ENGAGE.

We're so glad you found us! We understand the unique challenges in orchestrating smooth transitions with multi-generational families. You need to be able to surround yourself with a team that can help you navigate the obstacles that lie ahead. This is at the heart of the Telos partnership.

Our Story

At the Telos Group, our name is our mission. As for Aristotle, who philosophized the telos as a greater purpose, our telos is to comprehensively uplift enterprising families and help them achieve their own ultimate goals. From families, operating businesses, and their assets, to the diverse professional advisors that serve them, our ultimate aim is to build up the family enterprise space from every angle.

Mike McGrann started Telos in 1997 with the vision to create a one-stop resource for enterprising families, family offices, and professional advisory firms. The Telos Group is the outcome of his vision. Our consultants and educators comprise a strategic team, whose varied professional backgrounds work together to provide you with the most incisive guidance.

United by our telos, we are dedicated to yours.

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Our Story

Anchor 1

The Telos Team

Mike McGrann

Mike has spent his career working in diverse ways with enterprising families. His dedication to supporting them through the challenges and successes of managing their wealth, relationships, businesses, and other endeavors led him to found the Telos Group. Throughout his career he has worked with family firms and family offices from across the world, and he teaches and coaches in the areas of entrepreneurship, strategic planning, and family enterprising. As a consultant focused on growth and transition strategies for enterprising families, Mike also serves on the Boards of several growing companies.. He is a researcher, educator, and curriculum developer, with teaching experience at several universities, and he founded the Initiative for Family Business and Entrepreneurship at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. A seasoned speaker and teacher on all aspects of family enterprise, he blends stories, knowledge, and experience in a way that captivates audiences.

Mike grew up in Colorado and now lives outside Philadelphia. He has two sons in college, three dogs, and a hermit crab named Squishy. He loves skiing, hiking, and just about any other outdoor activity.

Designations: MA, MBA, FEA, CEPA

Email : mmcgrann@telosgroup.com

Mike McGrann

Laura Barton

Laura Barton

With over 20 years of experience, Laura specializes in improving communication, strengthening team dynamics, and building relationships across family enterprise systems. By incorporating holistic wellness with her practice, Laura facilitates the personal and professional well-being and efficiency of those that she works with. Among the first licensed practitioners for Insights Learning and Development in Canada and a member of a think tank led by its founder, she has also spoken at various conferences and co-chaired the Executive Coach Summit (U.S. and Canada). Laura designs and implements peer advisory groups for a variety of organizations including the Sauder School of Business and the Young Adult Forum. She teaches on varied family enterprise-based topics, including: developing capacities; constructive conflict; leading change; managing stress; and generating trust.

Laura lives in Michigan with her husband and commutes regularly to Canada to see her two grown daughters.

Designations: MA

Email : lbarton@telosgroup.com

Lauren Ratner Bujosa

Helping strengthen relationships in families that work together is near and dear to Lauren’s heart. Lauren is in the unique position of having worked for over 20 years in her own family business. At its height, Ratner Companies, operating under several trade names, was the largest privately held salon chain in the U.S. with over 1000 locations and 12,000 employees. Being a part of the 3rd generation in her family business, Lauren has intimate knowledge of the unique challenges business-owning families face. She has worked in all levels of the organization from stylist to operational leadership. Lauren originally sought an MBA from Babson College to take over her own family business, however through the experience, realized her talents were better suited to helping others navigate the complexities of relationships and working with family. She believes true wealth is found in connected relationships.

Inspired by her own experience working with her family and through the mentorship of her family’s business advisor and therapist, Lauren decided to pursue a master’s in counseling. Now a licensed therapist and relationship advisor, she utilizes a systemic and attachment-based approach. Lauren is currently working towards her dual certificate in Family Business and Family Wealth Advising with Family Firm Institute.

Lauren grew up in Washington D.C. and currently resides in Denver, CO with her spouse and 3 year old daughter. They are planning to relocate to the Miami area in the summer of 2023. Lauren enjoys roller skating, snowboarding and eating amazing food made with love.

Designations: MBA, MA, LPC, MFTC, MI (Certified Mindfulness Meditation Instructor)

William Alexander

Mr. Alexander is a member of the faculty of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he lectures on the topic “Strategies and Practices of Family Controlled Corporations”. In 2011, he was recognized with an Outstanding Teaching Award from the Wharton Graduate Division. In 2006, he was the recipient of the William Whitney Award for teaching excellence in the Wharton Undergraduate Division. He has been a visiting Professor at Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, Daystar University College, Nairobi, Kenya, and IILM, New Delhi, India.

He was a third-generation principal and CEO of a large construction entity in Central Pennsylvania. In addition, he has served on various boards, including Herr Foods, Hershey Foods Corporation, Hershey Trust Company, which he chaired, and Highmark Blue Shield. He currently serves as Board Chair of the Geisinger Health System Foundation. He was formerly the managing director of the Snider Entrepreneurial Research Center at Wharton. Mr. Alexander holds an undergraduate degree in engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. He resides in Hummelstown PA, with his wife, Marion. They are the parents of four children.

Designations: MBA

Stephen Treat

Steve Treat is a popular speaker and presenter on various subjects relating to individual, family, and organizational effectiveness. Specializing in marriage and family dynamics, Steve integrates and relates these subjects to the professional and personal lives of those in the business world. He has extensive experience working with the communication dynamics of family businesses and management teams.

Steve is the Director and CEO of PENN Council for Relationships, one of largest marital therapy organizations in the state of Pennsylvania. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Marriage and Family ministry at the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and an Adjunct Professor at Hahnemann Medical College, Department of Family Studies. He is an instructor in psychology and human behavior at Jefferson Medical College, and a clinical member and approved supervisor in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Finally, he is a member of the American Association of Pastoral Counseling, and a member of the American Family Therapy Association.

Steve received his doctorate in Pastoral Counseling from the Andover Newtown Theological Seminary in 1976 and is an ordained minister. He completed post-doctoral work in the Human Sexuality Department of the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania and the Marriage and Family Therapy Training Program at PENN Council for Relationships in 1981.

Todd Garretson

For over 20 years, Todd worked in corporate leadership roles at companies such as Newell Rubbermaid and Hunter Douglas. Moreover, as a third-generation owner and executive in his family’s manufacturing business, he has both the skill and the experience to help facilitate the growth of both people and their organizations without losing their stability. As an advisor, Todd works with executives, leaders, and teams that span industries such as financial services, retail, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and more. A seasoned speaker and facilitator, his expertise and commentary have been featured in publications including CEO.com, SmartBrief, Axial Financial Forum, and many others. Todd is a unique blend of architect and builder, possessing both the skill to envision possibilities for those he works with and the practical know-how to make those ideas come to life.

Todd lives in Atlanta with his wife and four children. In his free time, Todd enjoys spending time with his family outdoors, coaching youth sports, and trying to stay fit.

Email: tgarretson@telosgroup.com

Molly Dudley

Administrative Support

Molly plays a central role in the daily operations of the Telos Group. Her education in business administration and her experience in human resources means that the needs of the team and clients are met thoughtfully, promptly and efficiently. Originally from northern Minnesota, Molly has lived and worked in five states over the last 20 years. One of the most rewarding roles for Molly was supporting military families during times of deployment. During this period, she provided resources and vital information that reassured and sustained these families while their Soldiers were overseas. This experience has strengthened Molly’s values and understanding of family and increased her capacity to adapt and process change.

When Molly’s husband retired from the United States Army, they moved back to his home in Pennsylvania with their three children. They now enjoy much overdue time with extended family and friends.

Email : mdudley@telosgroup.com