Business Boards Institute™ (BBI): Build the Board That Builds Your Business
Terry Horan, CEO Horan, shares his experience with the Goering Center's Business Boards Institute™, from his initial doubts to the return on his investment. He also provides insights on what it means to have a board in terms of demands on him and outcomes from the board.
I was so afraid that we were too small, that they were going to be tough - or they weren't going to be interested. I was wrong on all of that. It was obvious they were going to be great partners for us from the very beginning and it really took one meeting for us to realize this is one of the neatest things we'd ever done.
Terry Horan, CEO Horan
Gain Expert Insight. Unlock Growth. Navigate Challenges with Confidence.
The most successful business owners don’t go it alone. They surround themselves with trusted advisors who bring fresh perspectives, strategic guidance, and real-world experience. That’s exactly what the Business Boards Institute (BBI) helps you do—build a highly engaged advisory board tailored to your business needs, when you’re ready to get started.
Why An Advisory Board?
Many family and private businesses hesitate to create a board because of common myths:
- "We’re too small to need one."
- "They’ll try to take control of my company."
- "I don’t have time for more meetings."
The reality? A well-structured advisory board puts you in control, offers practical, actionable insights, and helps you make better decisions faster—without the red tape. Whether you’re facing leadership transitions, scaling for growth, or tackling industry challenges, a strong board is a game-changer for long-term success.
How BBI Works
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. We meet you where you are—whether you’re exploring the idea, building from scratch, or refining an existing board. Using a proprietary program developed by Aileron and refined by Goering Center advisors, we provide a structured yet flexible framework to help you:
- Identify your business’s biggest opportunities and challenges
- Define the right mix of advisors to accelerate your growth
- Provide best practices for structuring and running your board effectively
- Connect you with high-quality candidates who align with your vision
- Equip you with tools to maximize engagement and results
Real-World Impact
Businesses that implement an advisory board see measurable benefits:
- Faster, more informed decision-making
- New ideas and fresh perspectives
- Increased growth and profitability
- Stronger succession and transition planning
Is Your Business Ready?
If you’re serious about elevating your business, mitigating risk, and getting outside expertise without giving up control, BBI is your next step. Let’s start the conversation.
Is Your Business Ready?
If you're serious about elevating your business, mitigating risk, and getting outside expertise without giving up control, BBI is your next step.
Let's start the conversation.
Pricing Information
Members: $7,500
Non-members: $9,000
Dave Deye and Jim Miller are Goering Center business board advisors. They have extensive board experience and have helped more than 50 companies launch their advisory boards.
Dave Deye
Deye Enterprises
David Deye has more than 35 years of experience in executive leadership, general management, marketing and sales management, and consulting. He has worked in or with private companies that serve a wide range of markets such as retail and wholesale distribution, hospitality, health care, commercial and residential construction, automotive, capital equipment and information management. Currently, David serves as a Board Member for several manufacturing and service companies. Previously, David served as CEO/COO of Adam Wuest, Inc. dba Serta Mattress Company, a six-generation, family-held business where he implemented professional management, disciplined strategic planning, marketing, and financial and operational procedures. David initiated efforts to establish an outside board for the company. He is a member of the World Presidents Organization, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Georgetown University, has studied Masters-level business classes at Xavier University, and attended the WPO Harvard Presidents’ Seminar in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Jim Miller
JM3 Solutions
Upon graduating from Bowling Green State University, Jim began his career as a tax accountant at international CPA firm, Arthur Andersen, where he primarily served closely held and family owned businesses. In 1989, Jim was admitted as a partner and developed a leadership position in advanced estate and wealth transition planning. Jim left Andersen to develop his skills in the investment business before he was recruited to run a single family office in 2001. The family had successfully monetized several operating businesses prior to Jim’s joining them, but they continued with another startup medical device enterprise in which he was involved. Since 2013, Jim has consulted with high net worth families and family businesses in defining issues surrounding intergenerational wealth transition and developing the communication systems that enable families to stay together. He is actively involved with several programs offered by the Goering Center.
Learn More
Click image to watch BBI Overview video
For more information on our Business Boards Institute™, please select from the following options:
- Watch the Overview Video
- Download our BBI Flyer
- Contact David Miller, Membership Director
