If the dictionary were looking for an image to illustrate the definition of “family business,” a photograph of the entrance of Ebels General Store in Falmouth, Mich., should be a strong contender.  

From a horse-drawn wagon to 250 employees 

Founded in 1920, Ebels began as a simple food and hardware delivery operation, using horse-drawn wagons to transport provisions to the local community. Over more than a century, that modest start has evolved through hard work, steady growth, strategic reinvestment, and a willingness to adapt. Today the Ebels family operates a diversified operation that remains deeply involved in the rural community where it all began. 

What started as a single store has grown into a network of interconnected businesses, including grocery stores in Falmouth, Mich., Reed City, Mich., and Evart, Mich., meat processing and packaging plants, a catering business, coffee shops, clothing stores, and more. Through its various operations, Ebels employs nearly 250 people, most of which work in Falmouth, a town of around 200 people. 

“We’ve got a lot of different things going on here,” said Bob Ebels, general manager and chief financial officer of Ebels General Store and its various other operations, including Little Town Jerky Company. “People think, ‘they have a grocery store,’ but there’s a lot more to it than that.” 

The growth of Ebels’ operation has not been accidental. Each generation has expanded the business in response to changing markets and local needs. In the 1980s, as big-box retailers began to disrupt small-town grocery models, the Ebels family pivoted. In 1994 they launched Little Town Jerky Company to meet the demand for smoked meat produced by Mark Ebels, fourth generation leader of the family business and Bob’s father. Mark receives much of the credit for having the vision to begin expanding the business beyond just grocery stores. Mark’s vision was important, but equally important was the systematic approach his wife, Dawn, brought to making that vision possible. 

In 1989, the family founded Dawn Fresh Catering named for Dawn. Then in 2004, Ebels opened a federally inspected processing plant, positioning the business to serve both consumers and agricultural producers in new ways. 

More recently, the family has continued to diversify and try new ventures. Ebels Clothing Department and The Bridge Coffee Shop now complement the retail experience, processing facilities and a trucking operation. Most recently, the local gas station in Falmouth was added to the list. Each addition reflects the family’s aim to invest in their community, solve local challenges, and provide products and services that serve customers from miles around. 

“We kind of liken ourselves to a business incubator,” Bob said. “We start something because there’s a need, and then it grows from there.” 

Today, Bob represents the fifth generation leading the business alongside his brother, Tom Ebels, and sister, Laura Bennett. Bob oversees finance and administration, Tom coordinates production, and Laura manages the clothing and coffee operations. 

“It’s not just me,” Bob said. “Our broader family and talented team are what keep us moving forward.” 

 

A Trusted Partner 

In 2020, the Ebels family was ready to invest in expanding their operation, including opening new retail locations and adding more processing capacity. As they evaluated financing options, they turned to GreenStone—drawn initially by its strong reputation in agricultural lending. 

“We had always heard about the terms and opportunities available through GreenStone,” Bob said. “When we were looking at expansion, we reached out to see what that might look like for us.” 

Sara Trattles, VP of agribusiness lending at GreenStone, serves as the Ebels’ financial services partner. 

“There is so much good to say about the Ebels. They are such a hard-working family but so fun to work with too,” said Trattles. “They always have a lot going on but are very communicative in their plans. It is an honor to work with them to meet their goals and provide them with financing.” 

Efficiency Through ‘One Umbrella’ 

After beginning their relationship with GreenStone on the lending side, the Ebels family soon recognized an opportunity to optimize their operations through additional partnership. By adding GreenStone’s tax and accounting services, the family created a more streamlined and coordinated system—one that fully supported the complexity of their business. 

“It just made sense to move everything under one umbrella,” Bob explained. “Different departments, but all working together.” 

One of the most immediate benefits of consolidating services with GreenStone was improved efficiency. Instead of coordinating between separate lenders and accountants, the Ebels family could now rely on a unified team that understood their entire operation. 

“If our loan officer needs a tax return for one of our entities, they just pick up the phone and call internally,” Bob said. “It’s right there.” 

That level of connectivity has eliminated delays and reduced administrative burden—freeing up time to focus on running and growing the business. 

The consistency of working with the same team year after year has also made a difference. Over time, GreenStone’s tax and accounting professionals have built a deep understanding of the Ebels’ operation—something Bob says is difficult to replicate with traditional CPA firms. 

“It’s just more efficient. … We’re not constantly having to bring new people up to speed on who we are and what we do,” Bob said. “There’s consistency there… They know what we need.” 

“I truly enjoy working with the Ebels Family. Their commitment to their employees and the community is evident in everything they do. It’s incredibly rewarding to work with clients who value the work we do,” said Elizabeth Waldschmidt, tax and accounting manager at GreenStone. 

A Relationship-Based Approach 

Beyond efficiency, Bob points to the relational nature of the partnership as a key differentiator. 

“It’s more of a relational—or even a familial—type situation,” he said. “Accessibility is always very good. … If we need to talk to someone, they’re there.” 

That relationship extends across multiple areas of GreenStone, from lending and tax and accounting to credit analysis. Bob regularly works with a dedicated team of GreenStone experts that each bring a unique value while operating with shared insight into the Ebels’ business. 

 

Turning Strategy into Action 

One of the most significant impacts of GreenStone’s integrated tax and accounting services has been its role in supporting the Ebels’ strategic decision-making. 

As the family explored a series of solar energy projects to support their energy-intensive operations, GreenStone’s tax and accounting team played a critical role in evaluating the opportunity. 

“They put together an analysis showing projected energy costs, savings and tax implications,” Bob said. “That was integral to getting it all put together.” 

The result is a series of solar installations across multiple locations, expected to reduce energy costs by 60% to 75%. 

“Having that data makes the decision,” he said. “It shows you what it really looks like.” 

This kind of forward-looking analysis goes beyond compliance—turning tax and accounting into a strategic tool for growth. 

Supporting Growth for Generations to Come 

From financing expansions to supporting operational efficiency through strategic support, the partnership with GreenStone has helped position the Ebels’ for continued success. 

“It’s provided long-term stability for our companies,” Bob said. “And it’s helped us get the working capital we need to do what we do.” 

Looking ahead, the family sees continued opportunities particularly in expanding their processing operations through Little Town Jerky Company and increasing overall capacity. 

The family remains committed to the principles that have guided the business for more than a century: adaptability, community focus, and strong relationships. 

For the Ebels’, success has always meant sharing their values with their local community, and all those that visit their stores or consume their products. With GreenStone as their trusted financial partner, they’re well positioned to grow today and for generations to come. 

 

To view the article in the online 2026 Summer Partners Magazine, click here.