Cheryl Doll

BLOG | OWNER FINANCIAL GAP

Mind The Gap – Closing Financial Gaps Before They Become Crises

Financial crises in family businesses rarely appear overnight—they develop quietly when expectations about retirement, ownership transitions, and liquidity outpace realistic financial planning. By identifying potential financial gaps early and aligning family needs with the business’s actual cash capacity, owners can avoid rushed decisions and protect both the company and family relationships.

BLOG | TRANSITION / SUCCESSION

The Cost of Holding On Too Long in a Family Business

Many owners believe they’re doing what’s best by staying at the center of decision-making, but this approach often creates instability and risk. Delaying family business succession planning can have serious consequences – not only for the business, but for the family relationships and legacy, too.

BLOG | OWNER FINANCIAL GAP

It’s The Simple Math That Doesn’t Get Done

Family business owners are passionate about what they do. They’re working to carry on a business that family built – by their parents, grandparents, sometimes even great-grandparents and beyond. These owners are so busy providing for their employees, communities, and the next generation that they often ignore their own financial future. Boiling it down to its true essence, business is a means to building wealth. And what are we supposed to do with that wealth?

BLOG | LEADERSHIP

Do you have a diamond in the rough?

At the age of 20, I was a college drop out. I had changed majors 4 times. I had no path. Unhappily, I left Penn State...

BLOG | EXECUTION

Escape Analysis Paralysis with ONE Decision

In case you haven’t heard, building and growing a business is quite complex. It requires people, all of which have different perspectives, personalities...

BLOG | FAMILY DYNAMICS / GOVERNANCE

Don’t Lose the House

Why did I leave a comfortable position in higher education to help family businesses grow, thrive, and create legacies? Here’s a little look behind the curtain.

BLOG | PROFIT

Cash, it’s not just for CFOs

Here’s a concept that might seem controversial to some. Cash is not about finance.  Or accounting for that matter. Cash for a business is like oxygen to a human.  Without oxygen...

BLOG | UNCATEGORIZED

My ONE word to sum up 2021…

In the last twelve months, I have seen it all in the faces of my clients, my colleagues, and my team. I have felt it with my family, within myself, and my thoughts. While each group faced its unique challenges, there was a common need woven throughout it all for everyone this year. And that is my one word to sum up 2021 – belongingness.

BLOG | PEOPLE / TALENT

PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE Hiring Decisions

BLOG | FAMILY DYNAMICS / GOVERNANCE

How to avoid a break in the family & business bond

In working with many families and their businesses, I’ve found that every family has its own unique DNA, behaviors, values, and traditions. Yet, there is ONE theme that made all the families seem very similar...and that is the tension, angst, and, at times, a complete unwillingness to eat a meal together due to a lack of clarity around making business decisions for the family business. How do I help families clear the air of business-related issues so they can share a meal together as a family without tension, drama and strife? Governance and routine.

BLOG | NEXT CHAPTER

How tied to the business is your identity?

Business owners picture this…you are walking through a crowd of unfamiliar faces, people you’ve never met before...

BLOG | TRANSITION / SUCCESSION

How to FAIL at succession planning in 3 easy steps…

While I love reading articles like “the top 10 ways to….” or “how to succeed in business without really trying”, sometimes I’m more curious about how to avoid...