Each year, the Wisconsin Family Business Center brings together family business leaders from across the state to learn from one another, hear from trusted experts, and explore the issues that matter most to family-owned companies.

The 2025–2026 program year was no exception.

Through our Speaker Series, Food For Thought programs, and a special webinar, members explored topics ranging from succession and leadership transitions to tax planning, artificial intelligence, marketing, culture, and investment strategy. While each session focused on a different aspect of family business, several common themes emerged: the importance of preparing the next generation, preserving what makes your business unique, and making thoughtful decisions that support long-term success.

Here’s a look back at the conversations that shaped this year.

Preparing the Next Generation

We kicked off the year with our August webinar, The Next Generation Advantage: How Future Leaders Can Help Shape the Family Business. Panelists Naomi Kroth, Catherine Burke, and Mike Swanson shared candid perspectives on working across generations and highlighted how emerging leaders can bring fresh ideas, energy, and new capabilities to the business.

This theme carried into January’s Speaker Series, Same Business, Different Dreams - Building One Vision Across Generations, where attendees were guided through practical exercises to surface differences in vision and values and turn those differences into productive conversations.

In February, members heard directly from next-generation CEOs during Built to Last: Insights from 70, 75, & 100 Year Family Companies, a Food For Thought panel that showcased how enduring businesses continue to evolve while honoring their roots.

Together, these programs reinforced an important truth: successful transitions don’t happen by accident. They require honest dialogue, shared vision, and a willingness to embrace new ideas.

Learning from Family Business Stories

One of the most valuable aspects of the FBC community is the opportunity to hear directly from leaders who have navigated the same challenges many members face.

In September, Jane Grote, Executive Chairwoman and Chief Purpose Officer of Donatos Pizza, shared her family’s journey in The Donatos Pizza Story & Leading with Love. Her presentation introduced the concept of Agape Capitalism - leading with love - and demonstrated how compassion, operational excellence, and purpose can coexist.

October’s Gain Perspective Through Family Stories: Exploring Legacy with a Genogram invited participants to map their family histories and uncover patterns that influence relationships, succession, and legacy decisions.

December’s online Speaker Series, presented by FBC Member KennedyC, From Message to Momentum, focused on the power of storytelling in marketing, helping family businesses connect their authentic story to strategic business goals.

These sessions reminded us that every family business has a story, and understanding that story can provide both clarity and momentum.

Managing Growth While Preserving Culture

Growth often brings new opportunities, but it can also challenge the culture that defines a family business.

In April, we tackled this issue in How to Maintain Culture While Growing a Family Business. Participants explored common myths about preserving culture and learned practical ways to protect the values and behaviors that matter most as their organizations evolve.

The program reinforced a key lesson: culture is not something to protect from change; it is something to intentionally strengthen as the business grows.

Navigating Transition and Change

Leadership transitions, ownership changes, and evolving markets were recurring themes throughout the year.

March’s Food For Thought session, ESOPs: They’re Worth Another Look, examined employee stock ownership plans as a strategic option for succession, liquidity, and tax planning.

The year concluded in May with Bridging Leadership: Turning Transitory Moments & Team Differences into Strength. Through an interim CEO panel and keynote presentation, attendees explored how leadership transitions and diverse perspectives can become catalysts for innovation and stronger decision-making.

Financial, Tax, and Investment Insights

Family business owners face unique financial decisions that affect both the company and the family.

This year’s Food For Thought sessions provided timely guidance on topics including:

• Private investing and portfolio strategy
• Economic development incentives and financing tools
• Succession and exit financing strategies
• New tax legislation and its implications
• Interest rate and foreign exchange risk
• Investing across generations and entities

These sessions equipped members with practical knowledge to make more informed decisions in a rapidly changing economic environment.

Exploring New Technology and Emerging Trends

Artificial intelligence was a major topic of interest this year.

At the October Food For Thought program, Charting Your AI Course: Strategies, Tools, and Success Metrics, members learned how to identify meaningful AI use cases, select the right tools, and measure results.

The session emphasized a pragmatic approach: start with a clear strategy, focus on high-impact opportunities, and define what success looks like before investing in new technology.

The Power of Community

While each program delivered valuable insights, one of the greatest strengths of the Wisconsin Family Business Center remains the opportunity to connect with peers who understand the unique dynamics of family enterprise.

Whether discussing succession planning, culture, leadership, or financial strategy, members benefited from shared experiences and honest conversations with others facing similar opportunities and challenges.

Looking Ahead to Our 30th Anniversary Year

Thank you to our members, sponsors, presenters, and panelists for making the 2025–2026 program year such a success.

The upcoming 2026–2027 program year marks an important milestone as the Wisconsin Family Business Center celebrates 30 years of supporting family-owned businesses across Wisconsin.

We look forward to honoring that legacy with another year of meaningful conversations, practical learning, and valuable connections designed to help family businesses grow stronger across generations.