Is Your Family Business Built to Last?

In the summer of 1968 my summer job switched from caddying to apprenticing.  I apprenticed with a family business, Piccone and D’Ambrosio Stone Masons, on the Philadelphia Mainline.  Actually, I was hired as a laborer, but as Rocco and Carlo observed the interest I had in the work, they eventually took me under their wing. 

For the next four summers I learned how to select and face stones for a particular job.  I grew to understand the nature of sand, cement, and limestone and that different jobs called for varying chemistry of these ingredients if what we were tackling was to last.  I became able and maybe a little skilled at handling the range of masonry tools.  As I grew closer to these two families, I learned about their business and the sense of love and duty that drove the sacrifices behind the back breaking work as they built their business.  These lessons left an indelible mark on the arc of my life, so much so that even now I can smell the dirt and hear the clatter of boulders being dropped from the back of the dump truck, and Rocky’s  warning to watch my hands as he held up an index finger with the first joint missing.

One facet of that experience that touched me deeply was the aesthetic and durability of the finished product.  Whether it was a chimney, two story garage or entry wall, everything that Rocky and Carlo built, was built to last.  This sentiment has never left me as I pursued a career in business and business ownership.  It was their rallying cry, their manifesto.

A business continuation plan that worked

Similarly, you might have heard the story of Paul O’Neill, former Secretary of the Treasury who became CEO of Alcoa.  He didn’t introduce himself to the analysts and shareholders as one who was going to drive sales, cut costs, and improve earnings.  Instead, he introduced the notion of zero accidents which became a rallying cry throughout the company.  As labor became engaged and less adversarial, accidents fell, efficiencies developed and earnings rose.  Alcoa, during Mr. O’Neill’s tenure, became one of the most profitable companies in America.

So I respectfully ask you to consider…What sentiment are you passing on to the next generation?  What is your rallying cry?

Our companies are beautiful things.  They are the lifeblood of the hopes and dreams we have for ourselves and our families.  Their ability to endure, however, is at risk if we fail to manage that risk by building with intention, sound governance, and a commitment to continuous improvement (learning).  Questioning our answers can be a humbling and liberating experience.

Whether you build it to sell or build it to pass on to another generation, BUILD IT TO LAST!   We can help.  Our experienced consultants have been providing business continuation planning and continuity consulting in Tampa Bay and Florida for over three decades.