River to River: The struggles and successes of keeping a business in the family

Dec 08, 2023

River to River: The struggles and successes of keeping a business in the family

This article was originally published on River to River, a segment of Iowa Public Radio.

By Ben Kieffer, Danielle Gehr, Kate Perez 
Published November 14, 2023 at 7:00 AM CST

The University of Northern Iowa Family Business Center advises companies around the Midwest on the best practices when keeping businesses in the family.

In this River to River episode, host Ben Kieffer talks with Mark Doll and Lauren Doll-Sheeder, a father and daughter who are in the process of handing off leadership of Doll Distributing, a company founded by Mark's parents in 1965. Also, the director of the University of Northern Iowa Family Business Center Dan Beenken shares how the center helps families like the Dolls navigate their family businesses.

Later, Ryan Clark of the University of Iowa’s Iowa Geological Survey shares the geological features that could store carbon in Iowa with little need for pipelines.

Guests:

  • Lauren Doll-Sheeder, managing partner, Doll Distributing
  • Mark Doll, an owner, Doll Distributing
  • Dan Beenken, director, Family Business Center, University of Northern Iowa
  • Ryan Clark, geologist, Iowa Geological Survey, University of Iowa