Speakers and Sessions

After a 30-year career in information systems as a program developer, systems engineer, product manager and business analyst for a Fortune 500 insurance company and Vice-President of Performance Measurement Systems for a healthcare information corporation, Steve turned his expertise towards the exploration of psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science to gain a deeper understanding of cognitive illusions: biases, heuristics (mental shortcuts), and other distortions and irrational impulses that guide how we think, feel, decide, and solve problems. He soon discovered that this data has valuable applications in the domains of leadership, relationships, culture, communication, productivity, and creativity.

Keynote Opening Session

Disruptions, Deceptions and Decisions

In this thought-provoking opening session, Steve uses magical illusions to demonstrate how the mental distortions that make magic tricks look real also affect how we think and make decisions in our work as professionals. He provides tactics for recognizing and overcoming their effects so we can perform at our decision-making best, especially during times of disruption.

Amy Wirtz, JD has practiced law for twenty-seven years, with the last ten years practicing collaborative law. She is a trained mediator and skilled facilitator in conflict resolution, communication, and listening skills. In her work as a Senior Family Enterprise Advisor and Consultant Amy utilizes her training to help families identify their unique interests, goals, and plans for transfers of values, wealth, ownership, and leadership of family and business systems.

Amy serves on multiple family business advisory boards and frequently teaches and speaks at business forums, including YPO, YPO Family Office, Private Company Governance Conference, and The Exit Planning Institute.

Transitioning Your Business and Harvesting the Most Value for your Future

In this session, Amy will guide us through the complexities of preparing a business for transition. Explore ways to maximize the value of your hard work and leadership. Whether you're planning to sell, pass on, or restructure your business, this session offers a comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons to ensure the best possible outcomes for your future and the legacy of your business.

Building Respect Between Generations

The generational dynamics in family-owned business can present unique challenges and opportunities. This session delves into the complexities of family ownership group expansion and its impact on business evolution and growth. Amy will help us discover practical insights and best practices for fostering respect, collaboration, and sustainable success across generations within your family business.

Landon Boone has an MA from the University of Texas at San Antonio and more than a decade’s worth of experience in the field of architecture. He’s held senior leadership positions with Ron Blank & Associates since 2003 developing programs for RBA's building product manufacturer clients.

Ron Blank & Associates (RBA)

RBA bridges the gap between design professionals and building product manufacturers through AIA/HSW, ADA and sustainable continuing education courses, USGBC/GBCI continuing education and exam preparation for LEED AP's, direct product representation through architectural specification education and web-based product rep/installer training services.

How to Present an AIA CE Lunch & Learn

Being properly informed and prepared is paramount when setting up and delivering AIA continuing education courses to design professionals. This session will walk you through the steps necessary to be successful in presenting a continuing education course to establish yourself as a subject matter expert for your products and industry.

Certified Turnaround Professional, board member for three privately held companies, published author and guest lecturer of turnaround strategies for small and midmarket businesses, Chuck is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute and Trustee to the US Bankruptcy Court.

Dealing with the New Economy

Does your business continue to struggle with the impact of the changing economy? If so, you're not alone. Stop the vicious cycle. Don’t wait to be controlled by the outside world. In this session we will discuss what's next and put strategies in place to protect your business. Now is the time to look at every function in your organization to assess its overall value for your customers and your bottom line. Right size the Company. Praying for the "old days" is not a strategy.

Michael is currently the Vice President of Research and Development at Foster Specialty Floors. He has worked in the family business for almost 50 years, serving as President for 34 years. In the past, he served as the President of the Wood and Synthetic Flooring Institute for three consecutive terms, and currently serves the MFMA on the Sport Floor Contractors' Advisory Council, the Technical Committee, and the Board of Directors. Michael graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Communications with minors in History and English.

Michigan Tech Study Update – Catastrophic Moisture

In this session held during lunch, Michael and Randy will take us through an overview of the completed study conducted by the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science at Michigan Technical University. The report evaluates the importance of catastrophic water events on floor fastener holding capacity and flooring to subfloor contact.

Randy is the current Technical Advisor at Infinity Floors. He began in the hardwood flooring industry at AGA Incorporated in 1979, which is now Connor Sports Flooring where he served as Technical Manager. Randy has represented his associated manufacturing mill for nearly 35 years as a member of the MFMA Technical Committee. He also served as the initial task group chairman on the ASTM committee formed to establish the F2772 Standard Specification for Indoor Sports Floors.

Michigan Tech Study Update – Catastrophic Moisture

In this session held during lunch, Michael and Randy will take us through an overview of the completed study conducted by the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science at Michigan Technical University. The report evaluates the importance of catastrophic water events on floor fastener holding capacity and flooring to subfloor contact.