Inside Sukup’s Historic Leadership Shift

Dec 4

Family-owned companies are the backbone of American agriculture — but what happens when the next leader doesn’t share the family name?

In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we sit down with Tom Mangan, Sukup Manufacturing’s newly announced incoming CEO and the first non-family member to ever hold the position. Tom has served as Sukup’s CFO since 2020, bringing experience from Fareway Stores, Endicott Clay Products, and Deloitte Tax. In October 2025, he’ll step into the CEO role while current CEO Hank Norem transitions back to CFO to support the leadership shift.

🎧 Listen here on Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/farm4profit-podcast/id1470546918

A Leadership Transition Unlike Any Other

Sukup Manufacturing isn’t just a company — it’s a global agricultural brand with deep roots, multi-generational leadership, and a legacy built on innovation and relationships.
So when a non-family executive steps into the CEO chair, the process carries extra weight.

Tom walks us through:

How his Iowa State accounting background and CPA experience shaped his decision-making
What he learned during years in retail, manufacturing, and tax strategy
How stepping into Sukup’s CFO role prepared him for a more visionary position

He shares candid insight about navigating a space where tradition matters, relationships run deep, and every decision touches both the business and the family behind it.

Thriving as a Non-Family Leader in a Family-Owned Company

Bringing in a non-family CEO creates both opportunities and challenges — and Tom addresses them head-on.

1. Building Trust That Goes Beyond Titles

Tom explains why earning trust in a family-owned business depends on consistency, transparency, and humility. His approach focuses on listening first, leading second, and always showing respect for the company’s roots.

2. Honoring the Legacy While Moving the Company Forward

Innovation is part of Sukup’s DNA. Tom discusses how he plans to keep elevating Sukup’s global presence while protecting the values that built the brand.

3. Creating Alignment Across Family and Non-Family Teams

Whether it’s manufacturing teams, engineering, executives, or family members still working within the business, Tom outlines how clear communication, shared goals, and cross-team collaboration keep Sukup unified.

Leadership Lessons for Any Farm or Agribusiness

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation:
The challenges Tom faces at Sukup mirror the challenges many family farms face today.

From generational transitions to operational alignment to knowing when to adopt new systems or technologies, Tom’s strategies apply to farms, co-ops, dealerships, and agribusinesses of all sizes.

Key lessons include:

Establishing shared expectations early
Empowering emerging leaders
Building systems that support growth instead of reacting to chaos
Balancing performance with people-first culture

Tom’s leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, clarity, and long-term thinking — values that resonate deeply across agriculture.

Why This Conversation Matters

As farms grow, diversify, and prepare for generational transitions, many will eventually face the reality Sukup is navigating today:
How do you hand off leadership in a way that protects legacy while positioning the business for the future?

Tom’s story is a roadmap.
His approach highlights: