The Forum for Family Enterprise at Wichita State

02/17/2026

Strong family business recognizes that talent management is both a strategic priority and a personal responsibility. Our February Executive Breakfast with panelist Carrie Cox (AGH), Katy Bingham (Village Travel), and Rachel Stuhlsatz (Premier Landscaping) shared insights on navigating hiring, performance reviews, and termination within a family-owned business. The conversation focused on balancing professionalism with family relationships while maintaining fairness, transparency, and clear expectations regardless of company size. These discussions reflect what The Forum for Family Enterprise does best, bringing leaders together to exchange perspectives, strengthen leadership practices and support long-term success.
Be part of a credible peer community committed to navigating the complexities of family business. Learn more about The Forum at

The Forum for Family Enterprise helps family businesses with ownership & management succession planning, strategic planning, and estate planning.

12/16/2025

The workplace has changed and pretending it hasn't isn't working. Our December Executive Breakfast with speaker Alicia Martinez Newell of WSU, addressed that head-on with a thoughtful discussion on how the post-COVID generation approaches work, communication, and expectations and what that means for leaders navigating both business and family dynamics. This is the kind of timely, honest dialogue The Forum for Family Enterprise is known as. These conversations help CEO's and founders lead more effectively today and prepare for what's ahead.

If you're looking for a trusted peer community that tackles the real issues facing family businesses, we invite you to learn more about The Forum at wichita.edu/theforum

11/11/2025

On November 6, The Forum for Family Enterprise hosted its third executive breakfast, featuring a dynamic panel discussion on “Push vs. Pull: Navigating Power Dynamics in Transitions”. Moderated by Daniel White of AGH, the conversation brought together retired/retiring CEO’s who shared their experiences, insights, and recommendations on managing the balance of power during leadership transitions.



The conversations were rich, the connections authentic, and the spirit of community unmistakable making this Forum gathering one to remember.

10/27/2025

07/25/2025

Is your family business ready for what’s next?

Succession. Stewardship. Strategic growth. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the defining challenges of every multi-generational business.

At The Forum for Family Enterprise, we’ve spent 30 years helping families navigate the crossroads. Our members aren’t just managing companies—they’re stewarding legacies.

This fall, we’re kicking off a new season of programming built around clarity, collaboration, and community. If you’re a next-gen leader, an owner planning for the future, or an advisor who supports family businesses, we’d love to connect.

👋 Join us for an informal Top Golf mixer on August 21st to meet our members and see what we’re about.

No pitch. No pressure. Just real conversations with people who’ve been where you are.

➡️ Message me to RSVP or learn more.

07/21/2025

When you think of Family Businesses in Wichita, who do you think has had the most positive impact?

06/30/2025

The Genogram is a tool we use in family-business consulting. Not only does it help to understand the relationship dynamics, but it is also a great way to showcase trans-generational elements. What would your family genogram say about your family-owned business? How would you use it to help your company grow?

06/04/2025

Seems obvious. The question folks don't like to talk about is when? Sadly, only 21% of family businesses owners have a plan in writing for when this happens.

05/30/2025

Member spotlight: Walton's Inc

At The Forum for Family Enterprise, we celebrate the legacy and leadership of businesses that embody family values, innovation, and a commitment to their community.

This month, we're proud to spotlight Walton’s—a Wichita-based, family-owned business that’s become a national leader in meat processing supplies and equipment. Whether you're a backyard BBQ enthusiast or running a commercial operation, Walton’s has everything you need to "Make Sausage. Better."

What began as a small local business has grown into a thriving enterprise known for exceptional customer service, high-quality products, and a team that feels like family—because it is.

We’re proud to have the Waltons as part of The Forum community, where family businesses grow stronger together.

05/09/2025

"Family + Ambition = Fambition"
Is your next-generation leader ready to take the reins? Fambition is a two-year cohort program designed to prepare the next generation of family business leaders for the challenges and responsibilities they’ll face. Meeting quarterly, this program focuses on developing leadership skills, mastering governance, and creating a strategic vision for long-term success. With mentorship, peer collaboration, and tailored workshops, Fambition equips emerging leaders with the tools they need to drive your family business forward.

Are you ready to invest in the future of your family business?

05/08/2025

Had a great meeting with Get Local Digital Agency yesterday. We are excited about upgrading our CRM and digital efficiency.