenagers and you get the picture.
But this is the life and career I've chosen. I'm happiest when I can say "What if?" and then gather the most talented people I can find to answer the question. Fast Horse started with "What if?" So did Herbst. What if we bought that abandoned old market in our St. Paul neighborhood and created something that actually builds community? What if along the way we could support the many small family farmers we've come to know over the years? What if we try to create a culture that's healthier than the typical one that has chewed up and spit out so many great hospitality professionals? What if we try to establish a restaurant where learning is valued? What if we try to make things a bit more equitable for our people? What if we do it in a way that also sets a very high bar for quality?
And what if, my dear wife, we take this crazy entrepreneurial leap together?
What if?
So here we are as 2023 draws to a close. A little bruised. Definitely tired. But thrilled with what we've been able to pull off. We've created something that people tell us they love and value. They take the time to tell us every single day. Via email. Via review sites. As they put on their coats and walk out into the St. Paul night. They tell us they love the food. They tell us they love the ambiance. And they tell us they love the service. And when we fail to meet their expectations around any of those things, they take the time, usually in the gentlest of ways, to tell us how we can improve. In many ways, that's showing us love as well.
And speaking of love, we're even starting to show up on some year-end "Best" lists. Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine included us in their "50 Best Restaurants in the Twin Cities" list. Minnesota Monthly named Herbst "Best New Restaurant -- St. Paul." We're grateful for the recognition. But that's not why we did this.
We did this because what if ...
