UToledo Family Business Center

06/11/2026

This one hurts.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Walt Churchill, a longtime member of the Family Business Center and a cherished part of our community for more than 34 years. Walt’s connection to the Center began as a next-gen family business member (while in his 70s!!) and over the years he became a dedicated supporter, valued Program Committee member, and trusted friend to many.

He treated his employees like family, gave back generously to the community, and made a lasting impact on countless lives through both his business and personal relationships.

We are grateful for the opportunity to have known Walt and to have learned from his example. His legacy of leadership, kindness, and service will not be forgotten.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, employees, and all those whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed.

06/10/2026

Join us in welcoming new Center member, CComfort Keepers Home Office

Comfort Keepers provides in-home care services that help seniors and other adults maintain their independence while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. Their services include personal care, companionship, respite care, transportation assistance, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and customized care plans designed to meet individual needs.

To learn more, visit their website: https://www.comfortkeepers.com/offices/ohio/toledo/

06/08/2026

06/05/2026

Join us Monday, June 8th to hear from Angie Jones, Director of the UToledo Family Business Center, which has been supporting family-owned businesses across our region since 1992.

In her role, Angie works closely with family businesses to help them thrive across generations, connecting members with educational programs, peer networks, and practical tools for growth. Having grown up in a second-generation family business herself, she brings a firsthand understanding of the unique dynamics that come with balancing family relationships and business success. From leadership development to succession planning, she helps family business leaders learn from one another and build lasting success.

Outside of work, you will find her volunteering in local schools, cheering on her kids at soccer and baseball games, and getting in a run. She is passionate about her community and committed to helping Northwest Ohio businesses and families thrive.

A big thank you to our meeting sponsor, Browning Cousineau, for making this week's program possible.

We hope to see you there!

06/04/2026

Thank you to Center Sponsor Skylight Financial Group and Culture Index for leading a highly engaging discussion focused on leadership alignment and organizational effectiveness.

Participants had the opportunity to review their individual Culture Index results and explore how natural strengths, communication styles, and workplace preferences influence team dynamics and performance. The conversation challenged leaders to think differently about how they build teams, develop talent, and create alignment across their organizations.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to a thoughtful discussion!

06/03/2026

Join us in welcoming new Friend of the Center, Lesley Herald Consulting!

Lesley Herald Consulting is a Toledo-based consulting firm specializing in leadership development, employee engagement, talent development, and organizational effectiveness. The firm partners with organizations to help develop leaders, strengthen teams, and support positive workplace cultures.

To learn more, visit their website: https://www.lesleyheraldconsulting.com/

06/02/2026

Great leadership starts with understanding yourself.

Our Leadership Development Certificate Program is designed for professionals who want to grow not just as managers, but as leaders who communicate better, develop stronger teams, and lead with greater clarity and confidence.

Since 2018, Jenell Wittmer, Ph.D. has guided participants through a deeply personalized leadership experience that combines assessments, coaching, cohort learning, and practical development planning.

This program consistently receives incredible feedback because participants walk away with real insight, meaningful growth, and tools they immediately apply in their organizations.

The next cohort begins in September and is limited to 15 participants to maintain a strong and supportive learning environment. We currently have 9 spots available.

More details and registration here: https://www.utoledo.edu/centers/family-business-center/LeadershipDev.html

05/29/2026

Only 8 team spots remain for the UToledo Family Business Center’s 6th Annual Golf Outing presented by Designetics, Inc.!

Join us on Monday, September 14, 2026 at Stone Oak Country Club for a fun-filled day on the course with employees, clients, co-workers, and friends of the Center. The outing includes breakfast, complimentary beverage coolers and snacks throughout the course, contests, prizes, and a cocktail reception following play.

Last year’s outing raised more than $30,000, helping provide student scholarships and sending multiple University of Toledo students to the national Pi Sigma Epsilon conference. Your participation directly supports student opportunities and the continued work of the UToledo Family Business Center.

We also still have sponsorship opportunities available for organizations looking to increase visibility while supporting students and the regional business community.

Don’t wait, this event is expected to sell out!

For team registrations or sponsorship information: https://www.utoledo.edu/centers/family-business-center/golfouting.html

05/27/2026

One of the unique aspects of our Family Business Center is that our Director, Angie Jones, also teaches a Family Business course at The University of Toledo, creating direct connections between students and our local business community.

This year, several Family Business Center members welcomed students into their businesses to share honest conversations about leadership, succession, family dynamics, and the realities of running a business across generations. These experiences give students a perspective they simply cannot get from a textbook.

Thank you to all of the members (The Countertop Shop, Supplemental Staffing, Uckele Health & Nutrition, Wurtec, Hale Performance Coatings, Laibe Electric/Technology, Shrader Tire & Oil, Marsha's Homemade Buckeyes, Mike Hart, Marc Paulenich, Pam Bard Steel, James Steel, Dan Skilliter and Tony Packo) who opened their doors and invested in our students this semester. We are grateful for your willingness to share your time, experiences, and stories.

Read more below.

05/26/2026

Join us in welcoming new Center member, Harbor Light Strategies!

Harbor Light Strategies is a Toledo-based strategic technology advisory firm that works with businesses on software evaluation, ERP and CRM projects, technology planning, digital strategy initiatives, and technology implementation support. The company partners with organizations to help guide technology-related business decisions and projects.

To learn more, visit their website: https://www.harborlightstrat.com/