Reinventing Ownership in Family Businesses
Presented By: BDO / Wintrust
When it comes time to plot your company’s future, families face a range of transition paths—each with unique implications for ownership, control, and legacy. This session explores the full landscape of succession planning, from ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) to generational transfers and even conversions from private equity–backed to family-owned models. Hear from owners, investors, and advisors who’ve navigated these pivotal transitions to preserve legacy, maximize value, and position the business for long-term success.
Moderator:
Panelists:
President; Former Chair of the Kansas City Federal Reserve
Premier Manufacturing
Edmond Johnson, Owner of Premier Manufacturing, Inc., in Frederick, Colorado, holds an MBA in Marketing from Clark Atlanta University.
Before founding Premier Manufacturing Inc., Edmond held various management and middle management positions in Manufacturing Operations and Supply Chain Management with IBM, AST Computers, US Robotics, 3COM, and Maxtor Corporation. As CEO of Premier Manufacturing, Inc. Edmond applied his education and career experience to grow Premier Manufacturing Inc. to one of the largest, 3rd tier, contract manufacturing operations in Colorado. Premier Manufacturing Inc. was recognized as one of the fastest growing companies by Colorado Biz Magazine. Edmond is also very involved in the community, supporting various scholarship funds and charity programs.
CFO & Co-Owner
LS Gallegos & Associates Inc
Seth Joraanstad is the CFO and co-owner of LS Gallegos and Associates (LSG). Throughout his career, he has helped several privately held and private equity-backed companies achieve their financial goals and operation goals. In 2022, he led a team of three employees in the purchase of LSG, a legacy family business. Today LSG is a national leader in program management on large aviation and infrastructure projects.
CEO
KTC Instruments
James Knight has three decades of B2B and PE experience, He has steered companies through transformational growth and navigated intricate M&A deals. He leads KTC Instruments, a global leader in testing instrumentation equipment and services. He is a thought leader in value based management and is an advisor and director to a number of families and privately held companies.
Managing Director
BDO Capital Advisors, LLC
Scott Leach is a Managing Director with BDO Capital Advisors, LLC. He has more than ten years of experience in banking, lending and accounting along with eight years of ESOP specific consulting work. At BDO Capital, Scott assists with business development for the ESOP Advisory Group and the execution of transactions.