Family Business Dynamics: Succession, Partnership, and What Comes Next
Presented By: Clearstead / MelCap Partners, LLC
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.
Moderator:
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.
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 & Principal
MelCap Partners, LLC
Anthony is responsible for the management of MelCap’s investment banking engagements. In his role, Anthony manages the firm’s clients, deal processes, buyers and investors, and investment banking staff. Anthony also manages and supports the development of the firm’s offering memorandums, financial analysis and models, industry research, and proposals.
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.
Kevin Weidinger is President and CEO of the Great Lakes Fasteners Group, a national platform of fastener distribution companies. A seasoned builder, he has formed, acquired, and scaled high growth businesses for over thirty years. Weidinger’s ventures earned four Inc. 5000 honors, ten Cascade Capital Growth Awards, Weatherhead 100 top finishes, and he was inducted into the EY Entrepreneurs Hall of Fame in 2015.