April 2, 2026

The leader of an entirely Native American-owned construction firm has been named South Dakota’s Small Business Person of the Year.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s South Dakota District Office awarded the annual title to Chris O’Bryan, owner of LaCreek Development Corp., based in Martin.

Founded in 2010, the construction firm employs 66 people. O’Bryan will be in the running for the National Small Business Person of the Year honors, which will be announced May 4 at ceremonies in Washington, D.C.

Photo via Lakota Times

“LaCreek Development Corporation is a small construction firm that has seen impressive growth in both sales and jobs created over the last several years,” SBA South Dakota district director Bryson Patterson said. “This company has played an important role in creating new jobs in its local rural community.”

Other honorees are:

• South Dakota Small Business Exporter of the Year: John Willard, CAW Industries Inc. in Rapid City

CAW Industries is the only manufacturer of John W. Willard Sr.’s patented Willard Water products. This proprietary formulation alters the molecular structure of water, creating molecule chains that convert ordinary water into an efficient catalyst that stimulates nutrient transportation to cells. It exports to customers on three continents.

•  South Dakota Small Business Manufacturer of the Year: Dennis Christopherson, Preform Solutions Inc. in Sioux Falls

Preform Solutions is a custom polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, perform molding company. It provides high-quality packaging to the food and beverage, oil, pharmaceutical, automotive and cosmetics industries.

• South Dakota Rural Small Business of the Year: Scott Ramsdell, Dakota Layers LLC near Flandreau

Dakota Layers is a family-owned egg farm producing, processing and distributing shell eggs in the Midwest and on the West Coast. The farm is committed to doing what is right for its hens, the environment and the community.

• South Dakota Small Business Champion: Gene Jr. and Scott Jones, Maguire in Sioux Falls

Maguire builds and maintains water towers. The company serves thousands of communities across 34 states and employes 200 people. Brothers Gene Jr. and Scott Jones are recognized for their community impact and economic contributions in South Dakota. The company will host an SBA Manufacturing Industry Listening Session on April 29.

•  South Dakota Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year: Kelli Ewert, Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Spearfish

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a national fast-casual dining cafe. Franchisee Kelli Ewert’s location partners with Northern Hills Training Center to assist special needs adults to find employment.

•  South Dakota Women Owned Small Business of the Year: Ellen and Serena Harmon, RLH Inc. in Mission

RLH Inc. operates Rosebud Building Products, Rosebud Rental and RBP Supply – providing essential building materials, equipment rentals and specialty procurement services to rural, tribal and government customers.

•  South Dakota Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Caleb Hubert, Caleb’s Aquatics and Heads to Tails in Aberdeen

Caleb’s Aquatics and Heads to Tails offer a variety of goods and services for pet owners, including tanks, supplies, grooming, self-washing stations, fish, reptiles and birds. Caleb started selling pets when he was 13.

 All winners will be recognized during National Small Business Week, which takes place May 3-9.