About Jen

Growing Up in The Family Business

I grew up in a family business that develops roller skating rinks and real estate, learning early the importance of creating generational wealth while offering meaningful recreation for kids and families and serving as community hubs.  

My father founded United Skates of America the year after I was born, and alongside my sister and brother, I came to think of the business as another sibling. I officially joined in 2007 after starting my career as an accountant and later as CFO for The Yoga Studio in the San Francisco Bay Area.  

Family business often means wearing many hats. Over the years, I’ve done everything from hosting birthday parties and working as a skate guard to designing leadership programs, improving loss control systems, and managing multiple locations. These roles gave me a deep understanding of the business and helped me build strong relationships with both family and non-family executives.  

Today, I am a Partner and Chairperson of our Board of Directors. I also co-manage our family’s real estate holding company with my brother. With experience as the only family member besides my father to work directly in the operating business, I understand the complexities between family owners and non-family executives and use this knowledge to support others navigating similar dynamics. 

Leadership & Performance Coaching Experience

I am passionate about empowering both family and non-family executives to thrive within family businesses. Coaching leaders to perform at their best is deeply rewarding and energizes me every day.  

This passion inspired me to earn a certification from Brown University, enhancing my skills to better support family and business leaders in:

  • Realizing their full potential

  • Improving communication

  • Positively impacting business performance

My work as a coach is to support family business leaders in identifying their goals and creating actionable plans to achieve them. I aim to help them recognize opportunities for growth, ensuring they evolve alongside the business.

Finding Success In Succession

Succession Planning is essential to any business but can present unique challenges within a family business.  

As someone who played a key role in my own family business succession plan, I have inside knowledge of the keys to success. 

I played a pivotal role in transitioning ownership from my father as founder to my siblings and me as second-generation owners. Additionally, I was key in planning the succession of our 25-year CEO to our current CEO.

I’m passionate about sharing my insights and utilizing my experiences to help others create and grow a successful, thriving family business.

A Partner for Reaching Your Family & Business Goals

My work is grounded in thoughtful oversight, strategic foresight, and leadership development. Having spent many years working in the operating business, I have a deep understanding of the complexities that exist between family owners and non-family executives. This perspective shapes my commitment to fostering long-term success within family business systems—for the family, the executive team, and business partners.  

If you are interested in building your leadership and communication skills to further your business, let’s talk.