BY JASON BADER
Gaps in
Education –
Some Thoughts on Business Succession
O
ver my career, I have had the opportunity to form relation-
ships with other second and third generation professionals
in the distribution industry. I spent over half my profession-
al life as the second generation heir apparent in my family business.
Although I did not remain with that company, I received quite an
education in what it feels like to be that next one up to bat. Addi-
tionally, I found that there were several gaps in my education that
would have better prepared me for this responsibility. The more
you can fill in these gaps, and follow a few best practices, the better
chance you have for a successful transition.
As many other family business
people have experienced, I went to
work in the warehouse at an early
age. I often joke with audiences that
14 essentials | winter 2019
my father broke a few child labor laws
to get me involved. I drove a forklift
long before I could legally drive a
car. For many summers, I worked in
that warehouse and eventually on the
front counter. Again, this is nothing
new for kids in a family business.
Most of my peers had similar experi-
ences. Before entering the company
full time, after college, I did one of
the best things I could for my devel-
opment — I left.
Both my brother and I left the
company for a period of time after
college. I went overseas for a year
and my brother spent a couple of
years working in a mountain town.
Upon reflection, this departure
helped shape my respect for the
family business and allowed me to
be a much better contributor when I
returned. My more successful peers
have echoed the same thoughts.