Family-owned businesses are a major part of Washington's economy. In fact, recent data indicates that roughly one in three businesses in Washington is both small and family owned. A figure that runs closer to 50% in the Spokane area.

But what happens when the people you work with are also the people you grew up with? And when the decisions you make at work can affect not only the bottom line, but the future of your family?

Join us for a candid panel discussion featuring successful Spokane, family-business owners as they share the realities of building, growing and sustaining a business with family at the table.

We'll explore the advantages and challenges of choosing the family-business path, including:

• Does shared history create greater trust and commitment?

• How do family businesses approach decision-making differently?

• What happens when family relationships and business interests collide?

• Is it easier, or harder, to attract and retain talented employees?

• How do you separate family issues from business issues?

• What happens when it's time to pass the business to the next generation?

There are unique rewards and unique challenges to being in business with the people you love.

Hear firsthand what works, what doesn't, and what family-business owners wish they had known before they started.

Our expert panel features:

Kristin Goff - President of Wendle Ford & Nissan is continuing a family-business legacy that has been part of the Spokane community since 1943. The granddaughter of founder Chud Wendle Sr., Goff represents the third generation of her family to lead the business.

Under her leadership, Wendle has continued to evolve while maintaining the family values, customer relationships, and commitment to community that have defined the company for more than 80 years. What began as a single family-owned Ford dealership has grown into a respected automotive business serving customers throughout the Inland Northwest.

Beyond the dealership, Goff and the Wendle organization have built a strong connection to the Spokane community, supporting nearly 80 local programs and nonprofits over the years.

Goff brings a unique perspective to the conversation about family businesses, including the opportunities and challenges of balancing family, leadership, succession, and the demands of running a modern company. She has also shared her perspective on the economy, community issues, and individual innovation through her participation in a Washington Policy Center Young Professionals panel.

Laura Lawton is President and owner of Lawton Printing Services, a Spokane-based, fourth-generation family business that has been serving customers since 1940. Laura's connection to the company began in high school, working in its screen-printing department. After earning a degree in Graphic Communication with a focus on Printing Management from California Polytechnic State University, she returned to Spokane and continued building her career within the family business.

Over more than four decades, Laura has held positions ranging from customer service and scheduling to managing the company's Publications Division before becoming president in 2001 and owner in 2008. Under her leadership, Lawton Printing has continued to evolve, embracing new technologies while expanding its printing, marketing, and personalized digital solutions.

A recognized leader in the printing industry, Laura was inducted into the Printing Industry Hall of Fame and received the 2020 Michael H. Bruno Award. She brings a unique perspective on the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities that come with leading a family-owned business.

Join us for a fun and fascinating morning of insightful stories and lessons learned over decades of challenges and success.