Whitney, Author at Prairie Family Business Association

Brother-sister business owners navigate second-generation leadership

Brother-sister business owners navigate second-generation leadership After starting more than 40 years ago in Bonesteel as a Redi-Mix plant, Divine Concrete Inc. has grown into a full-service concrete contractor in its second generation of family ownership. Son Andy Divine took over for his parents, John and Kathy, and welcomed sister Sara Nolan as a business […]

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Director’s column: Get on board with creating a board

PFBA / Whitney

Director’s column: Get on board with creating a board Have you thought about creating an advisory board or board of directors for your family business? Is that as far as you have gotten? Thinking about taking action? Let me provide you with a few reasons why you might want to consider taking action and creating

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Next generation takes over leadership at J&L Harley-Davidson

Member News, Success Stories / Whitney

Next generation takes over leadership at J&L Harley-Davidson For Jimmy Entenman, life in a family business began with his father’s reaction to his due date. Aug. 30. Not ideal. “That’s Sturgis,” is how the family remembers father Jim Entenman responding. Jimmy Entenman “He knew he had to work,” Jimmy said. “I was born during a

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Fourth-generation business leader emphasizes ‘planning to succeed’

Awards, Member News, Q&A, Success Stories / Whitney

Fourth-generation business leader emphasizes ‘planning to succeed’ Starting with lone founder Harry A. Thompson four generations ago, H.A. Thompson & Sons of Bismarck, N.D., has grown to 86 employees at five locations. The plumbing, heating, air conditioning and mechanical rehabilitation business was the recipient of this year’s Vicki Clarke Family Business of the Year Award

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Growing family steel business starts transition planning early

Member News, Q&A, Success Stories / Whitney

Growing family steel business starts transition planning early It all started in the back of an industrial machine shop in a Sioux Falls industrial park. But 47 years later, P&M Steel has grown to a 7.5-acre full-service steel fabricator serving customers in a 100-mile radius. The family-owned business transitioned its leadership from founder Louis Profilet

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After 80 years, Reptile Gardens keeps growing

Awards, Success Stories / Whitney

Earl Brockelsby was a born showman. At 19, he worked as a tour guide at a Black Hills attraction called Hidden City. The owner of that now-closed tourist destination claimed the unique geological formation was actually an ancient civilization. It wasn’t, but Brockelsby spun the narrative for the summer of 1935 anyway. Wearing a big

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Q&A with Annual Conference Keynote Speaker, Mike Abrashoff

Q&A / Whitney

Few people – if any — probably wanted Mike Abrashoff’s job. When the U.S. Navy commanding officer took over the USS Benfold, the ship’s performance ranked it near the bottom of the Pacific fleet. He was 36 – the youngest commander in the fleet – and leading a ship plagued with low morale, high turnover

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An Inside Look into 25th Annual Conference Success Story: TABASCO & the McIlhenny Family

Success Stories / Whitney

The locals call it Cajun ketchup. To the rest of us, it’s Tabasco sauce – the most well-known pepper sauce in the world. Next year, the brand will turn 150 years old. But every day, CEO Tony Simmons literally starts from scratch. Simmons arrives at the Tabasco blending area at 9 a.m. “and they will

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Jiffy Mix CEO: ‘Retro hip’ business was built on reputation

Q&A / Whitney

Howdy Holmes runs a company with an estimated 65 percent market share in his category. The Wall Street Journal calls his brand “retro hip.” He opposes offering coupons or advertising for his products. And he says his family business is stronger for not being afraid to talk about the tough stuff. Holmes, CEO of Michigan-based

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Global Expert Shares Advice For Family Businesses

Success Stories / Whitney

Keeping the “family” in the family business is all about governance. Providing clear policies and procedures helps clarify roles, define responsibilities and keep family members engaged. While it can be complex, family governance also is critical to helping business avoid pitfalls and thrive in future generations. On March 30, the Prairie Family Business Association is

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