The Science of Family Business

What:
“The Science of Family Business” — how the latest research could help strengthen these companies — will be discussed April 20 by Thomas Schwarz, holder of the Rick Muth Family Chair in Family Business at Cal State Fullerton. The Family Business Council program is sponsored by the university’s Mihaylo College of Business and Economics. 

When:
Wednesday, April 20
7:30-10:30 a.m.

Where:
CSUF Irvine Campus, Room 123-243 Banting, Irvine, 92618
Parking/Directions: http://www.fullerton.edu/irvinecampus/pages/ab_parking.asp

Who:
Schwarz joined Cal State Fullerton as the university’s first endowed chair in 2009. He teaches management in addition to conducting research, developing curriculum, advising students in family business and serving as an integral member of the Family Business Council. Prior to joining CSUF, Schwarz was director of the Center for Free Enterprise, Family Owned Business Institute and Center for Entrepreneurship at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Mich. He earned his doctorate in business administration from Florida State University, where he also earned an MBA and bachelor’s degree.

Additional:
Schwarz will address such questions as: 

• Can the strengths that brought the family business to its current level of success eventually become our downfall? 
• What are the causes behind findings that suggest that family firms generally outperform non-family firms? Why is the advantage often lost when transferring leadership to successive generations?
• What are the key decision errors? What steps can be taken to prevent their impact on the family firm? 
• What conventional “best practices” have been shown to be inaccurate for family businesses? 
• Are family business leaders agents or stewards? What is the difference and what are the implications?

Background:
The Family Business Council, operating within the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics, is a partnership between the business community and university. Its mission is to enhance the well-being and survivability of family businesses by providing opportunities for education, interaction and information tailored to business needs and concerns.

Cost:
$50 for first-time family business attendees interested in becoming a member of the Family Business Council. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Robbin Bretzing at 657-278-4182 or by email at fbc@fullerton.edu.

Media Contacts:
Mike Trueblood, director of the Family Business Council, at 657-278-4182 or mtrueblood@fullerton.edu 
Pamela McLaren of Public Affairs at 657-278-4852 or pmclaren@fullerton.edu 
Robyn Williams, Hilary Kaye Associates Inc., at 714-426-0444 or robyn@hkamarcom.com