James Olan Hutcheson is one of the few family business advisors who has successfully run a multi-national, high-profile family business and has earned the academic credentials necessary for this field.
Jim has been actively involved in the management of two family businesses: Olan Mills, Inc., the world’s premier photographic company; and Peerless Woolen Mills, a division of Burlington Industries. His unique perspective as an entrepreneur, senior manager and active family business member has provided him with a full range of family business experience to help struggling family businesses resolve their challenges and improve the bottom line.
Since founding ReGENERATION Partners, Jim has advised more than 180 families across a wide range of industries. His counsel includes resolving conflict, planning and implementing succession and developing systems and structures to enhance communication, governance and prevent problems. Additionally, Jim serves as a business coach by mentoring future leaders.
Jim began his professional career with Olan Mills, Inc. as a part-time telemarketer. He climbed the corporate ladder and eventually grew the organization to over 15,000 employees with more than 1,000 locations across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. During his leadership tenure, the company grew at an annual rate exceeding 25%. After almost 20 years in the family business, he resigned as President of Olan Mills Studios and founded ReGENERATION Partners.
In addition to Psychology, Sociology, and an MBA degrees, Jim has earned an Honorary Doctorate of Law. He also belongs to The Family Firm Institute (FFI) and serves on the board of directors, as well as the chair of the annual conference, and has been awarded Fellow status by his peers. Through FFI, Jim has been awarded the Richard Beckhard Practice Award, the highest recognition for practice within the field of Family Enterprise.
Jim was given the Outstanding Business Leader Award from Northwood University, where he also serves as a Trustee and Chairman of the Board of Governors. ReGENERATION Partners has been awarded the Greater North Texas Business Ethics Award, and was a finalist for the American Business Ethics Award. During his professional life, Jim has served as a board member, director or advisor to more than 35 enterprises, as well as an interim CEO of three successful companies.
Jim is a frequent speaker at professional, collegiate and corporate-sponsored events. Additionally, he’s written for numerous publications and has been featured in national and international media including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, International Herald Tribune, CNBC, MSNBC, PBS, Fuji TV, Entrepreneur, American Way, and Inc. Jim is a past editor of Nation’s Business, Financial Planning, and BusinessWeek.com, and was a contributing editor for Family Business Magazine, and Families in Business.
Jim and his wife spend their time at their homes in Dallas and Telluride.
