About Us
"The best leaders bring out the best in others."
Our purpose and singular focus: helping family-owned businesses achieve more than they ever thought possible.
The Core of Who We Are

Experienced across many industries, businesses, and roles, from public to private and family owned

Uncommonly equipped to bridge strategy and execution

Trained at top notch companies, and sharpened in smaller, nimbler situations

Relentless learners fueled by burning curiosity and the lifelong pursuit of learning and growth

Transparent operators who deliver on our promises

Motivated by helping family-owned businesses thrive
YEARS
helping family-owned businesses thrive
YEARS
helping family-owned businesses thrive
YEARS
helping family-owned businesses thrive
Leadership
145 years of combined experience building & growing family businesses
“JDR is by far the best I have ever worked with in my 30+ year career to help an organization navigate through and develop a strategic plan. Their approach is not to build a strategic plan and dust it off once per year but to engrain it into your operating rhythm.”
Bob Lazzerini
CFO, Wahl Clipper Corp.
Companies We’ve Served
Keynotes & Events

UPCOMING PANEL
March 12, 2025
Strategic Planning for the Family-Owned Enterprise
The Presidents Forum
Strategy and execution are important, but too often the importance of people and culture are undervalued when planning strategy and executing plans. In this session, Jude will share how you and your team can stay ahead of the curve with a proven strategic planning framework he has helped many family-owned enterprises deploy to fuel improved results.

PAST PANEL
November 13, 2024
The Dynamics of Running a Modern Family-Owned Business
ACG Chicago Fall Manufacturing Symposium
Current and former leaders of family-owned businesses speak to the challenges facing such companies today. Learn about strategic growth initiatives and how to think about long-term success and leadership in a family business.

PAST PANEL
October 3, 2024
Team Trust Starts With You
Next Generation Retreat
As a Next Generation family business leader, you face a unique challenge. Positioned at the crossroads of your family’s legacy and your own future, you’ve been tasked with writing a sequel to your family’s business success story.
The theme for this year’s Next Gen Retreat is “Using Your Voice.” Next generation family business leaders will walk away will valuable insight into using their skills, talents, and passions in shaping the future of their family business.
Interested in a workshop presentation, keynote speaker, or panel moderator for your next event?
The Bridge to Growth
How Servant Leaders Achieve Better Results and Why It Matters Now
Jude Rake shares the nine proven principles that servant leaders use to successfully build teams that are fully engaged and committed to achieving their company’s goals.
The Bridge to Growth details how to use these principles to elevate workforce engagement, collaboration, innovation, and accountability to build a bridge from strategy to exceptional execution and results.
“One of the best books I’ve read on leadership. If you want to raise your game by bringing out the best in others, do yourself a favor and read this book.”
Marshall Goldsmith
New York Times Best-selling author of 35 books
Send Us a Message
Keep in Touch
What comes next?
Now that you know a little bit about us, we’d love to get to know YOU!
Just schedule some time to tell us about yourselves and decide if our flexible framework is right for you.
- Learn how we can help
- Ask all of your questions
- Decide if we’re a good fit