Serenity Assisted Living in Dilworth, MN is a relatively new family business, having been established in 2006, it is still owned by the first generation. Nevertheless, the company has grown remarkably in the past ten years, increasing from 10 assisted living apartments to 60. Like any family of a growing company, the Anderson family has had to take necessary steps to keep their business headed in the right direction.

Denise Tollefson is the second generation at Serenity Assisted Living, working alongside her parents, Tim and Elaine, and brother Richard. Although the Anderson family is active in several PFBA programs, Denise feels the one that has been the most beneficial is the Annual Conference.

“Attending the Annual Conference as a family has shaped the entire way we are striving to operate,” Denise stated. “Between the keynote speakers, table discussions, and breakout sessions… there is  knowledge and resources at your fingertips everywhere you look.”

The annual conference is a day-and-a-half event packed with informative presentations and renowned family business professionals. This program is also the number one networking event in the region for business-owning families. Many people travel from around the region to gain insight on the family business industry, as well as connect with those who are navigating the same profound waters.

Although the Anderson family won’t transition for another 8-10 years, they believe they are on the right track because of their experiences at the annual conference. “Without having attending the annual conference, it is very unlikely we would have progressed as a business or as a family in the same healthy way.”