The Galliard Family Business Advisor Institute is an educational membership organization of advisors and business leaders working to support the success of family-owned and closely-held businesses, raise the standards of family business advising, and provide continuity in service across our network.
Our mission: To build economically strong communities by focusing on the foundation of those communities – the small family-owned and closely-held business.
We are a collaborative network of committed and passionate individuals who share a mission-driven purpose to make a difference in the lives of millions of small businesses. We do this by providing information, training and resources to all of the professionals who come in contact with these businesses – to ensure access to coordinated, cost-effectives services provided at the time that the business requires.
What’s in a name?
Galliard /ˈɡalyərd/ – noun, historical
A lively dance in triple time for two people, including complicated turns and steps.
The Galliard Way is a method of working with clients in a manner that is respectful, encouraging, and professional, that was developed by our founder, Lisë Stewart. With the focus squarely on the best interests of the business, we recognize the importance of making the experience positive and hopeful.
Programs
- Family Business Advisor Core (FBAC) Training – Our Family Business Advisor Core Training is designed to help professional advisors explore the unique features of the family business and learn how, in our various roles, we can assist the family to become more engaged and equipped to build value, meet the challenges of both business and family and create a sustainable business for the future.
- Galliard FBA Certification – Many of our advisors seek the additional challenge and distinguished status of becoming certified in the Galliard methodology. Certification requires completion of the Family Business Advisor Core (FBAC) Training, successful completion of the online knowledge assessment, the design and completion of a project with a family-owned business, and the submission of a written case study.
- Ongoing Training and Resource Development – Our commitment to learning and sharing information means that we are continuing to develop new programs that fit our mission. Regular webinars, discussion groups and advisor coaching.
- Online Knowledge Sharing and Community Building
- Member Directory – Visit the Member Directory to see a list of our members, certified advisors and trained advisors, both nationally and internationally.
- Resource Library – Check out the Resource Library for articles, videos and tips from leading family business experts. A full suite of programs, materials and tools are available to members. A selection of materials is available to visitors.
- Galliard Regional Events and the National Gathering – We believe our combined impact leaves the world in a better place and that is worth celebrating! We convene in regional gatherings across the United States throughout the year, and every once in a while we have the opportunity to get together for the Galliard National Gathering. Our last National Gathering was in October 2015, in Nashville, Tennessee.
History
In 2012, after many years of working with family businesses, both individually and collectively, Lisë Stewart and Vicki Jodsaas, business partners and close friends, were lamenting the lack of practical, useable tools and advice for professional advisors who want to work more closely and effectively with small family owned and closely held businesses. In searching the web, and attending workshops and holding meetings with various advisors across the country, they learned that advisors were hungry for a sense of connection, access to resources and access to information that was easily accessible and useable for the clients that they serve.
Thus, in 2013, Vicki and Lisë, together with their colleague, Vicki Prock, began building the Galliard Family Business Advisor Institute—an organization devoted to providing advisors access to information and tools to build their practices and provide high value services to their clients. This was done in a way that continued to maintain Galliard’s core philosophy about transition with dignity. The Institute was formally launched in early 2014 and we have continued to grow—adding new members, new materials and new ways of connecting and spreading the word about the importance of small businesses to our world’s economy.
Please join us and continue to help us to build strong local communities by focusing on the foundation of our communities – the small family-owned and closely-held business.
Praise for Galliard’s Core Training
The knowledge I gained was extremely valuable. It was worth the time and effort. – Dan Marshall, Houston 2016
Anyone who is serious about working with family businesses and other professional in a team approach should attend this program. – Marc Burson, Houston 2016
The FBA Core training is a great first step in understanding the dynamics of consulting to family businesses. It covers topics that are often not talked about within family businesses or the skills are misapplied. Galliard FBA Core training brings an awareness of underlying issues consultants will face. – Tim Schaefer, Cleveland 2015
The Galliard approach to consulting with small firms, especially family-run businesses, goes beyond the superficial analysis of most approaches to achieve a deep understanding of the business and its ownership. I highly recommend their training. – Stacey Jarrett Wagner, Cleveland 2015
This is the first training I’ve taken that focuses on the psychology and personal dynamics, versus the business analytics aspect. I found the material extremely beneficial. – Harriet Parker, Chicago 2015
Family Business Core Training provides several techniques for building trust with your client, in what can be a very sensitive situation. I know they will be helpful in coaching clients facing the transition of their business. – Sybil Ege, Chicago 2015
I learned several excellent tools for consulting and building trust with clients! – Lisa Kenney, Chicago 2015
The Galliard Family Business Core Training offered much insight on how to approach the many family and closely held businesses that will be transitioning in the next few years. The Galliard national network is a key component to providing the services these companies need. – Dan Kippley, Chicago 2015
The materials presented and knowledge gained will definitely enhance my abilities to more effectively interact with my clients. – Reza Maleki, Fargo 2015
I enjoyed going through the Harris Family case study as a team. I felt it really helped put the lessons of the session into practice. – Scott Doxey, Atlanta 2015
This is definitely one of those stand out programs where the training and materials are wonderfully crafted. The most impactful learning provided during this program is the emphasis on soft skills that are critical to building trust with the client. Outstanding training for any staff person who sells, consults and interacts with a client. – Daniel Curtis, Little Rock 2015
What I liked most about the Family Business Advisor Core Training Program was how the focus remained solidly on the client. By focusing the training on what the client needs to learn so they can grow their business and have increased success when passing it on to future generations, the Galliard Family Business Advisor Institute has created a win win for both the client and the advisor. -Gary Kieper, Little Rock 2015
I wish I had known about this group years ago. Much of what I learned in training affirmed that my training in social sciences has tremendous value when working with family business advising. FBA is a wonderful link between business and social sciences that more universities should make their students aware of to enhance student’s job prospects after graduation. – Marta Collier, Little Rock 2015
Great to see other MEPs as part of the group. Also really liked the real world examples and case study exercises. – Joe Toraggo, Chicago 2015
Praise for Lisë Stewart and the FBAC
It is not a mystery why Lisë has built a successful business. Her emphasis on positivity and meeting the client where they are at, instead of forcing a fixed agenda, are key elements in a successful business advising relationship. I took away a many great tips that I can apply across the board, not just in a family business advisor area. – Alan Campbell, Houston 2016
Lisë is a master at keeping momentum in family business relationships. Her experience comes through in the materials and the presentation. You will be a better advisor after attending the training – Carrie LoBasso, Houston 2016
The FBAC Training really focuses on the core competencies for working with family businesses. The content is very valuable and the class interaction truly enriched the entire process. Lisë’s facilitation was outstanding and made for a very inspiring experience. I highly recommend this training. – Diane McNally, Ph.D., Cleveland 2015
A well balanced course that appeals to all learning styles! I particularly liked the amount of encouraged class participation, case work, idea sharing and in particular Lisë’s ability to add some customization to the areas that were of particular interest to our group. An amazing time. I can’t stop raving about it to members of my firm! – Katie Cheesmond, Atlanta 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I walked away with much enthusiasm and I am excited about the possible opportunities with this certification. Lisë Stewart from Galliard is an amazing speaker. She is energetic, and so extremely knowledgeable on the subject. We thoroughly enjoyed her presentation and interaction with all the participants. – Donna Zincone, Atlanta 2015
This training is a must for anyone working with family businesses. Very eye opening and lots of useful tools and takeaways. Lisë is an extraordinary facilitator and has a great depth of knowledge in this area. Thoroughly enjoyed our 2 days together! – Lisa Te Slaa, Chicago 2015
Lisë did a masterful job of covering a significant amount of material in a relatively short time. And she did so with grace and humor, and in a way that fully engaged the entire group. – Thomasina Williams, Fargo 2015
Lisë delivers a hands-on program that allows the participant to understand and participate regardless of the experience level. Her passion and dedication to small family business in incredible and infectious. Truly a professional and dynamic program. – Tony Richards, Fargo 2015
Lisë delivers a very professional and real life training for advisors working with family business clients. She does an excellent job making participants feel comfortable with the process and relating to individuals at their level of development. – Beth Adamson, Fargo 2015
Lisë is an excellent presenter. She keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting more and more information. – Mickey Yeager, Little Rock 2015
Lisë is a gifted and inspiring facilitator. She brings excellence to any subject she speaks on. Her passion for helping family businesses is clearly evident and contagious. – Keith Gammill, Little Rock 2015
