Family Business Insights

What do effective leaders do? What should leaders do? Daniel Goleman posed these questions in an article for the Harvard Business Review, and they are questions that we don’t often take the time to think about. We are used to following our daily routines and dealing with the urgent matters at hand and we don’t often […]

Family-owned businesses are near and dear to my heart being the founder of one, but more importantly, they are the backbone of our communities, built on legacies, shared values, and a deep commitment to the future. But in today’s rapidly changing world, traditional leadership models may no longer be enough. It’s time to redefine what […]

The most resilient businesses are ones that expect the unexpected. Life-altering events like Death, Disability, Divorce, Disagreement, and Distress – which are known as the “5 Ds” of succession planning – may be unexpected, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan for them. While no succession plan is foolproof, you can stay on track if you […]

Mark Swepston spent his professional life building an already strong company, Atlas Butler, into an even more vibrant, community-oriented organization that is a nationally recognized leader in comprehensive HVAC and plumbing solutions. Yet with this success, as a third-generation family business leader, he had a nagging concern:  What would happen if he suddenly left the firm? […]

Peer groups provide an environment where leaders can confidentially connect with others who understand the intricacies of managing both business and family dynamics, making the groups an essential resource in moving their business forward. Indeed, in 2000 when Chris Converse first began working for his family’s Grove City business Converse Electric, he began attending monthly educational […]

As a leader in a family business, your “why” likely extends beyond personal ambition and may include aspirations like:  Fulfilling a Family Legacy: honoring the hard work and sacrifices of previous generations. Ensuring the Business’s Long-Term Sustainability: securing the future of the business for today – and for future generations. Creating a Positive Impact on […]

In ninth grade I was voted to serve as president of my freshman class. I was excited for the chance to lead and excited to enter high school. For our school, the first task of each year was to plan a class retreat as a kickoff event. I had all kinds of ideas for it. […]

At the December Monthly Educational Program: What I Wish I Had Known: Lesson Learned That Should’ve Been Taught, Chris Ahlum, President of Ahlum & Arbor, Nick Trifelos, National Sales Manager for Anthony-Thomas Candy Company, and Patrick Wathen, President of Equity spoke with Michelle Roseberry with HBK CPAs & Consultants. Their conversation traveled through the experiences […]

Before I became an executive coach and consultant, I was a teacher. I spent the better part of 20 years in the classroom, and the positive impact that my students and I had on each other was immeasurable. When I think about what set me on the path toward becoming a teacher, I remember Mr. […]

Eclipse Creative started as a commercial photography studio in 1994. In their 30 years of business, they have expanded into a creative services company with three divisions offering photography, video, retouching, design, grand format printing, collateral printing, 3D printing and fabrication, installation, plus trade show and event services. Eclipse has been igniting their clients’ brands […]