January 2015
This fall, the Center for Family Enterprises introduced MBA student Nidheesh Patel'16 of India to alum Jason Surber'02 of Chicagoland, as their family businesses both serve OEMs in the automotive industries. They met at Jason's family business, ATF, Inc., where Nidheesh was treated to a factory tour and talk about their respective enterprises.

Back on campus, Nidheesh wanted to share the good fortune of the wisdom he gained during his visit and suggested to Professor John L. Ward that Jason be a featured speaker during one of the sessions of the course he teaches, "Family Enterprises: Issues and Solutions". Jason participated in the class on Monday, January 26, 2015, where he shared his leadership philosophy.

Nidheesh commented, "Meeting Jason has been one of the highlights of my Kellogg journey. The class session was a great evening, one I will always remember."

A case study on family business culture, ATF, Inc. Fasteners and Family, authored by Professor Ward and Brent C. Stern'12 will be available later this year through Kellogg Case Publishing.

(Postscript: The Kellogg Community joins with family, colleagues and friends in mourning the loss of Jason who passed away March 27, 2015 after a two year battle with cancer.)