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.
Vernon is one of the less than 30 firms in the United States that are over 100 years old, has been continuously owned/managed by the same family without interruption, and is in the same line of business as during its founding in 1902. Not only is that a truly remarkable heritage, but it also brings a century of industry experience and knowledge that is extended to our team members. Rest assured, we are large enough to handle any-sized project yet small enough to care about every client. Please take a look behind the scenes and check out what we’re all about below.
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.
Riverside Casino
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.
