Celebrating Paul Eidenschink: 14 Years of Leadership, Relationships, and Impact at Steffes

After nearly a decade and a half with Steffes, Paul Eidenschink is retiring from his role as Co-President. Paul joined Steffes in 2012 during the peak of the Bakken oil boom, a time when the company was expanding its oil & gas, electric thermal storage, and contract manufacturing divisions. As Steffes grew, the company opened its first Grand Forks location that same year, followed by a second just two years later. Paul stepped into this period of rapid growth with enthusiasm, leadership, and a clear sense of opportunity, for both himself and the company.

Paul spoke highly of the culture at Steffes, noting that it was one of the main reasons he chose to join the company. “For me, the culture was a big part of why I came here. During my interview, they weren’t just focused on my technical skills, they wanted to understand my values and how they aligned with Steffes,” Paul shared. “Culture often cascades from an owner’s beliefs, and I saw that immediately. The Steffes family believed in building long-term relationships, giving back to the communities where we operate, and creating a place where people can build a career for life.”

Equally important to Paul has been the people who make Steffes what it is. He spoke passionately about watching employees grow and reach their full potential. “Some of our leaders today may have joined Steffes in very different roles,” he explained, “but they were given opportunities to grow and develop through Steffes’ support—whether that was education reimbursement, training academies, or mentorship. Those individuals are now helping chart the course of the business for the next generation. Seeing people, I worked alongside step into future leadership roles is incredibly exciting and rewarding for me.”

Reflecting on his time at Steffes, Paul shared the legacy he hopes to leave. “Watching people reach their potential has been one of the greatest sources of pride for me,” he said. “Being able to look back and know I played a part in their growth is truly meaningful. For me, it’s not just about advancing careers, it’s about helping people improve their lifestyles, find fulfillment in their work, and prosper in ways that matter to them. That, to me, is the legacy I hope to leave at Steffes.”

As Paul begins his retirement, he’s looking forward to spending more time with family and already has three trips planned for the year ahead. His grandchildren are also keeping him busy, and he’s excited to be there for them every step of the way. In addition to traveling, Paul looks forward to spending time painting and writing, as well as giving back through organizations like Habitat for Humanity and serving on various boards.

We couldn’t be more grateful for Paul’s dedication to Steffes. It’s been a remarkable journey, and we thank you, Paul, for 14 incredible years of leadership and impact. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement!