about us

Who we are & what we do

Helping Family Businesses Thrive Across Generations

At BlueRoots, we guide family-owned businesses through succession, governance, and leadership transitions. Using the 3-Circle Model focusing on the intersection of Family, Ownership, and Business.

We help families make strategic decisions that protect both their business and their relationships. A cornerstone of our approach is structured family meetings, where open dialogue, alignment, and shared vision are created across generations.

our mission

“We guide family businesses through leadership transitions and governance planning, helping each generation align their family, ownership, and business priorities so their legacy endures.”

 

our story

BlueRoots was founded to help family businesses thrive across generations. We know that succession isn’t just a business challenge — it’s a family challenge. Many families struggle because decisions about leadership, ownership, and business operations happen without a clear framework.

Through structured family meetings, we help families discuss sensitive topics openly, align their goals, and make informed decisions. Over the years, we’ve helped family businesses clarify roles, resolve conflicts, and create succession plans that honor both the family and the business.

how we help

We focus on the three circles that define every family business.

By addressing all three circles and guiding families through structured family meetings, we help families reduce conflict, create actionable plans, and build a shared vision for the future.

1. family

Strengthening relationships, communication, and shared values through facilitated family meetings.

2. Business

Building sustainable operations, leadership succession, and strategic plans for long-term growth.

3. Ownership

Clarifying ownership structures, decision-making rights, and governance responsibilities.

our approach

  1. Assessment & Discovery
    We start by reviewing your family, business, and ownership structures to understand your goals and challenges.
  2. Family Meetings & Alignment
    Using structured family meetings, we facilitate conversations that align family members around shared values, priorities, and succession goals.
  3. Strategic Planning
    We design governance structures, succession roadmaps, and leadership plans that reflect your family’s vision and business realities.
  4. Implementation & Support
    We help execute the plan, coaching next-generation leaders, supporting outgoing generations, and embedding governance into the family business culture.

why choose blueroots?

  • Family-Business Expertise
    We specialize exclusively in family-owned businesses and understand the dynamics that affect succession.
  • Structured Family Meetings
    Our facilitation ensures open dialogue, alignment, and shared understanding among all generations.
  • Proven Frameworks
    Using the 3-Circle Model and best practices, we provide clarity in complex family and business decisions.
  • Tailored Solutions
    Every family is unique; our approach is customized to your values, goals, and circumstances.

our team

experts facilitating success

tammy buss

nicole novick

duncan callam

with trusted associations

blueroots belongs to…

Family Enterprise Canada

Exit Planning Institute

WeConnect

Woman’s Presidents Organization

STEP Global Professional Body

wbe Canada

"Tammy Buss’ spoke at our conference and was highly engaging and informative. She did a fantastic job delivering the content with clarity and enthusiasm. The feedback we received from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting her expertise and the valuable insights that were shared. Tammy is incredibly reliable and was an absolute pleasure to work with throughout the event."

 

– Liz Ptak
Manager, Events and Corporate Experience
FP Canada

"Miscommunication was causing costly delays and mistakes in our operations. BlueRoots analyzed our leadership team communication patterns in our family business and educated us on how to improve information flow. Their strategies have dramatically increased our efficiency and teamwork across all of our companies."

 

– Shawn Bellefeuille
1st Generation Owner, Retirement by Design

"Many of our women-owned businesses are family-run. BlueRoots offered valuable insights on navigating the complexities of managing a family business, including strategies for distinguishing between business and family roles, and tips for improving workflow within the often challenging dynamics of a family environment."

 

– Sherry Cummins
Women’s Business Development Senior Specialist, Great Lakes Women’s Business Council

"As a family-run company, we often let emotions get in the way of clear communication. BlueRoots provided us with neutral third-party facilitation during tough conversations. Their methods helped us express ourselves constructively and truly listen to each other's perspectives."

 

– Jo-Ann Fisher
Founder, Hangar9

"I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend the service of BlueRoots., led by the exceptional Tammy Buss and her dedicated team. My family had the pleasure of working closely with BlueRoots, and our experience was nothing short of transformative. From the onset, Tammy and her team demonstrated an extraordinary ability to align our personal, financial and business goals into a cohesive and effective strategy. Tammy's approach was not only strategic but also deeply collaborative, ensuring that every family member felt heard and valued throughout the process. The final strategy was truly reflective of our family's collective vision and values."

 

– Lisa Ferguson
2nd Generation co-owner, Hangar9

"Communication is not only essential for the success of family businesses, but also for the harmony and well-being of family members. Without this cornerstone, poor communication can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts that can damage both the business and the family. On the other hand, good communication can foster trust, collaboration, and innovation that can benefit both the family and the business. Tammy's presentation was a valuable opportunity to learn how to communicate effectively in family businesses. She shared insightful tips and strategies that can help family members communicate more clearly, respectfully, and constructively. She also showed us how to avoid common communication pitfalls and handle challenging situations with grace and professionalism. If you are looking for a speaker who can help you improve your communication skills and enhance your family business performance, Tammy is the one. She is knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about helping family businesses thrive. Don't miss this chance to learn from her."

 

– Mary Ann Wenzler
VP Financing, BDC, GTA West

"Tammy was a very engaging presenter and we learned invaluable tools for our team. She helped shine a light on where opportunities for improvement existed, and how we can work most effectively as a team by better understanding how we each work and communicate. Tammy taught us skills for having productive conversations, even when discussing difficult topics. Communication truly is the key for preventing misunderstandings and conflicts."

 

– Jared Zaifman
CEO, London Home Builders Association

"Passing down our family business to the next generation was an emotional and complex process for me. BlueRoots guided me through it all with professionalism, empathy, and expertise. Their succession plan ensured a smooth transition while preserving our family's values and legacy. We're forever grateful for their invaluable support."

 

– Arne and Joanne Madsen
1st Generation Founder, CCR build and Remodel

"Tammy and her team at BlueRoots were exceptional to work with. My dad and I struggled with the transition of our family business on our own and couldn't gain any traction. Tammy came highly recommended, and we were thrilled with her process and deep understanding of the unique challenges family businesses face, stemming from her own experience. Thanks to her guidance, we've successfully transitioned to the next generation, and I now feel well-prepared for the future, should my children wish to join the business. I highly recommend BlueRoots!"

 

– Peder Madsen
2nd generation owner, CCR Build and Remodel

LET’S WORK TOGETHER

We help families communicate better, strengthen relationships, and achieve business success. Let our expertise guide your family through the conversations that matter most.