Founder

Tom Hubler, Founder of the Minnesota Family Business of the Year Award

When Tom Hubler began his practice in 1980, colleagues usually saw family businesses as a narrow niche represented by "mom and pop" stores.  Few knew that family-owned businesses account for 37% of Fortune 500 companies, 65% of our GDP and 80% of the U.S. workforce.  Yet today the public is generally unaware of the tremendous contribution family businesses make to our economy.

After serving business families these 30 years, Tom decided to acknowledge them for their contributions to the economy of Minnesota, the nation and the world.  In 2008, he founded the Minnesota Family Business of the Year Award to recognize legacy family businesses, emerging family businesses and others that demonstrate a commitment to best family business practices.

Tom Hubler is widely recognized for his expertise and frequently referred to as "the dean of family business consultants."  He is quoted in media including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, St. Paul Pioneer Press, and others.  He has appeared several times on the NBC Today Show, as well as Minnesota Public Radio's Midday and Mid-Morning programs.  In addition, Tom currently serves on the editorial review board of the Family Business Review and has done so for 25 years. 

Beyond his consulting work, Tom served as a Professional-in-Residence for 10 years at the University of St. Thomas, Center for Family Enterprise, and from 1996-2006 was an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas teaching the Family Business Management course.  He is one of only a handful of practitioners to publish three journal articles in the Family Business Review.  His most recent piece, "The Soul of Family Business" is one of the journal's most frequently read articles. 

The Hubler Award

The Hubler Award for professional service to family businesses acknowledges professionals serving family businesses for their superior practice, commitment, support and dedication to the success of family businesses and their families.  The award also recognizes the recipient's commitment to professional collaboration, using a family systems perspective, and the value of a multidisciplinary approach to serving families in business.