The first one in the door every morning at BankStar’s Elkton branch is 96-year-old Jack Hegerfeld. “He comes in about 6:30 a.m., opens up the door and prepares the bank for the day,” said Jack’s …

Generations of entrepreneurs celebrate 95 years in family banking Read More »

*Part two of a series of stories about Prairie Family Business Association founding members in celebration of our 30th anniversary. Nelson & Nelson CPAS knows something about longevity. As the state’s oldest homegrown accounting firm, …

Three generations look inside South Dakota’s oldest homegrown accounting firm Read More »

Sioux Falls, South Dakota – August 12, 2021. Prairie Family Business Association’s Executive Director, Stephanie Larscheid, has been selected as one of the 4 under 40 award recipients. The Young Professionals Network of the Greater …

Prairie Family Business Association Executive Director Stephanie Larscheid One of Four to Win the Young Professionals Network 4 Under 40 Awards Read More »

What would be the worst-case scenario? In 2020, the leaders of Hamlin Building Center asked that question. “We put it on paper,” said Joe Homola, manager of the business with locations in Brookings and Lake …

Building boom means business boom for longtime family companies Read More »

*Part one of a series of stories about Prairie Family Business Association founding members in celebration of our 30th anniversary. As an 8-year-old, Bill Shorma remembers shining shoes in the basement of a clothing store …

Nationally honored family business moves into new generation as one owner buys out seven siblings Read More »

If you thought the COVID-19 pandemic threw a curveball your way, try managing through it with 1,000 animals – including 200 species and subspecies of reptiles. That was the scenario faced at Reptile Gardens, the …

Family-owned Reptile Gardens turns pandemic changes into permanent successes Read More »

To say the last year has been unpredictable would be an understatement. However, at Prairie Family Business Association, we have continued to strive to provide family businesses with resources to thrive, even in trying times. …

PFBA 2021 Mid-Year Snapshot Read More »

Since 1925, the name Tollefson’s has come to be associated with a reputation for excellence in the home furnishings and flooring business. Based in Minot, N.D., this fourth-generation family business does a lot of things …

Fourth-generation family business builds on tradition of quality home furnishings, flooring Read More »

For years, family businesses from South Dakota and beyond have come to the Paul Nelson Farm, where a beautiful setting serves as the backdrop for some tough conversations. The exceptional lodge in Gettysburg — a …

In a place where pheasants flourish, families find clarity for their businesses’ futures Read More »

Prairie Family Business Association announces two additions to its advisory board. Amanda Lauer John Mackner Amanda Lauer, third generation family member of BankStar Financial based in Brookings, South Dakota, has joined the Prairie Family Business …

Prairie Family Business Association announces advisory board additions Read More »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – May 4, 2021. On April 29th and 30th, Prairie Family Business Association hosted their 29th Annual Family Business Hybrid Conference both in-person at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Sioux Falls and …

Regional families recognized at record setting family business event Read More »

If you’ve ever had your eyes examined, you’ve had an up-close look at the product that launched a family business success story. Eric Allyn’s great-grandfather William invented the ophthalmoscope in 1915 in upstate New York. …

How does a century-old business decide to sell? This leader will tell you Read More »

As the Leinenkugel family likes to say: Every beer has a story. Theirs is just a little longer. Jacob Leinenkugel started his brewery in 1867 in the logging town of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. And even …

Brewing a business: Leinenkugel family shares 6-generation success story Read More »

In business, every day is showtime. But is your performance hitting the mark? Michael Allosso is the No. 1-rated speaker for Vistage International, the world’s largest CEO-enrichment organization, bringing his 25-plus years as one of …

Top-rated speaker offers path to ‘you on your best day’ Read More »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. March 25, 2021 — Prairie Family Business Association will host the 29th Annual Family Business Conference in a hybrid format on April 29-30, 2021. This is the second year that Prairie Family …

Hybrid 2021 Family Business Conference Featuring the Fifth and Sixth Generations of the Leinenkugel Family Read More »