UNI Family Business Center

08/26/2026

Social, Dinner & Roundtable Discussion
September 9, 2026 | Ruthie's Steak & Seafood, Davenport, Iowa

Join fellow next-generation family business members for an evening of networking, dinner, and honest conversation about the unique experience of growing up in a family business.

Register today!

https://tinyurl.com/3wh4u85p

Agenda
5:30 PM | Social & Networking Reception
Hosted by the Kehl Family | Elite Casino Resorts
Meet and connect with fellow next-generation family members and family business leaders from across the Quad Cities region.

6:00 PM | Dinner & Roundtable Discussion
Facilitated by Dr. Heidi Vermeer-Quist
"Growing Up Next Generation"

08/25/2026

Claim your early-bird conference discount before Aug. 31

The sixth annual conference for multigenerational family-owned businesses is Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Vermeer Corp. in Pella. Our early-bird discount offer ends one week from today, on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. CST. We'd love for you to be at the conference and to save some money along the way, so be sure to take advantage of that discount before next Monday!

Get your tickets today: https://unifamilybusinesscenter.com/events/iowa-family-business-conference

Reminder: Members of the UNI Family Business Center receive FREE admission to the conference for all members of their family. Check out membership costs and benefits to see if becoming a member is the best deal for your family.

08/10/2026

Family business governance isn’t just paperwork—it’s how families create clarity, reduce friction, and build confidence in the future.

At the 2026 Iowa Family Business Conference on Nov. 11, this session will break down the core building blocks families use to strengthen communication and support long‑term continuity. Meet the speakers:
🟢 Dan Beenken, UNI Family Business Center
🔵 Maxwell Youngquist, RSM
🟡 Stan Van Wyk, Pella Corporation

Register for the conference here: https://unifamilybusinesscenter.com/events/iowa-family-business-conference

This conference is for multigenerational family-owned businesses. Members register for free, and an early-bird discount is available for nonmembers until Aug. 31, 2026.

07/29/2026

Meet Molly V. and learn from her family business story on Nov. 11!

Family businesses are built on more than financial statements and organizational charts. They're built on relationships. When those relationships become strained, even the best intentions can lead to difficult decisions.

Drawing from her own experience leading her family's manufacturing business, Molly Varangkounh will speak at the 2026 Iowa Family Business Conference on Nov. 11 in Pella. She will share the lessons she learned through leadership transitions, sibling dynamics, succession planning, and ultimately making the difficult decision to walk away. With honesty, perspective, and practical takeaways, she'll explore the conversations she wishes her family had sooner, the structures she wishes had been in place, and why protecting both the business and the family doesn't always mean avoiding hard conversations.

Register for the conference here: https://unifamilybusinesscenter.com/events/iowa-family-business-conference

This conference is for multigenerational family-owned businesses. Members register for free, and an early-bird discount is available for nonmembers until Aug. 31, 2026.

07/27/2026

New Member Monday: Welcome to the FBC, Assembled Products, Inc.! 📦

"Assembled Products, Inc. is an industrial supply company with a commitment to shipping quality parts on time. We are a third generation family-owned and veteran-founded business built on the concept of building partnerships with our customers, employees, suppliers, and community. As with any partnership, trust must be earned. We earn that trust by treating our employees like family, respecting our suppliers, exceeding our customers' expectations, and taking care of our community."

07/20/2026

New Member Monday: Welcome to the FBC, Larson Construction! 🦺

Larson Construction Co., Inc. started as a viable company in the summer of 1968 by Edgar L. and Janet L. Larson. Ed and Janet have worked together since 1968 building a company that commits to excellence, respects individuals, and believes in honesty and integrity. Because of these values, Larson Construction Co., has grown from a husband/wife operation to a third- generation family- oriented company. Each of the Larson’s three children and spouses are involved with the company. Two grandchildren have also become part of the team.

07/13/2026

The Wilson College of Business at the University of Northern Iowa has selected Ken Brown as its next dean. He returns to UNI after serving as a faculty member for nearly 20 years and will begin his new role on July 15. Read more in the comments.

07/02/2026

We are excited to announce our Founding Partners for the new fiscal year!

These partners are industry giants whom we've hand-selected for their expertise in family business:
➡️ BrownWinick Law Firm, a longtime friend of the FBC whose expertise in estate planning helps our families prepare for the future
➡️ Carson Wealth, wealth planners who align a family's values with their financial strategies
➡️ Holmes Murphy, a new partner that helps Iowa family businesses insure what matters most
➡️ RSM US LLP, a returning partner with vast knowledge of family offices

Thank you to these four firms who are intentionally supporting !

Read the full article here:

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — Four Iowa firms have pledged their support to the University of Northern Iowa Family Business Center (FBC) for the 2026-27 program year. Carson Wealth and Holmes Murphy join longtime partners BrownWinick Law Firm and RSM as sponsors of the center and supporters of family enterp...

06/29/2026

The family behind Pella Corporation, one of Iowa’s most iconic multigenerational companies, will headline the 2026 Iowa Family Business Conference in Pella on Nov. 11.

“I always leave gatherings like this energized by the generosity, wisdom and humility of the people in the room,” said Farver, fourth-generation owner and board chair of Pella Corporation. “When family businesses learn from one another, we all get stronger."

Hosted by the University of Northern Iowa’s Family Business Center, the conference is the only statewide event dedicated exclusively to multigenerational family-owned businesses.

Register now ➡️ https://growthzone.unifamilybusinesscenter.com/events/Details/2026-iowa-family-business-conference-1730804?sourceTypeId=Website

06/15/2026

🟡 Registration is OPEN for the sixth annual Iowa Family Business Conference 🟢

Adam Farver of Pella Windows & Doors will headline the 2026 Iowa Family Business Conference on Nov. 11 at Vermeer Corporation in Pella. As a fourth‑generation owner and board chair, Adam brings a powerful message about stewardship, next‑gen leadership, and the responsibility family businesses carry to their employees, customers, and communities.

This year’s conference, hosted by the UNI Family Business Center, features sessions on next‑generation development, family councils, branding your company as family‑owned, and more. Plus, we’re gathering inside Vermeer’s Museum and Global Pavilion for a day of learning, connection, and celebration.

Registration is now open. Earlybird pricing runs through Aug. 31.
🔗 unifamilybusinesscenter.com/events/iowa-family-business-conference