NWFBA Programs
Our mission is to be a welcoming community of diverse professionals serving family businesses.
Events Information
NWFBA holds its educational breakfast meetings in January/March/May/July/September and ends the year with our
Annual Generations of Success celebration event. 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM in downtown Seattle.
First-time attendees are extended the Member rate.
NWFBA holds bi-monthly networking events in non-program months. Your responses to past surveys report
networking as a highly sought-after activity at NWFBA events.
Mark your calendar for upcoming 2026 NWFBA Program dates:
Wednesday, September 16
Town Hall
Wednesday, November 4
Annual Generations of Succuss
NWFBA Town Hall
DATE: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
TIME: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
LOCATION: Women's University Club
1105 Sixth Ave | Seattle | 98101
REGISTRATION NOT YET OPEN
DATE: TBD October 2026
TIME: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
VENUE: TBD
Our NWFBA network events present a unique and invaluable opportunity to break free from the formalities and truly deepen those relationships.
Enjoy a relaxed, welcoming environment where you can forge new friendships and rekindle old ones, all while sharing insights and experiences with fellow professionals.
Join us at our network events and take action to enrich your professional journey—RSVP today and enjoy our vibrant community!
NOT YET OPEN
5th Annual Generations of Success
Celebrating Three Special Family Businesses
DATE: November 4, 2026
TIME: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
LOCATION: Women's University Club
1105 Sixth Ave | Seattle | 98101
Celebrate leadership, resilience, and legacy with NWFBA at Generations of Success.
Join us as we honor three standout family businesses shaping the future of our Northwest family business community.
2026 Honorees are:
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
PAST PROGRAMS
2026
January 2026
Tax Trends Shaping 2026
Presenters:
Kristi De Grys
Managing Director of Investment Strategy
Focus Partners Wealth
Michael Holmes, CPA
Senior Manager
Baker Tilly
February Network and Connect
March 2025
Passing the Baton: Advising Family Business Through Transitional Turning Points
Presenters:
Don Gerould, Cogent Equity
Ryan Hemmert, WA Business Brokers
Oliver Kotwlinkov, Int'l Business Associates
April Network and Connect
May 2026
When Success Creates New Challenges
Panelists:
Arnie Hendricks, Principal
Financial Management Resources
Shamim Mohandessi
Partner, Seyfarth
June 2026 Network and Connect
When Success Created New Challenges
July 2026
Roots and Branches: Keeping the Business and Family Intact During Ownership Transition
Dave Townsend, Coburg Tree Farm.
August Network and Connect
September 2026
October Network and Connect
November 2026
2026 Generations of Success
2025
January 2025
Tax Outlook 2025
Presenters:
Sherry Perrault
Baker Tilly
Michael Holmes
Baker Tilly
Todd Buechs
Bernstein Wealth Managment
February Network and Connect
March 2025 Building A Family-First Brand
Presenters:
Michelle Bomberger
Founder, CEO, Equinox Law
Josh Huisinga
Founder, Chalkbox Creative
Michael Shepherd
Managing Partner, The Shepherd Group
April Network and Connect
May 2025
Surviving in a Private Equity World
Ainsley Close
President Guardian Security, Inc.
July 2025
Top Tips to Address Family Business Conflict:
Presenters:
Sarah Murray
Vice President, Litigation Services Trial Craft
Angela Pasquale
Director of Biz Dev, NW Recruiting Partners
Bhaj Townsend
Owner, Founder, Focus and Sustain
August Network and Connect
September 2025
October Network and Connect
November 2025
2025 Generations of Success
Our signature event honoring companies who have distinguished themselves through innovation and excellence.
Honored Family Business:
ArchiTextures
Guardian Security
The H.O. Seiffert Company
2024
January 2024
Tax Outlook 2024
Presenters:
Sherry Perrault
Senior Manager
Baker Tilly
Aaron Marberg
Bernstein Private Wealth
February 15, 2024
Mid-Winter Networking
March 2024
Estate vs Succession Planning
PANELISTS
Rich Brune, Managing Partner, One Accord
Michael Longyear, Estate Planning Attorney, Reed Longyear Malnati Corwin & Burnett
Kevin Penner, Senior Manager Advisor, Parcion Private Wealth
Bhaj Townsend, Founder, Focus and Sustain
April 11, 2024
Networking
Murano Senior Living
May 2024
Tales from the Frontlines of Family Business
Observations and Insights
Presenter: Peter Rowan
Seattle University Family Business Exchange
Executive Director and former Coinstar entrepreneur
June 20, 2024
Networking Event
July 2024
How Dick's Came To Be And What It Is Yet to Become
Presenters:
Jasmine Donovan, President and CEO, Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants
Dani Scamehorn, Assistant Director of Real Estate & Construction for Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants
Networking
Aegis Living - Lake Union
September 2024
NWFBA Town Hall: Behind the Curtain
Fellow advisors share their most challenging issues
October 2024
Networking
November 2024
2024 Generations of Success
Our signature event honoring companies who have distinguished themselves through innovation and excellence.
Honored Family Business:
Dick's Drive-In Restaurants
The Odom Company
Den-Tri, Inc.
2023
January 2023
Tax Outlook 2023
Presenters:
Jin Choi
State and Local Tax Practice, Andersen
Phil Cook
Senior Director
Pacific Trust Company | Bridger Trust Company
February 2023
Mid-Winter Networking
March 2023
What’s Your Plan B:
How Family Business
Responds in Crisis
Presenters:
CJ and Philip Smeraldo
Entrepreneurs and Co-owners of
Il Terrazo, Intermezzo and Carmine's
April 2023
Networking
May 2023
The Secret Sauce for Nordstrom Rack Success
Guest Speaker:
Geevy Thomas, former President: Rack, Nordstrom
Todd Ostrander, JD Merit
Networking
July 2023
How Digital Transformation is Disrupting and Creating Family Value
Presenter:
Ashton Palmer, founder of Expedition Travel
Networking
September 2023
NWFBA Town Hall:
What Makes You a Trusted Advisor to Family Business
October 2023
Networking
November 2023
2023 Generations of Success
Our signature event honoring companies who have distinguished themselves through innovation and excellence.
Honored Families
Lee Johnsoon Auto Family
Rowley Properities, Inc.
Smeralso Restaurant Group
2022
January 2022
Fighting Through the Fog
How Family Business Can Prepare for Looming Financial Changes in 2022
Presenters: Jon Blanchard, Bader Martin
John St. Clair, Bader Martin
David Stiefel, Bader Margin
Moderator: Kristi Mathisen, Laird Norton Wealth Management
February 2022
Members Only Mid-Winter Networking
March 2022
The Power of Story in Family Business
Presenters: Elaine Brammer, Great Stories
Mario Juarez, Story Co
Arielle Nobile, Legacy
April 2022
Members Only Networking
When It's Not All in the Family
Presenters: Scott Campbell, Owner, Rainier Industries
Chris Inverso, CEO, Rainier Industries
Lynell Smith, Banner Bank
Members Only Networking
July 2022
When Conflict Comes Calling | A Guide for Business Advisors
Presenters: Carol Bowser, Owner Conflict Management Services
Bhaj Townsend, Owner, Focus and Sustain
Moderator: Michael Shepherd, The Shepherd Group
Members Only Networking
September 2022
The Two Faces of Entitlement
NWFBA Town Hall
Moderator: Seth Shapiro, Michael Shepherd
November 2022
Generations of Success
Year-end recognition event
honoring exceptional family businesses who have distinguished themselves through innovation and overall excellence.
2022 Generations of Success
Our signature event honoring companies who have distinguished themselves through innovation and excellence.
Pure Food Fish Market
Quality Sewing & Vacuum
Taco Time NW
2021
January 2021
Transitioning a Family Member: Health Assistance and Fiduciary Management
Presenters: Trish McKinney, Family Resource Home Care
Arianne Miller, Forever Care Services
Michael Longyear, Reed Longyear, Malneti & Ahrens
Moderator: Pam Stone, Family Resource Home Care
February 2021
Members Only Mid-Winter Networking
Sponsored by Insperity
March 2021
Social Impact Philanthropy
Presenters: Yvonne Thomas, Proximity
Stephanie Ellis-Smith, Principal and CEO, Phila Giving
Rodney Hines, CEO/Chief Mission Guy, Métier Brewing Company
April 2021
" Hello Spring" NWFBA Members Only Networking
May 2021|
Cyber Risk Protection for the Family Business Ecosystem
Panelists: Melissa Van Buhler, Focal PPLC
Timothy R. Stienstraw, Baker Law Seattle
Moderator: Seth Shapiro, USI
June 2021
Members Only Networking Event
July 2021
Workplace of the Future - Peering into a Post Covid
Panelists: Shannon Woodman, COO and 3rd Generation Washington Alarm, Inc.
Steve Greenbaum, President Greenbaum Home Furnishings
Moderator: Ryan Lambert, Executive Editor, Puget Sound Business Journal
August 2021
Members Only Networking Event
September 2021
The Dish on Taco Time
Panelists: Robby Tonkin, fourth-generation owner of Taco Time
October 2021
Members Only Networking Event
November 2021
NWFBA Town Hall:
The Slippery Slope of Bringing Business Back to Work
Panelists: Noah Williams, Attorney, Reed Longyear Malanti Corbin & Burnett, PLLC
Tom O'Rourke , Director, Commercial Solutions, Discovery Health MD
Walter Benadof, COO, DefinedCrowd Corp.
November 2021
Members Only Networking Event
December 2021
Members Only Networking Event
2020
January 2020
The Fall of the House of Usher Case Study
NWFBA kicks off 2020 with a case study of succession
and estate planning discussion centering on the Usher family,
a fictitious family and their novelty business.
March 2020 – postponed
April 2020
2019 and 2020 Members
Oh Behave! Understanding the Role of Emotions
Presenter:
Dr. Werner De Bondt, Visiting Professor at Seattle U.
July 2020
Turnaround Management for the Family Business at Risk
Panelists:
Jan Herald Robinson, Revitalization Partners
Renee Fellman
Christy Tobin-Presser, Bush Kornfeld LLC
Tina Lucas, Banner Bank, Moderator
September 2020
Selling the Family Business
Panelists:
Gregory Kovsky,President and Designated Broker of Int’l Business Assoc.
John Martinka, Martinka Consulting
Pete McDowell, RC Advisory Services
Mark Canton, moderator, CPA partner at Hunt Jackson PLLC
October 2020
NWFBA MEMBERS ONLY Fall Virtual Social
November 2020
Managing a Family Business During a Public Health Crisis,
Mark Canlis, Canlis Restaurants
December 2020
End of the Year Members Social
It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Cocktails
2019
January 2019
How Family Communications about the Business Can Impact Family Harmony
Presenters: Mary Dickinson, CPA, Bader Martin
Leslie Osborne, an Executive Coach and Advisor
Bhaj Townsend, Focus and Sustain
Rachele Bouchand, Cornerstone Advisors
March 2019
Managing Adversity and Crisis in Family Business: Learning from Experience
Presenters: Marilyn Richards, Richards Consulting
Marc Berger, Nyhus Communications
May 2019
Fireside Chat with Blain and Kim, Children Dana and Carrie Roberts from Westport Winery
July 2019
Clarifying Misconceptions About Family Business Boards
Presenters: Tony Christensen, Christensen, Inc.
Marry Morrow, Nelson Legacy Group
Rick Robinson, Hotstart
Joe Weinstein, Davis Wright Tremain, Moderator
September 2019
Double Downing:Exploring the Risks and Opportunities of a Two-Family Family Business, Spartan Investment Group (SIG)
Presenters: Scott Lewis, CEO and co-founder
Ryan Gibson, CIO and co-founder
Lindsay Lewis, Director of Business Intelligence
Jackie Gibson, Director of Operations
November 13, 2019
Avoiding Family Philanthropy Pitfalls
Lorraine del Prado Del Prado Philanthropy Training and Consulting
Bill Zook Evergreen Planned Giving, LLC
Sarah Hopper is founder of Sound Philanthropy, LLC
2018
January 2018
Impacts of the New Tax Code on Family Businesses
Presenters: Rob Keasal – Tax Director, Peterson Sullivan
Chad Blevins – President, Blevins Financial
Lewis Horowitz – Shareholder and Taxation Team Chair, Lane Powell
March 2018
Addressing Challenges of Aging Ownership in Family Businesses
May 2018
Lost Legacy – Lessons Learned from the Rise and Fall of a Century-Old Family Empire in Japan, Leslie Helm, Editor Seattle Business Magazine
July 2018
Bridging the Family Business Generation Gap
Panelists: Bill Criddle, Ph. D, Managerial Psychologist and Drew Steen, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine
September 2018
NWFBA Goes Crowdsourced to Improve Family Business Workshop
Leaders: Arnie Hendricks, Financial Management Resources and Mark Mitchell, Creekside Consulting
November 14, 2018
The Pacific Family Business Institute in conjunction with our partnering sponsors, is pleased to present the results of the recently published Northwest Family Business Survey.
2017
January 2017
Traditional Retirement is Dead
Presenter: Lisë Stewart Stewart – Galliard International
March 2017
Business Coaching
Presenter: Marilyn Richards, Richards Consulting
May 2017
Panel discussion on “Raising Kids in a Family Business”
Panelist’s: Bahj Townsend (Focus and Sustain), Ron Dohr (Pacific Family Business Institute), and Heather Tuininga (10|10 Strategies)
July 2017
Fireside Family Stories – Part 1
Discussions with multi-generational family business owners who have experienced some form of transition or are in the midst of a transition.
September 2017
Building Your Business Around Your Strengths
Presenter: Alan Pratt, Legacy Advisor
November 2017
Fireside Chat with Family Business Owners
Presenters: Jim Spady and Jennifer Donovan, Dick’s Drive In Restaruants
2016
2016 Professional Development Series
January 2016
2016 Northwest Family Business Survey Results
March 2016
Changing Models of Leadership
Presenter: Lisë Stewart Stewart – Galliard International
May 2016
Effective Teamwork
Presenter: Lisa Fitzhugh – Creative Ground
July 2016
The Influence of Technology
Presenter: David Carpenter – Connection Model
September 2016
Social Responsibility and the Family Business
Presenter: Jeff Clarke
November 2016
Preserving Family Wealth–Tax Strategies for Family Business Transfers
Presenter: David Stifle – Bader Martin
2015
January 2015
What is Better than a Loyal Client?
Presenter: Ron Kranz – Beyond the Benchmark
March 2015
Five Golden rules of Business Develoment
Presenter: Marilyn Richards – Richards Consulting Group
May 2015
What Families Seek in Advisors
Presenter: Gene Lipitz
July 2015
The Science of Decision Making
Presenter: Stacy Allred – Purposful Planning Institute
September 2015
Becoming Generationally Savvy
Presenter: Anna Liotta
November 4, 2015
The Untapped Power of Advisor Summits
2014
2014
Professional Development Series
January 2014
Rising from Disaster: Problem Solving for the Usher Family
Cast members from the House of Usher video case study
March 2014
What Does Success Look Like?
Dori Brewer, Principal, Perkins Coie
July May 2014
Expanding the Mindset of Family Leaders
Sonya M. Stoklosa, MS, PCC, President/Founder of Executive Athlete
July 2014
Managing Business Complexity: The Business of Family Business
Robert A. (Bob) King, Founder, COO Services
September 2014
Managing Family Complexity
Molly McCullough, Board Chair, Seaport Steel and Chair of the Pleas Family Council
2013
2013
Professional Development Series
January 2013
Techniques for Successful Family Business Transitions: A Case Study
Richard Beaton, Co-founder and Senior Partner at Marigold Associates
March 2013 workshop
Difficult Conversations
Lauren Owens of Redpoint Coaching
March 2013
The Role of Philanthropy in Family Business
Sarah Hopper, Sound Philanthropy, LLC
May 2013
Strategies to Protect Closely Held Businesses from Divorce
Marguerite (Maggie) Smith, J.D; LLB Hons
July 2013
Yokohama Yankee: My Family’s Story and How Advisors Might Have Helped
Leslie Helm, Editor, Seattle Business Magazine
September 2013
40 Years Advising Families in Business: Some Lessons Learned
Bob Nuber, Chairman Emeritus of Clark Nuber
November 2013
The Fall of the House of Usher IV: Lessons in Estate and Succession Planning
David Stiefel, Principal at Bader Martin, PS
2012
2012
Professional Development Series
January 2012
New Year Networking Social
April 2012 Workshop
Creating an Advisory Board
May 2012
Bartell Drugs: A Case Study in Generational Planning
Michael Miller and Michael Quigley, Capital Planning Corporation Dave Barber, President of Bartell-Barber Family Council
July 2012
Tackling the Elephants in the Room: How to Encourage Your Family Business Clients to Have Those Difficult Discussions
Lauren Owens, MBA, Principal with Redpoint Consulting
September 2012
A Cultural Conversation: Reaching and Serving Asian Family Businesses
Cheryll Leo-Gwin, World Trade and Exchanges, Inc. and the Washington State Arts Commission Valerie Antoinette Berset-Price, Professional Passport Vivien Chang, Chang Law Group PC
November 2012
Power and Love in Family Business
Matthew Wesley, The Wesley Group
2011
2011
Professional Development Series
March 2011
Up and Out? Succession in Family Businesses.
Holly Slay, Ph.D., Seattle University
May 2011
Decision-Making in Family Businesses! And how the advisor can and should help
David Wittenberg, Verax Point Consulting Urs Koenig, Redpoint Succession and Leadership Consulting Jeanette Nyden, J.Nyden Law and Mediation PS
July 2011
Anatomy of a Small Business Sale: Management of the Many Twists, Turns and Surprises
Jim Carney, CFP, Bernstein Global Wealth Management Salim Dada, Concord Ventures
September 2011
Decision Making in Family Businesses!
Laura Schildkraut, founder of Onboarding Gen Y and a lecturer at the University of Washington
November 2011
Challenges of the Next Gen of Owners! And how the advisor can and should help
Moderator: Mark Green Panelists: Jessica McIntosh, Atlas Supply Company David Engelstein, Classic Accessories
