Legacy of Trust
Empowering the Next Generation of Family Business Leaders
The special daylong event provided participants with valuable insights on accelerating business growth and building a lasting legacy. Throughout the sessions, attendees explored impactful ways to engage next-generation leaders, non-family executives, advisors, and suppliers to enhance their influence. They came away with actionable strategies to drive future success.
The event wrapped up with a celebratory happy hour, honoring over 20 cohorts of graduates from the Next Gen Leadership Institute and offering a fantastic opportunity to network and unwind.
Event Agenda
Click here to view the agenda
8:00 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m.
Welcome and Introductions
9:15 a.m.
Opening Keynote: Envisioning a Legacy of Leadership
Jennifer Germaine unveils the transformative power of trust in guiding family-owned businesses towards a sustainable future. This keynote takes you on an exploratory journey that goes beyond the mechanics of business operation and delves into the heart of what it means to build a lasting legacy. Help your organization's vision and values transcend while allowing for the authenticity of the next generation.
10:15 a.m.
Panel 1: Building Trusting Relationships with Non-Family Executives (NFEs)
Listen to how one family business navigated from a non-family executive CEO/President and back again. They will discuss engagement and the impact of trust on the business's ability to flourish.
Featuring:
Ron Guzior (family member), CEO and President, Richards Building Supply Co.
Bill Swanson (non-family executive), Richards Building Supply Co.
Moderated by Bill Stranberg, Managing Partner, Stranberg Resource Group
10:45 a.m.
Networking Break
11:00 a.m.
Panel 2: A Tale of Transition: One Company’s Ten Year Plan
Discover how one family successfully navigated a generational transition by appointing a non-family interim president. Explore the key stages of a company’s evolution, including the shift from entrepreneurial to professional management, and how to scale beyond the original shareholders. Learn about the importance of a willing owner, managing their psychological transition, and preparing the next generation for leadership with a clear plan and the right education.
Featuring:
Bryan Schwartz (non-family member), President, Trim-Tex
Mike Garcia (family member), Chief Revenue Officer, Trim-Tex
Joseph Koenig (family member), CEO and Owner, Trim-Tex
Moderated by Anne Smart, former FBC director
11:45 a.m.
Pre-Lunch Keynote: Coming Back to Reality
The past few years have been nothing short of “unprecedented” for family businesses. The longest economic recovery on record came to an abrupt halt in 2020 as COVID-19 shutdowns disrupted businesses of all sizes, including family enterprises. The resulting recession, the steepest and shortest in history, led to significant fiscal and monetary interventions that reshaped the economy. Are the tides turning? Has the stimulus worn off? Is inflation easing? What does the upcoming Presidential election mean for family businesses? Strider Elass will help put the current state of affairs into perspective and explain why the next 10 years could be among the best ever. Introduction by Marty McFadden, Managing Director at First Trust Portfolios.
12:30 p.m.
Networking Lunch
1:15 p.m.
Panel 3: Navigating Business Evolution: Balancing Innovation and Family Dynamics
Hear from NEUCO leaders as they share insights on launching a new line of business and navigating relationships as a supplier, partner, and competitor. Learn how they successfully put their ideas into action, balanced generational expectations, and mastered a new industry.
Featuring:
Jon Neustadt (family member), VP, Neuco
Rene Finco (non-family executive), Sr. Director, Finance, Neuco
Kate Aiello (non-family executive), HR Director, Neuco
Neil Finke (family member), Business Process Improvement Manager, Neuco
Moderated by Mike Dean, Principal, Tax Advisory, Private Client Services, BDO
1:45 p.m.
Closing Workshop: Crafting Your Legacy of Trust
Jennifer Germaine steers the day’s insights towards actionable outcomes. Distill the essence of trust cultivated throughout the event and personalize it into actionable strategies. Jennifer will guide you in identifying and prioritizing one or two pivotal learnings that resonated most deeply. You’ll be empowered to integrate these insights into your leadership practice, fostering a culture of trust within your organization.
2:45 p.m.
Closing Remarks and Happy Hour
3:00 p.m.
Champagne Toast
4:30 p.m.
Adjourn
Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Doors open and continental breakfast: 8:00 a.m.
Event: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook Chicago
Speakers
Check out our exciting line-up of speakers, panelists, and moderators.
Kathryn Aiello
Human Resources Director, Neuco
Mike Dean
Principal, Tax Advisory, Private Client Services, BDO
Strider Elass
Senior Economist, First Trust Economics
Rene Finco
Sr. Director, Finance, Neuco
Neil Finke
Business Process Improvement Manager, Neuco
Mike Garcia
Chief Revenue Officer, Trim-Tex
Jennifer Germaine
Founder and CEO, Breathe Fire Into Life
Ron Guzior
CEO and President, Richards Building Supply Co.
Joseph Koenig
CEO and Owner, Trim-Tex
Jon Neustadt
VP, Neuco
Bryan Schwartz
President, Trim-Tex
Bill Stranberg
Managing Partner, Stranberg Resource Group
Anne Smart
Advisor, Generation 6; Former Director, Family Business Center
Bill Swanson
Consultant, Richards Building Supply Co.
Thanks to our event co-host
Reception Sponsor
Empowering the Next Generation of Family Business Leaders
The special daylong event provided participants with valuable insights on accelerating business growth and building a lasting legacy. Throughout the sessions, attendees explored impactful ways to engage next-generation leaders, non-family executives, advisors, and suppliers to enhance their influence. They came away with actionable strategies to drive future success.
The event wrapped up with a celebratory happy hour, honoring over 20 cohorts of graduates from the Next Gen Leadership Institute and offering a fantastic opportunity to network and unwind.
Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Doors open and continental breakfast: 8:00 a.m.
Event: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook Chicago