UNI Family Business Center

🌟✨ 2023-2024 Round-Up! ✨🌟

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the SUPER speakers out there who have made this year with the UNI Family Business Center incredible! Your stories and expertise have truly inspired us all. 💪

Whether you've shared tales of triumph or wisdom from your journeys, these family business heroes have made a difference in our community! 🌍

We can't wait for another great year! 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️

1952 ➡️ Now

While these photos show examples of KENT Corporation breaking ground, we know that the really 'groundbreaking' management happens behind the scenes in a multigenerational family business.

Learn more about KENT and its exemplary organizational leadership at our Virtual Breakfast Series on Aug. 29: https://growthzone.unifamilybusinesscenter.com/events/Details/virtual-breakfast-series-kent-corporation-on-being-named-best-managed-family-business-1120877?sourceTypeId=Hub

Happy Fourth of July to all, and Happy Birthday to our fearless leader, Dan!

As you might know, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (better known as ESOPs) provide an alternate structure for privately-held businesses.

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the end of June for an ESOP webinar. Robert Cramer of Cramer and Associates shared his experience of leading a family business that transitioned to an ESOP prior to his leadership. Plus, our industry experts were able to provide nuance to the legal and strategic options that an ESOP model presents. The webinar recording is available now.



https://youtu.be/YTLD-CkRt3U

Timely Topics: ESOP Basics In order to stay viable, sometimes families decide to switch to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This employee benefit plan enables employees to own ...

Robert Cramer leads Cramer and Associates, a and bridge construction company, as VP of Land Development and Co-chair of the Board. Robert and Dan discuss the reason behind this family's move to an hashtag structure.

Tune in to hear their conversation, and then Robert on a webinar with us tomorrow, June 25, at noon:

--> Webinar Details: https://uni.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SHIDeFRyRayHoVJTOO4vxA #/registration

--> Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4knuzkoRIexQ6nyhlVEpYa?si=Ae8ZFhxXRxe5HMUUriSr3w

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: ESOP Basics | Timely Topics Webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. In order to stay viable, sometimes families decide to switch to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This employee benefit plan enables employees to own part or all of the company they work for. Learn more about ESOPs from experts throughout the state. At the conclusion of this webinar, attendee...

Deb Giarusso of UNI's Advance Iowa and the Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO) will be moderating our webinar on June 25.

Register now: https://uni.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SHIDeFRyRayHoVJTOO4vxA #/registration

Deb Giarusso serves as senior program manager for UNI Advance Iowa and the recently established Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO). Advance Iowa facilitates through education the knowledge and benefits of sustainable business structures to all stakeholders. IA-CEO’s objective is to mitigate the potential economic loss from the transition of local businesses by educating all interested parties in the viability of employee/shared ownership.

Deb spent 35 years building her expertise in both corporate and investment finance. Her professional experiences include corporate financial analysis for Oscar Mayer Foods in the early 1990s, managing a multi-million-dollar family investment portfolio for over 30 years, and a founding principal of an RIA firm during the financial crisis of 2008. Additionally, Deb taught both graduate and undergraduate finance courses at the University of Northern Iowa for twenty years. Deb holds the designation of CFA® charter holder, CFA Institute, earned her MBA from the University of Iowa in 1986 and recently earned the Certified Exit Planner (CExP) designation. Deb also donates her finance expertise by serving on multiple non-profit boards as a financial expert.

Working in a family business can make you feel inside out. As we're planning the next season, let us know the topics you want us to cover in the comments.

Robert Cramer is no stranger to the structure. We'll hear all about his experiences leading a family-owned/employee-owned company on June 25 at noon.

Register now: https://uni.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SHIDeFRyRayHoVJTOO4vxA #/registration

Robert Cramer is a bridge builder. After graduating from Iowa State in Construction Engineering, Robert went to work at Cramer and Associates, Inc. where he eventually served as Co-President of the family owned/employee owned bridge construction company. He now serves as VP of Land Development and Co-chair of the Board. Robert also tries to build bridges with people in many diverse capacities. He has served on industry boards, the local school board, Blessman International, the Family Leader board, Starts Right Here advisory board, and church board among others. He was appointed to the Board of Regents in May of 2023. Currently, Robert and his wife, Lori are building a Church/Event Center called Northbridge on the northeast side of Des Moines. Robert has two adult children and he’s taking applications for son-in-law.

What does the legal side of an look like? We'll hear all about this from our trusted expert Drew Larson of BrownWinick on June 25 at noon.

Register now: https://uni.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SHIDeFRyRayHoVJTOO4vxA #/registration

More about Drew:
"In 2008, I received a J.D., with distinction, from the University of Iowa and was admitted to the Iowa bar in 2009. I graduated, magna cm laude, in 2006 from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Accounting and Political Science. I have been selected as a Rising Star by SuperLawyers® since 2015 and an “Up and Coming” practitioner by Chambers and Partners. I am also involved in a number of industry organizations, being an active member of the Association of Business and Industry (including two terms on the board of directors), the Technology Association of Iowa, Leading Age Iowa, and the Iowa Healthcare Association. I have also served in a number of roles in the community. I currently serve as a board member of Trivium Life Services, a community services and behavioral health provider based in Council Bluffs. Previously, I served as President of the Board of Directors for Bethany Life Communities, a non-profit long-term care community in Story City, Iowa, and as President of the Board of Directors for Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance of Story County, a non-profit providing emergency food, housing, and utility assistance to our neighbors in need."

We're talking about with Nick Viner from Prairie Capital Advisors on June 25 at noon!

Register now: https://uni.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SHIDeFRyRayHoVJTOO4vxA #/registration

Nick Viner rejoined Prairie Capital Advisors in 2020. He advises middle-market companies on employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), corporate valuation, financial opinions and other investment banking advisory services. Nick is responsible for providing project management services, corporate valuations and transaction analyses in support of capital structuring engagements including the following: ESOP implementation, leveraged recapitalizations, management buyouts (MBO), mergers and acquisitions ("M&A"), fairness opinions and other corporate finance-related topics. Nick also regularly presents webinars on the topic of valuation. Additionally, Nick was recognized as a Top 40 Under Forty Honoree in 2021 by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA).

The winner of the inaugural FBC Office Olympics is Kristen!

We spent the morning doing some team bonding over office games. Catch us at the this summer 😉

On Tuesday, June 4, join Kelli Gallagher, second generation and president of Dee Zee Manufacturing. Tour the business, talk to the family, and learn how they went from a 325 employee business to over 1,000 and shine in adaptation and innovation.

Register here -> https://growthzone.unifamilybusinesscenter.com/events/Details/tour-talk-at-deezee-1095042?sourceTypeId=Hub

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38EZd-gq7oQ

Dee Zee Company Culture Kelli Gallagher, the president of Dee Zee, is leading a family-owned company with roots in Central Iowa into one with a global presence. She recognizes the i...

Let's go to Italy!

Watch our informational session on YouTube to learn more about the two-week course for families AND students happening in May 2025, and get the details about how you can sign up!

Italy Informational Webinar #1, for families

You've heard it from us before: Boards are an essential piece of the puzzle for family business leadership.

Take this survey to help our partners fill a gap in much-needed compensation data. This survey will take you approximately 20 minutes to complete. If you complete or update the survey, the results will be made available to you (all company names will be anonymous). This is a "give and you get" survey. Only those who provide information will be able to see full results.

2024 Private Board Compensation Survey 2024 Private Board Compensation Survey.

Dee Zee Manufacturing is a hidden gem of a family business that you don't hear enough about. On June 4, join Kelli Gallagher, second generation and president of this multichannel aftermarket supplier and leading provider of side steps and roof rails for OEM's. Tour the business, talk to the family, and learn how they went from a 325 employee business to over 1,000 and shine in adaptation and innovation.

Register now:

Tour & Talk at DeeZee Dee Zee Manufacturing is a hidden gem of a family business that you don't hear enough about. On June 4, join Kelli Gallagher, second generation and president of this multichannel aftermarket supplier and leading provider of side steps and roof rails for OEM's. Tour the business, talk to the f...

Are you looking for a Jolly good Time? 🍿

Join us for the Virtual Breakfast Series on Thursday, May 16, as Garrett K. Smith, current president of Jolly Time Popcorn and a fourth-generation member of the Smith family, shares milestones of the last 100 years, along with challenges and how their family has remained loyal to the business for five generations now.

https://growthzone.unifamilybusinesscenter.com/events/Details/virtual-breakfast-series-jolly-time-100-years-of-family-and-fun-1060234?sourceTypeId=Website

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday Janelle! 🎂🎉

She brings so much talent, dedication, and positivity to our team, and we're so grateful to have her on our team. Join us in sending Janelle your best birthday wishes! 🎈🎁

The UNI Family Business Center team recently embarked on a fascinating tour of the University of Northern Iowa's Metal Casting and Foundry 4.0 Centers. 🏭✨

Our visit opened our eyes to a world of cutting-edge innovation in casting, robotics, sensors, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These centers aren't just hubs of technology; they're powerhouses of support for Iowa's small-to-medium-sized manufacturers! 🛠️💡

Here's what we learned:

1️⃣ State-of-the-Art Facilities: The Metal Casting and Foundry 4.0 Centers boast top-notch facilities equipped with the latest advancements in casting technology. From advanced robotics to IoT-enabled sensors, manufacturers have access to tools that streamline production processes and enhance efficiency. 🤖🔧

2️⃣ Expert Guidance: Beyond the impressive machinery, these centers offer invaluable expertise. Skilled professionals are on hand to provide guidance and support, helping navigate the complexities of modern manufacturing. 💼🎓

3️⃣ Innovation Collaboration: Collaboration is key! These centers foster an environment where manufacturers can come together, share ideas, and collaborate on innovative projects. By pooling resources and expertise, Iowa's family-owned businesses can thrive in today's competitive market. 🤝💡

At the Family Business Center, we're passionate about supporting the backbone of the Midwest's economy: family-owned businesses. Our tour of the Metal Casting and Foundry 4.0 Centers reinforced our commitment to providing resources and connections that empower these businesses to succeed. 💪🚀

Let us know how we can help YOUR family business explore opportunities for growth and innovation in Iowa's manufacturing sector! 💼✨

The UNI Emerging Leaders and Now Generation Peer Groups met at CCR in Cedar Rapids for an in-person April meeting. Thanks to the Kelly family for having us!

Picture this: a room filled with family business leaders, each facing their own unique set of challenges and opportunities. Some are CEOs, others are emerging leaders trying to make their mark. Yet despite their differences, they all have one goal: to grow and sustain their family business while keeping family harmony. This is the environment of a peer group at the University of Northern Iowa Family Business Center. Interested in reading more? Check out https://unifamilybusinesscenter.com/announcements/power-peer-groups

The UNI Legacy Peer Group met at Cedar Ridge Winery to learn more about the "third phase" from Jerry and Nancy of Foster Group and Mary and Dale of Vermer Corporation. Thank you to Jeff Quint of Cedar Ridge (also an Iowa Family Business) for hosting us.

With over a century in business, American Popcorn Company, the parent of the delicious Jolly Time Pop Corn, has seen the snack industry change tremendously. Register today at https://growthzone.unifamilybusinesscenter.com/events/Details/virtual-breakfast-series-jolly-time-100-years-of-family-and-fun-1060234?sourceTypeId=Hub for our Virtual Breakfast Series on May 16th.

America's oldest family business just celebrated its 400th birthday. Can you guess the industry?

Enduring Cymbals In the realm of family businesses, there’s old, and then there’s really old. The Avedis Zildjian Co., a musical instrument company known simply as Zildjian, is really really old, dating all the way back to 1623. Do the math and you’ll realize the company is celebrating its 400th anniversary th...

This weeks goes to Lisle Corporation!

In 1903, Mary Landhuis’ great-great-grandfather, C.A. Lisle, purchased a foundry and named it after his family: Lisle Corporation. Six generations and 119 years later, the business looks a little different than when it first started. “Because of the need to provide repair services, Lisle Corporation started making automotive tools to be able to fix vehicles, and that's how the company's main line that we sell today started,” said Mary, president of Lisle Corporation.

The perfect time to tackle estate planning is before your family starts a transition of leadership. Join Steve Wells, founding partner of American Food & Vending Corporation, for the Virtual Breakfast Series on March 28! Register now at https://unifamilybusinesscenter.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/mP7bOBOp?mode=Attendee

Join Steve Wells, founding partner of American Food & Vending Corporation, and Robert Hodges, lawyer at BrownWInick Law Firm, for the next installment of the Virtual Breakfast Series on March 28: Estate Planning: Steering Early to Avoid Pot Holes Later. Register now at https://unifamilybusinesscenter.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/mP7bOBOp?mode=Attendee

Join us for our next Legacy Peer Group on Thursday, April 4. This session will focus on transitioning to the "third phase" of life. All retired or soon-to-retire leaders of a family business and their spouses are invited to join the session, hosted by Cedar Ridge Distillery, an in the Corridor.

This weeks , we are highlighting our UNI Family Business Center team! We know that family businesses face unique challenges during their start-up and throughout the life of the business, and we are here to support you!