Innovation as the Driving Force | Paul Steffes of Steffes

On our episode ahead of Father’s Day, we welcome Paul Steffes, Founder and Innovation Advisor of Steffes Companies headquartered in Dickinson, North Dakota. In our conversation, we talk about family and business values and especially integrating innovation into all that Steffes does and stands for. We also discuss what Paul refers to as the OBM Model: Owner/Board/Management and how they all work together with each one’s unified voice. There was a time when Paul thought the next generation would not be able to afford the business and he talked about their family’s solution to that obstacle.  Want to learn what key areas your family business should focus on next? Take the Family Business Checkup! After answering several prompts, the Family Business Checkup will give you scores on the key indicators of family business success and point you in the right direction for what you should focus on next. The Checkup is free and available here: www.fambus.org/resources  Want to learn how you can tangibly influence your family business’ culture? Join an Affinity Peer Group! Affinity Peer Groups or APGs are small, highly confidential discussion groups that meet regularly, allowing members to share experiences and learn from each other. Through confidential discussion led by trained facilitators, you can hear how other family businesses have tackled challenges including culture challenges like how to improve employee retention and how the upcoming generations can gain employees’ trust. Learn more about APGs and how you could benefit from joining your peers at https://fambus.org/programs/affinity-peer-groups/  Family Business Connection will be 10 episodes featuring stories from all kinds of family business leaders that guide the family businesses to thrive for generations. Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, Six Point Creative!