2024 South Dakota Family-Owned Small Business of the Year Esco Manufacturing and Stein Sign

Stuart Stein is the 3rd Generation Owner of ESCO Manufacturing & Stein Sign Display. He has been married to his wife, Crystal Stein, for 15 years. Together they have four kids ranging from twin 7-year-olds, 9, and 11. Stuart Stein graduated Watertown High School in 2001 and Augustana University out of Sioux Falls, SD in 2005 with a degree in business management. Stuart’s father and second-generation owner, Mark Stein, encouraged him to seek employment other than the family business to gain real world experience and learn how other businesses operate. Stuart worked his way up the corporate ladder through various promotions within Wells Fargo over a period of 7 years and later as the business manager for Sharp Automotive for a couple years. Stuart eventually knew it was time to explore the family business and formally joined the company in 2014, just one month after founder, Clint Stein (Stuart’s grandpa), passed away. Stuart later purchased the company on 2/4/20. Stuart enjoys golf, working out, obstacle course racing, dating his wife, and attending all of his kids’ activities. He’s served on the local school board for 8 years and plays bass guitar in his church’s praise team band.