Cal State Fullerton’s signature family business networking hub, the Center for Family Business, got a new lease on life this spring, with a relaunch under new center director and family business leader Tim Schultz.
“Family businesses make up the majority of businesses in Orange County and are leaders in providing excellent employment opportunities and reinvesting in the local community,” says Schultz.
“Their ability to weather the ups and downs of economic cycles and consistent reinvestment in their businesses provide valuable stability to the local economy.”
Celebrating the Relaunch and Honoring the Center’s Past
On April 5, more than 120 alumni, friends of Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics, and family business executives gathered at the Waterfront Hotel in Huntington Beach to celebrate the new chapter in Titan family business education. More than 60 local family-owned firms were represented at the event.
At the event, Rick Muth, a longtime friend of the family business program, was honored for his endowment and dedication.
A panel consisting of Kira Bruno of Fortis Resource Partners, Sonny Nguyen of 7 Leaves Café, Jenny Dinnen of MacKenzie Corporation, and Jon Novack of Patton Steel discussed current trends in the Southern California family business sector.
This spring, the center also honored the leadership, dedication and support of the late Mike Trueblood, who led the center from 1999 to 2011 and made it a major networking hub for the Southern California family business sector. In 2021, Trueblood passed away at age 91.
On April 18, Cindy Ayloush and her Fullerton-based aerospace company Hydraflow, longtime supporters of the center and college, unveiled an endowment renaming the center’s suite after Trueblood.
Hydraflow would likely not exist today if it weren’t for the enthusiasm and support of Trueblood, who convinced Cindy Ayloush’s young adult children to continue in the family business.
Family Business Workshops Coming in Summer 2023
Over the summer, the center is planning three exciting and informative workshops.
On May 25, a webinar on business banking will feature Ash Patel and Chis Colella of Commercial Bank of California.
A workshop on the next generations entering family businesses is on tap for June 20, featuring a panel of young professionals who have chosen to return to their family’s enterprises after pursuing outside careers.
An Aug. 15 workshop on branding and storytelling in family businesses will feature Orange County marketers James Fratzke ’14, Ryan Fratzke’14 and Lisa Fratzke.
For More on Family Business
Are you the head of a family business in Southern California – or are thinking of starting one? Or are you a student from an entrepreneurial family or considering starting your own business?
The Center for Family Business offers robust opportunities for valuable training and networking with other family business owners.
For more information, reach out to [email protected].
