Director Mike Trueblood's Message | Family Business Council | Mihaylo College of Business and Economics

Director's Message

Ed Hart, Director …from the Hart…

We know your time is very valuable, and that you have many things on your plate, so we recognize that it is no small matter that you are taking the time to visit us here, and look forward to talking with you about our services, and to hopefully welcoming you and/or your friends to the Family Business Council.

As we begin the third generation of leadership of the Family Business Council, we will carry on the traditions established to this point, and create some new and exciting programs, as well. I am excited to be in my new role as the Director of the Family Business Council, and look forward to learning and growing with, and to bringing some of my ideas to, each of you.

As an Orange County native, I have lived in or around Fullerton for 47 years, and my family has a strong Titan heritage. My brother received a degree in Psychology from Cal State Fullerton in the 1970’s, and my mom earned her Master’s degree here, as well, before going on to a long and successful career counseling and coaching women in their professional, and personal, lives at the UC Irvine Women’s Opportunities Center.

As the son of Human Resources executive (my Dad retired from then Fullerton-based Beckman Instruments in 1991 after 39 years with the company) and a career counselor, I gained an appreciation at an early age of the value of education, mentoring, and developing people. I also understand the intricacies and dynamics of working in a family-owned business environment, having spent close to 15 years of my career working for family-owned businesses. I know that the challenges you face in your business, while similar in some areas to a traditional corporate climate, are extremely unique, and often times involve the emotions, traditions, and heritages of your family. The factors that play into your decisions are delicate and, at times, go beyond simply what is best for the business.

The great value that the Cal State Fullerton Family Business Council can provide for you is that we are a network of faculty, family-owned businesses, and executives who have walked, or are currently walking, a mile in your shoes, and who understand the dynamics that probably exist in your company. As you rub shoulders with other members of our council through our monthly workshops, Affinity Groups, and association with our sponsorship partners, we believe you will gain expertise, knowledge, and ideas that you can use back in your business immediately.

We also know that these economic times have been, in some cases, devastating to many of us, but it has proven true throughout recessions over the last hundred years that the companies who invest in themselves, their marketing, training, and their people during down times, are the same companies that thrive and succeed, while others are laying off or closing their doors.

If you would like to talk about becoming a member of the Family Business Council, send me an email, or give me a call!

I wish you nothing but success in your family-owned business, your family, and your personal life.

Sincerely,

Ed Hart
Director, Family Business Council
California State University Fullerton
Mihaylo College of Business and Economics
657-278-7431
edhart@fullerton.edu