THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE VISION

OWNER AND CEO

Born and raised on a farm in the small town of Shafer, Minnesota, Jason grew up alongside four siblings in a close-knit family. He went on to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, which set the foundation for a career defined by growth, reinvention, and entrepreneurial drive.

After college, Jason joined Select Comfort — now known as Sleep Number — during a period of explosive growth. A pivotal conversation with a colleague eventually drew him into the circuit board industry, and when that company closed its doors, he didn't walk away. Instead, he partnered with a fellow colleague to build something new from the ground up. That company has been thriving for over 25 years.

In October 2015, Jason expanded his entrepreneurial reach by founding a company that provides housing for people recovering from addiction — a venture that has introduced him to some truly remarkable people. Through those connections, he discovered a deep fascination with music and video production, sparked by friendships with artists and creatives in that world.

In October 2024, when a friend spotted the former Two Fish Studios building for sale in Mankato, Jason seized the opportunity — acquiring and remodeling it into what is now Vision Studios.

As Owner & CEO, Jason works alongside the Vision Team with a single guiding principle: helping artists accomplish their vision with the highest possible integrity. He is engaged, a proud parent of four young adults, and someone who leads with genuine passion for learning, creating, and — most of all — seeing people smile.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR + ENGINEER

Luck, says Colin Scharf, is simply being in the right place at the right time with the right skillset. And that’s how the lifelong creative became Vision Studios’ Creative Director: with a little bit of luck and a lot of talent.

Scharf brings his variety of artistic talents and decades of experience to our brand new facility, where he will be the lead producer/engineer of Electric Prairie Recordings and live events coordinator of The Ivy—two skillsets he’s been honing since starting Gold Mine Studios, his own recording and live events company, in 2020.

Through Gold Mine Studios, Scharf produced countless singles, EPs, and albums for local artists, as well as curated a variety of annual live music events highlighting the Mankato area’s original bands and musicians.

As Creative Director of Vision Studios, Scharf will continue using his talents and energy to help elevate and expand the creativity of everyone who enters our building.

LEAD EVENTS COORDINATOR

With nearly a decade of experience as the General Manager of a local wedding venue, Megan Felber brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for events to The Ivy as our Lead Events Coordinator. After being approached by Scharf in 2025 about an exciting opportunity to be part of The Ivy, Megan knew it was something she couldn’t pass up.

Specializing in weddings and intimate gatherings, Megan is excited to help bring a fresh, premier event space to the community. Whether you’re planning a bridal or baby shower, an intimate wedding, a business meeting or corporate retreat, a small fitness class like Pilates or yoga, or even looking for a beautiful space for photographers and videographers to create in, Megan is here to help bring your vision to life and create a memorable experience for you and your guests.

In addition to her role at The Ivy, Megan is also the Lead Planner of The Soul Creative Group, based in Mankato. Known for her attention to detail, calm demeanor, and genuine love for the event industry, Megan is dedicated to guiding clients through every step of the planning process to ensure their event feels seamless, intentional, and truly special.

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Zak is an award-winning Photographer, Filmmaker, and Musician from Mankato, MN. While his client base is largely from MN, he has adventured and shot in Zion Natl. Park, Mt. Hood, the MN Boundary Waters, Cambodia, Big Bear CA, and recently Nepal/Mt. Everest. 

Zak has been a part of a handful of Documentaries, Cinematographer on a dozen Feature Films, created hundreds of short films, commercial shoots, music videos, and delivered thousands of photo galleries to wedding, HS senior, real estate, families, newborns, and many more in the last 15 years.

Zak’s role at Vision is to provide a creative, cinematic media product to bands, businesses, individuals, and open the recording studio to helping with solutions for the filmmaking world in Minnesota and beyond.

BUILDING MANAGER + TECHNICIAN

With decades of experience in carpentry, fine woodworking, and professional musical instrument repair, Dave Begalka brings a rare combination of craftsmanship and technical expertise to the Vision Studios team. An active musician himself, he performs and records on guitar, lap steel, and electric bass.

As Building Manager, Dave oversees all facets of upkeep, repair, and maintenance of the Vision Studios building and property. As a Technician, he troubleshoots, maintains, and repairs studio electronics, audio gear, and musical equipment — keeping everything running at the highest level so artists can focus on what matters most.

Outside of work, Dave is passionate about music of all kinds, outdoor adventures including hiking, kayaking, and rowing, and spending time with his family and dogs. He especially looks forward to his annual trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).