Foundations for Family Business Success

Foundations for Family Business Success: Join us as we dive into what it takes to build a foundation for a successful family business through an overview of best-practices coupled with real world applications. Attendees will gain insights into key findings from two recent studies designed to understand the motivations, experiences, and interests of the next generation. Now and Next Generation panelists will offer their perspectives and experiences as we explore topics on:
 

• Early Involvement and Emotional Connections to the Business
• Training and Preparation of the Next Generation
• Advantage and benefits of mentoring and roles of peer professionals 
• Finding the Right Role 

Panelists: 
Ross Haan, Impact Fab 
Ross currently serves as the president of Impact Fab, Inc., and is a second-generation owner in the business. Growing up working on the shop floor, Ross never imagined joining the business full-time. However, after earning his B.S. in Economics from Hillsdale College and spending time in NY and CO, the draw of West Michigan and being part of the family business pulled him back home in 2006. Ross and his wife, Sandi, have been married for 11 years, live in Holland, and have three daughters. 
Doug Young, Behler-Young 
Doug Young is the third generation CEO and Chairman Behler-Young. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Michigan and a master’s of business administration from Carnegie-Mellon University. Before starting at Behler-Young nearly 41 years ago, he worked for an automobile parts manufacturer in a Detroit suburb. He has served on the boards of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, and was the first president of HARDI, the HVACR distributors association.
Chelsea Brown, Metal Flow Corporation 
Chelsea grew up in Holland and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2007. She has had the privilege of working in her family's business, Metal Flow Corporation, for 17 years. The company was founded in 1978 by her Dad and Grandfather and specializes today in the manufacturing of technically sophisticated deep drawn metal components for the automotive industry. Having had the benefit of holding several roles in the organization over the years, she currently serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives.