Built with Perspective
How Falcon Plastics Found Strength in Peer Support
Member Family Success Story
The Bender Family
Member Family Success Story
The Bender Family
Family Business Snapshot
Falcon Plastics began when the founding generation took a leap of faith—investing their home equity to buy five used machines. From three employees to 300+ across multiple U.S. locations, the company remains family-led and grounded in the values that shaped the original “Falcon family.”
Business: Falcon Plastics
Industry: Custom plastic injection molding and manufacturing
Founded: 1975
Generations: 3rd generation
Employees: 300+ employees
Founding Member, Lasting Impact
Falcon Plastics joined PFBA at its founding—and the Bender family hasn’t looked back. What began as a single conference quickly became something more: a steady source of structure, connection, and clarity through every season of growth.
“We would not have gotten to this point in our business without PFBA. There’s just no way.”
Over the years, the Benders leaned into nearly every program, using each one to strengthen their foundation and plan for what’s next.
“It’s not one thing. It’s all of it — the retreat, the conference, board school, the peer groups. You start doing one thing and then you do another. And then you realize, wow, this is working.”
From Conferences to Core Connections
The Benders attended the first-ever Family Business Conference—and haven’t missed a year since. That consistency gave each generation early exposure to what it means to lead, learn, and grow together.
When the third generation stepped into the business, PFBA’s Affinity Peer Group became a turning point. The small, confidential cohort offered something the day-to-day never could: perspective from peers who understand the stakes of leading a family business.
That perspective didn’t just sharpen leadership—it shaped it, grounding their approach in reflection, accountability, and shared wisdom.
Shaping the Next 50 Years
Now celebrating 50 years in business, Falcon Plastics continues to lean on PFBA. As roles
shift, teams expand, and the world changes, the need for trusted perspective only grows.
“Some families leave PFBA after they’ve transitioned to the next generation — but that’s short-sighted. Even after moving from G2 to G3, we keep coming back. Our G3 is still growing as leaders, and everything keeps changing — laws, the economy, our own lives. And PFBA is still helping us communicate and navigate what’s next.”
For the Bender family, PFBA isn’t just part of their past. It’s part of their future.
“We’re 50 years in, and we want to go another 50 if we can. PFBA is going to help us get there.”
From Conversations to Continuity
PFBA gave the Bender family more than resources—it gave them the language and tools to talk openly across generations, especially during leadership transitions.
"Prairie Family was really the resource that allowed us to start having conversations with our dad (G1) about ownership and leadership in the business that I don’t think we would have known how to approach.”
Years later, the Family Business Retreat became another pivotal moment. Over three days, second- and third-generation members aligned on goals, clarified roles, and laid the groundwork for the future.
“It was right when our dads (G2 leadership) were looking to transition. That retreat helped us understand their wishes—and set us up for a very successful G2 to G3 transition.”
Legacy in Motion
Label
1975
Falcon Plastics founded by G1
2020-01-01
1992
Attends first PFBA Family Business Conference
2021-01-01
1993
Jay (G2) joins PFBA founding board
2021-01-01
Late 1990s-2000s
G3 begins attending conferences
2021-01-01
2003
G1 retires; G2 takes full leadership
2021-01-01
2013
G3 attends Next Gen Retreat
2021-01-01
2014
G3 joins PFBA Affinity Peer Groups
2021-01-01
2015
Jay (G2) serves another term on the PFBA advisory board
2021-01-01
2021
/family-business-retreats/Family Business Retreat supports G2-G3 transition
2021-01-01
2021
G2 leadership attends Board School
2021-01-01
2025
Falcon Plastics celebrates 50 years
PFBA Involvement
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Attended annually since year one
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10+ years of peer support for G3
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Pivotal in the G2-G3 transition
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Strengthened governance and accountability
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Early exposure and reflection for G3
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Exclusive networking and legacy-building support
Member Insights
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Start the conversation early.
Especially across generations
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Don't rush succession.
Build it with intention and shared understanding
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Use every PFBA touchpoint.
It all adds up: retreats, peer groups, board school, and more.
Your story could be next.
Our community exists to help families like yours plan, grow, and sustain success for generations to come. Explore the benefits of PFBA membership and see how our programs, connections, and expert resources can help your family thrive.