My favorite person in the world is my father.
He taught me how to tie my shoes, showed me right from wrong, and is my prime example of integrity. He’s also taught me there will never be a better defensive line than the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Steel Curtain and the best band out there is the Doobie Brothers, before Michael McDonald. I value everything about him, but the thing I value most is his work ethic. He will go the extra mile for anyone, put forth the effort of 100 employees and will never give up building a foundation for my older brother and me.
Through my teenage years, I was privileged to work for and with someone extremely close to our family; in fact my brother and I are godparents to his youngest son. He is the third generation owner of Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop and is determined to have his two sons take over the “sweet” empire. And, for almost three years, I have worked at No Limit Agency* and witnessed the special relationship CEO Nick Powills shares with his two sons, Jagger and Lennon, in the midst of running a successful PR agency.
I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing fathers over the course of my life and have looked up to each of them as role models. But for every father in business, there comes time when it’s appropriate to consider passing down the business to their children in order for them to continue to build upon the legacy established.
I took some time to catch up with President and CEO Brad Rush of JAN-PRO’s Atlanta headquarters to get his take on fathers in franchising and what dads need to do in order to prepare to shift ownership of their business to their children. Here’s what he had to say.
Plan early
Rush said, above all else, plan early. He has worked alongside his father Ron Rush to build a strong network of 230 franchisees while setting an example for his own two children. Rush emphasized that it’s never too early to start planning your exit strategy in order for everyone to have time to prepare for the transition.
Don’t assume you have the same dream
Your children may have another plans. They may want to go down a different path, develop a business of their own or even enter a completely new field. It’s important to have an open conversation about the future and who will play a role in the family business.
“Any parents’ dream is to provide their children with opportunities that were not available to them,” said Rush. “I want my children to do something meaningful and productive. That may be working with JAN-PRO or they may seek their own path. It’s important that we always communicate and plan ahead.”
Keep an open mind
Everyone’s approach to business is unique. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and children are no different. Working with your kids and transitioning business ownership to them can be very fulfilling, but what happens when you don’t see eye-to-eye? It’s important to keep an open mind even though you may disagree.
“The most important life lesson I want my children to understand in business and in life, is exactly what makes JAN-PRO so special,” Rush said. “The fact that the more they are able to selflessly give of themselves for the benefit of others, the more successful and fulfilled they will be both personally and professionally.”
