FBC Staff

Deb Houden

Director

Deb Houden, Ph.D., earned her bachelors, masters, and doctorate degree from the University of Wisconsin, specializing in communication, conflict resolution, and perceptions of fairness during succession in family business. Active in the Family Firm Institute, she has also earned her Certificate in Family Business Advising, and serves on a special task force within FFI in chapter organization. She is also an active member in the Association for Conflict Resolution.

Deb has lectured in numerous courses at the University of Wisconsin, including Issues in Family Business; Communication and Conflict Resolution; and Introduction to Interpersonal Communication. She enjoys the varied backgrounds and knowledge her students bring to the classroom. A firm believer in continuing education, Deb has also developed curricula and taught extensively in returning adult education programs. She has earned both her masters and doctorate degrees as a returning adult student, which allows her an understanding of the challenges faced by those who are working, yet want to continue their education. In addition to teaching, Deb has consulted with family businesses for the past three years assisting family and non-family members in gaining better insight into their unique issues.

A deep belief in community involvement, Deb is a mentor with the Boys & Girls Club of Madison, and volunteers teaching public speaking to TOPs/AVID students at Madison East high school.

Married into a family business, Deb lives in Madison with her husband, three children, 2 dogs, 1 cat and 3 goldfish. Her husband is a graduate of UW Business School, and all family members are die hard Badger fans of every sport.

Nick Pasquarello

Outreach Administrator

Nick Pasquarello is the newest member of the Family Business Center Staff. Nick is a 1994 graduate of the University of Wisconsin where he earned his degree in Communication Arts while a member of the varsity soccer team. After graduation Nick played professional soccer for 7 years in Minneapolis, Indianapolis and Atlanta. While competing on the professional level he worked in the front office of each franchise that he played for where he formulated, implemented and managed strategic marketing initiatives. After retiring from professional soccer Nick immediately began coaching at the University of Wisconsin and was the men’s assistant soccer coach for the Badgers for the past 7 years. In addition to his coaching responsibilities at UW he helped build and run the recruiting efforts for the program, was in charge of all aspects for the summer camps and community outreach endeavors, was the principal force in reconnecting the alumni of the program, oversaw all equipment and team travel needs and was the lead liaison between the student-athletes and the Academic Affairs office in the athletic department. Nick is married to Jessie, is a lifetime member of the National W Club and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree.

Jennifer Laack

Center Coordinator

Jennifer Laack joined the Family Business Center as the Center Coordinator in February 2008. She has a background in office administration and customer service. As the Center Coordinator she will be providing office support to the FBC and assisting Members of the FBC with their needs.

Contact information:
Jennifer Laack
601 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53715-1035
Phone: 608/441-7327 | Fax: 608/441-7337 | E-mail: jlaack@bus.wisc.edu