Matt Feickert and his brother Justin are the second-gen­eration leaders in a business that has been expanding since the late 70’s. Their father, Roger, founded Quality Quick Print in Aberdeen, SD, in 1979, and over the past 30 years it has grown from a one-man operation to employing over 40 people. Today, the family owns Midstates, Inc. Print & Media Solutions, which successfully operates throughout the U.S. and has over 320 employees. In addition, Panther Graphics, LLC in Sioux Falls, SD, and Jacob North, LLC in Lincoln, NE, round out the Feickert family’s corporation.

Although they have run a successful business for over three decades, the Feickert family continues to learn about their family and business every day, and they take advantage of the opportunities that will allow them to become even more successful. The Feickert family is committed to family business education.

Attending the 2009 Family Business Retreat allowed the family time to work “on the business” and “on the fami­ly.” The Feickerts were energized to take their succession plan seriously. They implemented family meetings and began defining the difference between being a shareholder, board member, and manager in the business.

“It was a great setting to get to know other families with the same challenges we have,” Matt stated. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take advice from other families.” The retreats offer a unique environment that allows each family to not only get to know their family and business goals better, but also enables them to meet other families that face the same challenges. Education, networking, and camaraderie are only a few of the benefits each family receives when they participate in this distinctive retreat program.