The Prairie Family Business Association, known amongst its members as a pivotal tool for success in empowering family businesses in the region, presented the first Fargo Excellence in Family Business Award to the Diederich Family of Industrial Builders, Inc. on Thursday evening, June 10th, as part of the “Legacies of Family Enterprise” award program.

“Statistics show that while the majority of businesses nationwide are family owned and operated, only 33 percent of these enterprises succeed to the second generation. Only 12 percent make it to the third generation,” commented Beth Adamson, executive director of the Prairie Family Business Association. “The Diederich family lives by the philosophy that ‘we are all called to make our communities better,’ and has carried on this philosophy as true servants in all they do. Celebrating a family legacy passed on from Warren and Irene, to the four siblings and now a third generation, is truly an honor for our association.”

Industrial Builders, Inc. was founded in 1953 by Warren and Irene Diederich. Warren served as a bomber pilot over Europe during World War II, where he received numerous military honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Presidential Citation. The principles and experience learned during his service to our country were evident, and served to mold and guide how Warren and Irene lived their lives. They were truly partners in the family business, with Warren running operations and Irene running the office. They had a clear vision for the business and the life they hoped to build for their family and community. Today, the great legacy of Warren and Irene is realized in a thriving family business that their children carry on which proudly and actively serves the community. Industrial Builders, Inc. is recognized as a leading Civil and Industrial contractor by its peers across the country. Warren and Irene’s three sons Michael, Donn and Paul Diederich and daughter Laura Carley have been active in the business throughout their entire careers. The foundation of the family business is integrity, hard work and concern for fellow people. It is evident in everything that the family and business does.

Jim Thompsen of Eide Bailly submitted the application for the Diederich family. Entries were judged by board members of the Association. The Diederich family will now compete for the 2011 Prairie Family Business of the Year which will be presented at the annual Prairie Family Business Conference March 31-April 1, 2011. Recipients of approximately 18 local Family Business of the Year awards such as Fargo’s will compete for the regional award.

Prior to the award presentation, the attendees enjoyed a tour of Shotwell Floral with fourth and fifth generation family leaders.

Industrial Builders has been a member of the Fargo Moorhead Chamber since 1974. Find them online at www.industrialbuilders.com.

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