"The Center for Family Business has been an invaluable resource that fosters an unparalleled thought-provoking and collaborative environment for family enterprises of all sizes and industries to share insights and strategies. The discussions are tailored to address the unique challenges that only family businesses face like succession planning and balancing personal and professional roles. This is a community where understanding and solutions truly coalesce."
Donny Steinberg, Park Equity Investments
"The content of the forums put on by the Center for Family Business has been strong. I have also appreciated the network with other family businesses that it provides."
4th Generation Manufacturer/Retailer
Programs for the 2026-27 Program Year
Family Business Series
The Family Business Series are half-day programs taught by family business experts. The programs are held at the Tinkham Veale University Center and complimentary parking is available in the Campus Center Garage. The general schedule for the programs is as follows:
- 7:30-8:30 AM – breakfast and registration
- 8:30-11:30 AM – program
Family businesses are welcome to attend a first Family Business Series program as our guest.
Branding without Bragging: How to Balance Family and Business in your Marketing
Guest speakers: Meghan Lynch and Laura Brown, Six-Point Strategy - Wednesday, October 14, 2026
In family enterprises, the brand is more than a logo—it reflects trust, reputation, and longterm consistency. The program focuses on how values, continuity, and family identity show up externally—shaping market perception and reinforcing confidence in the business across generations and during period of growth. Participants will understand how to intentionally leverage their family story and reputation capital as strategic assets in the marketplace without overexposure or loss of authenticity.
This program features guest speakers Meghan Lynch and Laura Brown of Six Point Strategy, who bring extensive experience guiding family businesses through growth and succession with practical, intentional brand leadership.
Next Gen Development: Preparing Future Family Business Leaders
Todd Smith, CFAR (The Center for Applied Research, Inc.) - Wednesday, February 17, 2027
Preparing the next generation is one of the most important—and often most complex—tasks for any multi-generational family business. This program will dive into proven strategies for engaging, educating, and inspiring rising-generation family members for future leadership and ownership roles. Through interactive discussions and practical case studies, you’ll discover how to foster commitment, build essential skills, and create pathways for meaningful involvement. Whether your family is beginning succession planning or already nurturing young talent, this program offers actionable guidance to support all generations in ensuring a strong legacy.
Todd Smith, Principal at CFAR, is a seasoned consultant with over twenty years of experience advising family and owner-led businesses. His work focuses on governance, education, and strategic planning, and he is renowned for helping families navigate the unique dynamics of succession and leadership development.
Ownership, Decision-Making and Governance Through Transition
Kirby Rosplock, Tamarind Learning - Wednesday, April 14, 2027
When a family business faces a transition—whether in leadership, ownership, management, or all three—the question is rarely whether to change. The real question is: Are we ready? Participants will explore how to clarify who holds authority and who deserves a voice, how to engage family members who may never work in the business, and how to surface essential conversations before urgency forces the issue. The program emphasizes process over prescription, helping families move from informal decisionmaking toward governance readiness through the right fit, approach, and process. Designed for families at any stage, participants will leave with practical tools, shared language, and a roadmap for engaging their families in more intentional, productive transitionrelated conversations—protecting their business, legacy, and wealth for generations to come.
Kirby Rosplock, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Tamarind Partners, a world-renowned speaker, trusted advisor, and award-winning author who has spent more than 25 years helping business-owning families navigate the intersection of wealth, governance, and generational transition. She is also a fourth-generation shareholder, owner and board member of her family’s 120-year-old business.
Company Chats
Company Chats invite you to explore the captivating stories behind some of America's most cherished family businesses. These events are designed to celebrate the legacy, craftsmanship, and innovation that define successful family enterprises. Through engaging presentations, panel discussions and Q&A, participants will hear firsthand from leaders who have navigated the challenges and triumphs of steering their family businesses. Each session provides unique insights into the strategies, values, and stories that have shaped these companies, offering inspiration and practical lessons for attendees.
Growing a Family Business: Grants, Workforce Development and Lessons from TUFTEX
- 8:00-8:30: Registration, networking and breakfast
- 8:30-9:45: Program
expand, and thrive while strengthening their communities.
Hear from Allison Will of TUFTEX Balloons and Erika
Roitblat-Bowers and Nathasha Cresap of Team NEO and
moderated by Laura Bonnet of the Weatherhead Center for
Family Business, on navigating growth, workforce expansion,
and regional partnerships.
FREE TO ATTEND
Please email Laura Bonnet with any questions at familybusiness@case.edu
Behind the White Castle…And Now You Know the Rest of the Story
Join the Center for Family Business for a lively breakfast program with Jamie Richardson, White Castle’s Chief Marketing Officer, fourth-generation family member, and self-described Craveologist. Jamie will share lessons from more than 25 years helping carry forward one of the country’s best-known family businesses, with humor and insight on leadership, storytelling, and the realities of family enterprise. Known for his energetic style, Jamie has brought White Castle’s story to national audiences through television, media, and entertainment appearances, and has testified before Congress on issues affecting restaurants and family businesses.
Before joining White Castle, Jamie worked for the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency, leading teams to five EFFIE Awards, the highest industry recognition for advertising effectiveness.
After sharing his stories, Jamie will be joined by his wife, Kate Richardson, a former White Castle board member, for a conversation about governance, family meetings, and the unique perspective of being an in-law in a family business.
A morning of insight, humor, and family business wisdom — no slider required.
Members and first time family business guests register at laura.bonnet@case.edu.