Signature Event: The Gravitational Pull of Purpose

The Vitamix Family Business Story
Like gravity's pull, purpose has now unified the Vitamix family, drawing them back to what truly matters.  Founded in 1921, this family business journey was not always easy and experienced periods of disruption. After building her career at the Ritz Carlton, Jodi Berg discovered how purpose could shape both people and organizations. When called to lead Vitamix, her dedication to purpose-driven leadership transformed the company, growing it from $5M to $500M. More importantly, she strengthened family bonds and established a governance framework equipping them to shine brightly across generations.  Like celestial bodies in orbit, purpose has the power to align, inspire, and give meaning to each family member's role.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

 

Jodi Berg, Vitamix, Shareholder and Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, Adjunct Professor

Jodi Berg, Ph.D., is a renowned expert in purpose-driven leadership, bringing decades of experience as a CEO, professor, author, and speaker. As the former CEO of Vita-Mix Corporation, Jodi led the company to unprecedented growth, transforming it into a global leader in blending technology and an iconic brand. Her leadership style is rooted in cultivating purpose-driven cultures and empowering individuals and teams to achieve sustainable growth and innovation. With a Ph.D. in Management Designing Sustainable Systems and an MBA in Marketing and Multi-Unit Management, Jodi combines academic insight with hands-on executive experience to drive meaningful change.

In addition to her corporate achievements, Jodi serves as an adjunct professor, consultant, and advisor, helping organizations align strategies with core values to foster growth that is both profitable and impactful. Her work focuses on transforming cultures, guiding organizational change, and inspiring leaders to make a lasting difference. Whether speaking internationally or advising on strategic initiatives, Jodi is deeply committed to supporting leaders who seek to innovate, thrive, and create positive, enduring impact in their industries and communities.

FAMILY BUSINESS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:
Protecting the Legacy of Family Offices and Family Businesses in Today’s Legislative Environment
Russ Sullivan and John Gugliada will share important insights and provide valuable information about how OBBB and other tax and economic legislative changes could affect you, and your enterprise. Also learn the results of the annual 2025 Family Enterprise USA Annual family business survey.


 

John Gugliada, Director of Family Engagement Family Enterprise USA and Policy & Taxation Group
John is Director of Engagement. He is an experienced Executive who partners with CEOs of both large and small businesses. He has worked with companies in multiple industry segments, spanning five continents as EVP and SVP. John holds an MBA from the University of Hartford and is a regular contributor to State economic and workforce development committees. Russ Sullivan is chair of the National Tax Policy Group at lobbying and Brownstein providing unparalleled insight into the legislative and regulatory risks and opportunities related to tax policy.


 

Russ Sullivan, Shareholder, Brownstein
Russ is a Capitol Hill veteran who spent 14 years with the Senate Finance Committee, including nine as staff director. He leverages his vast network and industry expertise to devise and execute complex strategies for both nonprofit and for-profit clients on a broad range of issues, including health care, pension planning, trade, economic development and tax policy