Webinars

Navigating Leadership in a Family Business

Stepping into greater responsibility within a family business comes with unique opportunities—and its own set of challenges. From managing generational expectations to balancing innovation with tradition, the path to leadership isn’t always straightforward.

In this one hour webinar featuring seasoned industry vendors and retailers who have successfully navigated leadership transitions within their own family businesses. They’ll share real-world lessons, practical strategies, and personal insights to help you lead with confidence while honoring your company’s legacy.

What You’ll Learn:

• Identify common challenges and opportunities when taking on leadership roles in a family business
  
• Build credibility and earn respect among both family and non-family employees
• Balance tradition with innovation to drive long-term business growth
  
• Foster stronger communication across generations to reduce conflict and strengthen collaboration
  
• Prepare for leadership transitions that ensure continuity and sustainability
  

This session is designed for current and future leaders in family-owned retail operations who want to make thoughtful, lasting contributions to their business—without losing sight of what makes it special.

Our Panel:

Joe Bright, Owner, Dunk & Bright Furniture

Joe Bright is the owner of Dunk & Bright Furniture, a fourth-generation family business with two design-oriented stores in upstate New York. He joined the company in 2017 as vice president, bringing experience from Danaher Corp. in Los Angeles, where he held leadership roles in marketing, business development, and finance.

Rob Sligh, Sr. Consultant, The Family Business Consulting Group

Rob Sligh is a senior consultant with The Family Business Consulting Group, where he helps enterprising families with succession planning, board development, and strategic family meetings. Before consulting, Rob led his fourth-generation company, Sligh Furniture and Clocks, as Chairman and CEO after beginning his career in brand management at SC Johnson. He has served on more than 20 family business and nonprofit boards, often as Chair, and brings deep experience in governance, leadership transitions, and mentoring NextGen leaders.

Jared Simon, Owner, Simon Furniture 

Jared Simon is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Simon’s Furniture, a fifth-generation owner of the family business established in 1911 in Franklin, MA. Jared grew up in the family business and attended High Point University; today he plays a key role in driving sales and marketing efforts as the Vice President of Marketing & Sales. Jared also serves as Treasurer on the Home Furnishings Association (HFA) Board of Directors, contributing his leadership and financial expertise to support furniture retailers.

Sydney Harris, Executive Director of Organizational Development, Furnitureland South

Sydney Harris is the Executive Director of Organizational Development at Furnitureland South, where she drives initiatives that foster leadership, growth, and innovation. Since joining in 2018, she has advanced from Sales and Design Consultant to Director, earning recognition as HFA’s 2021 Emerging Star. Sydney has championed women’s leadership initiatives, spearheaded training programs, and contributed to transformative organizational strategies. Passionate about family business dynamics, she is dedicated to cultivating future leaders in the home furnishings industry.