More than a Board
Building a System for Family and Future
Member Family Success Story
The Steffes Family
Member Family Success Story
The Steffes Family
Family Business Snapshot
What began as a cabinet shop run by an inventive founder has grown into a national OEM with 500+ employees and three divisions. Now in its third generation of ownership, Steffes remains rooted in family values, innovation, and structured leadership.
Business: Steffes, LLC
Industry: OEM serving oil & gas, contract manufacturing, and electric thermal storage
Founded: 1946
Generations: 3rd generation family-owned
Employees: 500+
Growing with a Guidebook
The Steffes family didn’t start with a formal playbook. Like many family businesses, their early years were focused on growth—not governance. But as the family expanded, so did the need for structure: something to support succession, ease the load on future generations, and keep the business family-owned for decades to come.
A local banker introduced them to PFBA, and what started as a simple connection became a trusted guide for the entire family—including those outside the day-to-day.
As non-working owners, we felt like we could still be valuable and helpful. That kind of inclusion isn’t something you always find outside of PFBA.”
From Instinct to Intentional Governance
As their business grew, the Steffes family knew they needed more than instincts—they needed a system. Through PFBA, they were introduced to the Owner Board Management (OBM) framework and a trusted facilitator who helped guide their next chapter.
The OBM model clarified ownership roles, supported their shift from an advisory to a fiduciary board, and aligned management through an annual Owner Plan developed by the family. It also ensured that active and non-operating owners had meaningful ways to contribute.
“There were four of us there, and the facilitator asked: If your "We were petrified at first. Changing from an advisory board to a true owner-led governance model felt huge. But PFBA opened that door, and now our management says, ‘I don’t know how it could work any other way.’””
With clear structure and shared purpose, the Steffes family turned governance into a tool for continuity—one that brings every member of the family to the table.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Today, third-generation members lead the Owner Plan process, while the fourth generation participates in family meetings—ensuring connection and continuity across generations. PFBA remains a trusted guide at every level of involvement.
Recently, the family invited their non-family, Co-President to the PFBA Annual Conference, extending its impact beyond ownership and reinforcing shared alignment in leadership.
Learning Together, Leading Together
PFBA has become more than a resource—it’s a shared space where individual growth strengthens the whole.
Second- and third-generation members have deepened their connection over time, from attending the Family Business Retreat to sharing their story in PFBA webinars. Paul Steffes (G2) also served on PFBA’s board, giving back to the very organization that helped guide them.
Today, both generations actively participate in Affinity Peer Groups, gaining perspective and support from others navigating similar challenges.
Legacy in Motion
Label
1946
Steffes Cabinet Shop founded by G1
2020-01-01
1957
Added Steffes Church Furniture line
2021-01-01
1969
G2 joins; expands into manufacturing
2021-01-01
2014
Business placed in dynasty trust for long-term family ownership
2021-01-01
2015
Joined Prairie Family Business Association (PFBA)
2021-01-01
2016
Learned about OBM System through PFBA peer group
2021-01-01
2016-present
Active participation in PFBA peer groups
2021-01-01
2017
Connected with facilitator at Family Business Retreat
2021-01-01
2020s
G3 leads governance; G4 begins attending meetings
2021-01-01
2025
Received PFBA’s Vicki Clarke Family Business of the Year Award
PFBA Involvement
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Sparked succession planning and connected them with their long-term facilitator
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Ongoing support and perspective for multiple generations
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Paul Steffes served on PFBA’s board, further deepening the family’s commitment to the
association -
A source of new ideas, connections, and shared learning across generations
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Accessible, expert-led sessions that keep the family learning and aligned
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Exclusive networking and legacy-building support
Member Insights
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You don’t have to do it alone.
PFBA gives you connection and perspective from families who’ve been there.
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There’s no single path.
PFBA offers flexible models to fit your values and goals.
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Include everyone.
Non-operating business family members can offer real value—give them a seat.
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.