Family Business Forum-2025
Date: October 15-16, 2025
Location: InterContinental MSP, 5005 Glumack Drive, Minneapolis, MN
Strengthening the Family Behind the Business
Join us for an engaging event tailored specifically for family businesses, where we’ll tackle the critical questions. Our discussions will center around the issues that matter most to you – ranging from succession planning, balancing family and business interests, board composition, managing growth, and adapting to changing market dynamics, all while preserving the business’s legacy and values. This event will bring together leading family-owned businesses within the distribution industry to share insights and empower your business.
Thoughtful Insights: Gain access to expert insights, industry trends, and best practices tailored to the unique needs of family businesses.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with other wholesale industry family business owners and entrepreneurs to share experiences and build lasting relationships.
Who should attend?
Leaders, executives and CEOs from businesses within the distribution industry uniquely operating family-owned businesses.
Attendance is limited to NAW members with annual revenue exceeding $80M.
Event Cost
This NAW member exclusive event is just $499 per attendee.
A few words from our 2024 attendees:
“Great discussions with others about their current and past experiences.”
“This forum is in alignment with my business! I made friends as well.”
“Great event to continue to learn from others and keep focus on this important subject.”
“Great group of folks I can benefit from knowing and learning from over time.”
“Top quality presentations focused for family businesses.”
“Great hearing how others have set up, managed and transitioned their family businesses.”
Hotel Information:
We have a block of rooms at the event hotel the InterContinental Minneapolis at 5005 Glumack Drive, Minneapolis, Minnesota. For additional assistance, please contact our events team at [email protected].
Room block closes September 26, 2025.
Agenda:
Day One – Wednesday, October 15
2:00 PM: Registration Opens
3:00 PM Welcoming Remarks
3:10 PM: Topic 1: Passing the Torch with Purpose
Learn how family-owned distributors with multiple generations at the helm have navigated leadership and ownership transitions, whether passing the business to the next generation or preparing for a potential sale. Explore strategies for managing expectations, addressing emotional dynamics, and building a strong bench for the future while honoring the legacy built before them. Speaker: Jim Derry, CEO, Field
4:10 PM: Break
4:30 PM: Roundtable Discussion
5:30 PM: Break
6:00 PM: Networking Reception
6:30 PM: Dinner
7:30 PM: Evening Concludes
Day Two – Thursday, October 16
7:30 AM: Networking Breakfast
8:00 AM: Topic 2: Structuring for Perpetuation and Growth
Governance structures and succession planning are critical for long-term success in a family enterprise. Discover actionable strategies on board formation and perpetuation planning to help you optimize your business for sustained success. Speaker: Anthony Cardona, Investment Partner – Services, Pritzker Private Capital
9:00 AM: Roundtable Discussion
10:00 AM: Break
10:10 AM: Topic 3: Balancing Innovation with Identity
Innovation and growth are essential but so is staying grounded in what makes your family business unique. Explore strategies for differentiating your business in the market, while still preserving the values that built it, and embracing change without compromising the culture and purpose that sets you apart. Speakers: Patrick McCurdy III, President, Kimball Midwest and Meaghan McCurdy, Director of Corporate Responsibility, Kimball Midwest
11:00 AM: Program Adjourns
Meet Our Speakers:
Chief Executive Officer
Field
Investment Partner – Services
Pritzker Private Capital
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Our Strategic Partners
Cancellation Policy
Any cancelation received 120 days prior to the start date of this event will be refunded 100%. Cancellations received between 120 and 30 days before the start date of this event will be held as a credit that your organization can apply to any event registration fee for employees of the same company for 18 months from the cancelation date. Any cancellations closer to an event than 30 days will not be eligible to receive a credit. All cancellations must be sent to [email protected] for processing. Any credits unused after 18 months from the cancelation date will be written off.
