EFBC President’s Message:

Starting the Year with the Right People at the Table

As we begin a new year, I find myself reflecting on what consistently makes the biggest difference for business owners and leaders. It is not having all the answers. It is having the right people at the table.

Over the years, I have seen how powerful collaboration can be. Leaders who actively engage with peers tend to make better decisions, navigate uncertainty with greater confidence, and feel less isolated as challenges arise. In my experience, some of the most meaningful progress comes from honest conversation, shared perspective, and a willingness to learn from one another.

This spirit of connection is at the heart of EFBC. Whether through Forums, events, or informal conversations, our community exists to create space for thoughtful dialogue and long-term relationships. These moments of reflection and exchange often shape how we think, lead, and move forward.

That same spirit carries into our programming for the year ahead. In the coming weeks, we will continue bringing leaders together for conversations that encourage perspective, curiosity, and shared learning. One example is our upcoming Breakfast Club with Greg Stanley, where we will explore how private equity is shaping today’s business landscape and what that means for closely held and owner-led companies. It is designed to be an open, approachable discussion, and like many of our events, it is open to both members and guests who want to learn more about EFBC.

As we move into the year ahead, I am grateful for this community and the relationships that make EFBC what it is. I look forward to the conversations, insights, and connections still to come.

Thank you.

Joel Spencer
EFBC President 2025-2026