Articles
By Dan Beenken
It’s a common refrain that Millennials need constant feedback and praise. I’m not here to discuss the validity of this statement or debate whether that is good or bad. Rather, I’d like to just say that I think everyone enjoys feedback—and obviously the positive kind. We all want to hear that what we are doing is making a difference, having an impact, and, most of all, that we and our efforts are appreciated.
I can’t think of anyone that doesn’t like to hear gratitude for their efforts. With that as a baseline assumption, my experience working with business families has shown that this simple act is often severely lacking for many families—especially family... Read More
By Katie Kreis Photographs by Ricki Alford and Katie Kreis
When you bite into Lagomarcino’s chocolate, you’ll find rich cream, bright mint or maybe even caramel. The excellence of their business is no accident—the Lagomarcino family has been perfecting their craft for over 100 years.
Founded by Italian immigrants Angelo and Luigia Lagomarcino in 1908, the shoppe originally offered ice cream sodas, malted milks, specialty sundaes and assorted food to everyone who passed through downtown Moline, Illinois. All the while, their family lived above the store so they could come down and help at a moment’s notice.
“For not being an educated man, my grandfather com... Read More
By Dan Beenken
We had a great turnout and another awesome session this past week. Huge thank you to our panelists, Dave Davis, chief executive officer of Spahn and Rose Lumber Co.; Rob McDonald, chief executive officer of A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co.; and Scott Sernett, chief executive officer of Vizalex. I also want to thank everyone who joined us Oct. 15 for our second Virtual Breakfast Series session of the 2021-2022 season!
As I always try to do with our Virtual Breakfast Series sessions, I wanted to put together the top three nuggets of knowledge that I took away:
Retention starts with a competitive base. Before you spend any time setting up retention pay and tools, it... Read MoreBy Katie Kreis
Three of Iowa’s leading multi-generational family businesses are partnering to build a feed mill unlike any other, positioning Iowa at the forefront of agricultural education and food production in the world. Kent Corporation, Sukup Manufacturing Co. and Todd & Sargent each contributed significantly to create the Kent Corporation Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex at Iowa State University (ISU).
“The desires and dietary requirements of a growing world population will require innovative products and technology solutions,” said Gage Kent, chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive... Read More
Craig Culver, of the restaurant franchise that bears his last name, will headline the University of Northern Iowa Family Business Conference, presented by BrownWinick Law Firm, on Nov. 11. Hosted at Economy Forms Corporation (EFCO) in Des Moines, this one-day event will tackle the inner workings of family businesses with multiple breakout sessions and keynote addresses from industry experts. UNI Family Business Program members receive two complimentary tickets with a fee of $75 per each additional attendee. Non-member tickets are $175 per attendee.
“I’m thrilled to be sharing the Culver’s story,” said Culver, co-founder and chairman of the board at Culver’s. “I’ve always believed... Read More
Company: Weiler, Inc.Business: Designs, engineers and manufactures equipment for the paving marketHeadquarters: Knoxville, IowaFounded: 2000 by Pat WeilerEmployees: 500
As Weiler, Inc. wrapped up its Family Day event this year, its stakeholders saw the direct benefit of celebrating employees’ families and engaging them directly with the family business. Megan Weiler Green, counsel, engineering manager and president of the Weiler Foundation, originally thought Family Day would be a one-time thing. Since the second event on Aug. 20, it has proven to be a resounding success.
“Being a family-run business, it’s important f... Read More
First, I just want to thank everyone who joined us for Session 5 – our last session of the 2020-2021 Season! We had another great crowd and look forward to continuing to see you and your families at future events – including our upcoming Family Host with Fareway in Boone!
We had a great panel of business families and consultants engaging with our members – covering all sorts of areas of family governance from policies to vision, legacy, and where to start with all of this.
As I always try to do with our Breakfast Series sessions, I wanted to put together my top 3 “Nuggets of Knowledge” that I took away:
The Journey IS the Destination – Deve... Read MoreSetting goals is a catalyst for success, especially if you’re planning for the future of your ownership and the success of your business. The strongest goals tend to have five aspects that help you guide the process for achieving them. In other words, when you set goals, you want to set SMART goals:
SpecificMeasurableAccurateRealisticTime-limited
Let’s look at how each of these aspects can help you create goals that let you plan for the future of your ownership more successfully.
Specific Goals Inspire ActionThough it can be challenging, setting specific goals allows you to act on them. Consider the difference between a vague goal and a specific goal.
V... Read More