May 28, 2026

This piece is sponsored by Prairie Family Business Association.

Between Tate Uthe and his brother, Sheldon, whoever sees this event published first reminds the other to sign up.

They both have become big fans of the Prairie Family Business Association NextGen Retreat, an event designed to equip up-and-coming leaders with the tools, insights and confidence to thrive in family business.

“We went in 2022, and it was a blast networking with other next gens,” said Tate Uthe, a second-generation member of Watertown-based Trav’s Outfitter Inc.

“The content really made me think about many different aspects of our business.”

They returned for the retreat in 2024.

“The No. 1 biggest takeaway was that there are other peers out there that are going through the same things that we are in our business,” Uthe said.

“Many ‘Leading Gens’ either don’t know how to or don’t want to let go of control, and the transition questions are some of the hardest things to talk about in almost every family business.”

That’s a common theme from those who attend the biennial retreat produced by Prairie Family Business Association.

For two days, next-generation leaders will gain valuable insights into using their skills, talents and passions in shaping the future of their family business and gain tools and strategies to help with:

• Family business dynamics
• Leadership and communication skills
• Enterprise roles and responsibilities
• Peer connections

This year’s retreat will be Sept. 30-Oct. 1.

“This retreat gave me the nudge to really step into who I am in our business,” Uthe said. “For so long, I still felt like a young 20-something ‘kid’ that was just showing up every day and doing my work, but I never really understood what an important role and spotlight I have in our business to help lead things forward.”

The retreat also is valuable for those who attend on their own.

Michaela Brown is the oldest of the second generation in her family business, which includes her family’s singing group and ownership of multiple venues in northwest Iowa.

“I was looking for fellowship and learning alongside like-minded individuals who are in the same stage of life and family business,” Brown said.

“There is no one who loves your family business like you do, and sometimes, it’s hard to be able to talk about the ins and outs of family business. But this is a safe place to do that and to learn how to keep your family business going into the next generation.”

Brown said she valued time getting to know other, relatable family business next-generation leaders, as well as the chance to talk openly about her business.

“The speakers were also so informative, and I learned a lot of useful information — great learning, great fellowship, great food and great fun.”

For Max Rysdon, fifth-generation member of Sioux Steel Co., “this seemed like a great opportunity to visit with other next-gen family business members who might have a shared experience with my own,” he said.

“Working as an employee in your family business, even when you may or may not have ownership, comes with benefits and drawbacks when relating to your co-workers and superiors — especially if your boss isn’t a family member.”

Rysdon said he took away valuable information from the retreat’s sessions.

“Learning more about trust structures, in particular, was beneficial and helped me converse with our current family business leaders about how trusts might be better implemented for our family,” he said.

The experience goes beyond typical cocktail-hour networking, Rysdon added.

“The NextGen Retreat offers connection with other people in a similar life stage to your own,” he said. “Hours spent around the campfire at a stunning property in the Black Hills secured lasting friendships because of this event. I’d highly encourage other families to make this investment in their future leaders.”

The NextGen Retreat is specifically designed for you if:

• You’re transitioning into ownership of the family business.
• You’re not yet employed in the business but looking to get involved.
• You recently started working in the family business and are eager to learn.
• You’re beginning the succession conversation or process.
• You want to develop skills like emotional intelligence, leadership and business development.

This year’s featured speaker will be the award-winning Joey Coleman, known for his First 100 Days methodology for improving customer and employee retention in organizations worldwide.

Coleman’s approach has been implemented by organizations such as Whirlpool and Zappos. His bestselling books include “Never Lose a Customer Again” and “Never Lose an Employee Again.”

To learn more and register for this year’s NextGen Retreat, visit here.