EFBC President’s Message: Core Values at the Negotiation Table

Dear EFBC Members,

I am back with another themed letter, and this time I am thinking about Negotiations, and specifically how they are guided by Core Values.

Negotiations are a core part of any business leader’s role. Whether it’s a high-stakes contract or a simple agreement, we all bring to the table a toolbox of strategies—understanding our BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement), leveraging data, and staying prepared. But beyond tactics and strategies lies a deeper dimension of negotiation: the alignment with our values.

In the pursuit of a win, our competitive energy as entrepreneurs can be activated, and it’s easy to focus on the tactical and analytical aspects of negotiation. However, the most meaningful and sustainable agreements often come from a softer, values-driven approach. This means prioritizing respect, empathy, and integrity throughout the process.

I am currently working through a high-stakes negotiation around potential M&A for my business. I know the tactics, and I know the data, so I am well-positioned. But I also keep re-visiting both the core values for my business and my personal principles. I am actively seeking to avoid an outcome where I have “won” but caused myself future harm by straying from what has served me well to-date.

As you go through the inevitable negotiations in your businesses, I encourage you to leverage the EFBC way of emotional intelligence, and the support of your forum and the broader EFBC community to help you stick to your personal values.

Warm regards,

Darrin Shillair – EFBC President 2024-2025

Powerful Conversations, Powerful Takeaways

Two weeks ago, we hosted our 2^nd annual Strategic Partner Night of Knowledge, bringing together the expertise of our strategic partners to discuss topics crucial to today’s business landscape. This year, we were thrilled to welcome two new partners, Wintrust and PSM Partners, who contributed fresh perspectives to our collaborative roundtable discussions. Members, prospects, and guests gathered around the tables to hear each partner’s insights, sharing experiences and gathering actionable takeaways. After the roundtable discussions, everyone enjoyed a fantastic dinner, where the conversations kept flowing and connections grew even stronger.

Here’s a snapshot of the night’s invaluable discussions:

1. ALERA Group: Marcus Newman – Vice President

Marcus tackled the challenges businesses face with an aging population within their health plans. He emphasized the need for diverse insurance options that cater to various needs such as PPOs, HMOs, QHDHP, including specialized plans for chronic conditions. He also stressed the importance of educating employees about Medicare and Medicare Advantage through open enrollment meetings, webinars, benefits internet site, etc). For larger businesses (>50 employees), leveraging negotiations with insurers can help manage costs, while maintaining compliance with federal laws like the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) ensures fair treatment for all employees.

2. ODEA: Patty Rioux – President and JJ Lattea – Technical Marketing Manager

Patty & JJ explored the topic of AI, the evolving role of Large Language Models (LLMs) in business. The discussion highlighted 3 primary ways to work with LLMs, including techniques like prompt engineering to maximize their effectiveness. Key strategies for prompt engineering included few-shot learning, where a few examples help guide the model; chain-of-thought, which prompts the model to tackle problems step-by-step; and self-consistency, which ensures consistent outputs across different runs. They also discussed real-world applications of AI tools like Microsoft Co-Pilot, which ODEA used to create their podcast Why Brand Matters in M&A.

EFBC will be hosting an AI Workshop Breakfast Club in March 11, 2025 with strategic partners ODEA and PSM, offering a deeper dive into the impact of AI on business. Mark your calendars!

3. Cray Kaiser: Deanna Salo – Managing Principal

Deanna shared key insights on preparing for a successful business sale, emphasizing the importance of planning, organization, and readiness for disruption. First, ensure all owners are aligned on goals and prepare emotionally for the transition, which can take months. Limit sharing sensitive financials until an NDA is in place, and carefully navigate the letter of intent, focusing on key deal terms like sale structure, purchase price allocation, and due diligence timelines. Get your financial house in order: audited statements, clear internal controls, and a solid organizational chart are essential. Finally, time your sale strategically, considering seasonality and post-tax cash flow, while identifying potential buyers within your network.

4. Burke Law: Eric VanderPloeg – Partner

Eric shared ten essential tips to help businesses avoid costly litigation. Start with strong foundations: keep governing agreements up to date, manage credit risks, and use well-crafted sales forms. Limit liability and disclaim warranties wherever possible, and ensure your employee policies and handbooks are rock solid. Protect proprietary information, understand data privacy obligations, and include smart litigation clauses in contracts. Lastly, invest in the right insurance to cover your bases. By addressing these key areas, you can focus on growing your business without the worry of costly legal battles.

5. Private Vista: Greg Bogdan – Senior Advisor, CFP

Greg shared a powerful giving tool: Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs). Think of a DAF as a charitable investment account that grows tax-free, simplifying your philanthropy while offering generous tax benefits. You can contribute cash, appreciated assets, or even limited partnership interests, maximizing deductions and avoiding capital gains taxes. With DAFs, you control when and where to donate, while the fund sponsor handles the admin work, from verifying charities to tracking grants. Plus, you can create a lasting legacy by naming a successor to continue your charitable vision. A smart, flexible way to support causes close to your heart!

6. Psyched: George Karavattuveetil – President & Founder

George emphasized the growing value of flexible, holistic employee benefits. In an evolving job market, companies are focusing on benefits that promote financial security, career mobility, and personal well-being. Benefits such as flexible work arrangements, development opportunities, and financial wellness programs are more valuable than ever for attracting and retaining top talent. Employers who prioritize these benefits are seeing increased engagement and loyalty from their workforce.

7. PSM Partners: Mike Mete – Founder and Jon Pisani – Senior Engagement Manager

Mike and Jon delved into the critical importance of Cybersecurity, Data Governance, and Risk Analysis, offering valuable insights on how businesses can stay ahead of emerging threats. They highlighted the significance of conducting thorough cybersecurity risk assessments, which help organizations identify potential vulnerabilities, allowing to strengthen their defenses and reduce risks. In today’s digital landscape, proactive risk management isn’t just an option – it’s a must. With the growing reliance on data, they stressed the need for strong governance practices to safeguard sensitive information and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. For more insights and resources on cybersecurity, visit PSM Partners’ Cybersecurity resources.

8. Wintrust: Matt Hammer – Division Manager, SVP and Pat Stoltz – President (ESOP Finance)

Matt and Pat shed light on the powerful benefits of ESOP – a powerful tool for business owners looking to sell to employees and preserve the legacy of their companies, explaining how it can be a game-changer for both business owners and their employees. They highlighted the tax advantages, such as the potential for 100% S-Corp ESOPs to be exempt from federal taxes and the opportunity for C-Corp ESOP sellers to defer capital gains through a 1042 election. ESOPs also offer flexibility by allowing partial sales, enabling owners to ease out of the business over time while still staying involved. Wintrust’s expertise in ESOP financing helps guide companies through the process, from structuring the deal to completing the transaction

To wrap up, we couldn’t have said it better than our Strategic Partner Jon Pisani from PSM Partners, who captured the true essence of Empower Night:

“Tonight is a great example of feeling very supported by the Community and being able to share institutional knowledge. Providing that level of insight empowers me as a proud EFBC member. Sharing that information with everyone – it’s just a great feeling for life.”

Here’s to many more nights of knowledge, connection, and empowerment!

Meet Drew Hill, Operations Manager at Specialty Sales LLC

• Company: Specialty Sales LLC
• Position: Operations Manager

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, both personally and professionally?

I’m Drew Hill, and I’m currently the Operations Manager at Specialty Sales. I’ve been with the company for three years now, and I’m 29 years old. My role here involves a bit of everything – implementation, support, and leading. My strength lies in understanding the interconnectedness of all operations and keeping everything running smoothly. I got to where I am because I’ve always hated hitting ceilings in my career. I was in a previous role where I realized I was doing all the responsibilities of an operations manager without the title or compensation, and I knew it was time to make a change. That’s when I met Darrin Shillair, and we were on the same page from the start. Now, here I am, thriving in a role where I can continuously grow.

2. What do you like the most about what you’re doing right now?

There are two things I really enjoy about my role. First is problem-solving. I love using logic and figuring things out, which keeps me mentally stimulated. The second thing I value most is the freedom that comes with the job. Whether it’s financial freedom or just being trusted to get the job done without someone breathing down my neck, it motivates me. That autonomy is what drives me to push for even more freedom.

3. How did you first hear about EFBC?

I first heard about EFBC through Darrin, my boss. He mentioned a leadership program led by George Karavattuveetil and suggested I try it. The program aligned with the leadership responsibilities I was already taking on, so I jumped in. Darrin was the one who connected me to EFBC and their programs.

4. Can you share your experience and any takeaways from the leadership course?

The biggest takeaway from the leadership course was learning to trust my gut. George helped validate that I was already on the right path, especially when it came to team accountability. I had been implementing many of these lessons at work, but the course gave me the confidence to keep trusting my instincts.

5. Can you talk about taking the next steps from participating in the course to attending Forum Flex?

After the leadership course, Darrin suggested I join the Flex Forum group. I’m the kind of person who never says no to opportunities, so I went for it. It’s been a really fulfilling experience so far, and I’m glad I took the plunge.

6. Anything you would like to share that you have taken from your experience in Flex Forum so far?

Flex Forum has been a great way for me to recharge. It’s refreshing to be around smart, thoughtful people, and it forces me to sharpen my perspective. I’ve become better at looking at situations from multiple angles, which has helped my decision-making process tremendously.

7. Do you have any passions or hobbies outside of work?

I’m really big on decompressing after work. I like going to the gym, but I also love my downtime. After a busy day, there’s nothing better than relaxing and unwinding. It’s important for me to recharge so that I can be at my best.

Join us in welcoming Drew Hill to the EFBC community! Members can log in and connect with Ben via the EFBC Member Directory.

EFBC President’s Message: Keep Calm and Persist On

Dear EFBC Members,

I am back with another themed letter, and this time I am thinking about Persistence.

I often feel in my business that my efforts aren’t working, and we’re not making enough progress on our goals. As owners, we are all too familiar with the days where it feels like every effort is hitting a wall, with no immediate results in sight. These days can be discouraging, but they are part of the larger journey. Success isn’t measured by the wins of a single day; rather, it comes in chunks, often appearing when we least expect it.

It’s easy to become impatient when we don’t see instant results. However, persistence is what separates those who build lasting businesses from those who give up too soon. By continuing to put in the effort day after day—without immediate reward—you are laying the groundwork for those eventual “chunks” of success. It’s the accumulation of small, persistent efforts that leads to significant breakthroughs.

As leaders, we must remind ourselves that the road to success isn’t linear. The key is to stay focused on the long-term vision, even when daily progress seems minimal. The challenge is to remain committed to your goals, and trust that persistence will pay off, as it always does. In time, the small efforts compound, and the big wins start rolling in.

The EFBC provides a unique and critically important environment for persisting through the lulls where it feels like your efforts are “two steps forward, one step back”. Our forums and the broader organization are full of leaders who have “been there”, can ground our individual impatience in wisdom, and provide the encouragement needed to Persist.

I wish you all strength in your Persistence through your business and personal challenges faced every day. As the recent recipient of a few step-change chunks of progress, it ultimately can pay off.

Warm regards,

Darrin Shillair – EFBC President 2024-2025

At our recent Fireside Chat event, we had the privilege of hearing from Judy and Jeremy Hogel, the dynamic mother-son duo who lead MegaPros, a family business that faced unexpected challenges after the sudden loss of Joe Hogel, husband, father, and founder of the company. Moderated by Deanna Salo, this intimate conversation gave us a rare glimpse into their emotional journey and the leadership lessons they learned while navigating both personal grief and business challenges. Below are some key takeaways and memorable moments from the event that will resonate with anyone leading a family-owned business.

Key Takeaways:

1.    Succession Planning Is Non-Negotiable

• The Gift of Preparedness. Joe Hogel left behind a handwritten letter “If I Died Yesterday” back in 2013, outlining what Judy and Jeremy needed to do in the event of his passing. This foresight helped the family stay organized and focus on moving forward, even when emotions were high. Judy later took inspiration from this and wrote her own letter for her loved ones, offering both emotional closure and a practical guide.

“The best gift I got from Joe was that letter… In my grief, I had a clear task list to follow. That was his final act of love.” – Judy

• It’s more than just paperwork. Judy emphasized that while estate plans and succession documents are essential, regularly reviewing and updating them is just as important. These plans can’t just sit on a shelf – they need to be actively integrated into the family business structure.

2.    Lessons in Estate Planning

• Funding Trusts Is Essential. Judy openly shared a major oversight they encountered: while their trust was well-written, none of their assets were titled under it, which forced them into probate. This is a common mistake, but an avoidable one with the right attention.

“We had the trust, everything was written in the trust, but nothing was funded. Nothing was titled in the trust. Which meant that I went to probate.” – Judy

• Beneficiary Designations Matter. The Hogels learned the importance of properly designating beneficiaries for 401Ks, life insurance policies, and HSAs to keep assets outside of probate and reduce tax liabilities.

“Ask the question: If I died yesterday, what’s going to be the implications to my significant other? What kind of hoops are they going to have to jump through?” – Jeremy

3.    Invest in the Right Advisors Early

Jeremy shared candid insights about the mistakes they made during the transition period. One key mistake was not hiring the right advisors early enough: “There was no way Joe was going to spend money on something like succession planning,” Jeremy said, acknowledging their initial hesitation to invest in professionals with the necessary expertise.

He also emphasized that cutting corners when it comes to hiring expert advisors was one of their biggest mistakes. “You get what you pay for. Not hiring the right people for big things was one of our biggest mistakes.” – Jeremy.

Jeremy praised the EFBC’s network of advisors – Strategic Partners, describing them as “the crème de la crème,” and encouraged others in the room to tap into this invaluable resource early on.

4.    Leadership Must Be Clearly Defined

While Joe had been preparing Jeremy to step into a leadership role, it became clear after his passing that there needed to be more formal communication about leadership succession within the company. Jeremy noted that while the team knew he would take over, having clear documentation of leadership responsibilities is crucial to avoid confusion.

“Joe was preparing me, but we didn’t have everything formalized. Now I understand the need for clarity in leadership transitions.” – Jeremy

5.    Adapting Company Benefits

Learning from Joe’s death, MegaPros quickly amended their policies, such as increasing life insurance for employees and adjusting profit-sharing plans to ensure that if an employee passes away, their family would receive their share of profits.

6.    Balancing Emotion and Business

Jeremy reflected on how challenging it is to separate emotion from business, especially in a family business setting. MegaPros initially leaned heavily on numbers and metrics, but after Joe’s passing Jeremy soon recognized the need to prioritize the human side as well to truly uphold their culture

“It’s not just about numbers. If you’re not good, the business isn’t good. We have to figure out the people part first, then the money will follow.” – Jeremy

7.    The Power of Community in Times of Crisis

When tragedy struck, the EFBC community rallied around Judy and Jeremy, providing both emotional and practical support. From peers reaching out to help with daily tasks to friends offering a listening ear, this sense of belonging made a critical difference during their darkest moments.

“The people in this room, the people of the EFBC, started as just a group of folks who wanted to learn… but over time, they became lifelong friends and family – people who showed up for us in our hardest moments.”– Jeremy

The Hogels’ journey after Joe’s sudden passing serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of succession planning, community support, and financial resilience. Their story shows how a family business can not only survive but thrive in the face of tragedy, as long as the right foundations are in place. Plan for the unexpected, surround yourself with the right advisors, build financial resilience, and lead with both your head and your heart.

For those who couldn’t attend, we hope these key takeaways provide valuable insights you can apply to your own journey as a business owner or entrepreneur.

Save the Date: We’ll continue this Fireside Chat series on December 11, 2024 – virtual Fireside Chat “From A Minute to Think to Leading the Way” featuring Julie Funt, a renowned keynote speaker, who will share insights on leadership, productivity and well-being; and February 13, 2025 – fireside chat focusing on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), featuring our members Jim Flanagan and Mark Wesa. Don’t miss out!

Beyond “Faster Horses:” Building a Customer-Centric Culture

The late great Sam Walton, best known for founding both Walmart and Sam’s Club, once famously remarked that “There is only one boss. The customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.” Though American business practices have changed considerably since Walton’s passing in the 1990s, his statement is evergreen, and stresses the importance of putting the customer first in business practices. This means developing, delivering, refining, and improving your products and services with your customers in mind. It may seem like a no-brainer, but implementing this customer-centric way of thinking at all levels of your business can be tricky. It requires knowing what your customers want and how to give it to them. It also requires balancing the needs of existing customers with the wants and needs of the customers you’re hoping to acquire while still putting the needs of your employees first.

1. Prioritize Employees to Serve Customers Better

And, while it may seem counter-intuitive that building a customer-centric culture would begin with putting the needs of your employees first, that actually is where most experts recommend starting. In According to Annette Franz, a customer experience expert and frequent Forbes collaborator, building a true customer-centric culture means putting the customer first, but putting the employee “more first.” After all, regardless of the company figurehead, your employees are the day-to-day faces with which your customer base interacts. Happy, engaged employees tend to create positive customer experiences, naturally reflecting your business values and culture. When your team feels valued and empowered, they are better equipped to meet and exceed customer expectations

2. Listen to Your Customers – Work From the Outside In

The second step to building a customer-centric culture is to work from the outside in. Many businesses make the mistake of assuming they know what the customer wants, but (unfortunately) “if you build it, they will come” only works in Field of Dreams. Considering the customer doesn’t mean telling them what they want, it means letting them tell you what they want. Of course, this can be done in a variety of ways, from the more formal, like surveys and feedback boxes, to the less formal, like checking heatmaps on your website and relying on anecdotal accounts from the employees you made sure to put “more first.” So, which of these should you use? The answer is D. All of the above. Experts recommend relying on a mix of formal and non-formal data collection when it comes to figuring out what your customers want, as different types of customers tend to communicate their wants and needs in different ways.

3. Deliver on What Customers Want

Of course, once you figure out what the customer wants, you need to give it to them. Again, that is a deceptively simple statement, but it requires a lot of analysis and hard decisions. After all, the data collected from your surveys, feedback, and heatmaps may not show consistent trends, or current customers may be asking for something different than customers you hope to attract. Sometimes, you just have to make a best guess about what people want, and sometimes you’ll be wrong. At EFBC, we encountered this with our traditional Full Forums. While these peer groups were highly valued by many members, we noticed a need for greater flexibility for those who couldn’t commit to the Full Forum schedule. In response, we introduced a Flex Forum option, offering a more flexible format for members with tighter schedules. While we weren’t quite sure how it would be received initially, the Flex Forum has since become a huge success, proving that anticipating customer needs can pay off.

This is where open lines of communication become key. Make sure you have accessible and proactive customer service, and make sure your employees are able to easily raise any recurrent issues that customers are having. Open lines of communication between your customers and your employees help foster a culture of continuous improvement. Then, show that you are listening! Refining a product or service based on customer feedback is a great way to communicate to those customers that they are heard and valued, which in turn creates loyalty.

4. Think Beyond Customer Expectations

Anticipating and responding to customer needs also can require thinking outside the box. To quote another famous businessman, Henry Ford, “if I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” Where Ford excelled was not in that he gave people something they didn’t ask for. In fact, quite the opposite: he was so attuned to the needs of his customers that he was able to give them the impossible thing they didn’t even know they were asking for. And if you can do that, you’ll not only continue to cultivate the loyal base you already have, but you’ll also expand that base. And that is how you grow as a true customer-centric company.

Tune In And Cash In: 3 Podcasts You Should Listen to Before Selling Your Business

So, you’re thinking about selling? First of all, congratulations! Making the decision to sell your business can be a great way to cash in on your hard work and propel the company you helped build to the next level. But it’s a big step, and one that can feel daunting, especially considering there are 45,000 active businesses for sale globally. That’s a lot of competition. And even if you already have a buyer or an offer lined up, there’s still a lot to consider before closing the deal: What is your company worth? How involved do you want to be after the sale? Should you hire a broker or CBI? If so, which one?

For answers to these questions and more, we’ve been tuning in to some really great podcasts lately, and we wanted to share a few of our favorites. Each of these podcasts offers invaluable selling advice that ranges from where to start to true deep dives into the individual experiences of entrepreneurs. And best of all? They can all be found online for free! So let’s listen in, shall we?

1. For a quick (but thorough) overview of the selling process: Dollar$ and $ense: Creating Your Fulfilled Life, produced by our Strategic Partner Private Vista and hosted by Nicole Romito

We’ve always been big fans of the Dollar$ and $ense podcast, run by EFBC Strategic Partner Private Vista. This podcast is known for its broad range of financial planning advice, covering everything from life events to wealth management strategies. Recently, they released a three-part series titled “Preparing for the Sale of Your Business,” which offers a thorough exploration of the selling process. Hosted by Nicole Romito (a financial planner with over 20 years of experience), the series features insights from EFBC Strategic Partners George Karavattuveetil (President of Psyched!) – Episode 38; Deanna Salo (Managing Principal at Cray Kaiser), Eric Vanderploeg (Partner at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella) – Episode 39; and Matthew Hammer and Dawn Mase (of Wintrust Commercial Banking) – Episode 40. Each of these experts offer invaluable insight into the nuts and bolts of selling a business while helping entrepreneurs navigate the emotional side of the process. And best of all, it’s a Chicago-based podcast, so the specifics will sound familiar (and be particularly useful) to Chicagoland/Illinois businesses, offering local expertise that hits close to home. Each of the three episodes runs 30-45 minutes in length and is available on Private Vista’s website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube, and Amazon Music.

2. For the buyer’s perspective: Acquiring Minds, produced and hosted by Will Smith

No, not THAT Will Smith, but the podcast Acquiring Minds still packs a punch. Founded and hosted by an entrepreneur who built and sold online media brands for much of his early career, Acquiring Minds came about when Smith decided he wanted more insight into the buyer’s side of the table. So, he sat down and interviewed every buyer he could find. Smith’s guests run the gambit from top players in SBA lending to portfolio builders.

What’s great about this podcast is its focus on practical takeaways. Through thoughtful questions around due diligence, company culture, and growth potential, Smith helps listeners (whether buying, selling, or both) gain insights they can apply immediately. In one of our favorite episodes, he even interviews a young couple who decide to start a family business by buying one. Each episode runs about 90 minutes in length and is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast or the Acquiring Minds website (though we prefer to listen on Spotify, where the descriptions contain a list of topics discussed in each episode).

3. For deep dives into seller stories with a feminist twist: The Exit Whisperer, produced and hosted by Carrie Kerpen

Though Kerpen’s podcast is geared more toward women, we think the stories of the female entrepreneurs she features in her episodes are pretty universal. After selling her own agency, Likeable Media, Kerpen developed a methodology for helping others avoid the common pitfalls associated with exiting a business. The Exit Whisperer is an exploration of that philosophy, especially as it relates to the valuation gap between female and male-founded businesses. In the podcast, Kerpen interviews the people who are closing that valuation gap: women who have successfully scaled and sold their businesses. And our favorite part? Kerpen pulls these guests from businesses of all shapes and sizes. We’re talking big health companies in some episodes and small yet scalable product companies in others. Because of this range, The Exit Whisperer will have a story that speaks to you, regardless of your gender. The episodes run about 30 minutes in length and are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

Of course, this three-podcast-long list is by no means exhaustive. There are hundreds of business podcasts out there that cover topics related to acquisitions, and that number continues to grow. This is great news for entrepreneurs, as it moves wisdom that may have previously appeared behind paywalls or in long, complex books into a more accessible format. It also means that if you have a specific question related to selling your business (or anything else, really), there is probably a podcast out there with the answer. So, after getting an overview from the podcasts we listed above, it’s worth doing a search to see if you can find deeper dives that address your specific industry, concerns, or values. Happy listening!

A New Look, Same Passion: Unveiling Our 30^th Anniversary Logo

Our team spent months brainstorming what the perfect 30^th Anniversary logo should be for EFBC. We asked ourselves: What design truly represents EFBC? How can we make it bold and forward-thinking while still complementing our existing logo? And, do we even need a new one? After countless versions, revisions, and collaborative sessions with our Strategic Partner, marketing agency ODEA, we finally landed on a design concept by ODEA’s talented designer, Susan. The moment we saw it, we all knew – this was “us”.

This year marks a significant milestone for the Entrepreneur and Family Business Council (EFBC) – our 30th Anniversary! Over the past three decades, we’ve been honored to serve, support, and empower family and entrepreneurial businesses through innovative programs and a powerful peer network. To celebrate this achievement, we’re excited to unveil a new logo that captures not just where we’ve been, but where we’re going.

The Meaning Behind the logo

Our new icon isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s a reflection of our mission and the journey we’ve taken together. The logo features the word “EMPOWER”, symbolizing the heart of what EFBC does: we empower our members to thrive in their businesses, leadership, and personal growth.

Look closely, and you’ll notice something special about the letter “o” in “empower.” We’ve replaced it with “30,” incorporating a creative blend of the numbers 3 and 0. But it’s not just about marking the passage of time – it’s about growth, transformation, and the lasting impact we’ve made together.

You might also notice a pearl at the top of the “3.” It’s not a coincidence – pearls are traditionally associated with 30th anniversaries, symbolizing wisdom gained through experience. For us, that pearl signifies the knowledge, resilience, and strength our members have developed over the years, as well as the wisdom we continue to share with each other in our tight-knit community.

You might ask, why “Empower”?  – We chose “Empower” because it has always resonated deeply with us. At EFBC, we’re not just about educating our members. We’re about providing the tools and the confidence to take charge, make informed decisions, and lead with purpose. We know that success in family and entrepreneurial businesses isn’t just about knowing the right answers – it’s about being empowered to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and continuously improve.

This isn’t just a theme limited to our anniversary year, it’s a philosophy that has driven us since day one!

What’s Next for EFBC?

As we celebrate 30 years of empowering business leaders, we’re also excited to look ahead to the future. Our “Empower” logo is more than a symbol of the past; it represents the next chapter for EFBC – a chapter of continued innovation, stronger community connections, and even more impactful programming.

Our members know that EFBC is not just an organization – a community built on trust and shared experiences, where you can find support, gain access to invaluable perspectives and innovative strategies. And this is something that will never change.

Save the Date!

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our 30th Anniversary Gala celebration in April 25, 2025 at the majestic Adler Planetarium in Chicago. It’s going to be a night to remember as we celebrate three decades of empowering business leaders. Invitations will be sent out in a few months, so stay tuned!

And, as a special thank you to our members for being part of this incredible journey, we’ve prepared something special to celebrate this milestone. Keep your eyes peeled on your mailbox in the coming months!

Here’s to 30 years of empowerment – and to many more years of growth and success ahead!