FroFamily Shop to 150+ Employees: Scaling, Selling, and What Comes Next | Matt Erfman

What does it actually look like to grow a family business from a small shop into a multi-million dollar operation—and then step away from it?

In this episode, Matt Erfman joins Levi to share the full journey behind Dakota Land Manufacturing, a company that started as a small, family-run operation and grew into a regional manufacturing leader with over 150 employees. From working in the shop as a teenager to helping lead the company through major growth, mergers, and ultimately a majority sale, Matt walks through every stage of the process.

What You'll Hear: Matt shares how he got his start working in the business during high school, learning hands-on manufacturing before bringing in formal business strategy after college. What began as a small operation with just a handful of employees evolved through consistent customer outreach, strategic growth, and a willingness to adapt.

A key part of the story is how the company found its footing early on—starting with a niche in sheet metal fabrication and landing foundational contracts that helped them survive and grow. From cold outreach and local relationships to landing larger clients, Matt explains how momentum was built step by step.

The conversation also dives into the realities of running a family business. Matt shares the challenges that come with mixing family and business decisions, and how their team eventually reframed their approach—shifting from a “family business” mindset to becoming a “business family,” where decisions are made in the best interest of the company first.

You’ll hear how pivotal moments—like the 2008 recession and achieving ISO certification—opened the door to major growth opportunities, leading to multi-million dollar customer relationships and long-term scalability.

Matt also breaks down the strategic decisions that led to a merger in 2015, bringing in outside leadership and creating a more structured organization. That evolution ultimately set the stage for selling a majority stake in 2023, allowing for both continued growth and a transition into the next chapter.

Now serving on the board, Matt reflects on life after stepping out of day-to-day operations—focusing on health, family, and giving back to the community.

If you’re building something long-term, navigating a family business, or thinking about your eventual exit, this episode gives a clear, real-world look at what that journey actually involves—and what to think about when you reach the finish line.