Praise
Curriculum
“The conversations with my family for the term paper went in unexpected and gratifying directions. I feel much more confident about taking an assignment with the family business in Dallas, now that we’ve taken big steps toward developing a shared vision for the future of the company.”
–Andy Moore (Online MBA ’19) Hwy 55, Mount Olive, NC
“The family business center along with the courses have provided me with powerful lessons, relationships, and perspective. This is such a relevant and unique area, which is taught excellently by distinguished professors with relevant experiences. This class has definitely been formative in my perspective and excitement to join our family business one day!”
–Neil Pathak (BSBA ’18) Bojangles, Charlotte, NC
“I loved taking a class with the Family Enterprise Center because I felt like I was being invested in to grow as a person and as a part of my family’s business. My whole family also got to be involved through the interview process for our final project allowing us to reflect and grow closer as a family.”
–Jessie Keener (BSBA ’19), Round-A-Bout Skating Centers, Fayetteville, NC
“The Family Business Center provided a platform for me to learn about family business issues and to develop the skills and awareness to be a stronger family business participant. Of all the classes I took towards my MBA, the family business class consistently featured the best guest speakers, held the most interesting dialogue, and provided the best leadership preparation.”
—Charlie Morris (MBA ’14) Belk Inc, Charlotte, NC
“For me, the family business classes have proved to be the most relevant and important learning experiences that UNC has to offer. I have never been so inspired and excited on both a professional and family level from any class in all my life. This class has already begun to steer my family’s business towards greater success.”
—Daniel Sullivan (BSBA ’14) Pate Dawson Company, Goldsboro, NC
“I really enjoyed the family business courses in Mods 3&4 and appreciate everything that the Family Enterprise Center does.”
–Mike Ritter (MBA ’20)
“The Family Business courses provided me with the tools to continue conversations with my father and grandfather. I feel confident that I can help my family business continue to be successful as it transitions to the next generation.
–Julio Andres Herrera (BA ’16) Panaleon Group, Guatemala
Student Experience
“The FEC was one of my favorite experiences in college and has helped my family business in so many ways. It’s a special program that I feel very fortunate to have been able to take part in and share with so many other great individuals.”
–Patrick Lyons (BSBA ’20) Garrett B Lyons DDS, Delaware
“The Family Business coursework was central to my decision to return to my family’s business. The diverse curriculum and expert instruction, along with well-chosen guest speakers and a classroom filled with other students in my same situation all contributed to an invaluable consultative and educational experience.”
—Barrett Bohnengel (MBA ’13) Perfect Measuring Tape Company, Toledo, OH
“The Family Enterprise Center has helped me to consider the important role I play as a family member. The center has been an amazing resource to help connect me with other students and speakers with family businesses. I can learn from these opportunities and continue to build relationships.”
–Margaret Luck (MJBA ’18) Luck Companies, Richmond, VA
“I’d love to stay in touch with you and the center. It will be nice being in Charlotte, so not too far! I really enjoyed diving deeper into the complexities of family businesses and reflecting on my own.”
–Alexis Kassees (MBA ’20) American Testing Laboratories
Enhanced Communication
“The family business class was enriching and relevant. Working on my term paper brought me closer to my family, as we spent endless hours talking about the business—ultimately leading to discussion on ways to see continued and future success within the company.”
—Genna Zimmer (BSBA ’14) Reeds Jewelers, Wilmington, NC
“The Enterprise Center has been an incredible resource for me during my 4 years at Carolina. It has enabled me to connect with other students and faculty regarding family businesses and also open up new conversations within my family.”
–Sam Lilley (BSBA ’18) Lilley International, Inc., Rocky Mount, NC
“Before I started taking this course, I barely talked to my parents about our family business. I will definitely recommend several of the best practices for family businesses that I’ve learned to my family.”
—Tom Mudgett (BSBA ’10) Transporter Tom, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Lasting Impact
“It’s been so wonderful working with yall while I’ve been in Chapel Hill. The FEC was one of the major things that drew me to UNC, and I’ve absolutely loved every single thing that you have offered and that I’ve been able to attend. I’ve learned so much from y’all and will always be immensely grateful. Thank you so much for everything you do to provide us with such amazing opportunities!”
–Mary Grace Hinkle (MBA ’20) Hinkle Holding Company, Kentucky
“The Family Enterprise Center has been the most helpful resource of my undergraduate career. My parents and I have learned invaluable lessons that will enable our family and business to coexist peacefully for generations to come.”
–Holden Shearin (BSBA ’18) Eastern Petroleum Corporation, Enfield, NC
“My experience with the Family Enterprise Center was invaluable! I will cherish the education and tools you have helped me develop for adding value to my family business. I really appreciate the work you all have put in to create such a strong program for students interested in family enterprise.
I look forward to keeping in touch with the Family Enterprise Center for many years to come.”
–William Duncan (MBA ’20) Transwestern
“It was definitely the most important course in business school for me.”
— Thiago Pendido (MBA ’09) Serveng-Civilsan, Brazil
“This class has been a critical piece of learning and preparation for my entire career. It has been one of the most relevant learning experiences I have had at this school.”
— Josh Johnson (MBA ’10) R.L Johnson Construction, Jacksonville, FL, and Bentley’s Popcorn, Atlanta, GA
“For me, the family business classes have proved to be the most relevant and important learning experiences that UNC has to offer. I have never been so inspired and excited on both a professional and family level from any class in all my life. This class has already begun to steer my family’s business towards greater success.”
— Daniel Sullivan (BSBA ’14) Pate Dawson Company, Goldsboro, NC