Episodes
40
Latest episode
Oct 2026
Language
EN-US
“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.
Join us for a conversation with Dr. Benjamin Ritter, executive leadership coach and author of The Uncrowned CEO, as we explore leadership in family businesses and beyond. With experience coaching hundreds of senior and next-generation leaders, Benjamin offers actionable strategies for building influence, leading through complexity, and developing the confidence to drive meaningful impact.
In this episode, Dan talks with Dave Goetz and Melissa Parks with Journey66, a company dedicated to helping families and family businesses preserve their unique histories and values. By transforming personal stories into books, videos, biographies, and other keepsakes, Journey66 helps create lasting family legacies that can be shared and celebrated for generations to come.
Dan talks with Molly Varangkounh, a family business advisor and speaker who specializes in growth and leadership strategies. They will discuss her journey from joining her grandparents' company, Hy-Capacity Ag Parts in Humboldt, Iowa, to her roll as an executive advisor today.
Adam Farver, Chairman of the Board at Pella Corporation, discusses insights into leadership and the responsibility that comes with carrying the legacy forward. Adam is the keynote speaker at the 2026 Iowa Family Business Conference hosted by the University of Northern Iowa Family Business Center.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.
Claim this listing
Dr. Allen Lycka
Jessica Lorello and Maddison Donchez
Statera Asset Management
Tom Haugh
Brian Rose
