Jan. 27, 2026
This week’s Up-and-Comer is Tanner Beukelman, a business banker at American Bank & Trust.
Name: Tanner Beukelman
Age: 31
Hometown: Sioux Falls
What brought you to Sioux Falls?
I have been blessed to be able to have been born and raised in Sioux Falls!
What keeps you in Sioux Falls?
I left Sioux Falls to attend Biola University in Los Angeles with hopes of never dealing with winter again. In the end, I missed the Midwest and everything it had to offer. My family, church community and business opportunities are a few of the things that keep me here. I also love being a part of and seeing the incredible growth from strong city leadership over the last almost eight years. We are lucky to be living in such a vibrant city for young professionals!
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
I grew up in an entrepreneurial family and have always admired business ownership. Being the youngest of three siblings — by 11 years — I was able to see firsthand the work my parents put into running Qualified Presort Services. One of my favorite parts of my job now is helping business owners, like my parents, across the region be successful and assist with growth.
How did you get connected to your industry?
I found my way into banking through previous relationships built while working for the state. At the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development — GOED — I had the opportunity to work with the AB&T team on several projects, and that spurred my interest in this career path.
Describe your workplace in three words.
Creative, determined, customer-focused.
What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?
My first job out of college was helping Paul TenHaken on his first campaign for mayor of Sioux Falls. He told me, “I can’t pay you much, but it’ll be the best experience for you.” Boy, was he right! The connections I made through that first job have paid dividends. Whether I was helping put events together, assisting with donations, putting up yard signs or going to events, I kept busy and engaged the entire time. I couldn’t be more thankful for that quick nine-month job with Paul.
What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?
AB&T is always encouraging us to volunteer across the city. This year, I have been able to volunteer by serving at The Banquet, Sioux Falls Cares and serving meals for staff at Avera Behavioral Health. My favorite has been helping with the youth group at Central Church on Wednesday nights. I just finished up with a group of boys after seven years. I started with them as sixth graders and ended with them graduating. It was a great experience!
What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?
After living in California for four years, I become reliant on In-N-Out Burger. I would love to see Sioux Falls get one in the future.
If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?
I’m not entirely sure what it would be, but I would love to start a business with my dad.
