Preparing the next generation in a multi-unit franchise family business is often approached as a future transition. In practice, it is a present-day leadership question—whether the business can operate, grow, and make decisions without continued dependency on the owner. Quick Summary Preparing the next generation in a multi-unit [...]
Passing ownership or leadership in a car dealership is more than a private family decision. Original Equipment Manufacturers play a direct role in succession outcomes. Without OEM approval, even a well-intended transition stalls or collapses. OEM approval for succession is one of the most critical and misunderstood parts of [...]
Choosing the right successor for a propane business is about more than who wants the company. It is about who can protect employees, customers, lender confidence, supplier relationships, safety culture, and the family’s long-term control. For heating oil, biofuel, fuel delivery, and propane distribution owners, this decision carries real [...]
When you prepare a family member to take over a car dealership, focus on readiness, accountability, and structure. Success depends on skill, credibility, and trust, not family ties. Quick Summary Preparing a family member to lead a dealership takes years of training and consistent standards. You need a [...]
Many fuel dealers believe they can wait until retirement is near to think about succession. But without heating oil business succession planning, family-owned companies risk strained relationships, lost customer trust, and even collapse. Quick Summary The Myers family operated a successful heating oil business in New England for over [...]
If you are trying to talk to your family about taking over the propane business, the first conversation can feel harder than the planning itself. The company may carry your name, customer relationships, tanks, fleet, and decades of sacrifice. Bringing up succession can feel risky, but silence creates its [...]
You’ve built a successful propane business—serving loyal customers, navigating supply disruptions, and managing trucks, tanks, and people. But now you’re wondering: what’s next? Should you sell and walk away? Transition to a family member or key employee? Stay involved in some way? The good news: there’s more than one right answer. And your exit [...]
Did you know that Disney lost over $200 billion in market value during its last failed leadership transition? Most headlines fixated on the dramatic return of Bob Iger as CEO, overlooking a deeper issue. What happens when a leadership handoff lacks alignment, trust, and preparation? The [...]
Choosing a successor is only half the battle; developing them is where succession truly succeeds. Without intentional preparation, successors may lack the confidence, competence, or credibility to lead. And when that happens, the business, your people, and family relationships all suffer. Here’s how to build a family business successor development plan tailored [...]
Ever wondered what it takes to go from managing an auto dealership to owning one? For many aspiring dealership owners, the transition from manager to owner is full of visions for change and growth. But success in ownership isn't just about implementing new strategies—it's about mastering the art of leadership with a balance of [...]
