Ben Soles and Brandee Poland share lessons on leadership, family dynamics, and growing a next-gen business through honesty and shared purpose.

Ben Soles and Brandee Poland, second-generation siblings of Soles Enterprises, share how their family business has grown through courage, communication, and collaboration. Founded in 2007 by their parents, the company manufactures tarps for grain elevators and agricultural storage facilities across the Midwest.

What began as a father-and-son venture evolved into a multigenerational enterprise, but not without challenges. When differing visions created tension between Ben and his father, they sought outside facilitation through the Prairie Family Business Association, where open dialogue and counseling helped redefine goals and relationships.

[00:18:52] “It’s not about you or your feelings—it’s about what’s best for the company.”

Once we realized that we were after kind of different things… my dad had set up a really good company and realized that it met what he wanted to do.

Today, Ben focuses on R&D and product innovation, while Brandee leads sales and marketing. Together, they’ve guided Soles Enterprises through leadership transition, added non-family management to strengthen operations, and clarified ownership and governance as their parents stepped back.

[00:20:00] “To be open and willing to say somebody else may have better answers for us — that’s really been beneficial for our family.”

Their story highlights how clarity of roles, willingness to seek help, and shared purpose can transform family tension into teamwork. As they look ahead to a third generation, Ben and Brandee remind listeners that family business is both a challenge and a blessing—one that’s worth the work.

Links

Ben Soles | LinkedIn

Brandee Poland | LinkedIn

Soles Enterprises Website

Prairie Family Business Association’s (PFBA) Website

PFBA’s Instagram