Family Business Insights

Steering a family business is a unique journey, a blend of passion, legacy, and, undeniably, distinct challenges. You’re not merely running a company; you’re nurturing a family’s dream. And at times, that dream can feel like it’s sailing through turbulent waters. The encouraging news is that every storm eventually subsides, and with the right compass, […]

The following story is from Simon Sinek’s book Start With Why (Portfolio, 2009): “On a cold January day, a forty-three-year-old man was sworn in as the chief executive of his country. By his side stood his predecessor, a famous general who, fifteen years earlier, had command the nation’s armed forces in a war that resulted […]

Navigating the Identity Crisis When Selling Your Company More than a business owner-who am I beyond the company I built? Navigating life after the sale starts with redefining your identity and future goals. Exiting a family business is a milestone many owners dream about-but it’s also one of the most challenging transitions you’ll face. Personal […]

What do effective leaders do? What should leaders do? Daniel Goleman posed these questions in an article for the Harvard Business Review, and they are questions that we don’t often take the time to think about. We are used to following our daily routines and dealing with the urgent matters at hand and we don’t often […]

Family-owned businesses are near and dear to my heart being the founder of one, but more importantly, they are the backbone of our communities, built on legacies, shared values, and a deep commitment to the future. But in today’s rapidly changing world, traditional leadership models may no longer be enough. It’s time to redefine what […]

The most resilient businesses are ones that expect the unexpected. Life-altering events like Death, Disability, Divorce, Disagreement, and Distress – which are known as the “5 Ds” of succession planning – may be unexpected, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan for them. While no succession plan is foolproof, you can stay on track if you […]

Mark Swepston spent his professional life building an already strong company, Atlas Butler, into an even more vibrant, community-oriented organization that is a nationally recognized leader in comprehensive HVAC and plumbing solutions. Yet with this success, as a third-generation family business leader, he had a nagging concern:  What would happen if he suddenly left the firm? […]

Peer groups provide an environment where leaders can confidentially connect with others who understand the intricacies of managing both business and family dynamics, making the groups an essential resource in moving their business forward. Indeed, in 2000 when Chris Converse first began working for his family’s Grove City business Converse Electric, he began attending monthly educational […]

As a leader in a family business, your “why” likely extends beyond personal ambition and may include aspirations like:  Fulfilling a Family Legacy: honoring the hard work and sacrifices of previous generations. Ensuring the Business’s Long-Term Sustainability: securing the future of the business for today – and for future generations. Creating a Positive Impact on […]

In ninth grade I was voted to serve as president of my freshman class. I was excited for the chance to lead and excited to enter high school. For our school, the first task of each year was to plan a class retreat as a kickoff event. I had all kinds of ideas for it. […]