Get real-world strategies for navigating succession—even when the path forward is unclear
Learn how top-performing family businesses attract and retain talent without overpaying
Explore practical approaches for raising responsible heirs and aligning family with purpose
Who makes the decisions? What’s fair? And what if the next generation isn’t interested?
Chief Executive Group Introduces
Running a family-owned business is different. The stakes are personal. The timelines are longer. And the decisions are more complex. You’re not just leading a company—you’re managing family dynamics, protecting a legacy, and building for generations, not quarters.
The Family-Owned Business Summit brings together CEOs, founders, next-gen leaders, and non-family executives who live this complexity every day. Through candid conversations, peer-driven roundtables and real-world case studies, we’ll explore what makes family-owned businesses thrive—and what quietly holds them back.
Whether you’re succession planning, leading through transition, or navigating governance challenges, this is your opportunity to gain clarity, benchmark with others and lead your company with confidence into the next generation.
Why Attend
Board Member, Lodge Cast Iron, Thrall Enterprises and Valco Industries
President, Huntington Learning Center
CEO & President, Lodge Cast Iron
Why Attend
This Summit is for leaders navigating the unique challenges of family-owned business—whether you’re planning for what’s next or managing through it now.
Pre-Event Add-On
Attendees of the Family Business Summit can kick off their experience with an exclusive golf outing at the private Pelican Golf Club. The course features a classic layout inspired by Donald Ross’s 1920s design and is recognized for its well-maintained fairways and greens. Pelican has hosted events such as The Match with Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, and the LPGA tournament The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican.
The outing will be held on February 11 for an additional $95. You’ll have the opportunity to walk the same fairways as the greats while connecting with fellow Summit attendees. Golfers of all skill levels are welcome. Availability is limited, and advance registration is required. Please note the course is walking-only unless a medical exemption applies.
Here’s what past attendees of Chief Executive Group events had to say about their experience:
“Great quality, lots of networking breaks and conversation prompts. Not rushed and small size to meet many people.”
“Best in class resources; great attendees; lots of networking opportunities & peer learning.”
“This is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and share and hear unique business practices. Very thought provoking. So much experience in this organization.”
registration
Book by Sept 12
$1,995
$1,695/person
Book by Oct 24
$2,195
$1,895/person
Book by Dec 5
$2,295
$1,995/person
Book by Jan 16
$2,395
$2,095/person
Book by Feb 12
$2,495
$2,195/person
Our program agenda was developed in collaboration with CEOs and Board Members of family-owned businesses, ensuring the program addresses the most critical and relevant topics for this community.
Board Member, Basic American Foods and Vollrath Manufacturing
CEO, The Bradbury Co.
Board Member, Cibo Vita (Nature’s Garden) and Balcan Innovations
CEO, CUI Equipment
President, The Dixon Group
Chairman, Amstore
Stay in the Loop
We’re continuing to announce new speakers and sessions—let us know a bit about your role and we’ll make sure you’re among the first to get agenda updates, along with highlights most relevant to your business.
The Family-Owned Business Summit will take place at the Raymond James headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida. The venue offers a comfortable setting for candid discussions and is just a short drive from the Gulf Coast’s beaches and vibrant downtown area.
Address: Raymond James Financial, 880 Carillon Parkway,
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
Attendees can take advantage of a reserved room block at The Karol Hotel in St. Petersburg Clearwater. Located near the Raymond James headquarters, the hotel provides easy access to Summit sessions, local dining and the surrounding waterfront.
Address: The Karol Hotel, 2675 Ulmerton Road,
Clearwater, FL 33762
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Download “5 Succession Strategies from Leaders Who’ve Actually Done It” – a free guide from Chief Executive Group.
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
