In 1875 J.D. Creaghan emigrated to Canada from Ireland with the hope of making a better life. J.D settled in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and after gaining retail experience managing a Campbell's store, he started a chain of J.D. Creaghan stores. This company became known as the "Eaton's of New Brunswick." It thrived and became J.D.'s legacy to his family for several generations into the future.

However, after three successive generations of family ownership, differing expectations and objectives, and lack of a clear succession plan, finally led J.D.'s grandchildren to sell the business-100 years after it had been started.

One of those grandchildren was Frank Creaghan, a successful insurance advisor for 20 years at the time of the sale, and a member of the company's Board of Directors. Frank regretted the sale, especially when he realized that the reason this family heirloom had to be sold came down to one factor-lack of proper planning. He spent the next twenty-five years helping other families plan for the succession of their own family business.

Franks personal experience taught him first-hand the benefits of maintaining family capital for future generations, and also the deep regret associated with mismanaging that capital. It also introduced him to the complexities of families working together.

In 1987, Frank co-founded Creaghan McConnell Group Ltd. with his son, Peter Creaghan, and son-in-law, Marty McConnell. Their mission was then and still is to help business families manage the destiny of their businesses-and to maintain family fairness and harmony whatever business path they choose. Robert Gould joined the firm as a partner in 2002. Together, they have built the company into Canada's premier Exit Strategy Company™.