Smith Family Business Initiative
Read more about how our initiative is educating, connecting, and innovating in the realm of family business.
Diverse Expertise Drives Vertical Integration at Family Business
Innovation at Joe Jurgielewicz & Son—one of the largest duck farms in America—stems from an unusual combination of hospitality and veterinary skills.
How One Student is Redefining His Role in His Family’s Businesses
The Smith Family Business Initiative has helped a dual-degree student discern the best ways he can contribute to his family businesses.
A Journey Through Italy: Lessons and Landscapes
MBA student Olivia Johnson shares her experience in and insights from the 2025 Family Businesses in Italy Trek.
Innovation Keeps Centuries-Old Family Business on the Leading Edge
On an Italy trek, an MBA student explores how a company blends tradition with consumer trends and modern marketing to thrive in Italy and beyond.
From Spring Trek to Italian Citizenship: A Baker Program Student’s Journey
Louis Guzzo, MPS ’23 obtains Italian citizenship three years after the Smith Family Business Institute’s Family Businesses in Italy trek.
From Sales, Marketing, and Ops to Consulting with James “JJ” Myron, MBA ’23
Career Corner: Consultant JJ Myron pivoted from a sales, marketing, and operations role to advising clients on how to achieve their strategic goals.
Purpose, Legacy, Strategy: Winning Case Draws on Company’s History and Values
Hospitality management graduate student Ruby Lin recounts her team’s first-place finish at the Case Competition for Family Ownership.
From Technology Director to Chief Data Officer: A Q&A with Chaitanya Baddam, MBA ’23
Career Corner: Technology executive Chaitanya Baddam pivoted from insurance platform technology director to chief data officer at an insurtech startup.
Exploring the Family’s Role in Reducing the Racial Gap in Entrepreneurship
PhD Spotlight: Research by Johnson School PhD candidate Qian Wang examines the impact of demographics on entrepreneurship.