Interview with Tim Dodd, President and General Manager*

View Video of the Entire Interview (17:48 min)
View Transcription of the Entire Interview

I. Introduction  (Video - 1:13 min)  (Transcription)

II. History and Background  (Video - 3:38 min)  (Transcription)
        - Origins of the company
        - Revolution of the industry
        - Evolution of the organization

III. Stockholders' Incentives and Expectations  (Video - 1:33 min)  (Transcription)
        - Ownership structures
        - Expected return for members

IV. Farmer Benefits of Dakota Growers Pasta  (Video - 0:58 min)  (Transcription)
        - Effect on stability of members
        - Dealing with member problems

V. Types of Market Products  (Video - 2:23 min)  (Transcription)
        - Dry Pasta production capacity
        - Locations of operations
        - Segmentation strategy

VI. Competitive Forces Impacting the Pasta Industry  (Video - 1:03 min)  (Transcription)
        - Overcapacity of the market
        - Comparative advantage of Dakota Growers Pasta

VII. Identified Strengths and Weaknesses  (Video - 1:18 min)  (Transcription)
        - Producer-based company advantages
        - Vertical integration advantages
        - Price variability
        - Unbounded natures of the market

VIII. Future Opportunities  (Video - 3:12 min)  (Transcription)
        - Importance of alignments in the future
        - Competitive advantage of the firm

IX. Determining the Feasibility  (Video - 2:09 min)  (Transcription)
        - Beginning a new business
        - The importance of a management team

X. Summary  (Video - 0:25 min)  (Transcription)


* Interview conducted by Jeff Katz, Kansas State University.