In a deeply personal and thought-provoking session, Cresset Founder and Co-Chairman Eric Becker shares the story that shaped his lifelong mission: understanding what it takes to build something that endures.
Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, Eric witnessed both the brilliance and the burden of business ownership. His father, known as the “King of Christmas,” built a beloved company that brought joy to millions—only to see it fade when the long view was missing. That experience sparked Eric’s passion for studying what separates enterprises, families, and communities that endure from those that don’t.
Drawing on insights from his book, The Long Game, Eric explores the principles that define longevity in business and in life:
- Recognizing moments of truth: Those rare inflection points that determine whether an organization thrives or declines.
- Cultivating a growth mindset: The ability to adapt, reinvent, and evolve while staying true to core values.
- Practicing stewardship and ethical succession: The mindset of building for future generations, not just personal success.
Through stories of his family, the founding of Cresset, and examples from enduring businesses, Eric illuminates what it means to build with intention and purpose. This session will inspire entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community builders to think beyond immediate success and embrace a vision that spans generations.
