The Van Sweringen brothers set up an intricate system of holding companies to manage their real estate and railroad ventures. These corporations held controlling stock of the various companies, which were funded by outside investors. The individuals putting up money to fund the companies were regularly paid dividends, but had no authority to vote on business decisions. Such a setup ensured that the Vans maintained complete control over the development of their businesses, while limiting the investment of their own capital for startup and operating costs. | Source: Shaker Historical SocietyDownload Original File
