Never Go Against the Family

Hosted by UNI Family Business Center

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Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

“Never Go Against the Family” is a podcast produced by the University of Northern Iowa Family Business Center. We know that family-owned businesses are different. During each episode, we interview a member of a family business and experts from all different industries. As our favorite godfather Vito Corleone advises, never go against the family.

Listen to episodes

36 recent

May 20, 2026Episode 735 min

Heidi Vermeer-Quist's journey in and out of Vermeer Corporation

In this episode of Never Go Against the Family, you’ll be introduced to Heidi Vermeer-Quist in a way you haven't before. Heidi's a friend of the UNI Family Business Center. She runs our next-generation peer groups, hosts events, and provides strategic insights into the dynamics of a family enterprise from her perspective of growing up in the Vermeer Corporation family and her work as a clinical psychologist. The UNI FBC offers a variety of family business resources to help your business—and family—succeed for the long haul. Take your next steps for success at https://unifamilybusinesscenter.com.

February 19, 2026Episode 635 min

Leading through tragedy and preparing the next generation with Jenny Steffensmeier

Jenny Steffensmeier is the owner of Steffensmeier Welding & Manufacturing in Pilot Grove, Iowa. Although she's in the first generation of ownership, her husband was actually the founder; when he suddenly passed, she assumed leadership of the company. In this episode of Never Go Against the Family, Jenny shares her story from meeting her husband to navigating his illness, introducing her children to the family business, and setting the stage for a future succession. Thank you to Jenny for sharing — and for her involvement on the University of Northern Iowa Family Business Center Advisory Board!

January 30, 2026Episode 540 min

The Vernon Company family story with Chris Vernon

Today, you might know Vernon Company as a five-generation, Netwon-based branding and promo powerhouse. Did you know the company started with farmers as its primary audience? Or that they once led in jigsaw puzzle sales? Listen in for a preview of this Iowa family business, then join us in Newton for a Tour & Talk with Chris and his son, Alex, on April 29, 2026!

October 28, 2025Episode 436 min

'Founder Paralysis' with Dennis Passis

Dennis Passis, author of Founder Paralysis, shares powerful insights into the hidden traps that keep founders stuck—especially in family-run businesses. In this candid conversation, he explores the emotional and structural challenges that prevent growth, the tension between control and collaboration, and how leaders can begin to let go without losing their vision. Whether you're a founder, successor, or part of a legacy business navigating change, this episode offers practical wisdom and a fresh perspective on moving forward.

October 28, 2025Episode 330 min

Innovating in a family business with Matt Knight

How can artificial intelligence help legacy businesses thrive across generations? In this insightful podcast, Matt Knight explores the evolving role of AI in family-run enterprises. He unpacks a practical three-part framework—AI as a Virtual Assistant, Data Wizard, and Creative Coach—designed to help family firms streamline operations, unlock insights, and spark innovation. With a focus on bridging generational perspectives, Matt shares real-world examples and expert conversations that reveal how AI can become a trusted ally in both tradition and transformation.

August 12, 2025Episode 232 min

Lisa Daniel on the Lodge Cast Iron legacy and creating something new with her spouse

What happens when marriage and entrepreneurship intertwine? In this episode, we chat with Lisa Daniel—a married-in member of the famous cookware brand Lodge Cast Iron—who, alongside her husband, also co-owns a thriving IT business. Together, they’ll be joining us on a virtual panel this August to share what it’s really like to navigate business decisions, family dynamics, and strategic growth as a team.From legacy brands to tech ventures, Lisa brings a unique perspective on partnership, resilience, and redefining what it means to build something that lasts—together.

July 29, 2025Episode 132 min

The story of Hubbard Peanut Company with Marshall Rabil

Marshall Rabil is stepping into the role of president and CEO of Hubbard Peanut Company, or Hubs, from his prior position as director of sales and marketing. Marshall’s grandparents, Dot and HJ Hubbard, founded Hubs in 1954 out of their home kitchen, launching what would become America’s oldest specialty peanut brand. Over the past 70 years, the company has remained a proudly family-owned operation and a staple of its community, now entering a new era.Join us in conversation as we discuss navigating leadership succession in a family business and hear the Hubs story!

May 20, 2025Episode 936 min

Foster Group on financial considerations for family leaders

What fiduciary concerns should a business leader be responsible for? It helps to have a working knowledge of retirement plans and different financial strategies so that you can be the best leader you can be. In this podcast, Dan talks to Geoff Christy and Tyler Craig from Foster Group about the nuances of financial leadership. Foster Group is a Founding Partner of the University of Northern Iowa Family Business Center.

May 20, 2025Episode 820 min

The Catania Oils story with Joseph Basile

The story of Catania Oils dates back to 1900 in the small village of San Pier Niceto, Sicily. Giuseppe Basile’s dream was to take his olive oil business from Sicily and establish it in the land of opportunity, America. Giuseppe set out to fulfill his dream at the turn of the 20th century moving to the United States with several barrels of olive oil and the hope of building a family business that would last for generations to come.On our podcast, we're excited to welcome Joseph Basile, great-grandson of Giuseppe, to the podcast to share their family's story.

March 24, 2025Episode 723 min

Sustaining the legacy with Veronica Maldonado

In this episode, you’ll be introduced to Veronica Maldonado, who is part of the fourth generation of a family that impacted Venezuela’s agricultural and industrial sectors. When the state disowned the family and took the ranch that for 100 years represented the heart of the family, most family members, including Veronica, left the country to gather in the United States. Veronica currently serves as chair for the board of the GEM (Grupo Economico Maldonado) companies. Veronica is going to share her story and what she has learned about family business along the way. The UNI FBC offers a variety of family business resources to help your business—and family—succeed for the long haul. Take your next steps for success at https://unifamilybusinesscenter.com.