Your Subtitle text

“You taught us that it is not the business that is most meaningful or the business that defines us, rather who we are in Christ and what we mean to each other if far more important.”

Doug Duffy – CTR Systems

Our Mission

Our Mission is to stop the generational erosion of families in business through a process
driven by strategies that are developed to fit the uniqueness of the family and the business.

Our Strategy is set by fostering the "love in the family" with a “Family First” philosophy as the foundation for the success of the individual, the couple, the family and the business. We accomplish this by helping the family properly blend their family and business always with the best interest of the family in mind.

Our Values are based in our Christian beliefs that are included in our consul and our teaching and demonstrated by the example we set in our attitude, our word and our action to all whom we deal with. We believe that fostering the love of the family is the foundation for success for the family and the business.

Our Philosophy:

We believe that open communication and forgiveness are vital to the success of the family both their business and their relationships. We believe that fostering a “Family First” philosophy enhances families in a positive, caring way improving relationships and
strengthening decisions. We believe that those relationships and decisions will lead to accomplishing the goals of the family as well as the business. We believe that putting the concerns of the individual, couple, and family first will have a positive impact on the bottom line of any business.

We believe that if every family member promotes the need to, "Set a positive Example by their Attitude, Word, and Action," the world will be a better place and families will be stronger. Our philosophy and mission cannot be separated from our values and our deep desire to teach and help families in business find the right answers that are unique to them. We believe we can help!!

The C.H.A.L.L.E.N.G.E.S.®
10 Steps for Strengthening Relationships in Families in Business

Commit to treat family members as equals – As equal adults, anything less causes conflict.

Have realistic expectations of one another – No one can be exactly like you!

Address yourself honestly – Know your weaknesses as well as your strengths.

Learn to listen understand - Get over past "hurts" - accept forgiveness, listen well.

Let go of your ego – Success of the family must come first.

Expand your appreciation of other family members – Strive to know one another on in a more meaningful way.

Never assume - Assumptions are the biggest cause of conflict.

Get over past hurts - Get the priorities right - family first.

Enlighten other family members about you – Share your dreams and goals - Families rarely take the time to really talk and listen to one another.

Set the example by your attitude, word and action – Your example does reflect upon your family and your personal life is tied to the family business.

OUR CODE OF ETHICS:

C.H.A.L.L.E.N.G.E.S.®, our associates and licensees have agreed to live the following Code of Ethics:

Personal and business integrity, values and ethics are part of who we are. We will always work for the best interest of our client families. We have pledged in writing to the Institute of Management Consultant to abide by their Code of Ethics. Our adherence to the Code signifies voluntary assumption of self-discipline above and beyond the requirements of law. Our Code of Conduct includes issues that are influenced by our personal values.

Regarding Clients:

The family will always be our first concern in dealing with any family business.
We will serve our family business clients with integrity, competence, and objectivity, using a professional approach at all times, and placing the best interests of the “family first” in all situations.
We will establish realistic expectations of the benefits and results of our services.
We will treat all family business information that is not public knowledge as confidential, we will prevent it from access by unauthorized people, and we will not take advantage of proprietary or privileged information, either for use by us, our firm or any another client, without permission of our family business.
We will avoid conflicts of interest, or the appearance of such, and will disclose to our family business clients any circumstances or interests that might influence our judgment and or objectivity.
We will refrain from inviting an employee of an active or inactive client to consider alternative employment without prior discussion with the client.

Regarding Engagements:

We will only accept assignments which we possess the expertise to perform, and will only assign staff with the requisite expertise.
We will ensure that before accepting any engagement, a mutual understanding of the objectives, scope, work plan, and fee arrangements has been established.
We will withdraw from a consulting engagement when our objectivity or integrity may be impaired or when the engagement conflicts with our personal and business values.

Regarding Fees:

We will agree in advance with our clients on the basis for fees and expenses, and will charge fees and expenses that are reasonable, legitimate and commensurate with the services delivered and the responsibility accepted. We will use a flat fee philosophy in quoting our services.
We will disclose to our clients in advance any fees or commissions that we may receive for equipment, supplies or services we may recommend to our clients.
We will disclose to our clients any referral fees we may be offered and we may donate the referral fee to a favorite charity but only with the approval of the client otherwise we will decline the referral fee.
We will identify any additional charges that do not include our direct services or fees.

Regarding Professionalism:

We will respect the individual, family and corporate rights of our clients and consulting colleagues, and will not use proprietary information or methodologies without permission.
We will represent the profession with integrity and professionalism in our relations with our clients, colleagues and the general public.
We will report violations of this Code to the Institute, and will ensure that other consultants working on behalf of us or our company abide by this Code.

The Institute of Management Consultants USA, Inc. (IMC USA) adopted its first Code of Ethics in 1968. Since that time IMC USA has modified the wording of the Code for additional clarity and relevance to clients. This code is consistent with the International Code of Professional Conduct published by the International Council of Management Consulting Institute (ICMCI) of which the IMCUSA is a founding member. Jim Kwaiser is a Certified Management Consultant, certified by the Institute of Management Consultants and he and Ann Marie Kwaiser have agreed to abide by the rules and ethics as outlined and to insure that their licensees associates will abide by the same code.

^ Back to Top