Smith Family Business Initiative

Read more about how our initiative is educating, connecting, and innovating in the realm of family business.

Mentees and mentors meet for 1:1 conversations on family business issues.

From ideas to insight: Lessons from Cornell’s Sam Seltzer ’48 Mentors Forum

Luca Mosena MBA ’27 shares how mentor conversations are shaping his goals in business and family enterprise

Team SKEMA and coach Ambra Mazzelli huddle in a classroom to prepare for their team’s case competition presentation.

From Paris to Cornell: Road to finals at Family Business Case Competition

SKEMA participates in the Cornell Family Business Case Competition for the first time, placing third

Raising a vessel off the seabed and onto a barge for transport.

At the helm: Johnson grad navigates a new era for Resolve Marine

Blending family legacy, innovation, and Cornell talent, Joseph Farrell III, MBA ’16, is tackling global maritime crises.

Two men, one holding a large white duck, smile.
SC Johnson College

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.

Chris Lasa and his stepmother’s family in their annual family photo

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.

Olivia Johnson poses on the roof of Castel Sant'Elmo in Naples, Italy.

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.

Image of a large group of students gathered together with a Cornell banner during the Rummo-Cornell Family Business 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.

Louis Guzzo, MPS ’23, posing at Castello di Brolio—the family home of the Baron Francesco Ricasoli, who owns Ricasoli Winery, founded in 1141

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.

headshot of JJ Myron with the Career Corner graphic identifier overlaid on the photo next to him.
Johnson School

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.