This week, Prairie Family Business Association (PFBA) honored the Hendricks Family of Five Star Storage with the 2024 Edward Shorma Excellence in Family Business Award during a special luncheon at Porter Creek Hardwood Grill in Fargo, North Dakota.

This prestigious award recognizes multigenerational family businesses in the Fargo area that make a significant positive impact on the local economy and surrounding communities. Established by the Shorma family in 2015, the Edward Shorma Excellence in Family Business Award pays tribute to their father’s entrepreneurial spirit, who founded eight companies employing over 1,000 people across various industries.

Edward Shorma’s entrepreneurial journey began in Wahpeton, North Dakota, in 1954 when he purchased a shoe repair shop for just $1,500. He quickly diversified the business into tarp repair for farm trucks, which laid the groundwork for future expansions. In 1973, he partnered with MacDon Industries, a Canadian farm equipment supplier, to provide original-equipment canvas belting, a move that significantly broadened his business scope.

“It feels deeply humbling and inspiring to present this award to another fourth-generation family business, the Hendricks family,” said Richard Shorma. Over time, and with the collaborative help of others, we all have grown closer to understanding the challenges, triumphs, and responsibilities of carrying forward a family legacy, it’s a moment of shared pride. We all realize how much heart, dedication, and perseverance go into sustaining something for generations—through changing times, market shifts, and personal sacrifices.”

Shorma’s success earned him the title of Small Business Person of the Year in 1982, presented by President Ronald Reagan during a White House ceremony, the only North Dakotan ever to receive the honor. His achievements continued with accolades like the North Dakota Exporter of the Year in 2003 and the President’s “E” Award for Excellence in Exporting in 2010. In 2022, the business was sold to Continental marking a significant chapter in the family’s business legacy. The Shorma family continues business and investment interests together.

“Being the recipient of the Edward Shorma Award for Excellence in Family Business is super special to me, our family and the Five Star Storage team,” said Chuck Hendricks. “I got to know Ed around 60 years ago when my dad would take me to get our shoes fixed in Wahpeton. Over the years, I watched as Ed and eventually his family grew their business into many facets as national leaders in their respective industries, all of which culminated with Ed winning the Small Businessman of the Year award from then President Reagan!”

The Hendricks family’s entrepreneurial journey began in the early 1970s when Mel and Harriet Hendricks sold Mel’s Electric in Wyndmere, ND, to establish Hendricks Inc., focusing on apartment projects in rural North Dakota. The company grew steadily, expanding into new communities across the Dakotas and into Montana throughout the 1980s. In 1994, the company was handed down to their son, Chuck Hendricks, and rebranded as Hendricks Property Management (HPM).

In 2004, HPM purchased four acres in Fargo to build a new office, which already included four self-storage buildings operating under the name Five Star Storage. Shortly thereafter, HPM rebranded as Five Star Services, Inc., specializing in residential and self-storage property management. As the business evolved, Chuck’s sons, Ben and Jake Hendricks, became integral to its growth, with Jake joining to manage the storage operations while pursuing his law degree and Ben working part-time before taking on full-time management in 2009.

The company’s first expansion outside of Fargo occurred in 2012, acquiring properties in the northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities. By 2018, Five Star Services shifted its focus entirely to self-storage, launching Five Star Storage Management. In 2022, Chuck transitioned to the role of Chairman, while Ben became CEO and Jake became President. Today, Five Star Storage operates 38 facilities, with plans for further development and new management opportunities.

“What made the award luncheon so special was having four generations of both the Shorma and Hendricks families in the room,” shared Stephanie Larscheid, Executive Director of the Prairie Family Business Association. “The longevity and history of these businesses are impressive, and it was inspiring to see families discussing their legacies and future together.”

The Shorma Family has been a cornerstone of the PFBA for over 30 years, witnessing the evolution of family businesses during that time. Their dedication to supporting fellow family business owners has solidified their reputation as trusted resources in the community.

“It’s not just about business success; it’s about stewardship, honoring the hard work of those who came before us, and paving the way for future generations,” said Shorma. “In this moment, there’s a sense of hope and renewed commitment, knowing that we are all part of a bigger story—one that we can continue to write together with care and purpose. We are very grateful for the work and resources of Prairie Family Business. Thanks again to Stephanie and team that helped with such a beautiful celebration.”

The PFBA is proud to present the Edward Shorma Excellence in Family Business Award, recognizing the remarkable contributions the Shormas have made to our community and honoring the legacy of family businesses that continue to thrive across the region.

Hendricks concluded, “Simply put, winning the Edward Shorma Award is more humbling than any other award or recognition our company has ever received, not only because of the words on the plaque, but, more importantly, it includes our entire family: my dad and mom, my wife, Patty, and my sons, Jake, Ben, Sam, and Will, as well as our entire work family. It was also very special to have my grandson, Jackson, able to attend the award luncheon. I could not be any prouder of our family and business than I am today.”

Congratulations to the Hendricks family for this well-deserved recognition!