Session D

The Future of Family Businesses: Strategic Sales, PE Partnerships, or Generational Transition?

Presented By: Bank of Texas / Statesman Business Advisors, LLC

Family business owners face critical decisions when planning for the future of their company. Should they sell to a strategic buyer or private equity firm, or build organically and transition leadership to the next generation? We will explore the options available to family business owners, examining the benefits and challenges of each path. Industry experts and seasoned family business leaders will discuss how to evaluate strategic sales, partnerships with private equity, and what it takes to ensure a smooth generational transition.

Moderator:

Jessica Seff
Director
Statesman Business Advisors

Jessica Seff joined Statesman in 2018 as Vice President of Mergers & Acquisitions and currently serves as Director. She brings more than 12 years of experience in corporate finance, financial and strategic planning, and regulatory compliance for a wide range of companies including Lehman Brothers, Shell Trading, Axiom Commodity Group, and Yes Prep Public Schools. She holds the coveted CFA designation, and she collaborates extensively with the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Houston. Jessica is registered with FINRA holding the Series 63 and 79 licenses.

Jessica received her B.B.A. from Vanderbilt University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and her Master’s degree is from the London School of Economics.

Panelists:

Michael Benedict
Sr. Business Transition Advisor
Bank of Texas

Mike Benedict works exclusively with business owners planning and orchestrating the ownership transition of privately held companies. Mike is a current member of the Business Enterprise Institute (BEI) and the Exit Planning Institute (EPI). He has a Bachelor of Business Administration, from the University of Texas, Austin; Master of Business Administration, The University of Dallas, Irving, Texas; Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) 1989; Certified Exit Planner (CExP™) 2017; Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA™) 2020.

Constance Okhuysen
Founder
CMO Environmental, LLC

Constance Okhuysen has an extensive background in international business and education. A fourth-generation member of the family business, and a member of the Advisory Board, she was the lead person in the sale process to a Fortune 100 company. Constance has built and directed many cross-functional and cross-cultural teams. She is a business consultant, book contributor, and founder of CMO Environmental, LLC.

Maria Alicia Padilla-Gonzalez
General Director
Mamá Lycha Foods

Experienced General Director with a demonstrated history of working in the food & beverages industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Food & Beverage, Market Planning, Sales, and Sales Operations. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor's Degree focused in International/Global Studies & Business Admin. from University of St. Thomas (TX).

The Future of Family Businesses: Strategic Sales, PE Partnerships, or Generational Transition?

Conference Location

Houston Country Club