10 Under 10 Awardee uses legal training to strengthen business and community initiatives

Colin Helfenstein is a managing partner at Aloha Cleaning, LLC, which provides a variety of commercial cleaning services. His responsibilities include strategic planning, accounting, running payroll, Human Resources, and operations. In addition, he works on general finances of projections, revenue growth, fundraising, and event planning as the finance director for the North Dakota Democratic Nonpartisan League.

In 2020, Colin earned a BS in Paralegal Studies at Minnesota State Moorhead. He uses his legal background to ensure Aloha Cleaning, LLC is up to date with any compliance requirements or changes in law. In 2024, he earned an MBA in Business Administration at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota to strengthen the operations of his business.

Colin cares deeply about supporting his community in Fargo, N.D. and his volunteer work backs that claim. Colin utilizes the skills developed from his education and career to help small business owners with pro bono consulting work and assists people with their finances. He is a Volunteer Treasurer for Cass County Democratic-NPL and worked at the now closed Dorothy Day House where he first fell in love with service. He and his wife are strong advocates for human rights, supporting Venezuelan individuals facing legal uncertainty. The MSUM Foundation 2026 10 Under 10 Award honors Colin for his hard work in entrepreneurism and heart for his community.