Families in Business Conference Schedule

The Sanctuary, 851 Main St, Roosevelt Island, New York, NY

The Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island is a one-mile walk from the Cornell Tech campus, accessible via the Roosevelt Island walking path, or the free public shuttle that picks up in front of The Graduate Hotel.

The Sanctuary, Roosevelt Island

Daniel G. Van Der Vliet, John and Dyan Smith Executive Director of Family Business

The Sanctuary, Roosevelt Island

The Sanctuary, Roosevelt Island

Keynote speaker – Christina Mariani-May, President and CEO at Banfi Vintners

Banfi is a name that all Cornellians are familiar with. Banfi is the sole U.S. importer of the Mariani family’s internationally renowned wine estates in Italy — Castello Banfi of Montalcino, Tuscany, and Banfi Piemonte of Strevi, Piedmont. Banfi Wines, family-owned since 1919 and is currently led by 3rd generation family proprietor and CEO Cristina Mariani-May. We welcome Ms. Mariani May to share the story of Banfi Wines, its founding in the US as an importer of fine Italian wines, and its eventual entry into the Italian market with Castello Banfi in Montalcino, Italy.

Verizon Executive Education Center, Cornell Tech

Verizon 121

Join Wesley Sine, the John and Dyan Smith Professor of Management and Family Business, and Daniel Van Der Vliet, the John and Dyan Smith Executive Director of the Smith Family Business Initiative as we reflect on the 10 years that have helped to create the SFBI as we know it today.

Verizon 121

We welcome several of our most influential Family Business Club Officers back to Cornell to share their experiences post-MBA, where they are now, and the role their family business, and the SFBI, have played heretofore.

Moderator: Vishal Gaur, Anne and Elmer Lindseth Dean of the Johnson Graduate School of Management

• Christopher “CK” Chua MBA ‘17, Founder, Grove Street Roasters
• Prasad BRSK MBA ’20, Strategy and MA Manager, Resolve Marine
• Emery Schoenly MBA ‘20, Senior Manager, Generative AI Strategy & Implementation, American Express
• Bryan Wong MBA ’17, Senior Vice President, Papillion Ribbon & Bow, Inc.

Verizon Executive Education Center, Cornell Tech

With environmental concerns at the forefront of global discussions, family businesses are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in sustainability and waste reduction. This panel delves into the innovative solutions and best practices that family-owned enterprises are implementing to create a greener future. Panelists will share their personal experiences, successful strategies, and potential solutions for going easy on the Earth and promoting sustainability within their businesses. Join us to learn how family businesses can make a significant impact on environmental conservation and inspire future generations to prioritize sustainability.

Moderator: Rochelle Clarke, Cornell Family Business Mentor

• Jeremy Brunner ’94, President,  Espoma Organic
• Alessandro Magnani, Business Development, Davines
• Chris Noble MBA ’09, Noblehurst Farms

In today’s globalized world, family businesses often face the unique challenge of navigating cultural differences. This panel explores how family-owned enterprises tackle cross-cultural diversity in various scenarios, such as immigrant owners managing businesses in new countries, operating in foreign markets, and conducting business across multiple nations. Panelists will share insights and strategies on overcoming cultural clashes, adapting to different business practices, and leveraging cultural diversity to enhance business success and cohesion.

Moderator: Art Giacosa, Tax Partner, RSM

• Cathy Choi ‘93, President Bulbrite
• Deborah Erickson, Executive,  Servenco Management
• Lola Famuyiwa MBA ’24, Muyis Photography

Verizon Executive Education Center, Cornell Tech

Verizon Executive Education Center, Cornell Tech

Moderator: Wes Sine

Luis Sarmiento MBA ’20, Vice President Investment Banking,  Corficolombiana (joining via Zoom)

In this rousing visit with three New York City family business leaders, we will explore the challenges and reality of running a business in the Big Apple. Humorous, poignant, and entertaining.

Moderator: Stefanie Kyles, Cornell Family Business Mentor

• Kevin Leichter ’97, President,  Premier Paint Roller
• Lloyd Robinson ’87, President, AWISCO
• Alan Rosen ’91, Junior’s Cheesecake

Verizon 121

Eric Allyn, former Chairman of the Board of Directors for his family’s business, and current Cornell Family Business Fellow and Mentor, joined the first Families in Business Conference as our featured keynote speaker. At that time, he shared the story of Welch Allyn, a 4th generation family business celebrating its 100th Anniversary.  Since then, the family decided to sell the business due to changes in the medical products industry. Eric will update us on what has transpired post-sale, the effect on the three family lines, and how his immediate family has continued to organize and give back through its family office, 50 State LLC, of which he is a Trustee and Chief Investment Officer.

Moderator: Doug Baumoel ’78, Partner and Founder,  Continuity Family Business Consulting, and Cornel Family Business Fellow.