Getting started
Navigating the waters of second stage is challenging enough for entrepreneurs, but if you’re running a business with parents, spouses, siblings or other family members, the complexity only increases. Join us on March 13 and 14 at Big Rock Valley for the “Theory of Relative-ity: A Primer to Growing Your Family Business.” This highly interactive program delves into a wide range of issues, from conflict management to succession planning, and enables participants to gain insights from other family-business leaders.
Co-facilitating the program will be Erick Stewart, CEO of Stewart Industries in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Dino Signore, the foundation’s manager of entrepreneurial education. Cost is $400 per participant, which includes facilitation, food and overnight lodgings. To register or get more info, contact Rita Phillips.

Refund policy
The deposit will be refunded to the group leader at the conclusion of your retreat. (Cancellations will result in loss of deposit.)
Refunds for individuals registering with a peer group will be considered on a case-by-case basis if you notify us at least 60 days prior to the retreat date. Otherwise, you will be given a credit toward a future session.
The Nature of Big Rock Valley
Arriving at Big Rock Valley — Participants can check in between 3 and 5 p.m. Eastern time on arrival day. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m., and the program will begin at 6 p.m. Departure is at noon on the final day of the retreat.
Travel — The foundation does not coordinate travel for guests. Retreat participants are responsible for getting to and from the local airports on their own. Please note: Although Chicago has the closest major airports to the foundation; Chicago is on Central time, whereas the foundation is on Eastern time. When making travel arrangements, please be mindful of our arrival window and any time zones that you may pass through.
Lodging and meals — Guests will be given their housing assignments on arrival. During the registration process we ask all participants to disclose dietary restrictions and/or food allergies so we can accommodate any special needs. Retreat meals are provided by our guest services department and are scheduled on your agenda. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided throughout the session.
Retreat curriculum
Leader Retreats at BRV are designed specifically for leaders of second-stage companies — entrepreneurs who have moved beyond the startup phase and have the intent and capacity for continued growth.
FAQs for retreat guests
Learn more about how to get here, what you’ll be doing and how to make the most of your retreat experience.
Curriculum overview
Document | Download | View |
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Leader Retreats Overview | Web |
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Leadership of Me | Web |
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Leadership of My Organization |
Web |
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Leadership of My People | Web |
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Power and Influence | Web |
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The Drop-Dead Honest Organization |
Web |
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The Advanced Facilitator | Web |
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Performance Accelerator | Web |
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The Resilient Organization | Web |
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Single Company Retreats | Web |
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The Strategic Leader | Web |
What people are saying ...
“The retreats have given me new ideas, challenged the way I think and manage my company. Even if we’re having a very difficult period due to the economy or changes in the digital world, I come back energized and ready to roll up my sleeves. I have a better mindset on how to attack problems. I’m also equipped with the right tools and information.”
— Joan Auritt, founder of Auritt Communications Group in New York, New York