The Galliard Family Business Advisor Institute is proud to offer its flagship training program, the FBAC, to provide consultants, advisors, professional service providers and community advocates an opportunity to learn what makes a family business tick! We will 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.
If you sometimes struggle to get your foot in the door with family-owned and closely held businesses…
- If you agree that the lack of succession planning is a serious issue for small businesses…
- If you want to find ways to expand your business, crack open this serious conversation and provide a greater array of services…
Consider joining us at an FBAC Training near you! Details on the Training Calendar.
About the FBAC
- Understand the techniques to build trust with their client companies.
- Experience an increased understanding of the impact of family dynamics and family systems on organizational change.
- Report a variety of tactics to improve communication between family members/owners/leaders and professional advisors.
- Understand key methods to develop and maintain momentum in organizational change and transition.
- Understand the various roles that the advisors play and when they could be employed.
- Confidently employ a number of tools to enhance family decision-making.
- Understand the role of conflict in the business dynamic and ways to minimize its negative impact.
- Employ a coach approach to begin the succession and transition discussion.
- Learn how to identify areas where outside, professional expertise is needed (e.g. Estate Planning).
- Develop an action plan with clients to gain commitment and momentum for change.
- Understand and commit to the use of the materials and tools in the spirit of true partnership with Galliard.

A sample of testimonials from previous trainings:
“Anytime I go to a training / seminar / event, my goal is to take 1-3 things away that I can immediately start to use and incorporate in my life. This gave me far more both professionally and personally. Thank you!”
~ Annette Brenner, Rochester, NY 2016
“I found this conference uniquely helpful to my practice development. I highly recommend it to those with a passion to help family-owned enterprises.”
~ Douglas D. Box, Minneapolis 2016
“This workshop gave me great insight into family business issues with strategies and tactics to address them. I expected a fairly rigorous agenda and wasn’t disappointed.”
~ Marla J Kapperud, Minneapolis 2016
“Deep psychological constructs; new filters for difficult conversations. Lisë is a master consultant!
~ Linda Drake, Minneapolis 2016
“The workshop was great. Full of useful information that can be applied to real life situations.
~ Charaee Tropp, Minneapolis 2016
“Not only does the program equip attendees with tools to better guide family businesses through difficult decisions and transitions, it also provides the chance to build relationships with other advisors who have many different skill sets but are all passionate about assisting family businesses.”
~ Brian Smit, Sioux Falls 2016
“For anyone who wishes to work with family businesses, this should be required training.”
~ Shyla Putrevu, Sioux Falls 2016
“Anyone who is serious about working with family businesses and other professional in a team approach should attend this program.”
~ Mark Burson, Houston 2016
“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
“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
“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
“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
Cost of the training with certification is $1,695 ($1525.50 for members), which includes the two days of training, workshop materials, workbook plus a continental breakfast and lunch both days. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation, hotel, and other meal expenses.
Cost of the training without certification is $1,395 ($1255.50 for members). Not everyone wants to be certified in our program – they just want to gain some new skills. You are welcome to pursue certification at a later time.