Our Latest Articles

January 27, 2022 - Issue #52

Diversify Your Family's Risks by Returning to Its Entrepreneurial Roots Diversify Your Family's Risks by Returning to Its Entrepreneurial Roots Don't invest in the market or seek to acquire other firms. Instead, rediscover the thinking that made your business outstanding in the first place.
A Family Firm Can Be Both an Innovator and a Great Place to Work A Family Firm Can Be Both an Innovator and a Great Place to Work Both relatives and non-relatives should feel happy, secure and “part of the family” without getting so complacent that they don’t challenge the status quo.
Sinking ship? How one family firm sailed through several crises Sinking ship? How one family firm sailed through several crises A Finland-based family business that hadn't innovated in calmer times drew on its heritage and untapped strengths to get it through periods of stress.
Strategies for Keeping Your Family Connected Strategies for Keeping Your Family Connected We continue our discussion with Mitzi Perdue, widow of Frank and daughter of a Sheraton Hotels founder, who shares what she's learned about family unity.
When Adult Kids Fail to Launch When Adult Kids Fail to Launch

A business lawyer who has worked with family firms offers seven steps for families with adult kids who've been overly dependent. Parents' behavior and family culture and dynamics all play a role.

January 2022
Getting Along: Straight Talk from a Family Business Veteran Getting Along: Straight Talk from a Family Business Veteran Trust people. Walk around a lot so you meet more non-relatives. And don't show off your new car when the firm is tightening the belt.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion Can Be Good for Business Fostering Diversity and Inclusion Can Be Good for Business It can bring stronger connections with customers, better problem solving and enhanced creativity. Here's how to get started.
'Succession' on Screen and For Real 'Succession' on Screen and For Real

Familybusiness.org's Kimberly Eddleston was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal for this article discussing parallels between the HBO hit series and everyday family firms.

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How to Weigh the Consequences of Selling the Family Business
by Paul Edelman / Practice Insight

A strong valuation is not enough. Families need to understand the emotional, relational, and governance consequences of selling before they commit. Read more...

A Family Illness Can Infect the Business, Too
by Kristen Shanine, Kristen Madison, and Marilyn Whitman / Research Insight

Serious health problems can disrupt leadership, finances, customer relationships, and more. New research shows how family firms can prevent  illness from becoming a business crisis. Read more...

Why PE Firms Want to Buy Your Family Firm (and Change it)
by Sören Paleit, Frederik J. Riar, Marcel Hülsbeck, and Andreas Hack / Research Insight

Family businesses are often viewed as ripe for operational improvement, making them especially attractive to private equity investors seeking value creation. Read more...

Give Future Leaders Exposure to Critical Roles
by Kimberly Eddleston / Interviews

A job rotation program gives next-gens both hands-on experience and a working knowledge of different departments and important outside relationships. Read more...

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Things to Consider When Transferring Family Business Ownership
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The Hidden Fault Lines That Threaten Family Enterprises
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Editorial offices located at St Thomas University

Editorial offices located at St Thomas University