Former ND labor commissioner turned Fargo CEO recognized for running all-woman company

Michelle Kommer, former ND labor commissioner, runs HighRoad Partners with an all-female team from a renovated 112-year-old Fargo tire warehouse, providing essential HR services to small businesses. Kommer was recognized by The Forum ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8th. After executive roles at major companies and graduating top of her UND law school class while raising young foster children, she built her career by utilizing every second of her time wisely, and being open to what scares her. HighRoad offers comprehensive HR solutions through an all-female team with genuine workplace flexibility. Kommer recognized most ND employers have less than 50 employees, and need affordable HR expertise but lack resources to manage HR, finance, and accounting, all while trying to grow their business. Her management philosophy, shaped by early mentor Mona Flaten, focuses on supportive rather than competitive female relationships in professional settings, all while maintaining high standards. Beyond business, she founded the North Dakota Heart Gallery to help foster children find adoptive families.