2023 South Dakota Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year

Dan Duenwald started driving bus in August of 1985 with the Conde, South Dakota, School District -- a position that lasted for a decade. In August 1996, Dan made the switch to Harlow’s Bus in Clark, South Dakota, to drive and manage the Clark School District buses. After taking over the Clark School District buses, Dan also became an automotive instructor for Clark High School. He retired from teaching and managing the Clark buses after twenty years of service. He realized there was a need for bus transportation for personal and group celebrations and tours.

In 2004, Dan started Duenwald Transportation, LLC, with a single party bus. Since then, the company has grown into nine 55-seater charter buses, nine school buses, and the original party bus. Dan's children -- two sons and a daughter -- are actively involved in business operations. GROW South Dakota, SBA South Dakota Microlender partner, began a lending relationship with Dan Duenwald in 2014. Over the years, GROW South Dakota has provided six loans, including a $40,000 SBA loan in 2020. This loan was used to purchase a 1999 Van Hool Truck and a 2008 Van Hool Bus. 

Duenwald Transportation provides luxury motor coach rides for multiple colleges, universities, schools, company retreats, private tours, and Duenwald Transportation tours. The company provides transportation across the United States. They also operate a mechanic shop providing services to surrounding schools. Dan, who has Native American heritage, has provided scholarships and sponsorships to students to help further their educations and complete their academics. Dan regularly donates his time, items, money, and even buses to help with events in different communities all over Northeast South Dakota. Duenwald Transportation was selected as the SBA SD Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year.