If your family has a business, you may have considered whether a career there is the right choice for you. Many look back at their decision to join the family business as both immensely rewarding and uniquely challenging.
In this interactive discussion moderated by Kristi Daeda, two successful family business leaders, Jamie Shah and Matt Miniat, will share their experiences of deciding to join the family company, growing into leadership, and envisioning the future. They’ll also share what their families have done to address challenges, support their success, and lay the groundwork for continuity within the business.
Panelists
Jamie Shah operates her family’s business, Chem-Impex, a distributor and manufacturer of high purity laboratory chemicals. Prior to Chem-Impex, Shah was the Chief Operating Officer of The Spice House. She was also previously the lead associate at Hyde Park Angels and Hyde Park Venture Partners, and was selected as a Kauffman Fellows Finalist. She started her career at Goldman Sachs as an investment banker in the consumer retail group, and then was a financial analyst for Google Maps.
Matt Miniat is Chief Operating Officer of Miniat Holdings LLC. Matt joined Miniat Holdings in 2011 and has held multiple positions, including in Purchasing, Operations, and Business Development. In 2015 Matt became Plant Manager of the South Holland meat plant and led Project Bonanza, a $30MM expansion. Prior to joining Miniat Holdings, Matt worked in Ireland for Dawn Farm Foods and began his career as a Sales Associate at Agentis Energy, a startup software company in Chicago.
Attendee feedback:
“Jamie and Matt are exceptional. They gave me the confidence to allow my G3 time to make their own decisions.”
“It was great to hear both of the speakers discuss the challenges and rewards of coming into the family as a next gen.”
“I learned that family businesses are complicated and there are no easy answers; however, the impact you can make and the pride you can take in your work can make it worth it.”