The best family-owned firms in Southern California will be honored on March 20 at the Center for Family Business Hall of Fame, the unit at Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics committed to mentoring and supporting the region’s family business sector. Cindi Bigelow, the third generation CEO of Bigelow Tea, will be the keynote speaker at the event at the Westin Anaheim Resort.

“The Hall of Fame Awards highlight the important contributions that family businesses make in our community,” explains Tim Schultz, the director of the Center for Family Business, noting that family businesses account for 59% of the jobs in the U.S. and 54% of the nation’s GDP. “These awards provide an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the best of the best.”

Current winners include Ayres Hotels, Northgate Gonzalez Markets, 7 Leaves, Hydraflow and Advanced Beauty College. Past Hall of Fame winners have included manufacturers, supermarket chains, private schools, technology firms, and much more, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of family business on the regional economy. Wienerschnitzel, Teacher Created Materials and F. Gavina & Sons (the coffee used at McDonald’s) are just some of the household names that have received these awards in years past. Keynote speakers ranging from Lynsi Snyder of In-N-Out to Peter Mondavi of Charles Krug winery have enlightened attendees and provided a connection with the best and brightest in the field. The annual recognition is the only known family business awards bestowed by a university in Southern California.

This year’s event includes recognitions for five categories: Emerging Family Businesses, which are being recognized for their early steps on becoming a multi-generational endeavor; Family Business Catalysts, which are leading by supporting other family businesses along their journey; Social Impact, for making positive social impact through health and education, environmental sustainability and a more equitable and inclusive society; Generational Legacy Award, for family businesses that have thrived for four or more generations; and Lifetime Achievement Award, for individual contributions to advance family business, such as supporting the Center for Family Business. Nominations are now closed for the 2025 event and winners are currently being selected.

In addition to the Hall of Fame Awards, the center plans to host many workshops in 2025 to help family businesses address the unique challenges of blending family and business. Collaborations with universities in Vietnam and India are taking the center’s activities and impact global, facilitating an exchange of learning and international perspective. And like so many centers and programs at Cal State Fullerton, the Center for Family Business is enlisting Titan students in case study competitions. This April, the center will partner with the Women’s Leadership Center for an event supporting women entrepreneurship and empowerment. On the thought leadership side, Academic Director Kulraj Singh is launching a study to document the economic and social impacts of family businesses in Orange County.

The Center for Family Business exists to creative transformative environments, experiences and opportunities that help leaders thrive in all stages of the family business lifecycle.

For more on the center or to get involved as a business professional or CSUF Business student, visit the center online or read more of our articles about family business. And register today to cheer on the region’s top family-owned firms at the March 20 Hall of Fame.