What the Center Offers: The Center's principal, Dr. Ralph Daniel, advises and assists closely-held business owners with conflict resolution, succession and strategic planning, board development and management restructuring. Dr. Daniel is a business psychologist and family business governance expert. More about Dr. Daniel

Geographic Range: Dr. Daniel is readily available to advise closely-held enterprises in the western U.S., particularly California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and Oregon. Much--if not all--the advising and consultation occurs at your business location and/or nearby meeting space. Click for California and western US map.

Additionally, the Center has a conference facility located in Santa Barbara, California and is easily accessible by car from southern and central California (directions). Direct non-stop flights are available between Santa Barbara and San Jose, San Francisco, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver and Salt Lake City, as well as Los Angeles.

How to Get Help for Your Enterprise: The first step is to contact Dr. Ralph Daniel by phone or e-mail for a brief, no-fee introductory call. Click here to learn more about the follow up steps.

Help for active business owners: The consulting and advising process typically consists of three phases beginning with an evaluation of your business. Typically this entails a set of interviews, a review of key documents, and a tour of the business (if feasible). The second phase consists of a feedback session, during which Dr. Daniel presents his findings and makes his recommendations. The final phase entails the strategic phase, during which the business owners, Dr. Daniel--as well as other key advisors--implement the elements of the strategic plan.

Resolution for estates in conflict: Dr. Daniel provides expert assistance to family members who are facing difficult and challenging conflicts regarding the disposition of an estate. Mediation for this type of family conflict is more likely to be successful if litigation has not yet begun. Dr. Daniel actively collaborates with the existing legal and financial advisors selected by the family members. Click for more info on mediation services

When to seek help: As soon as possible. Succession planning is best started at least 10 years before anticipating the final succession event. In actuality, succession---when managed best---is a process rather than a discrete event.

Who can get family business advising help: Any family business owner can ask for help. Although full cooperation and participation is ideal, it is possible to conduct the advising process "working around" a non-cooperating family member.