Family Business Forum Highlights Leadership, Legacy, and Stewardship Across Generations

On Monday evening, St. Augustine Preparatory School welcomed families, alumni, and regional business leaders to the Innovation Center for the inaugural Family Business Forum, hosted by the Prep’s Innovation, Experiential Learning & Entrepreneurship (IEE) Program in partnership with the Women’s Leadership Center at Our Lady of Mercy Academy.

The event brought together members of the South Jersey community for a thoughtful conversation on what it means to build, sustain, and steward a family business across generations — a topic deeply connected to both the region and the Prep community itself.

A Foundation for Flourishing Family Enterprises

The evening’s keynote was delivered by Sally Derstine, Managing Partner of the Delaware Valley Family Business Center, who has spent more than three decades advising and guiding family enterprises.

Her presentation, “Preparing Enterprising Families to Flourish Today and for Generations,” outlined the core principles that define successful family businesses — including governance, communication, succession planning, and the intentional development of next-generation leadership.

Drawing from years of experience working with family enterprises, Derstine emphasized that thriving businesses are not built on operations alone, but on relationships, shared values, and a long-term vision rooted in stewardship.

“Family businesses are not just economic engines,” she noted. “They are systems of people — and their success depends on how well families align around purpose, leadership, and continuity.”

Her remarks were complemented by insights from David Griffith of the Delaware Valley Family Business Center, who spoke on the importance of strong governance structures, including advisory boards, in sustaining long-term success.

A Living Example: The Catalana Family

While the evening provided valuable frameworks and best practices, its most powerful moments came through the lived experiences shared by the Catalana family, whose story served as a real-world reflection of the principles presented.

With deep roots at St. Augustine Prep — including Carmine Catalana ’76 P’07, Frank Catalana ’78 P’14 ’17, Mike Catalana ’81, and David Catalana ’82 P’11 — the family represents a multi-generational legacy of both business leadership and commitment to the Prep.

The Catalanas built and operated Cumberland Dairy, a highly successful nationwide business, before eventually transitioning and launching Innovation Foods, continuing their entrepreneurial journey while adapting to new opportunities and markets.

During a facilitated discussion with Mrs. Derstine, Carmine Catalana reflected on the realities of navigating growth, transition, and leadership within a family enterprise — offering candid insight into both the challenges and the rewards of working alongside family members.

Their story illustrated many of the key themes of the evening:

• The importance of trust and communication across generations

• The need for clarity in roles and leadership transitions

• The balance between honoring legacy and embracing innovation

• A commitment to stewardship — not just ownership — of the business

In many ways, the Catalana family embodied the very message at the heart of the forum: that successful family businesses are built not only on strategy, but on relationships, shared purpose, and a willingness to evolve.

A Collaborative Effort Rooted in Mission

The forum also highlighted the growing collaboration between St. Augustine Prep and Our Lady of Mercy Academy, particularly through the IEE Program and the Women’s Leadership Center.

Opening remarks from Heads of School, Fr. Robert J. Murray and Mrs. Brooke Coyle along with program and student representatives underscored the schools’ shared commitment to preparing students not only for college, but for meaningful leadership in business, community, and family life.

Programs such as the Veritas Speaker Series, student entrepreneurship initiatives, and experiential learning opportunities continue to expand the ways in which students engage with real-world challenges and opportunities.

Looking Ahead

The strong turnout and engagement throughout the evening — including thoughtful table discussions and an extended Q&A — signaled clear interest in continuing the conversation.

Plans are already underway to build on the momentum of the Family Business Forum, with the potential for future events focused on specific topics within family enterprise and entrepreneurship.

For many in attendance, the evening served as both an introduction and a reaffirmation:

That leadership is formed over time.

That legacy is something to be stewarded.

And that the strongest businesses — like the strongest communities — are built on relationships that endure across generations.

Learn More

To learn more about the Innovation, Experiential Learning & Entrepreneurship Program at St. Augustine Prep, visit:

hermits.com/IEE