addition to providing new perspective, non-family leaders reduce emotionally-charged decision making Treat customers like family
Family businesses have a unique competitive advantage. Families who do business together want to build a legacy, which is different from just building a business to sell it. "The continuous level of care that a family brings to the business really affects your sales in a positive way," Kelly says. "Family members will always take care of the customers, which creates loyalty from customers, which in turn increases our sales overall." The Topper's team extends that level of care to the community, making it a point to partner with several charitable organizations.
Instill core values
Running a family-owned business isn't for everyone. "New businesses are tough to start and tougher to grow," warns Kelly.
Couples should start a family business if they are able to create a strong foundation of communication and trust; their talents and strengths should also complement one another.
Exposing kids to the family business is also important. Kelly's children, for instance, have worked for the company as part-time employees while going to school
Finally, Kelly advises that business owners remain as hands on as possible. He spends much of his time shaping the company culture and communicating with the operational team. And when it comes to strategizing a plan for his business, he doesn't just leave it to chance; he travels to different ocations to gather information, looking for ways to improve the products and the brand