Proper farm transition planning, including timing, protects the viability of the business going forward Agriculture, with its continuous cycle of planting and harvest rooted in valley soil, becomes a way of life. Leaving that rhythm behind to retire from the farm can be difficult. Farm leadership brings prominence and identity in an important profession, often […]
The ‘tangled root ball’
Family-owned businesses must balance work, ownership and family roles Each June, family business owners interview with a panel of peers to compete in the Excellence in Family Business Awards. Judges consistently ask each CEO how they carve out time for their family. To date, the most memorable — and perhaps practical — “policy” came from […]
Starting a board of directors for your family business
Starting a board of directors is frequently cited by family business owners as something they know they “should do.” In fact it’s a perennial top request for new family business workshop topics. With all of this reported interest, it’s surprising that only 48 percent of family businesses have actually instituted a functioning board. Two important […]
Hiring the right family business adviser
Business advisers can help nursery owners build a company that will last for generations.
Keeping it in the family
The Austin Family Business Program at Oregon State University has developed guidelines for succession planning. They are based, in part, on extensive surveys of successful multi-generational family businesses.