Consulting is EASY – Family Business Succession is HARD.
Family Business Consultants was founded on the mission to increase the likelihood of success for multi-generational family businesses.
Quite frankly, when your family and your business intersect, the stakes are high and the odds are against you. When it comes to family business succession, there are too many ‘experts’ out there that haven't worked a single day inside a family business. They are almost always very smart but simply cannot personally relate to the FULL weight of the decisions that end up hitting the table during succession events in the real world with real people.
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Unfortunately this often leads to a recirculation of the latest whitepaper research from McKinsey or HBR without properly getting to know the individuals and the circumstances behind why they are seeking counsel.
I however have been through it and came out the other side with some scar tissue and a changed perspective. I am now on a mission for others to have a better experience than I did.
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In most cases I charge a fee but I am not doing it for the money. The fee is just table stakes to maintain accountability on both sides of the relationship. I have a full time job so there is no interest in drawing out the process or maximizing the dollar value of a particular project. I have a waitlist and only enough availability for a few select clients outside of normal work hours.
I am here to serve only those willing and ready to roll up their sleeves and looking to take the process seriously. Ultimately you will be faced with decisions that will set the next chapter of your family and your business into motion; to whom this affects and how this will be done is an important first step.
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I have tremendous respect for everyone that has put their blood, sweat, and tears into their businesses. I will use every tool in my arsenal and my full effort in order to support you in this mission. While in many cases, some may state the goal as to ‘not end up in court’ and ‘be able to eat a Sunday dinner together’, I know we can find a solution that can be that and so much more.​
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At any time if either side feels the engagement is not progressing positively it should be addressed and if necessary it should end and if I didn't earn it you deserve your money back.
There are many cases of businesses that can survive and thrive with the right combination of governance, tools, and defined behaviors. ​Family Business succession is one of my passions and I would value the opportunity to work with your family in order for you to succeed for generations to come.
Common Client Profile:
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10-500+ employees
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10 – 100+ Years in Business
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$5M – $200M+ in Revenue
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Multi-Generational with multiple owners or family members working in the business
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In Conflict, No Clear Succession Plan, No Formal Corporate Governance, No Fiduciary or Governance Board, No Family Council, No Buy/Sell Agreement, Lack of Transparency in Decision Making and Future Leadership, Retiring Generation and Emerging Generation
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Ready to Get to Work!
"Brad has been a invaluable resource in helping our company evaluate challenges and opportunities as it relates to culture, leadership, and strategy”
- Craig Phoenix
President & CEO, Sealers Inc. – a 100% ESOP
Brad Dunn, Founder and Lead Consultant
A Family Business Consultant who actually runs a Family Business. Brad cares deeply about preserving Private and Family Business, their independence, and the impact they make in the communities they serve. Small Business is the heart of America and employs over half the United States workforce.
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He is passionate about engaging the whole family in the succession journey and educating the next generation. His practice focuses on combining healthy family & business relationships, effective governance, best practice succession planning, ownership alignment, inter-generational engagement, education to help your business and family come out on top.
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Brad is on a personal mission to increase the likelihood of long term success for Family Businesses by leveraging his real world experience. He grew up in the business, pushed the brooms, painted the walls, filed the papers, went away to college, worked at other family businesses, and ultimately found his way back. He can relate with the personal and emotional pressure that come with decisions at the intersection of financial and business performance and family dynamics.
He has worked with his father, brother, sister, two uncles, a grandma, and a non-family CEO all with varying degrees of success, failures, and challenges that he draws upon. His personal mission is to take these experiences and make it go better for you.
On top of all this, Brad’s credentials and experience span many years and businesses, offering unique insights into how family businesses operate.
Experience
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CEO - CK Supply Inc., a 77 Year Old 3rd Generation Family & Employee Owned Holding Company
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2022 Small Business Monthly Family Business Award Winner
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4x STL Top Workplace and 2024 USA Today Top Workplace Winner
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51% Family Owned / 49% Employee Owned
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Board Member GAWDA (Gas and Welding Distributors Association)
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Board Member MOCEO (Missouri Center for Employee Ownership)
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Board Member & Governance Committee Member CK Supply Inc.
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Advisory Board Member Rockhurst University - School of Business and Technology​
Education
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MBA - Entrepreneurship and Venture Management - Denver University
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BSBA Business Management - Rockhurst University
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Certificate in Conflict Resolution - Cornell University
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Certificate in Disruptive Strategy - Harvard University
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Certificate in Family Business Advising - Oregon State University
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Certificate in Private Company Governance - Private Directors Association
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Certificate in ESOP Governance Essentials - Private Directors Association
Past Memberships / Engagements
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Saint Louis University - IPB (Institute for Private Business)
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Vistage Worldwide - Member
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Rockhurst University - Leaders Council
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Past Speaker - Family Business Magazine Transitions Conference Fall 2023
Free Family Business Resources!
For me this is a Passion Project - regardless of the situation I want YOU to be able to succeed in Business and Family!
Want to self-implement or working on a specific project? No problem! Looking for some clarity or best practices on a tough topic that your Family Business is facing? Reach Out! I have a deep library of articles, boilerplate documents, templates, books and research that in many cases I have paid good money for and would be happy to share!
I am a generalist and blessed with a strong network of people that have deep knowledge and specialize in particular areas that will do a much better job than me! Some topics and resources that may be of value I have access to:
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Buy / Sell Templates, Questionnaires and Operating Agreements, Family Employment Policies
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Sibling alignment, working with family members, managing conflict, performance standards
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Governance - Family Creed, Family Business Council, Family Business Retreats, Dividend and Compensation Policy
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Board of Directors or Advisors - Recruiting, Compensation, Code of Conduct, Responsibilities
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Succession Planning - Milestones, Responsibilities, Best Practices
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Additionally, if you are an experienced or retired Family Business Leader, Owner or Advisor that shares the same desire to help and serve as a mentor or sounding board please reach out to discuss ways we can grow this support network.​
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