Description

Panelists Steve Coleman and Mark Stutsman will lead this discussion on succession planning!

Succession is one of the most challenging aspects for all involved in a family business. Next generation wants to take on more leadership responsibilities and start to shape the future of the family business, while the founding generation or generation in charge has established a foundation and flow that they are not ready to see change. How do you work together as a family and merge ideas, personalities and a succession plan to move your family business forward?

Steve Coleman // Partner at Platinum Group

“I enjoy helping owners explore a destination for transition into a next stage of life, and then map out a pathway there. So many of them want to step down, but not stop making a contribution. Catalyzing that change is the most satisfying part of this work for me.”

Steve offers in-depth experience to clients pursuing strategic growth, new business development, sales planning, and post-merger integration. As more 'Boomers' age, he helps owners with exit strategies, which sometimes includes planning a succession or business sabbatical. He facilitates a monthly Transition Forum for leaders who are wondering "What's next?" Based on these Forums, Steve co-authored a book with Platinum's Jim Gambone - What's NEXT For You: Business Owners Share Their Transition Stories.

Steve enjoys golf, traveling, canoeing and his grandchildren — but not in that order of importance!

Focus Areas – Business Advice (Conflict Resolution, Non-Profit Advisory), Family Business, Business Transition

Mark Stutsman // Chief Operating Officer at Eldon C. Stutsman Inc.

Mark is a third generation owner and the COO of Eldon C. Stutsman Inc., a fourth generation family-owned company located in Hills, Iowa. An Iowa City native, Mark graduated from Iowa State University in 1985 with a degree in Farm Operations and later earned his MBA in 2000.

Mark has served as the Chairman of the Board of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa in Des Moines and currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Retailers Association in Washington D.C.

Mark has been appointed by Governor Culver to the Commission on Agricultural Education and by Governor Reynolds to the Environmental Protection Commission.

He has two sons, Tyler and Tanner, who have both decided to come back home to join the family business.