Maggie Groteluschen, identified as interim wealth management leader at The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, has reflected on how parents in family businesses can influence the way their children view working life.

Her May 15, 2025 article follows a Prairie Family Business Conference discussion. A speaker who had sold his business said his children had not wanted to join it and questioned whether they had seen enough of the enjoyment he found in his work.

Groteluschen considers her own role as a parent and member of a family banking business. She recalls seeing her father, Bill Baker, enjoy his career, while emphasizing that her parents supported other career choices and she intends to give her children the same freedom.

One proposed change is to describe work as an opportunity rather than only an obligation. She discusses sharing achievements alongside frustrations, so children hear about helping a client or colleague as well as difficult days.

The article describes allowing different priorities to receive attention at different times instead of pursuing perfect daily balance. Groteluschen points to employee volunteer time as one way the bank enables participation in school activities and family life.

Boundaries are equally important in her account. Family gatherings remain separate from scheduled business discussions, while interests outside work help children see a life not entirely defined by the company.

She also describes explaining the bank’s community role through sponsorships and volunteering. A resident at a senior living community gave flowers to her children while recalling the service their grandfather and great-grandfather had provided, offering a personal illustration of those relationships.

Groteluschen’s succession-related message is that children should see what makes the work worthwhile without pressure to enter the business. She presents these pledges as reflections for family business leaders and parents, while supporting the next generation’s freedom to choose its work.