About PFBA

We’ve spent over three decades helping families and their businesses succeed today and plan for the future.

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Member Families

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States

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Years Serving Families

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Professional Advisors

We exist for hardworking family businesses who dream of creating a legacy for the next generation — those who want to lead successfully, plan accordingly, and transition with confidence.

The business, relational, and generational change this intentional work ignites is why we do we what do. We’d love to get to know your family, understand your business, and connect you to the resources you need to thrive.

Our Purpose

To help family businesses thrive through generations.

Prairie Family Business Association, founded in 1992, is an outreach center of the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business.

Core Values

professional@2x

P – Professional

We operate in a highly professional manner. From our written communication to our verbal communication and everything in between.

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F – Focus

We are focused on our mission each day and strive to provide high value to our members.

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B – Building Connections

We help families navigate the complexities of being in business together. Connections are established among fellow members, sponsors, and advisors.

beyond@2x

A – Above & Beyond

We deliver on the needs of families and provide them with valuable resources. Customer service is important to us.

Meet Our Members

In 2022, we celebrated our 30th year of helping family businesses. Hear from our members the impact PFBA has had on both their family and their business.

 

"Prairie Family Business is about family. It's about keeping families together and moving forward. Without them, I don't think we would be continuing as a second generation – mostly because the communication wouldn't have been there for us."

Watch the Video

Focus Areas

How We Help

We offer valuable assistance with succession planning for your family business through educational resources, workshops, and access to expert advisors. These resources are tailored to address the unique challenges and dynamics of family businesses, providing guidance on developing a succession plan that ensures a smooth transition of leadership from one generation to the next while preserving your family legacy and business continuity.

We educate family businesses through workshops, seminars, and online resources designed to address your specific needs and challenges. By offering insights from industry experts and facilitating peer-to-peer learning, our member families are empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in today's competitive business environment.

We assists family businesses with family governance by providing guidance on establishing effective structures and processes for decision-making and conflict resolution within the family. Through workshops, consultations, live case studies, and access to best practices, the association helps families navigate the complexities of governance to foster harmony and continuity across generations.

We can help your family with strategic planning by providing access to workshops, seminars, and consultations specifically tailored to the needs of your family businesses. These resources offer guidance on aligning your long-term goals with practical strategies for growth and sustainability, while also providing opportunities to network with other family businesses and access expert advice to navigate market complexities effectively.

Family harmony and communication are supported with resources and workshops focused on fostering open dialogue and resolving conflicts effectively. Through facilitated discussions and access to expert advice, we help our member families cultivate a supportive and cohesive environment, enabling them to navigate challenges and thrive together.

We support family businesses with current and next-generation leadership development through mentorship programs, family and next generation retreats, and access to our network of industry experts. By fostering the growth and development of both current and future leaders within our family businesses, we assist to help ensure a smooth transition of leadership and continuity for generations to come.

The PFBA Team

stephanie larscheid executive director prairie family business

Stephanie Larscheid

Executive Director
Stephanie has served as Executive Director of Prairie Family Business Association for seven years. She has a proven record of building relationships with members and developing programs that add value to family businesses. Stephanie earned her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University Ivy College of Business and a MBA from the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business.
peter hauck assistant director prairie family business

Peter Hauck

Assistant Director
Peter has been part of the Prairie Family Business Association team for one year. A natural relationship builder with a background in marketing and entrepreneurship, he has a passion for business and supporting members with the unique challenges their families face. Peter earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
mason van essen business development director prairie family business

Mason Van Essen

Business Development Manager
With a background in marketing and nonprofit leadership, Mason brings energy to ensuring the right members are plugged into the right program at the right time to maximize their family business’ success. He joined Prairie Family Business Association in 2023. Mason earned his undergraduate degrees from Augustana University.
callie tuschen office manager director prairie family business

Callie Tuschen

Office Manager
Callie is grateful to be a part of Prairie Family Business Association. Joining in January 2023, she uses her experience as an entrepreneur and non-profit board member to help keep her organized and efficient working in the office and relating to members. She is passionate about collaboration, engagement, and education and loves the work that PFBA does to help members successfully reach their goals. Callie earned her undergraduate degree from Oregon State University.

PFBA Advisory Board

christie ernst

Christie Lloyd Ernst, Chair

Lloyd Companies, Inc.

Sioux Falls, SD

Tura Synhorst

Tura Synhorst

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. High Country

Rapid City, SD

Scott Stern

Scott Stern

Stern Oil Company

Freeman, SD

DeVee Dykstra

DeVee Dykstra

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD

Stephanie Taylor Sydell Inc

Stephanie Taylor

Sydell, Inc.

Burbank, SD

tiffany anderson

Tiffany Anderson

A-OX Welding Supply

Sioux Falls, SD

aaron canfield

Aaron Canfield

Canfield Business Interiors

Sioux Falls, SD

Megan Howard

Megan Howard

RBC Wealth Management

Sioux Falls, SD

amanda lauer

Amanda Lauer

BankStar Financial

Brookings, SD

eric weisser

Eric Weisser

Weisser Distributing

Tea, SD

John Mackner

John Mackner

Tollefson's Retail Group, Inc.

Minot, ND

Marnie Ochs-Raleigh

Marnie Ochs-Raleigh

Evolve Systems

St. Paul, MN

2018 TJ Russell Headshot

TJ Russell

Cloverdale Foods

Mandan, ND

Travas Uthe

Travas Uthe

Trav's Outfitter

Watertown, SD

Find Out What Membership is Best for You.

If you don't know where to start in planning for the future of your family business, you need to join Prairie Family Business Association.

– Tyler Van Liere, Industrial Machine & Engineering

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