Tour & Talk
April 29, 2026: 'Get your brand on' at Vernon Company
Vernon is a fourth-generation, family-owned, and managed business that focuses on employees, superior work, and community involvement. It was founded in 1902 by F.L. Vernon, great-grandfather to our current CEO, Chris Vernon. Over the years, Vernon has grown from a small, local graphics agency into a globally recognized promotional design, marketing, and manufacturing firm that employs over 500 people nationwide. Based in Central Iowa, Vernon serves over 40,000 global customers.
Join us for an exclusive opportunity to explore one of America’s most remarkable family businesses. Vernon Company, founded in 1902 and now led by fourth-generation CEO Chris Vernon, has grown from a small graphics shop into a global leader in promotional design, marketing, and manufacturing. This event offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a company that’s been continuously owned and managed by the same family for over 120 years—while staying true to its founding mission.
Date: Wednesday, April 29 Location: Vernon Company, Newton, Iowa
What to Expect:
- A guided tour of Vernon’s headquarters and operations
- A candid conversation with CEO Chris Vernon
- Insights into sustaining a century-old family business
- Networking with fellow business leaders and community members
Why Vernon?
- One of fewer than 30 U.S. firms over 100 years old still family-run and in its original line of business
- Serves over 40,000 customers worldwide
- Employs more than 500 people across the country
- Rooted in Central Iowa, committed to community and employee excellence
Whether you're part of a family business, a student of entrepreneurship, or simply curious about legacy leadership, this event is your chance to learn from a company that’s mastered the art of longevity.
Space is limited. Register now to secure your spot.
Each season, the FBC hosts a Tour & Talk at a family business headquartered in Iowa. The one-day event typically begins with a tour of the business from family leaders, followed by a luncheon, and concludes with a presentation and Q&A with the family CEO or president. These events allow families to learn from each other’s operations. We also have a breakout session or workshop to dive deeper into family business topics.
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The Kehl family’s entrepreneurial journey began in the 1960s with a café and dinner cruises on the Mississippi River. By the 1970s, Bob and Ruth Kehl expanded their business to include catering and riverboat operations, acquiring the “Spirit of Dubuque” in 1977. In 1990, the Kehls seized a pivotal opportunity, securing Iowa’s first riverboat gaming license. This bold move transformed the industry, and the Kehl family became integral to Iowa’s gaming landscape. Today, the Kehls oversee several premier properties, including Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Grand Falls Casino Resort, and Rhythm City Casino Resort, all of which have been recognized for their strategic success.
Dee Zee Mfg
Dee Zee Manufacturing is a hidden gem of a family business that you don't hear enough about. In 2024, family businesses were hosted at Dee Zee's Pleasant Hill campus by Kelli Gallagher, second generation and president of this multichannel aftermarket supplier and leading provider of side steps and roof rails for OEM's. Kelli, along with her son and sister, shared about their journeys in the family business, took us on a tour of their increasing number of buildings, and shared how they went from a 325 employee business to over 1,000.
Kemin Industries
In 2023, Iowa families met at Kemin Industries to hear about how a small family business turned into an international powerhouse. Participants heard from siblings Dr. Chris Nelson, president and CEO, and Libby Nelson, VP and general counsel. Then, groups took a tour of the manufacturing facilities and laboratories and wrapped up the day with a lunch.
Fareway
In 2021, Fareway hosted the FBC Tour & Talk event at their headquarters in Boone, Iowa. Reynolds Cramer, CEO, is pictured leading a tour. Later in the day, he shared his family story and answered questions about the business.
Interested in hosting a Tour & Talk event?
Please contact Jayne Kielman, business development manager, at jayne.kielman@uni.edu or 319-559-0050.
