John Goering, Founder

Through a generous endowment, the Goering Center was founded at the University of Cincinnati with the mission to improve the vitality of family and private firms throughout the region. John Goering continues to support our mission as a continuing benefactor and active board member.

Complex and Unique Ownership Issues

Family businesses involve a complex and unique ownership issues based on family relationships. Your business may be governed by you and your son/daughter, or you and your siblings or cousins, or you and your spouse, or you and your extended families like in-laws or an ex-spouse.

Every unique relation in the family business goes through a family business cycle where you find the need for that one catalyst which can guide you to nurture your business and family parallel to each other.
Many more unique scenarios exist in each exclusive family business.

• For more than twenty years, we have seen them all; we have helped them all!
• Be Proactive. Learn from Experience!
• Gain real-world insights from other family business owners.

Optimize your family business and foster a legacy that endures.

As a family business owner or leader, you may feel uncertain that anyone is ready to fill your shoes, or pressured to step aside before a smooth transition seems possible.

At the same time, your next generation may feel anxious, under-prepared or concerned about taking the lead without hurting the business or straining family relations.

Given the sensitivity of governance and succession discussions, many family businesses are unable to address these issues objectively, successfully, or at all – often minimizing growth opportunities and thwarting the chances for a successful evolution.

It’s the family relationships that often stifle family businesses.

By acknowledging and addressing the concerns of present-day Generation 1 (G1) ownership, and the grooming needed for a successful handoff to Generation 2 (G2), the Goering Center is able to open and facilitate meaningful discussions that can make a difference.

If your goal is to prepare your family business for an optimal transition, the Goering Center programs can help open conversations in a neutral setting, so you and your successors can work toward aligning your visions for success.

The sooner you begin preparing, the fewer problems and surprises you’ll experience down the road.

Here are a few companies who have participated in Goering Center programs.