Running a family-owned business comes with its own unique mix of blessings and quirks. There’s history, heart, tradition—and sometimes a bit of healthy drama at the dinner table. So when it comes to forming an advisory board, you’re not just looking for smart people with impressive résumés. You’re looking for people who understand the beautiful chaos of a family business, and who can offer insights without accidentally walking into a generational landmine.

Let’s start with skills. You want advisors who fill in the gaps, not echo what you already have in-house. Maybe Grandpa is the master of operations and Aunt Lisa has sales down to a science, but no one really gets digital marketing or finance beyond the checkbook. That’s where outside advisors can shine. Seek out people who bring something new to the mix; expertise in scaling a business, navigating family succession planning, or working with retailers you haven’t cracked yet. It’s less about flashy titles and more about real, roll-up-their sleeves knowledge that helps you move forward.

Backgrounds matter, especially when they complement your strengths. Advisors who have worked with other family-owned or multi-generational companies can be especially helpful. They won’t flinch when you say, “Well, my brother and I both run the company but don’t always agree,” because they’ve heard it (or lived it) before. People who understand the emotional dynamics that come with blood ties and balance sheets are worth their weight in gold. They know that decisions aren’t just about numbers, they’re about legacy, relationships, and keeping Thanksgiving peaceful.

Now, let’s get into values, which are crucial in a family business. When you bring in advisors, you want them to respect what your business stands for. Maybe your company was built on treating employees like family, or maybe it’s deeply rooted in your community. Whatever those values are, make sure your advisors aren’t just nodding along; they should believe in what you’re doing and why you do it. Advisors who align with your principles will support growth in a way that honors your history, not bulldoze over it.

And then there’s chemistry. the often overlooked but totally essential ingredient. Family businesses are all about relationships, and the same should go for your advisory board. You’re going to be talking to these people about some pretty big stuff, future plans, internal challenges, maybe even succession or selling. You need to trust them, enjoy working with them, and feel like they truly “get” your family’s rhythm. If someone makes you bristle or feels more like a consultant than a partner, they’re probably not the right fit—no matter how impressive their LinkedIn profile looks.

In the end, choosing the right advisors for a family-owned business is part matchmaking, part strategy. It’s about finding smart, values aligned people who bring fresh insights without steamrolling your culture. The right group will challenge your thinking, support your vision, and help your business grow stronger—while still honoring the traditions that make it uniquely yours. And if they can survive a board meeting that feels a little like Sunday dinner, well, you know you’ve found the right crew.