Family Business Dynamics: Succession, Partnership, and What Comes Next
Presented By: Clearstead
When leadership transitions occur, family businesses must consider more than who will run the company—they must decide how the business will evolve. This session explores the choices facing family-owned enterprises, from bringing in outside capital to maintaining family control across generations. Hear insights from operators and advisors on balancing legacy, growth, and long-term value.
Panelists:
COO
Viscogliosi Brothers
Rob Grimaldi is chief operating officer of Viscogliosi Brothers, a leading investor and innovator in the med-tech space, and co-founder and CEO of Ad Infinitum Cell Preservation Technologies, a firm creating novel cryopreservation solutions for medical research applications. He has been directly involved in many entrepreneurial led companies across multiple sectors from seed and venture stage to exit/IPO.
Managing Director, Enterprise Business Development
Clearstead
Mario joined Clearstead in 2024 as Managing Director, Enterprise Business Development. In this role, he is a member of the firm’s Sales and Marketing team and develops opportunities and supports the firm’s organic growth. He brings over 20 years of experience in business development and sales in Financial Services.
Prior to joining Clearstead, Mario was a Sales Executive of Life Insurance for Oswald Companies and held various other sales positions throughout his career. He earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Juniata College and holds the Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation.
Director, Business Development & Marketing
Great Lakes Fasteners, Inc.
Dana Weidinger is Director of Business Development & Marketing and a second-generation family leader at Great Lakes Fasteners Group, driving growth across its national fastener distribution platform. She aligns sales strategy with marketing and social media initiatives to expand market reach and revenue. In 2025, she earned the Tomorrow’s 20 Award, recognizing her energy, leadership, and impact.
President & CEO
Great Lakes Fasteners, Inc.
Mr. Weidinger has been founding, acquiring and operating high-growth companies for over thirty years. He operates businesses in manufacturing, distribution, real-estate to data processing. Weidinger's businesses have been externally recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing, privately held companies nationally four times, received thirteen Cascade Capital Growth Awards, including the 2017 Legacy Award, SMART 50 Award, CRAIN's Fast 52 winner, and has finished #1, #2, #2, #3, #12, #22 (2023) on the prestigious Weatherhead 100 list honoring the fastest growing firms in Ohio. Weidinger was inducted into the EY Entrepreneurs' Hall of Fame in 2015.