The Family Business Success Gene
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Six Success Stories
While most family businesses have been known to die out fairly quickly, many are seen to thrive and flourish generation after generation.
Even in this age of globalization, you still have options for keeping a family business alive. The following success stories not only show products that have lasted right through the years, but a sense of pride and modesty throughout families.
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Next: Hussey Seating Company -
Rachel Watson
Hussey Seating Company
Once the poverty of the Great Depression ended, the Hussey family took advantage of the school boom, and by the 1980's did about half of the major league stadium construction in North America. By sticking to high values of integrity and standards, they have enjoyed six generations of success.
More on the Hussey Seating Company
Next: C.F. Martin & Company -
Rachel Watson
C.F. Martin & Company
In a small town in Germany in the 1800's, the C.F. Martin family set the standard for quality guitars. With changing times came changing music, benefiting the company in recent years. The current CEO now has a three-year-old daughter who occasionally comes to work with him, possibly preparing for a future.
More on C.F. Martin & Company
Next: Iwan Reis & Company -
Iwan Reis
Iwan Reis & Company
These tobacconists have survived years of changing thoughts on smoking and health. As the current general manager explains, "I smoke pipes, cigars, and cigarettes -- from 9 to 6:30 or 7, till I get back to the house. My dad is a cigarette smoker. My grandfather smoked cigars till the day he died at 92."
More on Iwan Reis & Company
Next: Harden Furniture Company -
Harden Furniture
Harden Furniture Company
While the furniture business is not generally thought of as extremely exciting, 164 years of success must mean something. Forth generation Greg Harden says he has learned, "their almost fanatical commitment to financial conservatism is very valuable when the business and industry are faced with challenges."
More on Harden Furniture Company
Next: A.E. Schmidt Co. -
A.E. Schmidt Company
A.E. Schmidt Co.
This company has grown from just selling pool tables to selling almost any game room equipment one could ask for. Nevertheless, as President Kurt Schmidt describes, "like that ill-tempered dog up the street, sometimes it's not so lovable." Faith and passion through good and bad times are necessities.
More on A.E. Schmidt Co.
Next: NP Dodge -
NP Dodge
NP Dodge
Brothers who first worked as surveyors for the railroads in 1855 then began five generations of real estate. In explaining the importance of family in a business, a Dodge brother stated, "let other people worry about who your great-grandfather was; you worry about how his great-grandson is going to turn out."
More on NP Dodge
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Recent Comments
WAcatz1 12:05:16 AM Jun 30 2008
As long as we keep sending our Blood, we will get more oil. None of Dem Bush supporter saying anything now. Hey the fruit didnt fall too far from the tree huh, he just want to get revenge for his daddy getting his ass-perations crushed by a camel herder. But everybody keepin their fingers crossed to see a Black man in the White house. Unfortunately, the powers that be will not allow it. Just like a truck load of votes diappeared in FL. Whats the latest on the puppet show?
tucsonauto 11:06:34 AM Jun 27 2008
STOP THE COMPLAINING DO YOU HEAR ANY ORIENTAL PEPOLE CRYING THAT THEY WERE SLAVES OR TOOK THIER LAND PUT THEM IN CAMPS HERE IN AMERICA AND MANY MORE. GO TO SCHOOL WORK HARD AND THEN YOU WILL SEE WHAT CAN HAPPEN STOP CRIYING ALWAYS COMPLAINING OF WHITE PEPOLE WHY NOT MAKE A DIFFERANCE INSTEAD OF COMPLING SOME ONE FROM EAST LOS ANGELES AND PROUD IF IT MY DAUGTHER IS A DVM AND I HAVE A NICE BUSINESS IN AZ AND A VERY HARD WOKER
WAcatz1 11:31:49 PM Jun 26 2008
Welcome to a population of drones who need to be told daily how to eat, sleep, walk, talk, go to work, take lunch, go home and come back tomorrow. Media propoganda
WAcatz1 11:27:52 PM Jun 26 2008
Keep clicking, where are all the colored folks? Last time I looked outside any New York window there were more colored folks than I can find on a single internet page. Sad, the brain washing.
WAcatz1 11:20:59 PM Jun 26 2008
Keep the American dream alive. Or, Keep dreaming America alive?
WAcatz1 11:18:12 PM Jun 26 2008
No more slavery, thats right. After the "abolishing" we were given SS numbers. In God we trust. Government Of Democracy. Thats why its usually behind the judge in the court room rather than in front of him. He doesn't need to be reminded of his job.
WAcatz1 11:15:09 PM Jun 26 2008
When are we gonna see some colored folks with success stories. Oh, but I forgot , if it aint white, it aint right. lol
WAcatz1 11:13:42 PM Jun 26 2008
It is so funny how these success stories are all about white people.
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