Further together: building companies for the generations to come

The Great River Company (GRC) is a privately held, diversified holding company based in Minneapolis. Our purpose is rooted in clarity, continuity, and commitment—we focus on building enduring value rather than chasing short-term gains. We believe in true partnership. Through a combination of strategic guidance, resources, and expertise, we help our companies grow organically and through acquisition. Our approach is grounded in stewardship and driven by purpose, with the aim of creating lasting impact for the companies, communities, and families we serve.

Core Beliefs

Values Driven

Culture is a shared set of values held by a team. It’s these shared values that guide behavior and decisions when nobody is looking. We believe a strong culture rooted in values is the foundation for long-term success.

People Focused

We believe that when we take care of our people, they take care of our customers—and satisfied customers sustain and grow the business. It’s a virtuous cycle: by investing in our people, customers, community, suppliers, and investors, each positive outcome reinforces the next, creating lasting value for all.

Customer Centric

We believe all companies need some level of operational excellence, product leadership, and customer intimacy to be in business. We invest in people who differentiate and win through excellence in knowing and serving the customer.

Goal Oriented

Purpose comes from being accountable for more than oneself and achieving meaningful goals. True passion emerges when we discover what we’re good at, which is only realized after thousands of hours of effort and overcoming challenges through grit and determination to become truly great.

Choices Shape Our Future

We don’t subscribe to the myth of destiny determining our futures. We believe anyone can take control of their life and career. While good fortune plays a role, it’s through hard work and persistence, even in tough times, that we create our own opportunities. “If you want to get hit by lighting, you have to do the hard work of running in the rain.”

Called to Action

We reject indifference. When we see a problem or an opportunity, we act. We believe good people have a responsibility to step forward—not with reckless urgency, but with thoughtful determination. We speak up, lean in, and contribute. We pair emotional intelligence with courage to ensure our actions are both respectful and effective. Silence and inaction are not options; progress requires participation.