Grossman School of Business

SG-FECC Archives

More Information about SG-FECC

Past Competition Winners

Body

2025

Undergraduate League 

1st: University of Alabama, Culverhouse College of Business, USA
2nd: University of Prince Edward Island, CANADA
3rd: Ohio University College of Business, USA 

Graduate League 

1st: Babes-Bolyai University, ROMANIA
2nd: York University, Schulich School of Business, CANADA 
3rd: University of Adelaide, Adelaide Business School, AUSTRALIA

2024 

Undergraduate League

1st: Grand Valley State University, Seidman College of Business, USA
2nd: Universidad Panamericana, Guadalajara Campus, MEXICO
3rd: Toronto Metropolitan University, Ted Rogers School of Business, CANADA

Graduate League

 1st: Sasin School of Management, THAILAND
 2nd: Universidad Francisco Marroquin, GUATEMALA
 3rd: Indian School of Business, INDIA

2023 

Undergraduate League

1st: Wilfrid Laurier University, CANADA
2nd: Toronto Metropolitan University, CANADA
3rd: Rotterdam University, NETHERLANDS

Graduate League

1st: University of Manitoba, CANADA
2nd: Jönköping University, SWEDEN
3rd: Indian School of Business, INDIA

2021

Undergraduate League

1st: Wilfrid Laurier University, Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, CANADA
2nd: Rotman Commerce University of Toronto, CANADA
3rd: Bishop's University, CANADA 

Graduate League

1st: ESADE Business School, SPAIN
2nd: Telfer School of Management University of Ottawa, CANADA
3rd: Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, CANADA

2020

Undergraduate League

1st: Wilfrid Laurier University, Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, CANADA 
2nd:  Rotman Commerce University of Toronto, CANADA
3rd: University of Vermont, Grossman School of Business, USA 

Graduate League

1st: Universidad Francisco Marroquin, GUATEMALA
2nd: University of Vermont, Grossman School of Business, USA 
3rd: University of Adelaide, AUSTRALIA 

2019

Undergraduate League

1st: Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, Ottawa, CANADA
2nd: Universidad Pan Americana, Guadalajara, MEXICO
3rd: Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam, NETHERLANDS 

Graduate League

1st: The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, AUSTRALIA 
2nd: Universidad Francisco Marroquin (UFM), Esquela de Negocios, GUATEMALA 
3rd: Asian Institute of Management, PHILIPPINES 

2017

Undergraduate League

1st: Wilfrid Laurier University, Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, CANADA 
2nd: Universidad de los Andes, COLOMBIA 
3rd: Dalhousie University, Rowe School of Business, CANADA 

1st:  ESADE School of Business, SPAIN
2nd: Concordia University, John Molson School of Business,  CANADA 
 

2016

Undergraduate League

1st: Universidad Panamericana, Guadalajara Campus, MEXICO
2nd: Grand Valley State University, USA 
3rd: Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, Ottawa, CANADA

Graduate League

1st: Jönköping University, SWEDEN
2nd: John Molson School of Business, Concordia University, CANADA 

2015

Undergraduate League

1st: Carleton University, Sprott School of Business, CANADA
2nd:Dalhousie University, Rowe School of Business, CANADA 
3rd: Universidad del Desarrollo, CHILE 

Graduate League

1st: Jönköping University, SWEDEN
2nd: Indian School of Business, INDIA
 

2014

Undergraduate League

1st: John Molson School of Business, Concordia University, CANADA 
2nd: University of Vermont, Grossman School of Business 
3rd: Dalhousie University, Rowe School of Business, CANADA 

Graduate League

1st: Jönköping University, SWEDEN
2nd: Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, USA
 

2013

Overall: ESADE Business School, SPAIN

 

 

Testimonials Through the Years
Body

Of all the case competitions I have attended, FECC is easily the most seamless and well-orchestrated event.

Cassie Lee,
Sprott School of Business,
Carleton University, Canada

 

FECC was the highlight of my undergraduate career, allowing me the opportunity to learn more than I did in any other class or event!

Andrew Alber,
Seidman College of Business,
Grand Valley State University, USA

 

My first experience at FECC gave me valuable skills that I will use going forward in school and connected me to driven, friendly people that I will always have fond memories of.

Taylor Smith,
Oregon State University, USA

 

You feel like you´re in a different world of its own. Awesome staff & competitors, would never pass on the chance of living this incredible experience.

Undergraduate Student Competitor

 

FECC was the best school-related experience I have ever had and an amazing learning opportunity.

Undergraduate Student Competitor

 

FECC was an amazing experience. The cases were great, the food was amazing, and the people were even better. There is nothing more invigorating than getting together with a group of like-minded individuals to compete.

Ben Manzer,
Rowe School of Business,
Dalhousie University, Canada

 

The best case competition in my undergrad yet!

Taryn Faliszewski,
Rowe School of Business,
Dalhousie University, Canada

 

This competition is intense, exhausting, consumes a lot of time, but still one of the best decisions I have made.

Arturo Gonzalez Robles,
Universidad Panamericana Guadalajara, Mexico

 

FECC was a great opportunity for personal growth. Although I personally do not really have a background in family business, I learnt so much about the dynamics and characteristics that influence family firms. The learning experience was not only limited to the theoretical knowledgebut we also developed a number of soft skills. Thanks to FECC I became a better team member, improved my public speaking skills and also learnt the importance that empathy can have when dealing with family members.

Rita Stefanuto,
Jönköping International Business School,
Jönköping University, Sweden

 

FECC is more than team competition... it is a personal competition of improvement.

Luis Jose Aragon Yanes,
Universidad Francisco Marroquin, Guatemala

 

FECC is awesome! You really feel part of a global event and the experience really nurtures growth in everyone who takes part in it.

Mario Zuñiga,
Universidad Francisco Marroquin, Guatemala

 

An amazing experience that really challenges you in every way. Regardless the results, by the end of the competition you will definitely realize how much you have improve in just 4 days!! An opportunity to learn, grow, take risks, challenge yourself, work as a team, make friends, make contacts, have fun and have the experience of your life!!!

Brenda Alonzo,
Universidad Francisco Marroquin, Guatemala

 

The FECC was a transformative learning experience and a major highlight of my postgraduate studies. It was an absolute honour to compete and learn from so many amazing individuals, hailing from some of the best business schools across the globe. I couldn't recommend it enough!

Brent Alexander,
University of Adelaide, Australia

 

A lifetime opportunity to challenge and develop oneself while being accompanied by fantastic people from around the world on the journey.

Jack Lee,
University of Adelaide, Australia

 

This event delivered an exceptional learning experience to the students in my team. The high level of the competition really challenged them to exceed expectations. In addition they made a lot of fun and made new friends. Hope to see you again next year!

Simon Cornet,
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands

 

FECC was an amazingly well run competition and we had such a great experience that before we knew it we were packing to head home.  The people that attend this conference make every moment truly memorable and fun.

Glenn Skrubbeltrang,
Goodman School of Business,
Brock University, Canada

 

FECC has been one of the best experiences in my academic career so far. For me, the best CaseCompetition I have attended, full of lessons and an incredible source of learning, not only for my students but also for myself. It was such a well-organized event where you can see future business professionals at their full potential, and I am talking not only about the contestants, but also the student organizing committee.

Maria Begoña Cota Mendia,
Universidad Panamericana Guadalajara, Mexico

 

FECC is the gold standard event for family enterprise competitions and sets the bar very high in all regards from the selective group of international competitors to the well-organized program overseen by UVMs student team and academic overseers.

Davis Farmer,
The Ulysses Advisory Group, USA

 

In my experience this is the most engaging and educational event for students of family business in the world.

Richard Owens,
Shoeys Pty LTD
Australia

 

I am delighted and honored to serve as a judge at UVM's FECC. I am grateful to have the opportunity to share my experience with so many committed, enthusiastic students from around the world, and I'm sure that every year, I learn at least as much about family business as they do.

Bram Kleppner,
Danforth Pewter, USA

 

FECC 2019 offered the opportunity to witness first hand some of the brightest students applying their education and life experiences to their work. Left with the belief that if  just some of the students are tomorrows leaders of their nations we certainly have a bright future.

Thomas Waring, Jr.,
GCW Capital Group, LLC, USA

 

FECC combines intellectual competition, at a international level, with the fun and companionship of a diverse group of students, judges, and coaches should attend FECC.  There is no other event that combines this learning experience the fun and pleasure of meeting talented students interested in family enterprise advising.

Randy Waesche,
Resource Management, LLC., USA

 

One of the most interesting, exciting, supportive and welcoming events I have ever attended.  All participants at every level were extremely friendly, supportive and performed their responsibilities above and beyond expectation.  The planning and execution of this event was truly amazing!

FECC 2019 Judge

 

As a junior in the Grossman School of Business, FECC was by far one of the best experiences I have had at UVM.  I loved being able to interact with all the teams, coaches, judges, and faculty that helped make FECC such a good experience.  I can't wait for next year!

Ryan Waystack, Facilitator

 

Not only was FECC enjoyable from the perspective of the competitors, coaches, and judges, but the organization of the event was so well done where it created a positive atmosphere for the Grossman students to be able to represent themselves and the University in a stress freeenvironment.

Conor Robbins, Facilitator

 

I was absolutely blown away by the calibre of the FECC competitors - I definitely wouldn't want to be competing against any of these students, that's for sure. I was also amazed by the level of spirit and appreciation that they showed at the gala dinner - what an honour it was to be standing on stage to their standing ovation! It was also an honour (and learning experience) to sit on the judging panels with so many highly accomplished individuals in the business, consulting and academic communities. Congratulations on an incredibly well-run event overall - the attention to detail was truly impressive!

JENNIFER JENNINGS
Winspear Professor
Associate Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise
Alberta School of Business
CANADA

 

It was really rewarding and life changing event to me. I hope I can come back to Burlington near my future. Thank you very much again.

TAKAO KAWAMOTO
Glourious Co, Ltd.
JAPAN

 

I would like to thank you for your kind invitation being judge at your famous FECC! I really enjoyed the time with you all and being with all the students presenting their best outcomes. I could learn as well from these interactions and being in a team with John Ward was the big cherry on the Vermont-cake (for other team members as well).
Thank you for the great organization, for your hospitality and the nice and helpful people around us! The ice hockey night was a must for me and I really enjoyed it.

LENKA BEINHOFF
Founder & CEO
BEINHOFF & CO. AG
BEINHOFF FAMILY OFFICE
SWITZERLAND

 

Wow!! What an amazing experience for Richard (Luck) and me. Thank you so very much. We completely and totally enjoyed every minute with the students and other judges during the competition. It was educational to see how people think, what impacts them, and how they process. The depth of the preparation was so impressive at every level, and the creativity was really fun!! We are in good hands with this next generation!! I hope that you will invite us back next year to the competition.

WANDA ORTWINE
Chief Family Officer, Luck Companies
USA

 

Thanks for including me in this amazing event. It was fun, and inspiring (not to mention incredibly well run!!) It was an honor to serve alongside some of the thought leaders of our field and to see such talented students doing great work.

DEBBIE BING
President, CFAR Inc.
Cambridge MA
USA

 

Hope the event continues to be a success….what a great time on Friday….amazing experience with the kids, alumni, educators and family business types….looking forward to participating even more next year.

STEVE PENWELL
Managing Director
Morgan Stanley
USA

 

It was a pleasure to participate in a thought provoking and enjoyable educational weekend. If you need judges for next year, I would be willing to serve again.

RANDY WAESCHE
President and CEO
Resource Management
USA

 

Congratulations on another fantastic case competition — it was a pleasure to participate as a judge, and a real privilege to share the judging panel with John Ward, author of the case.

STEPHAN BACHOFEN
Business Broker & Valuator
Country Business Inc., VT
USA

 

The caliber of students representing their schools is very high and speaks volumes to the future of family enterprise for those who choose to pursue that avenue.

JAMES MOUNT
President - Mount Family Group, Ltd.
USA

 

Participating or attending FECC is one of the best ways to gain insight and knowledge of such a unique industry. The event is full of the brightest members in the industry of family business, and it is a great way to see the trends of the future.

LAURA O’REILLY
Sprott School of Business
CANADA

 

The students participants are exceptionally bright, articulate and well spoken. Each year is better than the last. If you bring a team to the UVM FECC they had better be ready and bring your A game!

PHILLIP BOSEN
Bosen Associates: Consultant to Retail Jewelers
USA

 

FECC is a professional highlight for me each of the last three years I've served as a judge. A fulfilling way to give back to the field of family business and encourage the next generation of family business leaders and experts.

JEFF SAVLOV
President, Blum & Savlov, Inc. - Family Business Consulting
USA

 

The UVM Family Enterprise Case Competition represents the greatest concentration in the world of highly talented business students, faculty and judges thinking deeply about family business.

BRAM KLEPPNER
CEO, Danforth Pewter USA

 

FECC provides a wonderful opportunity for a diverse group of judges and students to participate in a multiple day program delving into the unique challenges facing family businesses in a fun and competitive way.

MARK WETZEL
Fiduciary Investment Advisors
USA

 

I just wanted to express our appreciation for having us participate at the case competition this year. The team had a wonderful time and a great learning experience. Personally, I think this competition was extremely well organized and I like the format. I am hoping we can see you again next year.

H F (Herb) MacKenzie
Associate Professor of Marketing
Goodman School of Business | Brock University
CANADA

 

Thank you once again for giving us the opportunity to participate in this exciting and wonderful competition. Our team was impressed by the organization and dedication of all that are involved in the FECC. Everyone, both organizers and participants, gave their absolute best to make this competition the success it was. UVM can be truly proud on having hosted this competition. We would be honoured to come back next year.

O.J.A.J.H. (Olav) Houben
Hogeschool Rotterdam
University of Applied Sciences
THE NETHERLANDS

 

With its outstanding organization; great student, faculty & staff hosts; competitive teams from five continents; highly-qualified judges; and super attention to all details, the FECC is fantastic experience for all participants and truly a world-class event in every sense.

SG-FECC Coach

 

I strongly believe that these type of challenges you / we provide to our students will make them better professionals and will let them think back to their university time as very valuable. Sothank you very much for putting so much effort in this competition.

SG-FECC Coach

 

Once again, the University of Vermont hosted an incredible event. The cases were challenging, the competition stiff, and it was a great experience for our students. They had a lot of fun and still learned a lot. We will be back next year.

SG-FECC Coach

 

An experience I will never forget!

RANDY DE WIT
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
Undergraduate Competitor
THE NETHERLANDS

 

FECC was an incredible experience, knowing people from all over the world with the same interest and passion: Family Enterprises. It was an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, methods and enhance our experience.

SANTIAGO MERCADO
Universidad Panamericana
Undergraduate Competitor
MEXICO

 

I really like the thrill of a rollercoaster and believe me this was a crazy one! The competition forced me to learn faster and perform better than I thought I could. I enjoyed every second of it.

JOHNNY JAGER
Windesheim University
Undergraduate Competitor
THE NETHERLANDS

 

Getting through the case study preparations were at times stressful and overwhelming, but the second we made it to UVM everyone was so welcoming and supportive and it turned out to be the most rewarding experience I've ever had.

SYDNEY ECKER
Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University,
Undergraduate Competitor
USA

 

The UVM FECC Competition will test your knowledge and analytical skills against the top tier talent of highly competitive Universities. Not only will your talents be under the gaze of fellow students, but you will have some of the strongest family business minds judging your abilities as well. It is a fantastic opportunity to gauge a student's ability against others on a world level.

JUSTIN RATTI
Grossman School of Business, UVM
Undergraduate Competitor
USA

 

Perhaps no one else has hosted a Family Enterprise Case Competition because no one could host it like UVM. We invite so many diverse, special cultures to come together over an academic goal and just like our university's students, they overcome challenges while learning and having fun.

Undergraduate Competitor
 

 

FECC 2016 was a wonderful learning experience. It was an incredible experience to watch how teams from across the world approached and solved the various problems presented within the cases. I look forward to participating again next year.

BUNNY BOOK
Saginaw Valley State University
Undergraduate Competitor
USA

 

The FECC at the University of Vermont is the most impressive event I have ever been a part. It gives the students the best opportunity to showcase their consulting skills in a real life format is unmatched.

JAIME AGUERO
University of North Texas
Graduate Competitor
USA

 

I am absolutely thrilled to have been part of FECC! It was such an incredible experience to be able to gain exposure to many different cultures and communicate with people of such high status. I wish I had done it starting my first year here at UVM.

JANA GAILIUNAS
President, UVM Marketing Club
Grossman School of Business
University of Vermont

 

UVM FECC: Where the top notch passionate, proud, and intelligent minds of future enterprise come to compete on an international stage.

HAYDEN AUDY
UVM Ambassador 2016

 

This competition is more than a competition, it's an event that you do not want to miss.

SG-FECC Ambassador

 

I was positively wowed by the experience. FECC did an excellent job organizing the event and preparing me to be an effective judge. The global diversity of teams and student presenters was impressive and the case studies were compelling. At some point, one of the coaches stated that this was the place to be if one was in any way involved in any family business. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this exciting event.

Anna Grady, Director of Human Resources
Renewable NRG Systems

 

The FECC is a professional organised international Event, which stimulates the students as well as the judges. From my experience as a judge, I was impressed by the student's motivation, creativity and competencies. Indeed, analysing and presenting results in a very limited time means taking on a big challenge.

Birgit Burbock, Faculty Member - FH JOANNEUM
University of Applied Sciences

 

It was a pleasure being a judge, and congrats to you and the rest on the Business School on a great event.

Bram Kleppner, CEO
Danforth Pewter

I just loved being a judge at UVM's 2015 FECC. It was a happy, thought-provoking and skill-developing competition that challenged and energized while increasing the abilities and proficiencies of all MBA and Undergraduate participants. It was great to see all team members grow in capability as the rounds progressed and they internalized feedback.

Carol Zsolnay, Assistant Director Center for Family Enterprises
Kellogg School of Management

 

What a super, super job you did with a massive undertaking. You all seemed so calm, rested and smiling as though every single detail was smooth sailing on Lake Champlain! Your use of undergrad students to take meaningful roles and responsibility not only works well, butunderscores your mission of offering learning opportunities that have an impact. The students were each on their own mini-outward bound challenge whether they were Team Ambassadors or Room Monitors or managing all else behind the scenes. In contrast to our wider world (viewed through TV news that seems to surface conflict, division, trauma), it was poignant to experience last night's celebration dinner of enthusiastic and harmonious diversity. The winning Swedish team had one Swede on it, but also two Germans and an Italian coach. The French team had on it, one New Caledonian and a coach from Niger who now lives in Belgium. The first time Saudi coach won a best coach award. The Malaysian team, including two women in Muslim dress, had travelled 39 hours to participate. The cases were global too, rooted in US, Hong Kong, India and Pakistan, showing the universality of the ages, stage, issues and situations facing family enterprises. Maybe family businesses and family business fellowships are the way forward for peace on earth? As you can see, I have left feeling terrific about all things FECC!

Carol Zsolnay, Assistant Director Center for Family Enterprises
Kellogg School of Management

 

I was quite impressed by the quality of analysis and clarity of presentation by the FECC teams. It was a learning experience for me as a judge to see how students diagnosed the essential problems and recommended solutions for each case. It was a well-run case competition.

Chun Zhang, Associate Professor
University of Vermont

 

I want to thank all of you for inviting me to participate as a judge and am hopeful that I did a good enough job that I will have the opportunity to return next year. This was an incredible exciting two days in which I learned a great deal from the students and the other judges. I already have some ideas of creative changes I want to make to my own courses. In addition, I want to applaud you on all the work you did to organize the moving parts. From the outside it looked seemless and it spotlighted the strength of the UVM faculty and students. I am only sorry I was not able to stay longer this year.

Danna Greenberg, professor
Babson College

 

Many thanks for your hospitality and continuos attention to every detail. I enjoy mi stay in Vermont very much.

German Scalzo, Dr.
Universidad Panamericana

 

I had a very fulfilling day as a judge, and am grateful to be a part of FECC. I certainly would be interested in participating next year, and maybe for more than one day. Please keep in touch with me about it. Kudos to you both, and to Rocki, and all involved. Our room coordinator, Ben Vaughn, also did a great job.

Ira Bryck, director
UMass Family Business Center

 

Thank you for the invitation to participate in such a wonderful event, the International FECC. It was great 3 years ago at its inception and has evolved into an international case competition that's even better... what a wonderful way to make the field (and the world) both bigger and smaller! Kudos to those at the UVM School of Business Administration, the case writers, the coaches, the competing teams and the judges for making this a world class event!

Jane Hilburt Davis, President
Key Resources LLC.

 

Thank you for the invitation to participate in such a wonderful event. It was great 3 years ago and has evolved into an event that's even better.. what a way to make the field (and the world) both bigger and smaller! I think we get high marks for team work.

Jane Hilburt Davis, President
Key Resources LLC.

 

The FECC is an incredibly rewarding few days. The students are energized and excited about the field of family enterprise; this is contagious. My fellow judges are interesting, smart and friendly - wonderful to work with and I've made friends I'll see throughout the year. Smart organizations who serve enterprising families should support FECC, attend and set aside time to interview these talented students. All this in beautiful Burlington, VT is an added bonus.

Jeff Savlov, Family Business Consultant (also family therapist and psychoanalyst) 
Blum & Savlov, Inc.
Family Business Consulting

 

I can't help but think about myself participating in this event when I was a student. No way! You folks do a great job teaching, training and preparing these students for life after school. Thank you!

John Packard, President - BTS
Patriot Streel Company

 

Thank you for inviting me, I had a wonderful time and you were all most hospitable. What an amazing event you have created at UVM and what effort you put in. It's extremely impressive.

Louise Scholes, University Lecturer
Durham University

 

Thank you very much for the invitation for FEEC. It was very good experience for me. Being a judge and see the outstanding young people it is real pleasure

Lukasz Sulkowski, Full professor
Spoleczna Akademia Nauk

 

In January of 2015 I was a judge at the Family Enterprise Case Competition. The University of Vermont has assembled excellent administrative and training support. I felt well prepared and supported. I met judges from education and industry that come back to judge because they enjoy the experience, even though judging is demanding. It was rewarding to see some teams make significant progress from one day to the next. I enjoyed rubbing shoulders with students and educators from around the world. Great experience!

Ritch Sorenson, Professor
University of St. Thomas

 

FECC in general I believe fosters such a great competitive environment, but also provides the opportunity for all participants to meet people from all over the world, which is such a rare opportunity to find. I was so impressed with all of the students, and I really felt like I could learn from not only the different teams, but also from the wide variety of judges that participated. The best part for me to witness, from both being a participant last year and now being a judge, is seeing the significant improvement of teams from day to day in the competition. I only wish I got to see more of the teams presentations!

Robyn Worrall, Sales Coordinator
Quirky

 

I was so honored to be a part of this spectacular event and among such a prestigious group of judges. I was pleased to see that one of the schools from my division won the overall undergraduate award -- they really were terrific!

Stephanie Hainley, Chief Operating Officer & Senior Project Manager 
White + Burke Real Estate Investment Advisors, Inc.

 

FECC was an incredible experience. Bright minds, thought-provoking presentations and perspectives from all around the world came together all in one place. What a pleasure to be a part of.

Stephanie Laurin, Marketing Manager
Business Families Foundation

 

It was my pleasure to once again be a part of FECC as a judge, and not only will I consider joining you for FECC 2016, I want to ask to be a judge for as many days as possible! I have told a few other family business advisor colleagues about my experience, and they are usually jealous and want to know how they can get involved. It was such a great experience for me again, I can only image what it must be like for the competitors. Congratulations for putting on such an eye-opening event. Last year I wrote a blog about my experience (http://stevelegler.com/worlds-only-family-business-case-competition/), and I will surely be following up with another in the coming weeks.

Steve Legler, Family Business Advisor
TSI Heritage

 

I truly enjoy participating in the event and team camaraderie. You've established quite a wonderful program and you should be very proud.

Walter Frame, Executive Vice President
Trapp Family Lodge

 

The event was wonderful-we had a great time-and I was blown away by the organization and the overall outstanding quality and the size of the event-what a logistic nightmare but what a smooth delivery-and great spirit too!

Antonio Cepeda-Benito, Dean
UVM College of Arts & Sciences

 

On behalf of ESADE and ourselves, we want to thank you very much for the great experience that you created for all of us. We really feel very honored that you invited besides our impossibility to assist last year. We all learned a lot with the case discussions, the interaction with other team members and coaches and the interaction with juries, students staff and yourself. You were able to create a very nice mix of competition, collegial discussions, and friendship. We hope to be back last year. You have created something great, THANKS A LOT.

Alberto Gimeno Sandig , Coach
ESADE

 

I am grateful that the St. Bonaventure team could participate in FECC. Our teammate Vikas Kotha said, "it was the most meaningful experience in my academic career and was so valuable for me to have as I develop skills to work in my global family business and as I prepare for my first year at the George Washington Medical School". As the team coach, this experience was one of the highlights of my career. And we came in at the bottom of our division. Yet we were victorious in learning from students and coaches from around the world. Our perspectives have changed for the better in many ways. I could see students maturing day by day throughout the competition. We learned from other teams that there are many ways to view and solve family business problems. We bonded with other teams and wanted to take our gracious hosts and friends - the University of Vermont ambassadors - home with us. The biggest takeaway I got out of the competition was related to the opportunity for my students and myself to get out of our comfort zone. We learned that our preparation was simply not enough to compete globally. Other teams and coaches inspired us and taught us what we need to do next year to take our program to the next level. That creative tension -- vulnerability/humility and being optimistic -- is not something we may like or are used to, yet it is something every global business student and faculty member needs to experience to excel in ways we could not have imagined. If we as faculty are to use our gifts to help students realize their highest potential and callings, we must present them with such opportunities. We return to St. Bonaventure University as better learners, teammates and teachers. Thank you to the FECC community for this opportunity. Finally, thank you to Betty Ramming for remembering her late husband, Alan Ramming '63, owner of their family business Electro Abrasive Corporation, by supporting the team's participation. He was surely with us in spirit.

Carol Wittmeyer, Coach
St. Bonaventure

 

All went A-Ok. Thanks for a most fun experience and ‘Big Bravo’ on a huge success!

John Ward, Kellogg School, Northwestern University

 

I had a WONDERFUL time! Count me in for next year.

John Hall, CEO, Rachael Ray Inc.

 

My most sincere congratulations for a creative and unique initiative! What a success!!! It was a pleasure being part of it... Please, keep bringing magic and love to the field of family business research & education.

Pascale Michaud, President, Business Families Foundation

 

Congratulations! An amazing weekend. You hit the ball out of the park.

Steve Ifshin, Chairman, DLC Management Corp., NY

 

Congratulations to all on a great inaugural event. Thank you for allowing me to participate.Ilook forward to meeting you all again soon.

Cindy Lombardo, Lombardo’s

 

What a wonderful event for the school and all the participants. I was honored to be a judge.

Whit Wagner, Clearbrook Advisors

 

What a great event and thanks to all at UVM for your efforts. Please keep us in mind for next year and best of luck with the upcoming semester.

Anne W. Doremus, CFA, Vice President
Hanson & Doremus Investment Management, Inc.

 

Way to go, all! It was a fun and well-organized event. It’s great to see UVM hosting on a ‘global’ scale!'

Jon Pizzagalli, Pizzagalli Construction

 

What a privilege to be part of this experience! Thank you so much for the opportunity. More important, thanks for the work you are doing that makes UVM such a great university.

Molly Lambert, State Director, United States Department of Agriculture, VT/NH

 

It was a pleasure to participate! I learned some things. I met some great students, judges, UVM folks! Thanks for including me! You organizers did a superb job!

David Boehm, Engineering Ventures, VT

 

The FECC was extremely professional and well organized. From the pre-arrival case to the final evening activities, everything ran like clockwork. We were all very impressed by the thought and effort put in to the entire competition. Congratulations to UVM on a job well done! The teams had a lot of fun. Even though it officially was a competition, there were a lot of social activities such as attending the hockey game, which really allowed students to interact, get to know each other, and understand how family businesses work in different parts of the world. The global aspect was important - not just because family businesses are important around the world - but for helping students acquire more international exposure and cultural differences. I'm very happy that something like this has been created.There are many students who are from family businesses. The FECC helps to better prepare students to work in - and potential takeover - their family business is an important part of the education. Most business programs don't fully treat sensitive interpersonal family issues. Having the students develops strategies and implementation plans that take into consideration the needs of both the business and the family will have a lasting impact on these students' future.

Alex McKelvie, Syracuse University

 

Behind a great result, there is a great team. Many greetings to all UVM FECC! I think we've all the team left a part at FECC UVM, but overall we took a great experience that marked the lives of our students, forever. Only say Congratulations! And THANK YOU.

Claudio Muller, University of Chile

 

It was a pleasure to be there. The logistics were methodical, the cases were solid, the judges asked great questions, and we were treated very well and made to feel at home. In addition, Pramodita Sharma, who initiated this effort, tapped into her contacts, and there was representation from all over the world. Amazing for a first try!

Mark Haber, JMSB, Concordia University, Canada

 

I just wanted to tell you again how much we all enjoyed this past week's competition. It was certainly a great learning experience for all. Congratulations to you and the planning committee on a wonderful job. I also wanted to let you know how impressed Iwas with how gracious, generous and kind you all were... you went above and beyond to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves. In addition, you provided us with an international experience and it was wonderful to meet everyone from around the world.

Stacy Campbell, Kennesaw State University

 

On behalf of Stacy and my team, we would like to heartily thank you and your amazing Team for the wonderful experience we had in the past days spent at UVM.Rita Levi Montalcini was used to say that: “rare are the people who use their minds.few those who use the heart.Uniqueare those who use both" With no exception your Team has proven to be truly unique!You all have been able to welcome us in an extremely professional way, yet warm and caring.All the details have been planned in a very thorough way,and executed with gracious harmony,offering a beautiful example of effective team effort! It has been a great pleasure to be able to join you and the other Teams attending. A great idea, an outstanding execution, and great people!YourOrganizing Team is the true winner of the week! A wonderful experience for us, something I am sure you all can be very proud of. Look forward to the next edition!

Gaia Marchisio, Kennesaw State University

 

I want to thank for the FECC. Everything was amazing and perfect. The organization exceeded the expectations that were already high. I could sense an amazing competitive environment that is a characteristic of serious and professional institutions. Tomorrow is the graduation ceremony at UP and today I returned to Guadalajara. I would have stayed, but I couldn't. Sorry I did not say this in person. Tonight we will find out which teams will compete for the final round. Despite the result of UP team, we are very satisfied with the event and preparing the strategy for next year. Our students grew in just three days!

Héctor X. Ramírez Pérez, PanAmericanaUniversity, Mexico

 

On behalf of ESADE, our team members (Joan, Banele, Gloriann, Filippo) and myself, I want to thank you for having had the idea and energy to develop the first Family Business Case Competition. The organization has been excellent and the collegial learning and networking opportunity extraordinary. You can be very proud of what you have been able to create, and we are proud of having been part of this. As you can imagine, we are very, very happy to have been so successful. This has been the last, or almost the last academic activity for our team members, so that it cannot have been more enjoyable. See you all no longer than in one year, with ourgratitude, our warmest regards to all of you.

Alberto Gimeno, ESADE Business School, Spain

 

Thank you for a great competition. You should be very proud of the results of what I know was a year of very hard work by a large group of support workers. Please pass on to them my very sincere appreciation of all their work.Fantastic event. I hope to see you again in 2014!

John Young, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada

 

It was an incredible experience and I very much enjoyed meeting you as well. I fell in love with the area and the people so much so that it convinced me to include Burlington in my job search.

Gloriann Lopez, ESADE team member, ESADE Business School, Spain

 

Thanks for an amazing competition UVM! Well organized and ran so smoothly, it was an unforgettable experience and a great time!

Mallory McKewen, Wilfrid Laurier team member

 

You have pulled off an amazing event! I know others have been involved, but I want to express my absolute delight in what you have done for our School. I truly believe that this case competition has set our School on a trajectory that will put us on the map. I have been at UVM for 30 years. I have always believed that we were exceptional, but there was no one telling our story. This event, along with all the other activities taking place at the School, excites and inspires me. I am so grateful for your hard work.

Jiim Sinkula, Professor, School of Business Administration, University of Vermont

 

I wanted to congratulate you on the wonderful article in the Free Press.What an exciting and meaningful learning experience you provided for the international students! I was most impressed. Outstanding!

Patty Prelock, Dean, UVM College of Nursing and Health Sciences

 

I read the article on-line today about the Family Enterprise Case Competition. What a wonderful opportunity for your students and all those participating. We know all too well the benefits and challenges of the family business as it is the way of life for many here in Vermont. Succession planning for the Professional family business adds another layer with the degree requirements especially in the medical and dental fields.

Katharine H. Bosley, People’s United Bank

 

Many congratulations for this amazing initiative that several scholars are speaking about as something new and really very successful! Last year, due to the bad situation of the Italian public university system, we could not find a budget to attend. I am moving around to find an opportunity to attend next year.

Alfredo de Massis, University of Bergamo, Italy

 

Congratulations on the Family Enterprise Case Competition! This will contribute greatly to the profile of the field in the global community of business schools.

Jess Chua, University of Calgary, Canada & Zhejiang University, China

 

It was an absolute pleasure to meet you yesterday. Personally, I was blown away by the competition, from the team of volunteers, to the competitors and of course the organizing committee. The level of dedication needed to pull an event of this magnitude off is enormous and you have done an excellent job. We are so very grateful that we can humbly contribute to the success of this inaugural competition.

Thomas Clark, Business Families Foundation, Canada

A coach said to me: ‘You won't notice it immediately, but when you come home, you'll be a different person.’ I have to agree with him.

Annonymous

Past Competitions

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2023
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2021
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2020
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2019
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2017
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2016
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2015
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2014
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2013
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FAST FACTS

 

  • Congratulations ESADE Business School, Spain - Winners of the 2013 UVM SG-FECC
  • Almost 200 individuals attended SG-FECC as competitors, coaches, judges, sponsors, organizing team, student ambassadors and coordinators. President Tom Sullivan and Mayor Miro Weinberger joined the event, and did several media specialists.

Organizing Team

  • Seven Members
    • Franz Bernstein, Eva Carreira, Thomas Chittenden, Rocki-Lee DeWitt, Beth Parent, Dann Van Der Vliet, and Dita Sharma
  • 21 Student Ambassadors
    • 16 Team Ambassadors, 4 Room Coordinators, 1 Event Coordinator

Competitors

  • 16 teams from some of the most progressive schools in family business education from around the world competed for the inaugural UVM Family Enterprise Case Cup
  • 60 competitors came from 10 countries in 4 continents
    • Argentina, Canada (3), Chile, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, USA (5)
  • In some teams, the competitors were 'international' students. For example, the ONLY Swede on the Swedish team was the coach
    • Competitors indicated 14 countries of origin. In addition to the the 10 countries represented by their institutions, there were competitors from Germany, Guyana, Romania, South Africa
  • Of the 60 competitors
    • 40 were undergrad students, while 20 were graduate students
    • 40 came from family business backgrounds, while 20 were from non-family business backgrounds

Judges

  • 60 individuals served on the 95 slots on the 21 judging panels
    • Judges came from 10 states in the USA, 2 Canadian provinces, and Germany
  • Each judging panel was a mix of
    • Family business owners / managers
    • Family business advisors / service providers
    • Educators / scholars
  • The judging panels of Wednesday and Saturday had 5 judges each
    • Each panel on Thursday and Friday had 4 judges
  • The Finalist panel was composed of:
    • John Ward, Co-founder of Family Business Consulting Group & Professor, Kellogg School, Northwestern University, Chicago
    • John Hall, CEO, Rachel Ray Inc.
    • Steve Ifshin, Chairman, DLC Management Group
    • Cindy Lombardo, 3rd / 4th generation family member
    • Pascale Michaud, President, Business Families Foundation, Montreal, Canada

 

MEDIA COVERAGE