• Speaker Series September 2026

SPEAKER SERIES

Grate Expectations: Building a Family Business That Lasts

Thursday, September 24, 2026
7:45 a.m. Breakfast, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Program
Fluno Center and Online

Presented by Joshua Gentine, third-generation owner and board member of Sargento Foods, Inc.

What does it take for a family business to thrive across generations? Josh Gentine, third-generation owner and board member of Sargento Foods, Inc., shares his lived experience inside a multi-generational family enterprise. Drawing from Sargento's evolution, he offers a candid perspective on how intentional governance, clear ownership structures, and a deep commitment to culture shape long-term success. He'll also reflect on what it takes to prepare the next generation — balancing family dynamics with the discipline required to sustain both the business and the relationships behind it.

Key takeaways:

  • Why governance isn’t just structure — it’s what protects both the business and the relationships over time
  • How intentional ownership design creates clarity, alignment, and durability across generations
  • What it really takes to prepare the next generation beyond titles — experience, expectations, and accountability