FAQ's

What is Aileron, and what do you do?

Aileron inspires entrepreneurs to strengthen their business through professional management and provides support and guidance to help them drive the necessary changes throughout their organization. They become part of a community where they can tap into services, resources and successful business owners who have adopted this way of doing business and share their real-world experiences.

Those who embrace professional management find an improved quality of life, and are empowered to focus and plan the future for their businesses. Aileron is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising the quality of life through the growth of private business.

What is Professional Management?

Professional Management is a formula to run a business. From setting the appropriate direction of the enterprise to diagnosing problems within the organization, professional management focuses on six key fundamentals: leadership, strategy, culture, people development, structure and controls. Learn More.

Why is Aileron so focused on helping private business implement professional management?

With every successful relationship we foster with a small business, Aileron strives to improve the life of the owner, their family, and the employees and their families by assisting them in reaching not only a new found sense of control over and predictability of their businesses, but also through greatly enhancing opportunities for stability and growth.

In turn, this growth will serve as the catalyst for a positive, recurring economic cycle that includes greater revenue streams, new jobs and a better quality of life, not only for the companies we serve directly, but also for their suppliers, customers, partners, and others who interrelate with our client companies.

As a non-profit, how does Aileron stay sustainable?

Aileron is an operating foundation that focuses on the development of privately held business as a way to raise the quality of life for many. Aileron's learning, doing, and giving model helps to create a community of business owners who share a commitment and energy throughout the process of implementing professional management. Aileron is funded through the generosity of Clay and Mary Mathile and our contributors.

What is Aileron's non-solicitation policy?

Aileron strives to create an environment where our clients can focus on implementing professional management. With this goal in mind, we ask everyone to refrain from "selling" their products or services while at the campus or at Aileron events. Click here to learn more about Aileron's Non-Solicitation Policy.

How many clients does Aileron have?

Over the past 14 years, Aileron has served 4,255 clients.

What are your business hours?

Aileron's campus is open from 7:30 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, closed weekends.

Which holidays will the Aileron campus be closed?

The Aileron campus will be closed New Years Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the Friday after, Christmas week and New Year's Eve.

Is Aileron solely focused on working with Dayton business owners? If not, what is your growth strategy?

Aileron is focused on helping private business owners in order to fuel free enterprise regardless of their geographic location. However, as planned, Aileron is easily accessible to business owners in the Dayton region, and if they engage themselves in all Aileron has to offer, they will grow in their knowledge; their businesses will grow; they will employ more people; and the community, region and state will benefit substantially.

I am not familiar with your services, and I'm not sure how to get started. What is the first step?

Many business owners get started by attending Aileron's flagship course, The Course for Presidents. You can also review our service descriptions and select the topic or format that interests you based on your current circumstances and or position. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to talk to someone regarding your business needs and where to start. Please call our main line at 937-669-6500 or sign up for a campus tour.

What kind of services does Aileron offer?

All of Aileron's services focus on providing private business owners with the resources, tools and knowledge to implement a professional management system into their organization. Aileron offers workshops, programs, business advisors, opportunities to meet peers and an inspiring environment in which to work. Our services have been designed to help business leaders focus on the role they need to perform within their organization and work on the critical areas of their business.

Do I have to be a member to register for a program?

Working with Aileron doesn't require a membership. Aileron offers services that are designed to help private business owners implement professional management, and most of our services are considered "open registration." Aileron works to describe who will benefit from each service to help participants evaluate and register for the services that meet their individual needs.

Are Aileron services duplicative of other entrepreneurial programs?

The services at Aileron are not the same as area business schools or other local entrepreneurial programs. Our objective was to create services that were not competitive with what was already offered locally and that would meet the unique needs of private business owners whose organizations were past the start up phase of business.

What makes your workshops different?

Several things. We collaborate with business owners to simplify how they run their business into an operational formula that is practical to implement and control and is necessary for long-term success. Workshop sizes are restricted and are interactive so your specific issues and challenges are given the proper attention. And once you've attended our flagship course, the Course for Presidents, you can return anytime you like for half the current fee for the course. We are sincerely interested in your progress in implementing professional management in your organization. Therefore, we also offer one-on-one business advisor services to help you apply what you learn.

What if I cannot attend a program or workshop that I have registered for?

Cancellation Policy — Aileron requires 10 business days notice to cancel and receive a full refund. If the cancellation notice is received 10 business days prior to the event date, then the client will receive a full refund. If the cancellation occurs within the 10 business days of the event date and time, the participation fee will not be refunded.

My company's president has yet to attend an Aileron course and says he doesn't believe in this kind of training. I am the senior vice president, and I do believe in the training, so why can't I register for the Course for Presidents or work one-on-one with a business advisor?

How does Aileron help non-profit organizations, government agencies or schools?

I am the president of a Public Company. Why can't I attend the Course for Presidents?

The reason we request you attend the Course for Senior Executives, is that owners of private enterprise deal with very unique issues that come with having their personal capital at risk. The Course for Presidents spends more time exploring these issues, and having all the participants understand and living that reality helps that course. The Course for Senior Executives is really for leaders who do not have their personal capital at risk, but fill a very important role within their business.

How does Aileron find its guest facilitators?

Aileron has found guest facilitators in several ways. We have a process for seeking facilitators with a specific expertise to work with us on the development and/or delivery of a specific topic. We also have a process for working with individuals who approach Aileron and offer their services to further the Aileron mission. For more information, visit the Get Involved section of our website.

I would love to contribute to Aileron. How do I get involved?

Thank you for your interest in contributing to Aileron's mission. For more information, visit the Get Involved section of our website.

I would like Aileron to facilitate a private course for my organization. Would Aileron consider a request like this?

We would like to speak to you about your needs and discuss if a private course makes the most sense for your organization. Please contact Kelly McCracken at 937-669-6510, and we will work together with you to find an appropriate solution.

I am in need of a facilitator, financial advisor/planner, sales consultant, attorney or human resources manager. Does Aileron provide any outside referrals?

How do I use the campus space?

Can I host a sales conference at the Aileron campus?

Can I bring a client or potential client to the campus?

What if I have a room reserved and catering scheduled but need to cancel at the last minute?

I am a pass holder, why can't I host a meeting at the campus for organizations I am affiliated with?

You may reserve space for your business but not other entities you may have associations with such as churches, trade organizations or networking groups. Click here to view the campus guidelines.

If I sign up to use the campus, can I use it for my company's holiday party?

Can I work one-on-one with your clients?

We work with outside contributors when it is in the best interest of the client, and follow-up work is orchestrated through Aileron. We want to emphasize that this is a non-solicitation environment; we are here to help our clients and will not allow our programs and workshops to be used as an opportunity to generate leads. Aileron will terminate its relationship with any contributor who is selling a product or service to a client, failing to serve the best interest of the client or inhibiting our ability to act as a trusted, objective resource.

As a contributor, what do I get in return?

In return for your time, you can expect a deep sense of personal satisfaction, knowing that you've made a lasting difference in the futures of other business owners and their companies. It's altruism at its best! Contributors who have ongoing relationships with Aileron also have the pleasure of watching individual client's grow, succeed and improve over time as they implement what they have learned through Aileron.

As a guest facilitator, will I receive any compensation for my time?

In addition to the rewarding experience of sharing your knowledge, guest facilitators who lead programs and workshops are thanked with an honorarium. For example, our Leader to Leader programs are typically short and have a tight focus. While not part of a prescribed roadmap, they make the journey richer and provide a more relevant experience. These programs invoke deeper thinking and connect participants with the Aileron environment and to each other. Therefore, the typical honorarium is $100-150 per hour of class time.

What kind of time commitment is expected?

Because of our desire to engage practitioners and business owners—and our respect for your time and busy schedule—we ask that you commit at least two days per year to Aileron.

What is Aileron's approach to learning?

We are focused on private business owners who want to work "on" their business to position it for growth. Aileron encourages owners to step away from the day-to-day grind of running their business and get them focused on the future. We don't give our clients sales pitches or tell them to read bulky textbooks. As peers helping peers, we give real-world advice that gets them results.

What is Aileron's non-solicitation policy?

Aileron strives to create an environment where our clients can focus on implementing professional management. With this goal in mind, we ask everyone to refrain from "selling" their products or services while at the campus or at Aileron events. Click here to learn more about Aileron's Non-Solicitation Policy.

Do I have to attend the Course for Presidents before going to the Outside Boards program?

No, it is not a requirement, but we do highly recommend it. Aileron strives to empower business owners to implement professional management. Professional management is a guiding philosophy that allows you to control your business in any environment. Having an outside board is a critical piece to the equation. But it is one piece in a much larger picture. There are many benefits for a business owner to fully understand professional management, before putting a board together. Therefore, we encourage you to start with the Course for President’s.

Can I bring my senior leaders to the Outside Boards Program?

We recommend that you only bring your partners and not senior leaders of the organization. An outside board of advisors is really there to support you, the business owner - not your senior team. We will consider exceptions; please contact the Director of Client Development or Director of Client Relations to discuss.

Do I have an assigned advisor for the Creating an Outside Board service?

Yes, you will be assigned an Aileron advisor after you attend the Outside Boards program.

Am I required to take any particular services prior to Creating an Outside Board?

We strongly recommend that you begin with the Course for Presidents, to see the big picture of professional management and how outside advisors play a critical role. After the Course for Presidents, you will meet with an Aileron advisor to explore the right next steps. If from that meeting the development of an outside board is identified as a high priority, then we recommend you take the Outside Boards Program to ensure you have a good foundation before beginning to build your board. After the Outside Boards program, you will meet with your advisor to determine if the Creating and Outside Board service is the appropriate next step for you.

What is the typical span of time I need to invest in building my board?

You should expect to invest anywhere from 6 – 12 months, depending on your commitment and your specific needs. During these months you should plan to commit time to interviewing and selecting your board members, preparing for your board meetings, and facilitating your board meetings, as well as spending time with your Aileron advisor debriefing and coaching.

Can I recruit my own board candidates?

That works too! You can still rely on Aileron for guidance through the process of building your board. Your Aileron advisor will work with you to indentify the skills and experience needed, and provide guidance and examples to assist in interviewing and selecting the right board candidates. Your Aileron advisor will provide guidance on preparing for and running effective board meetings. Aileron’s goal is to help you establish an outside board that can function effectively to support you moving forward with strategic thinking and key decisions.

Where does Aileron find its board candidates?

Individuals interested in serving on advisory boards come to Aileron from a variety of venues. One may be a business owner or executive who is working, or has worked, with Aileron or one of our staff. One may have heard about Aileron from a colleague, mentor, or peer. Or one may have read about Aileron in the media and pursued an opportunity to get involved. Many of the board candidates that Aileron provides have participated in Aileron’s Becoming an Effective Board Member program, so you and the board member can speak the same language and have similar views of how a board should work.

In all instances, the board candidates looking to serve are driven by one motive: a passion to help other business owners grow and be successful in leading their organizations.

What if I don’t like the board candidate that Aileron has provided?

If you find that you just don’t like the board candidate provided, you can simply let your Aileron advisor know, and we will continue looking for a better match. We will offer up to the three board candidates for each position.

Can I bring my senior leaders and / or family members to the board meetings?

It’s recommended that the leader of the organization - whether it is the business owner or the president - be the only one at the board meetings. Traditionally, senior leaders and/or family members may be invited to attend to discuss specific topics during a board meeting, but it’s not recommended that they attend the entire meeting every meeting.

Does the business owner have to pay the board members?

As a guideline, we recommend that the business owner pay each board member for each meeting attended $500-$1000 depending on the size of the business. However, it’s up to the business owner to decide how much to pay their board members and how often. Checks can be sent with the board book and preparation materials before the board meeting or can be distributed at the end of each board meeting as a ‘thank-you’ for their time and expertise.

I don’t live in Ohio, can I still register for the Creating an Outside Board service?

Aileron can provide the same support to you using virtual tools. However, many of the board candidates in Aileron’s pool are local to Ohio. Aileron can provide board candidates who are willing to travel, participate via virtual tools, or you can plan to hold your first several board meetings at Aileron and then transition to a board in your home state after you are comfortable with the process.

What databases do you have in the Information Commons?

1. Hoovers – Delivers company and industry information on over 30 million companies - limit of 1,000 downloads of information per session.
2. IBIS World - These reports are helpful in understanding key components of each industry.
3. First Research – Is a helpful tool when looking for information about particular industries.
4. Lexis Nexis – Has access to a wide range of news articles, business profiles and legal filings.
5. EBSCO – Provides full text articles and abstracts out of scholarly and peer- reviewed business journal

When and where can the databases be used?

You must be present in the Aileron Information Commons to use the databases. The databases are available for use between 8am and 5pm. Ask an Aileron Representative to log you in the databases. An appointment is not necessary, but recommended in order to have an Aileron Representative available in the Information Commons to provide a tutorial and answer your questions.

How do I prepare to use the databases and save my reports?

It is helpful to come with a clear objective of what you are looking to research. It is necessary to bring a flash drive to save the report of your findings.

How do I checkout a book?

You must have a Campus pass in order to checkout a book. If you are a new pass holder, please see an Aileron Representative in the Information Commons.

If you do not have a book in the Information Commons, can you get it?

We will look into getting the book requested, and determine if it fits within Aileron’s Professional Management System.

Can I donate a book?

Yes, we are always looking to grow our collection. See an Aileron Representative in the Information Commons.