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Category: Family Business

Building a Legacy of Leadership

Mike & Susan Sipple’s Story

Fifty years ago, Centennial was little more than a few desks in a downtown Cincinnati office. There were no computers, no faxes. Resumes arrived with a stamp and a prayer. What Centennial did have, though, was a young man with persistence, a young family with faith, and a vision for…

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What Makes a Family Business Executive Different

And Why It Matters for Succession Planning

If you’ve ever led a family business, you know the stakes feel different. The numbers matter, but so does the name on the door. Growth is important, but so is protecting the values generations have built. You’re facing a challenge most search firms don’t understand: Finding the right executive for…

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The Leadership Transition Advantage: Five Decades of Getting It Right

When leadership transitions go wrong, organizations suffer for years. Boards fracture. Teams lose direction. Growth stalls while competitors surge ahead. For fifty years, Centennial has helped leaders avoid that fate. What began as Jim and Mary Morris’ commitment to people-first leadership has evolved into a proven system for building enduring…

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Reflecting on Fifty Years

And Wishing a Fond Farewell to a Valued Friend

This has been an introspective week - heck, an introspective month - and I want to share a little of what’s been on my mind. Yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of Centennial. I can’t begin to express how proud I am of the teams who have shaped us across five…

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Succession Planning in Family Businesses

Build Your Legacy. Pass the Torch Without the Drama.

Succession Planning in Family Businesses Build Your Legacy. Pass the Torch Without the Drama. You’ve poured your heart, soul, and countless hours into building your family business. Through late nights, tough decisions, and big wins, you've created something that matters—something bigger than yourself. But now a critical question looms: Who…

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Succession Planning and the Fears that Come with It

The topic of succession planning may not be one you want to pull out of Pandora's box just yet. I understand. However, the fallout of not addressing this topic early enough can be quite devastating. Since we don't know what the next year - much less the next three years…

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Finding the Right Fit: Choosing a Successor for Your Family Business

Whether you are the owner of a family business or a key member of leadership, choosing your successor is one of the most important decisions you will ever make for the future of the business. The right person can help your business continue to thrive and grow, while the wrong…

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Should I Take Over My Family’s Business?

8 factors to consider before saying "yes" to being successor

If your family runs a business that you’ve been actively involved in, you may find yourself being considered for the top leadership role as the current leader moves closer to retirement.  As this possibility draws closer, you are undoubtedly asking yourself several questions. “Am I the best person to take…

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Hiring a Non-Family Executive into a Family Business

Written by Centennial's Executive Vice President, Becky Scheeler. Your family business is growing and with that growth comes the need to hire someone to fill a key leadership role.  Up to this point, family members have filled the senior leadership roles.  However, no one in the family is qualified or…

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