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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Dan chats with Libby Nelson, who is part of the second generation of Kemin Industries in Des Moines. Libby is Vice President and General Counsel at Kemin, and has seen the company grow from an ingredients supplier to a global biotechnology company. Stay tuned to hear more about the Kemin story.

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.

Today you’re getting a sneak peek into the 2024 Iowa Family Business Conference. Dan Beenken interviews keynote speaker Kevin Hancock, who is the leader of Hancock Lumber, a six-generation family business in Maine. During the conversation, you’ll get a taste of Kevin’s ethos so you can be ready with all of your burning questions at the conference on November 6. Keep listening for more.

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.

In this episode, Dan talks to Michael Klein. Michael is the author of Trapped In the Family Business: A Practical Guide to Uncovering and Managing This Hidden Dilema. He has 20 years of experience as a workplace consultant and advisor to individuals and organizations. Keep listening to hear his perspectives from working directly with families like yours.

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.