MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF THE FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS

"On a personal level, we as a family are learning how to better communicate with ourselves as well as with our employees."
Steve Held, President, Family Member
The Old Trail Printing Company, Columbus, Ohio

"We wanted to thank you very much for making our last company meeting `the best one yet.' Those are the words of many of our employees and we, the family, feel that way too!"
R. C. & Pat Miller
RC Miller Refuse Service, Inc., Canton, Ohio

There are dynamics present in family-owned businesses that are not found elsewhere in the business world. Sorting through emotions and defining the fine lines of blood and profit often results in tension.

Steve's background as a clinical psychologist and business consultant coupled with his passion for humor have proven to be the right tools for creating positive environments for business and life, particularly when the two meet in this unique corporate structure...the family-owned business.

• We start with assessing the situation, identifying problems and opportunities and giving everyone a chance to be heard. Conducting training needs analysis and employee climate surveys helps establish priorities for key non-family employees.
• You will learn methods to minimize the 6 sources of conflict in family companies to help everyone work together.
• We identify opportunities to use training to turn relatives into executives.
• We help family owners think through the process of structuring succession of management to future generations and setting a direction for future growth and developing long range plans.
• Communication is an issue in any business, and always in a family business. We help develop strategies and techniques to broaden and deepen communication skills.