Family Business Unlocked: Securing Your Legacy & Shaping the Future
Presented By: Clearstead / Wipfli LLP
The future of your family business isn’t just about today’s success—it’s about making strategic choices that protect your legacy for generations to come. Should you sell to a strategic buyer or private equity, create a family office, or pass the torch to the next generation? Join us as we explore the opportunities, challenges, and questions you’ll need to ask as you evaluate the best path forward.
Moderator:
Managing Director, Enterprise Business Development
Clearstead
Mario joined Clearstead in 2024 as Managing Director, Enterprise Business Development. In this role, he is a member of the firm’s Sales and Marketing team and develops opportunities and supports the firm’s organic growth. He brings over 20 years of experience in business development and sales in Financial Services.
Prior to joining Clearstead, Mario was a Sales Executive of Life Insurance for Oswald Companies and held various other sales positions throughout his career. He earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Juniata College and holds the Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation.
Partner
Wipfli, LLP
Ben Smith provides advisory services to middle-market, closely held clients in a variety of sectors including, manufacturing and distribution, construction, high-technology, and healthcare. He specializes in financial and tax due diligence, quality of earnings studies, working capital analysis, stress-testing of financial projections, and financial reporting and analysis.
Panelists:
Founder, VP of Growth & Development
Sgt. Clean Car Wash
Brian is the Founder and Director of Growth & Development at Sgt. Clean Car Wash. Founded in 2013, Sgt Clean Car Wash is an express exterior chain, currently with 16 locations throughout Northeast Ohio. Sgt Clean is a five-time Inc 5,000 winner, four-time Weatherhead 100, three-time Vet100 winner, two-time Smart Culture Award recipient and Smart50 Award Recipient. Brian spent eight years in the United States Marine Corps and graduated from Kent State University with an undergraduate degree in Business Management.
CEO
Mans Lumber and Home
Doug Mans is a fourth-generation owner of Mans Lumber and Home. Founded in 1900, Mans provides the builders and homeowners of metro-Detroit with all their building and home improvement needs. Since 2019, Mans has acquired five businesses in order to expand their capabilities and better serve their growing customer base in the construction and building industry.