UToledo Family Business Center

Affinity Groups

Smaller, roundtable, confidential discussion groups afford UToledo Family Business Center members the opportunity to learn more about best practices and each other. This safe learning environment is a powerful venue for business leadership development.

Our Members Say It Best

"Because my affinity group has shared openly with each other and didn't hide our vulnerabilities, we've built up a bond and a trust that is both personal and professional. We have lived through numerous family experiences, and more management and personal challenges than we can count. At these affinity group meetings we know we'll always have an empathetic non-judgmental ear, and I highly value that."
- Kevin Sauder, Sauder Woodworking Co, Affinity Group #2

“Affinity Group meetings provide a “safe” place for participants to draw on the experience and knowledge of other family business owners for the purpose of exchanging ideas, identifying trends, and discussing opportunities unique to family businesses. Lessons learned can be taken to the workplace or the family to assist in perpetuating the family business. I highly encourage others to participate in Affinity Groups!”
- Joel Gorski, NAMSA, Affinity Group #3

“The Affinity Group experience is a great way to develop a core peer network to discuss topics/issues relating to the family business. We are also able to tap into the resources of the UTCFB network for speakers and gain more specific knowledge on our topics. All in all, it’s a great sounding board outside of the “family” part of the business.”
- Tanya Pipatjarasgit, Signature Associates, Moderator, Affinity Group #5

For more information on participation in an Affinity Group, please email Angie Jones.


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Last Updated: 7/15/24