About PFBA

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

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Members

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States

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Years Serving Families

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Average Generation

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.

focus@2x

F – Focus

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

connections@2x

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

The PFBA Team

Eric Erickson, PFBA Executive Director

Eric Erickson

Executive Director
Eric brings more than 20 years of experience in executive leadership, revenue growth, and partnership development. Most recently, as Vice President of Corporate Support for Friends of SDPB, he led philanthropic fundraising efforts and increased business support for South Dakota Public Broadcasting by 91% over five years while building strong statewide partnerships.
mason van essen business development director prairie family business

Mason Van Essen

Assistant Director
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 as the Business Development Manager. Mason earned his undergraduate degrees from Augustana University.
Kim Erickson

Kim Erickson

Business Development Manager
Kim helps families strengthen their businesses through meaningful connection and resources. She spent five years working in her parents’ companies, gaining experience in marketing, operations, and customer engagement while seeing the opportunities and challenges family businesses face. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of South Dakota.
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

tiffany anderson

Tiffany Anderson

A-OX Welding Supply
Sioux Falls, SD
Klaus Beckmann

Klaus Beckmann

University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD
aaron canfield

Aaron Canfield

Canfield Business Interiors
Sioux Falls, SD
DeVee Dykstra

DeVee Dykstra

University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD
megan howard pfba advisory board member

Megan Howard

The Howard Group
Sioux Falls, SD
amanda lauer

Amanda Lauer

BankStar Financial
Brookings, SD
Christie

Christie Lloyd Ernst, Chair

Lloyd Companies, Inc.
Sioux Falls, SD
nikki

Nikki Nelson

Western Products
Fargo, ND
Marnie Ochs-Raleigh

Marnie Ochs-Raleigh

Evolve Systems
St. Paul, MN
2018 TJ Russell Headshot

TJ Russell

Cloverdale Foods
Mandan, ND
John

John Schwan

Schwan Financial Group
Aberdeen, SD
Scott Stern

Scott Stern

Stern Oil Company
Freeman, SD
Tura_PFBA

Tura Synhorst

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. High Country
Rapid City, SD
Stephanie Taylor Sydell Inc

Stephanie Taylor

Sydell, Inc.
Burbank, SD
Travas Uthe

Travas Uthe

Trav's Outfitter
Watertown, SD

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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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