About Us
Who We Are
Located in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Vodkaleti Formations LLC is dedicated to showcasing the incredible talents of local artists and vendors. Our online store features a variety of handcrafted creations, including jewelry, clothing, and unique crafts. Each item is a testament to the skill and creativity of our artisans, and we're proud to offer a platform where their talents can shine.
Our Mission
Our mission goes beyond just being a marketplace. At Vodkaleti Formations LLC, we're committed to making a positive impact on our community. A portion of every sale is donated to local food pantries, shelters, and charities. This approach allows us to support local artisans while also helping those in need. We believe in the power of community and strive to strengthen it through our efforts.
Meet Our Founder
Vodkaleti Formations LLC was founded by Shawn Halbur, who has a background in healthcare and EMS. Shawn's passion for helping others and making a difference inspired the creation of our company. By providing a platform for local artists and vendors to showcase their talents, Shawn has created a space where creativity and community come together.
Our Offerings
From beautiful handcrafted jewelry to unique clothing and crafts, our online store offers something for everyone. Each piece is carefully curated to ensure it meets our high standards of quality and craftsmanship. Explore our collection and discover the unique creations that our talented artisans have to offer.
Join Us on Our Journey
We invite you to join us on this journey of celebrating local talent and giving back to the community. To learn more about our products, our mission, and the impact we're making. Follow us on social media for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and special offers.
Thank you for being a part of Vodkaleti Formations LLC. Together, we can make a difference, one handcrafted creation at a time. Cheers to supporting local talent and strengthening our community!
Meet the Team
Shawn Halbur
CEO & Founder
🌟 The Life Story of Shawn Halbur
Founder of Vodkaleti Formations LLC
Paramedic | Community Advocate | Creative Leader
Fort Dodge, Iowa
🌱 Early Life: A Heart for Service
Born and raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Shawn Halbur grew up with a natural instinct to help others. As a child in the foster care system, he experienced firsthand the challenges of instability and invisibility—but also developed a deep empathy for those around him. Even at a young age, Shawn showed a passion for leadership and community involvement, often stepping up to support peers and participate in local youth programs.
In recognition of his early advocacy, Shawn received the 2012 Youth Advocacy Leadership Award from Youth Shelter Services of North Central Iowa, a program affiliated with the statewide AMP (Achieving Maximum Potential) foster youth councils. This honor reflected his commitment to making life better for others, even while navigating his own challenges.
📚 Education & Career Formation
Shawn’s drive to serve led him to pursue education in both the arts and health sciences:
He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Iowa Central Community College, where he built a foundation in communication, ethics, and civic engagement.
He continued his studies at the University of Iowa, focusing on Human Physiology, driven by a desire to understand the human body and improve lives through healthcare.
He later completed an Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic Studies at Kirkwood Community College, preparing him for a career in emergency medical services.
🚑 EMS Career: Saving Lives on the Front Lines
Shawn began his healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge, serving from 2015 to 2017. He then joined Southeast Iowa Ambulance as an EMT, working in Iowa City during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In interviews with the Messenger News, Shawn described the emotional and physical toll of responding to COVID-19 emergencies, sharing how respiratory distress and uncertainty affected patients—and how his work made a visible difference in their lives. He emphasized the satisfaction of seeing oxygen levels rise, symptoms ease, and fear turn into relief:
“What I am doing is making a difference and I can see it right in front of me.”
His dedication and compassion led to his hiring by the Fort Dodge Fire Department as an EMT in 2021.
💼 Vodkaleti Formations LLC: Creative Outreach with Purpose
In addition to his medical career, Shawn founded Vodkaleti Formations LLC, a creative support and outreach company based in Fort Dodge. The firm provides branding, promotional services, and campaign strategy to local vendors, nonprofits, and grassroots programs—especially those that are underrepresented or underserved.
Vodkaleti’s mission—“BIG differences in small communities”—reflects Shawn’s belief that visibility and storytelling can transform lives.
🎤 Advocacy & Community Impact
Shawn remains a passionate advocate for foster youth and underprivileged families. He has spoken at events in partnership with Variety – the Children’s Charity, helping raise funds to send foster children to summer camps. His talks blend personal experience with a call to action, encouraging others to invest in the futures of youth who need it most.
He also mentors young creatives, supports local vendor showcases, and collaborates with city leaders to build inclusive outreach programs—like the proposed Vendor Spotlight Program for Fort Dodge.
🏆 Legacy in Motion
From foster care to the front lines of EMS, from creative entrepreneurship to public advocacy, Shawn Halbur’s life is a blueprint for turning adversity into impact. His work continues to uplift those who feel unseen, and his story inspires others to lead with empathy, courage, and creativity.
✨ Personal Motto
“Visibility saves lives. Creativity heals. Every small story matters.”