Family Business Center - University of St. Thomas

For those of you who attended today's breakfast, what was the biggest takeaway?

This week, we’d like to introduce you to Murphy Logistics Solutions, a company with more than 120 years of rich history in the Twin Cities. Over the years, the Murphy family has been deeply involved in the Family Business Center. Richard Murphy, the former President & CEO, was a well-respected leader both in the Twin Cities business community and within our organization, serving on our board until his passing in 2019. Two of Murphy’s non-family CEOs have participated in our peer groups, their current board chair has been a speaker at our family breakfast and advisor lunch while also participating in the Women's Peer Group, and several family members regularly attend our family breakfasts. Murphy started in St. Paul in 1904, hauling goods by horse-drawn wagon, and has since grown into a regional powerhouse with 16 facilities across Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and New York, totaling 5.3 million square feet of logistics space. Now in its fifth generation of Murphy leadership, the company remains family-owned, with Kirk Fischer as President and CEO—only the second non-Murphy to take the helm. Under the Murphy family’s continued leadership and with Kirk at the forefront, one of the Twin Cities' own is reaching new heights.

Celebrating 75 years of family business success is St. Paul’s Cox Insurance, launched in 1950 by Frank Cox. The company has evolved from a small, local agency to a regional leader in the insurance sector, offering a comprehensive range of personal and commercial insurance solutions. After growth in its second generation of leadership under 2G Ric Cox, his children Hanna Connor and Taylor Cox aim to build on the family and business legacy in serving more clients with A Better Way to Be Served. Taylor, a proud Tommie alumni, became president in 2018 and Hanna, a member of one of our women’s peer groups, is the director of personal insurance. Their dedication to excellence, innovation and family legacy has been recognized as a 2018 Minnesota Family Business finalist and in 2023 was named Minnesota’s Agency of the Year. Check out this video to learn a little more about Cox Insurance as they celebrate 75 years. https://lnkd.in/gaKYwAj9

Join us for our April 3 Family Business Breakfast Series event, featuring Christi Offutt, board chair of R.D. Offutt Company, and CEO Tim Curoe. R.D. Offutt is large equipment dealer, food manufacturer, and agriculture company based in Fargo, North Dakota. This Breakfast Series event will explore critical topics facing family businesses, like choosing a successor, effectively managing family expectations, ensuring accountability and setting clear expectations for the next generation. As the first nonfamily member to lead the company, Tim will add insights on the integration of key non-family executives into family business operations. The session will be moderated by Mary Daugherty, CFA, PhD, an experienced family business advisor who has directly supported the Offutt family, in addition to teaching finance at the University of St. Thomas - Opus College of Business and her role on the Center’s board. This event will have relatable experiences and open dialogue about business growth, family challenges and lessons to apply to your own family business. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ggcqmUzn.

It's a beautiful Monday to introduce another member! Robert Fransen launched Timberland Partners in 1992 with the acquisition of a 46-unit apartment community in Mounds View. The company has grown significantly, now owning and managing more than 20,000 apartments across 18 states. After successful careers outside the family business, Bob's son Matt Fransen joined the company in 2007 and is now the Chief Investment Officer and daughter Erin Fransen joined in 2013 and is the Chief Operating Officer. The Fransens have been active and engaged in the center for more than a decade now. Say hi to them at the April breakfast and learn a bit more about Timberland Partners and their family here: https://lnkd.in/gY3mBTsW

1,000! We’re excited to celebrate a milestone—1,000 members in our growing LinkedIn community! Many more have engaged with us along the way, and we’re grateful for each connection. This page is here for you—to meet and celebrate fellow members, stay informed about the great work happening in local family businesses, and connect with us about events that help strengthen our family business ecosystem. Thank you to everyone who participates and contributes to meaningful conversations. Together, we’re building a stronger network of family businesses across our region!

Thanks to Janel Dressen of Anthony Ostlund Louwagie Dressen & Boylan P.A. for once again leading such an important conversation in our center on family business ownership. Three years after she spoke on Rights and Responsibilities of Owners, our families wanted to hear from her again. Today, Janel presented Essential Agreements for Family Businesses, and it was another fantastic event. There's a lot that makes family business unique (and hard!), and of them, ownership doesn't get enough attention. It did today, and our family business community will be much stronger because of it. Thanks to all who attended, and thank you Janel for sharing your expertise again!

Happy (warm) Member Monday! Today we introduce you to the Powers Ventures family of businesses in Rochester. Founded in 1984 by Joe Powers with the establishment of the Canadian Honker Restaurant, the company expanded its portfolio to include Pinnacle Catering, the Rochester International Event Center, Mayowood Stone Barn, J. Powers at the Hilton, and The Hubbell House. In 2019, Joe's son, Nick Powers, assumed the role of President, while Joe transitioned to Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership shift within the family business. Under their guidance, Powers Ventures has maintained a strong commitment to community engagement, exemplified by initiatives like the Community Food Response program, which redistributes surplus food to those in need. The company's dedication to philanthropy is further demonstrated by donating 10% of net sales to local charities and nonprofits. Powers Ventures' growth and community involvement underscore the impact that family-run businesses can have on both local economies and social well-being. Read more about this great family!

We are one week away from our next Family Business Breakfast Series event! Join us on Thursday, Feb. 27, for the second part of our series on conflict. Essential Agreements for Family Businesses will be led by family business dispute lawyer Janel Dressen of Anthony Ostlund Louwagie Dressen & Boylan P.A. Janel led a prior event for us on Rights and Responsibilities of Owners, and many of our families asked for her to return. And she is! Attendees will learn what agreements are needed, what mistakes to avoid, and how to ensure your documents support long-term stability for your family and business. Member registration: https://lnkd.in/gmUnWXWH? Nonmember registration: https://lnkd.in/gw2dZkGS? See you next week!

Gamer Packaging, Inc. was established in 1987 by Ron Gamer, who envisioned fostering authentic relationships with packaging manufacturers to deliver tailored solutions for customers. After leading the company for 23 years, Ron's legacy continued through his son, Kenny Gamer, Chairman and Chief Strategic Officer, and daughter-in-law, Paula Gamer, the President and CEO. Under their leadership, the company has expanded its reach with numerous satellite offices across North America, maintaining a commitment to personalized service and strong supplier partnerships. In 2024, Paula was recognized as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® Heartland Award finalist, highlighting her dedication to upholding the company's core values. The third generation is represented by Joseph & Charles Gamer now in the business, continuing to drive the company's growth and commitment to customer success. Paula has spoken to our family and advisor audiences in the last couple years, and the family won the 2020 Minnesota Family Business Award. Read more about the Gamers!