Meet Ferguson
Alliance
We work together as a team to help you prosper.
Advisory Team
ROB FERGUSON
Lead Advisor &
Founder of Ferguson Alliance
Rob has been a trusted advisor to family businesses since 2010.
Prior to becoming an advisor, Rob had a distinguished career in leadership – including ten years as a CEO at 2 different companies. One was a public company with $300 million in revenue, the other a family business with $100 million in revenue where he successfully managed the restructuring and sale of the company.
Rob has lead companies through 10x growth, helped turn struggling companies around, and has conducted more than $100 million in acquisitions.
In addition to accessing his wealth of experience, Rob's clients value his positive can-do approach to problem solving and his candid, yet kindly delivered feedback.
BRANDI MAREK
Senior Family Business Advisor
Brandi spent most of her career in management and leadership roles at Magnolia Gardens Nursery, a family business with over 150 employees.
As a “next generation” family member in a family-owned business, Brandi understands the delicate and at times challenging situations that can face family businesses.
Brandi has experience developing strategic plans, leading departments, and managing capital expenses. She’s comfortable with complicated financials and the nuances of organizational structure.
However, her passion lies with the people. Organizations excel when the people within them thrive, and Brandi is driven to bring out the best in people.
As a teacher and leader, she loves to help people reach their potential as empowered leaders who are confident in their abilities.
Jim Dumler
Family Business Advisor
Jim brings decades of leadership experience across industries including energy, chemicals, agribusiness, and private equity. Starting in research and development and rising to executive roles such as CFO, CEO, and Chairman, Jim has guided companies from startups to enterprises exceeding $50 billion in revenue.
With a background in engineering and an MBA from Duke University, he specializes in helping family businesses align strategy, leadership, and operations to drive performance and sustainable growth.
Jim became an advisor because he’s passionate about helping private companies overcome complex challenges and build lasting value for future generations.
Jay Rosen
Family Business Advisor
Jay brings over 30 years of leadership and advisory experience across industries, including construction materials, retail, healthcare services, and wholesale distribution.
He began his career in finance, working his way up from analyst to treasurer before moving into executive leadership roles. Along the way, he developed a sharp focus on identifying critical success factors and solving complex business problems.
Jay became an advisor because he enjoys the challenge of diagnosing issues, navigating transitions, and helping businesses regain stability and direction.
His greatest strength lies in his analytical approach - digging into financials, asking the right questions, and finding practical solutions that drive sustainable growth.
Jan Southern
Family Business Advisor
With over 40 years of experience, Jan Southern specializes in process improvement, compliance, and profitability for family businesses.
As a former Senior Consultant at JMFA, Jan has focused on optimizing organizational structures and hiring practices, demonstrating how strategic hiring can lead to significant savings and productivity.
Jan holds a degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Oklahoma State University and has worked across the Americas, gaining diverse insights into business practices.
Passionate about volunteering, Jan has been actively involved with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for over a decade, helping raise millions for scholarships. Jan also volunteers at the Houston Food Bank.
A wine enthusiast, Jan combines professional expertise with a personal passion for helping others, offering guidance on both business operations and wine selections.
Price Ferguson
Business Development Associate
Before joining Ferguson Alliance, Price spent 15 years coaching college football—building teams, mentoring athletes, and leading record-breaking programs. His coaching career took him from Texas A&M to Washington State and beyond, culminating in a role as Offensive Coordinator at Saint Anselm College.
Now, Price brings that same energy and leadership to family business development. He helps companies grow through connection, strategy, and a deep commitment to legacy.
His greatest strength is his ability to build trust quickly and bring people together around a shared vision.
Jennifer Cortes
Executive Assistant
With over a decade of experience in high-level administrative support, Jennifer excels in managing complex schedules, coordinating executive meetings, and facilitating seamless communication between clients.
Brad Abrameit, Magnolia Gardens
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Brad Abrameit, Magnolia Gardens
Running things past someone who has “seen it all before” gives me confidence so I can execute aggressively
I meet with Rob a few times a week as my advisor and sounding board.
He doesn’t tell me what to do, instead he takes an exploratory discovery approach – helping me consider the situation from different angles.
Running things past someone who has “seen it all before” gives me confidence that an initiative has “passed the smell test” so I can execute aggressively.
Ferguson has helped us with:
- Creating a new vision and strategic objectives
- Organizing projects, priorities, time, and resources
- Team development and accountability
- Developing systems and processes
- Establishing tracking data, metrics, and benchmarks
We’ve also benefited from his extensive network – connecting us to other professionals.
I really appreciate Rob’s deep background and experience in our industry. He has his finger on the pulse of what’s happening currently in business and brings new ideas from outside our industry.
He’s a genuine person who cares for the individuals he coaches and mentors.
OUR VALUES GUIDE
OUR ENGAGEMENTS
WE BELIEVE
Businesses are living organisms comprised of people and can live forever if you have a dynamic shared vision, a strong organizational structure and a disciplined system for managing.
Family businesses are the brains behind innovation, the heart behind local philanthropy and the nerve system of our entire free enterprise system.
Learning happens best during moments of enjoyment. Business growth and development can be fun! We are serious about results, and lighthearted in our approach.
