Bridging Theory and Reality:
A Dynamic Approach to Family Business Education
September 9 @ 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm EDT
Presenters
Matt Nielsen
Board Director, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas
Matt is a third-generation steward, director and shareholder of family-owned Nielsen-Massey Vanillas Inc. and Nielsen-Massey Vanillas International BV, Managing Director of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas International LLC and Managing Director of Nielsen Real Estate BV.
He currently serves as Strategic Advisor for Corporate Development, overseeing the companies’ inorganic growth strategies through acquisitions and investments. During his more than 30 years with the family business, Matt has also held responsibility for worldwide operations, retail and foodservice sales, strategic initiatives and the European business unit.
Matt is a graduate of Gettysburg College and holds Certificates of Professional Achievement in Family Business Leadership and Governance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
In addition to his work with Nielsen-Massey, Matt serves as a Director of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Graziano Brothers, Gibsons Restaurant Group and Family Enterprise USA. He is also Vice President-Treasurer and Director of the Nielsen-Massey Foundation, a mentor and panelist with Kellogg’s John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises, and a frequent speaker at family business organizations and conferences.
Tammy Buss
Author, Family Business Advisor, Keynote Speaker
Tammy is a trailblazer in the world of family business advising, with more than 40 years of experience helping Canadian and U.S. family enterprises thrive across generations. As the founder of Buss Financial Group, Buss Business Solutions, and most recently BlueRoots, Tammy brings a rare blend of firsthand experience, strategic insight and heartfelt dedication to every stage of business transition.
She is the author of the acclaimed Passing Down Your Success and Build It, Dream It, Pass It On book series, and the host of two influential podcasts: The Business of Family and The Business of Family ~ Legal Matters. Her work focuses on fostering open communication, aligning family values, and developing succession strategies that honor both legacy and innovation.
Tammy’s understanding of the emotional and operational complexities within family businesses stems not only from her client work but also from navigating her own family business journey. Her presentations are rich with practical wisdom, real-world stories, and actionable tools that help families build, protect, and pass on their success.
Whether speaking to entrepreneurs, advisors, or next-generation leaders, Tammy inspires with clarity, compassion, and a vision for what is possible when family and business grow together. Her innovative approach to succession planning and unwavering commitment to helping families achieve their goals have made her a respected and influential voice in the family business community.