Our work with CAFE over many years and the benefits we have enjoyed by being members cannot be boiled down to any one thing. The list is long and the learning continues to be wonderful. I do feel the benefits boil down to two primary things; networking with like-minded, like-valued peers and access world class resources.

Mark Cator
Cardinal Meats
Family Member

Our Centre works exclusively with entrepreneurs and families in business. We are pleased to refer our clients to CAFE since we believe that it is important for Canadian family businesses to connect with peers who may be facing or have faced similar issues. Our clients learn from CAFE that they are not alone in addressing challenges and opportunities for families in business. We believe that education and support from others, such as CAFE, are critical components of ensuring the long-term success of a family business.

Luanna McGowan
Price Waterhouse Coopers
Associate Member

Seminars from the educational point of view are relevant to private enterprise business owners. I learned a lot. The information is unique and is targeted to family business.

Paul Higgins
Mother Parker’s Tea and Coffee
Family Member

I have been actively involved as an Associate Member of CAFE for many years because of my belief in the benefits of CAFE for families in business.
Many of my clients who are engaged in family businesses are also CAFE members. Their involvement in the various educational programs offered by CAFE, the PAGs and their interaction with other CAFE families confirms that these experiences have been greatly rewarding for them.

Gordon Cooper
Goodman and Carr
Associate Member

CAFE has provided me with a format for succession planning that has allowed me to be proactive in preparing for the passing of the baton to the third generation of our family enterprise within a 15 year time frame.
In the four years I have belonged to CAFE, I have been able to reduce the potential angst and stress of this critical juncture by my simultaneously "professionalising" the systems and management team that would be charged with running our 54 year old business if the heir apparent was unsuited to the task or chose to not take on the full mantle of responsibility when their time comes.
Through the CAFE library, CAFE lectures, CAFE family business contacts and by belonging to Cafe PAG UC 13 "The Beliefers" for three years I have developed a precious skill set that could only have otherwise been achieved through trial and error.
Given that there will only be one "try" for me at successfully developing and implementing a succession plan, the investment in time, energy and money were well spent.

Randolph S. Paisley
Paisley Products of Canada Incorporated
Family Member