Family Business Forum

FBC's Family Business Forum will address situations that every business faces: how to successfully transition – to the next generation or non-family - or, if necessary, reinvent the family business. Family businesses are the lifeblood of California’s economy, accounting for 66% of the state’s GDP and employing 64% of its workforce. While these businesses have a tremendous impact, very little from a traditional business model translates to the unique dynamics of working for and alongside family members. FBC seeks to fill that void through inventive programming that offers education, support and networking. KEYNOTES Now under the direction of fourth generation Ken Dwelle, chief operating officer, Flyers Energy has thrived after the painstaking decisions to re-direct the business, solicit the guidance of a non-family CEO, and ultimately sell the retail sector of the business. Carefully considered risk and stable growth has now poised the company as a major competitor in the energy sectors of California, Nevada and Arizona. Stan Van Vleck, president of Van Vleck Ranch, will review the major turning points along his path to rebuilding, including growing the business tenfold, and advise on best practices to reinvent, diversify, or even transition a family business. With Stan father’s passing and without a solid succession plan yet in place, the next generation was left to pick up the pieces and battle through establishing a new leadership model at the company, most of which left the business in distress and the family fragmented and communicating around non-disclosure agreements. Stan will recount his journey and plans to reorganize the business to improve its chance for his children, who are set to succeed him. FBC’s newly reformatted forums are perfectly suited for busy professionals who seek to dive deep into topics that are intrinsic to a successfully operated and managed family business while still allowing for an afternoon at the office.