About Forums for Family Business
Facilitated round-table peer groups for family members in family business focusing on successful individual and enterprise growth, and intergenerational transitions.
The Forums for Family Business was founded by Dean Fowler more than 40 years ago and has run continuously since. The groups were stewarded, owned and facilitated by Bill Edstrom, an original Forum member who comes from a family business background, before its new owner and facilitator Inge Plautz, who also was raised in a family business, stepped in to foster the next phase of the legacy of the Forums for Family Business.
A Legacy for generations
“Successful families in business nurture and sustain their legacy for today and tomorrow. Over the years, Inge has worked closely with family-owned businesses, earning a reputation for thoughtful, tailored solutions and unwavering dedication to clients’ success. She possesses a rare blend of professional insight and personal empathy, ensuring that every client feels heard, supported and empowered to achieve their goals. Prepare for the future and succeed in business by joining The Forums for Family Business”
— DEAN FOWLER, Founder - Forums for Family Business
Inge Plautz is an accomplished executive, expert group facilitator, and governance specialist who helps family-owned and mission-driven organizations navigate complexity and achieve sustainable growth.
Her leadership fosters strategic frameworks, resilient teams, and adaptive cultures that thrive in evolving markets.
Drawing on experience creating CEO forums, peer roundtables, and cross-disciplinary networks, Inge unites leaders and advisors to spark innovation and forge productive alliances. Her governance experience includes establishing family councils, shaping boards, and aligning priorities for lasting impact.
As a Certified Private Company Director and founder of the Wisconsin chapter of the Private Directors Association, Inge champions forward-thinking governance models. Her executive roles—including a senior position at Old National Bank—have honed her skill in delivering transformative strategies and tangible results.
Past tenures at Old National Bank, RSM US LLP, M3 Insurance Solutions, PNC Financial Services Group and BMO, refined her ability to tackle operational challenges and guide organizations toward measurable progress. She extends this influence beyond the boardroom, fostering mentorship and diversity through exclusive women’s leadership events.
Recognized among Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, named Woman of the Year, and honored as a top executive in banking and finance, Inge combines strategic acumen with a global perspective gained through her Executive MBA at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and studies at ESCP Europe in Paris. Continually evolving in her responsibilities, she remains a trusted partner for organizations seeking clarity, momentum, and enduring leadership.
