2025 Case Competition for Family Ownership Brochure

3RD ANNUAL CORNELL CASE COMPETITION FOR FAMILY OWNERSHIP FEBRUARY 14-15, 2025 ● NYC

SMITH FAMILY BUSINESS INITIATIVE

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GREETINGS! Welcome to the 3rd annual Cornell Case Competition for Family Ownership, hosted by Cornell University on our Roosevelt Island campus in New York City! The Cornell Case Competition for Family Ownership offers current graduate students a unique opportunity to examine a family enterprise case up close, alongside the family themselves. This year, we have expanded the competition to welcome eight teams from some of the top business schools in the world.

This is the only case competition of its kind, where students and family business experts come together to demonstrate their understanding of the issues critical to family enterprises with a living, actually breathing case. This event brings together teams from leading business schools, select advisors, faculty, and family enterprise leaders sharing their challenges firsthand to receive real-time feedback and ideas concerning the future of their enterprise.

This event would not be possible without the generous support of Sam Seltzer '48, BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors, and Wilmington Trust. Their continued support has elevated this to one of the premier family business case competitions in the world. We wish all competitors and teams the best of success over the next few days.

Sincerely, Daniel Garrett Van Der Vliet John and Dyan Smith Executive Director of Family Business Smith Family Business Initiative

SPONSORS

Sam Seltzer '48

Product Sponsors:

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AGENDA All times are EST

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2025 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. – Registration and Networking Lunch.................................................................................. Verizon 301 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Welcome Message....................................................................................................................Verizon 325 First Round Case Presentations 1:15 p.m. - 3:10 p.m Room 315

Room 325

1:15 p.m. - 1:40 p.m.

Team 1

Team 5

1:45 p.m. - 2:10 p.m.

Team 2

Team 6

2:15 p.m. - 2:40 p.m.

Team 3

Team 7

2:45 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.

Team 4

Team 8

Rm 315 Judges: Petru Sandu-Elizabethtown College; Brett Scola-RSM US LLP; Judy Walsh-BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors Rm 325 Judges: Pierre duPont-Cerity Partners; Wesley Sine-Cornell University; Kevin Omar Williams-Crimson Impact Investments

3:10 p.m. - 4:10 p.m. – Judges Deliberate........................................................................................................... Verizon 307 & 309 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. – Dinner.............................................................................................................................................Verizon 301 6:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. – Announcement of Team Standings; Second Case Distributed........................................Verizon 325 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. – Discussion with Company Representatives........................................................................ Verizon 325 7:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. – Time with Coach.......................................................................................................................... Verizon 315

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2025 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. – Breakfast.........................................................................................................................................Verizon 301 Second Round Case Presentations 10:00 a.m. - 11:55 p.m Room 315

Room 325

10:00 a.m. - 10:25 a.m.

Team 1

Team 5

10:30 a.m. - 10:55 a.m.

Team 2

Team 6

11:00 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.

Team 3

Team 7

11:30 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.

Team 4

Team 8

Rm 315 Judges: Petru Sandu-Elizabethtown College; Brett Scola-RSM US LLP; Judy Walsh-BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors Rm 325 Judges: Pierre duPont-Cerity Partners; Wesley Sine-Cornell University; Kevin Omar Williams-Crimson Impact Investments

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Judges Deliberate............................................................................................................Verizon 307 & 309 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. – Lunch................................................................................................................................................Verizon 301 Final Round Case Presentations 1:40 p.m. - 2:55 p.m..................................................................................................... Verizon 325 1:40 p.m. - 1:55 p.m.

Finalist 1

2:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Finalist 2

2:20 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.

Finalist 3

2:40 p.m. - 2:55 p.m.

Finalist 4

Judges: Wesley Sine-Cornell University; Judy Walsh-BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors; Kevin Omar Williams-Crimson Impact Investments

3:00 p.m. - 3-:30 p.m. – Judges Deliberate.......................................................................................................................Verizon 309 3:30 p.m. – Presentation of Awards and Finalists.......................................................................................................... Verizon 325

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2025 PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS Tristan Betz

Boston University, School of Law

Victoria Lai

Boston University, Questrom School of Business

Oscar Simon

Boston University, College of Engineering

Prima Giovanni

Cornell University, SC Johnson College of Business

Harry Han

Cornell University, SC Johnson College of Business

Ruby Lin

Cornell University, SC Johnson College of Business

Mukul Goyal

Columbia University, Columbia Business School

Apurv Gupta

Columbia University, Columbia Business School

Wen Yeh Lee

Columbia University, Columbia Business School

Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business

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Karuna Chauhan

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

Anushka Jain

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

Javier Usabiaga

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

Kevin Brar

University of California Berkeley, Haas School of Business

Ben Lewis

University of California Berkeley, Haas School of Business

Mack Pierson

University of California Berkeley, Haas School of Business

Brette Baumhover

University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School

Karan Chevli

University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School

Sesha Tipirneni

University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School

Tom Alappat

University of Virginia, Darden School of Business

Matt Cunningham

University of Virginia, Darden School of Business

Julia Reynolds

University of Virginia, Darden School of Business

STUDENT BIOS

OSCAR SIMÓN VALBUENA Oscar Simón Valbuena is a

BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Master’s student in Mechanical TRISTAN BETZ Tristan is currently a thirdyear J.D. candidate at Boston University School of Law. He received his B.S. in Business and M.S. in Accounting from Indiana University. Prior to attending law school, Tristan worked for three years in cap-

tive insurance management. He holds the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation, and following graduation, will be returning to the insurance industry.

Engineering at Boston University, where he is also pursuing MBA courses in Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship. He completed his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at Boston University, graduating cum laude and earning multiple academic honors. Oscar’s professional experience spans private equity, business development, and strategy, with roles at Charme Capital Partners, Vitrolife, and several biotech startups. Beyond academics and work, Oscar co-founded and served as Vice President of The European Society at Boston University and has worked as a consultant for a growing family-owned restaurant in Colombia. In his free time, he competes

VICTORIA LAI

in open-water swimming, enjoys literature from Hispanic and Russian authors, and previously competed at the highest level

Victoria Lai is a spirited, inten-

of his age group in basketball in his home country of Spain.

tional, and creative leader with 8 years of experience driving finance and transformation

CORNELL UNIVERSITY, SC JOHNSON COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

initiatives at Fortune 100 companies. A certified Safe Agilist and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Victoria specializes in removing roadblocks by creatively implementing new tools and streamlining processes. Through the MBA, Victoria aims to channel her passion for social impact, sustainability, and consumer behavior, into helping businesses develop scalable long-term solutions. She is an active member of the Turner MIINT impact investing team, serves on the Venture Capital Committee, and is a leader in the Women in Business Association.

MUHAMMAD PRIMA GIOVANNI Muhammad Prima Giovanni is an entrepreneur from Indonesia that was born on September 15, 1994. Commonly known as Gio, he is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics at Universitas Indonesia and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Hospitality Management at Cornell University, New York. Among the businesses Gio manages are those in the hospitality industry under the banner of ABC Hospitality Group, which operates three hotels and one restaurant: Padi Heritage Malang, Briggs Inn Batu, Briggs Inn Surabaya, and Kopi Kali Brantas Restaurant. In addition, he is a co-owner of a goat 5

farm and a cheese factory located in Malang, with products

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL

marketed under the brand "Kejunesia." He also serves as an

MUKUL GOYAL

active commissioner at BPRS Al-Mabrur Ponorogo, an Indonesian Sharia Rural Bank which is a subsidiary of HIK Group, the

Mukul completed his bach-

biggest sharia rural bank group in Indonesia.

elor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and

HARRY HAN

started his career in ManageHarry Han is a seasoned en-

ment Consulting in India. Later,

trepreneur with a proven track

he joined his family business in

record of founding and scaling

steel and zinc manufacturing

four successful companies. His

prior to starting his MBA at Columbia Business School.

ventures span diverse industries, including an e-commerce

APURV GUPTA

platform, a brand management company, a design studio,

Apurv completed his master’s

and a luxury travel agency. Harry holds a bachelor's degree

degree in Mathematics and

in Entrepreneurship from Kelley School of Business at Indiana

Scientific Computing at Indian

University. Currently, he is further enhancing his expertise

Institute of Technology Kanpur

by pursuing a Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH)

and started his career as a

degree at Cornell University.

Data Scientist at IBM in India.

After starting his MBA at Columbia Business School, he did RUBY LIN Ruby Lin, a California native of

a summer internship at Samsung, and will be joining McKinsey post-graduation.

Taiwanese heritage, is pursuing WEN YEH LEE

an MBA and MMH dual degree at Kyoto University and Cornell University, driven by her

Wen Yeh studied her masters

passion for hospitality, entre-

in Chemical Engineering at

preneurship, and sustainable

University of Cambridge and

agriculture. With experience

started her career in Energy

in Finance and Operations, as well as past involvement on

Investment Banking in Lon-

the district board of Rotary International and the Los Angeles

don. She has been working at

Area Chamber of Commerce during her time at the University

her family business in animal

of Southern California, she plans to continue supporting her

feed and human food additive

family business and pursuing entrepreneurship and philan-

distribution and manufacturing prior to starting her MBA at

thropy after graduation. In her free time, Ruby enjoys running,

Columbia Business School.

reading, and spending time with her niece and nephew.

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YEONGHOON YOO

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY, MCDONOUGH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Yeonghoon was born and

MYOUNGIL CHOI

raised in South Korea and With a diverse background

earned his bachelor's degree

spanning publishing and

in Electrical Engineering,

manufacturing, Myoungil has

specializing in semiconductor

honed his skills in project man-

physics. Following his studies,

agement, strategic analysis,

he worked as an engineer at

and stakeholder communica-

Applied Materials for eight

tion. As an Associate Manager

years across China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Seeking career

at Hanshin Machinery, which is

advancement and broader opportunities, he is currently pur-

his family business, that led initiatives that streamlined domes-

suing a Full-Time MBA at Georgetown University's McDonough

tic sales operations, resulting in increased client acquisition

School of Business.

and revenue growth. Previously, as an Editor at Youlhwadang Publishers, he championed innovative book projects, successfully negotiating contracts and building engaged communities

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, KELLOGG SCHOOL OF

around literature. Myoungil adaptability and ability to drive

MANAGEMENT

impactful results reflect his commitment to continuous growth KARUNA CHAUHAN

and excellence in diverse professional settings.

Originally from Vadodara, India, Karuna is a third-generation

GUNWOO MIN

member of the family business As a first-year MBA student

and the first woman in the

with over a decade of experi-

family to join it. With a diverse

ence in manufacturing, I bring

portfolio spanning textiles, real

a unique blend of hands-on ex-

estate, warehousing, etc., their

pertise and strategic vision. As a director in my family-owned business specializing in medical devices and precision components, I’ve worn many hats—managing everything from strategy and R&D to operations, supply chain, quality assurance, sales, and talent acquisition. This multifaceted role has not only honed my ability to tackle complex challenges but has

business reflects both a legacy of growth and a commitment to innovation. In her previous role at Amber Spintex, a B2B textile manufacturer, she led the company’s expansion into international markets, strengthening our global footprint and setting new standards for growth.

Currently at Kellogg, she is focused on advancing my strategic and leadership skills to prepare for her next chapter in the family business.

also deepened my passion for driving meaningful changes in family-run enterprises. Fun fact: Before stepping into the family business, I was a full-time YouTuber, traveling across Southeast Asia to capture the essence of cultural diversity through street interviews.

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ANUSHKA JAIN Anushka Jain is currently a student at Kellogg and serves as the co-president of the Kellogg Family Enterprise Club. She is originally from Bangalore, India, where her family owns a manufacturing enterprise.

Anushka previously worked

from 2020 to 2023, Javier led a team responsible for financial planning, and analysis, tax compliance, cash flow and budget tracking. Also, led the evaluation and execution of potential M&A opportunities to consolidate markets and expand the product portfolio. Prior to this, he served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch from 2018 to 2020, focusing on Latin America and Mexico coverage, advising clients on capital markets and M&A deals across various industries.

for the Perot Family in early-stage venture capital, driving investments in emerging industries across global markets. At Kellogg, Anushka continues to hone her leadership skills while exploring her passions for swimming, cooking, and traveling.

JAVIER USABIAGA Javier is currently pursuing an MBA in the two-year program at Kellogg and holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting from ITAM in Mexico City. In a previous role as the Finance Director at Mr. Lucky 8

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY, HAAS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS KEVIN BRAR As a first-generation professional and MBA candidate at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, Kevin brings a unique perspective combining a decade of biologics discovery experience with deep roots in

family business. Growing up on his family's farm while build-

support his team and prepare for a strategic pivot into the

ing a career in biopharma, where he specializes in developing

finance sector.

innovative therapeutic solutions, Kevin has gained invaluable insights into both multi-generational business dynamics and

MACK PIERSON

cutting-edge innovation. His focus at Haas on leadership development and business strategy reflects his commitment

Mack holds a master’s degree

to making meaningful impacts in both healthcare and family

in engineering and began

enterprise sectors.

his career as an academic researcher specializing in systems modeling, analysis,

BEN LEWIS

and optimization. He has since

Ben Lewis is a Business Intelli-

gained experience in product

gence and Analytics Manager

development and process im-

in the oil and gas industry,

provement across companies of all sizes. In his current role as

dedicated to helping organi-

a product owner, Mack translates market conditions, customer

zations streamline operations

needs, and business goals into actionable objectives, designs

through technology integration

solutions, and leads teams through execution. He evaluates

and task automation. With a

the impact of changes to ensure alignment with the project

strong background in imple-

objectives. Mack is eager to apply his strategic and analytical

menting innovative solutions that enhance workflow efficiency,

skills to address complex business challenges and deliver

Ben has a proven ability to bridge the gap between technical

impactful results.

advancements and practical business needs. Ben is currently pursuing a MBA at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley to focus on strengthening his leadership capabilities to better

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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, KENAN-FLAGLER

SESHA TIPIRNENI

BUSINESS SCHOOL

Sesha Tipirneni is a 1st-year BRETTE BAUMHOVER

UNC MBA student with a background in technology and man-

Brette Baumhover is a mar-

ufacturing. He holds a Com-

keting professional currently

puter Science degree from the

pursuing an MBA at UNC’s

University of Maryland. Prior

Kenan-Flagler Business School,

to starting his MBA, he worked

with concentrations in Marketing, Strategy, and Organizational Leadership. With nearly a decade of experience in a family-owned business specializing in international imports for the

at Capital One as a software engineer and later transitioned into his family’s manufacturing business in India. His hobbies are basketball, traveling, and exploring new cultures.

tabletop industry, Brette has honed her expertise in marketing and product development. Her career is distinguished by a strong emphasis on branding and strategic initiatives aimed at driving growth and elevating brand presence in competitive markets.

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, DARDEN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS TOM ALAPPAT Tom Alappat is a second-year MBA candidate at the Universi-

KARAN CHEVLI

ty of Virginia Darden School of Business, where he serves as

Karan is a first-year MBA

the Senior Portfolio Manager

student at UNC Kenan-Flagler.

for Darden Capital Manage-

Previously, he worked as a

ment's ~$5M AUM small-cap

Software Engineer at Master-

fund and has represented

card before transitioning to his

Darden at multiple national stock pitch competitions. This past

family’s textile manufacturing

summer, he interned at Oliver Wyman, supporting private eq-

business, where he led facility

uity firms with due diligence processes on investment oppor-

operations and spearheaded

tunities. Prior to Darden, he worked in research and develop-

new business development in sustainable textiles.

ment at Raytheon and Northrop Grumman, focusing on optical sensing solutions. Tom earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

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MATT CUNNINGHAM Matt Cunningham is a sec-

Thank you once more to our supporters

ond-year MBA student at the

BANYANGLOBAL FAMILY BUSINESS ADVI-

University of Virginia Darden

SORS, SAM SELTZER '48, and WILMING-

School of Business, concen-

TON TRUST for your continued support

trating in general management

over the years. This event would not be

and operations. He also serves

possible without your generosity.

as the Executive Vice President of the Darden Private Equity Club. This past summer, he interned with the portfolio operations group of a middle-market private equity fund, where he

Thank you to our product sponsors: FARMER JON'S POPCORN for the sensa-

contributed to value creation initiatives for one of its portfolio

tional popcorn, JACKSON'S for the tasty

companies. After graduation, Matt will return full-time as a Se-

chips you can feel good about eating,

nior Director at the same portfolio company, focusing on driv-

and RED JACKET ORCHARDS for the de-

ing strategic and operational growth. Before attending Darden,

lectable beverages.

Matt worked at Accenture in the Industry X group, where he specialized in innovation and engineering solutions. He earned

We would also like to thank Cornell

his undergraduate degree in systems engineering from UVA.

students GRACE HONG, EMBA CLASS OF 2026, and IVANNE BIKAI, EMBA CLASS

JULIA REYNOLDS Julia Reynolds is a second-year

OF 2026, for volunteering their time for this event.

MBA candidate and Breakthrough Scholar at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business where she serves as President of the Darden Private Equity Club. After her first year at Darden, she interned on the Value Creation team at Evergreen Services Group, a lower middle-market private equity fund based in San Francisco. At Evergreen, Julia worked on post-close value creation initiatives across multiple operating companies, including recently acquired family businesses. After graduation, she will join Evergreen’s “CxO” program which is designed to develop operating company leaders. Prior to Darden, Julia worked in Investor Relations and Business Development at a quantitative hedge fund in NYC. She earned a BA in Literature from Hamilton College.

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SMITH FAMILY BUSINESS INITIATIVE AT CORNELL 389 Statler Hall Ithaca, New York 14853 http://business.cornell.edu/familybusiness blog: fambizsuccess.wordpress.com #CornellFamBiz Cover image: Shelley Kusnetz Photography Bios and headshots are courtesy of the participants.

All other photos are courtesy of University Photography.