Deep Roots: Two Local Businesses That Span Generations

Pictured: Michael Kliebenstein and Jaron Boldt

City Manager Karen Kurt was surprised when she learned about the business background of her two next door neighbors – Michael Kliebenstein and Jaron Boldt. “I knew where they worked, but over time I learned that these businesses had been in their respective families for generations. That’s unusual - it’s tough to successfully make that many transitions.”

Michael, who is part of K&K Floors, is following in the footsteps of his father and current owner Jeff Kliebenstein and now-deceased grandfather Clayton Kliebenstein. K&K floors was started in 1954 and was one of the inaugural members of the local Chamber of Commerce. According to Jeff, Clayton worked in a combination funeral home and flooring business after serving during WWII. While that business combination sounds odd today, it was not uncommon at the time. It was the flooring business that won Clayton over and he started K&K Floors with a business partner who was later bought out.

The Boldt family at Pioneer Ford has reached the rare four generation mark. Jaron works as a Master Certified Sales Consultant and Rental Manager. His father, Tim Boldt is Vice President and his grandfather, Ron Boldt, serves as President. Ron was recognized as the Wisconsin Time Dealer of the Year in 2010 – an award based on nominations from every dealer in state. Great-grandfather Wilson Boldt started the business in 1961.

Both Michael and Jaron got involved in the business at a young age. For Jaron, it started with an interest in cars and a great-grandfather who knew the power of positive reinforcement. “My great-grandpa would give me a dollar every time I came to the dealership.” Michael remembers wanting to go to work with his dad.  He helped with small jobs - like picking up carpet scraps - before starting work as a paid summer employee in high school. Tim started with mowing and detailing work. After football practice, he would work few hours at the dealership each night.

Neither of the members of the latest generation felt pressured to get involved with the business. “No one ever said anything to me,” said Michael, “but after I took on more responsibility my grandmother told me how happy my grandfather would be if he were still alive.” Jeff wasn’t surprised by Michael’s decision to join the business. “I think he felt the way I did. It might just be in the blood,” he joked.

Regardless of the generation, family members said the opportunity to get involved at an early age cemented their ties to the business. Everyone reported learning important lessons as part of their experience. “It makes you a responsible person more quickly. In a small business you have to put in the hours for the work to get done, noted Michael. “It’s not easy. You work your tail off.” Jaron seconded, “You are definitely instilled with a strong work ethic at a young age.”

Brock Waterman, Business Consultant with Wisconsin Small Business Center, concurred that these
businesses are a unique success story. According to Waterman, small businesses face a number of challenges with generational transitions. Those challenges include interest from the next generation, changing business models, and dynamics between family members who are in the business and those who are not. “The parents involved in these businesses must have done a good job getting the next generation ready to go. The children have to be able to shift from being an employee to having an entrepreneur mindset.”

For both the Boldts and the Kliebensteins, the working relationships between family members has been very strong.  “I loved my Dad and I would have done anything for him, said Jeff, “I tried to be the same model for Michael.” According to Jaron, the Boldt family sets some boundaries.  “After hours we rarely talk business. You need time just to be a family.” Having family members in the business can raise some new concerns. “I know my Dad tries to make sure that I am treated just like the other employees,” Jaron stated. Because of the close tie between fathers and sons, both Jaron and Michael report that it is sometimes easier to be blunt or snap at each other. With that said, both are clear about their place. “Even though sometimes I may have different ideas, at the end of the day I follow my Dad’s lead. He’s the boss,” said Michael.

Meeting members of the community is a big part of what both families enjoy about their business. The businesses’ community involvement has included work with the Chamber of Commerce, Dairy Days, service clubs, sponsorships and even service in Platteville’s volunteer Fire Department. According to Tim, it’s about more than keeping your name out there. “You want to make a
difference and help keep your community viable.”

Visitors to Pioneer Ford still talk about how Wilson Boldt did business with a handshake - telling local farmers that they could pay him when they got money. “Our goal is to create lifelong friendships through both the business and other work in the community. That’s the most rewarding part of the job” explained Jaron. Jeff felt similarly, “We’ll bend over backwards to keep our customers happy. That’s what we offer as a local store that big boxes can’t.”