Family, Inc.: How to Manage Parents, Siblings, Spouses, Children, and In-Laws in the Family Business (Paperback)

~ (Author), Laura Colin (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

More than 24 family businesses in the United States. employ 62 percent of America's workforce. And in Asia, Europe, Australia, and Latin America, experts say family businesses could account for as much as 80 percent of the private sector.

What's different about dealing with family members than dealing with underlings and managers at an impersonal corporation? When was the last time sales for a Fortune 500 company slumped because two brothers couldn't get along? Not that often, if ever. But it happens all the time in family businesses. Millions of families spanning the globe know they have problems ordinary businesses don't; they know if they don't keep the family on track, the business will derail.

Family, Inc. is a witty, engaging blueprint for maintaining peace within the family without busting the business. The authors use characters straight out of "Family Business Central Casting" to provide uncommon insights mixed with commonsense solutions. After all, they know that firing Uncle Bill is a bit more traumatic than firing just any Bill.

You'll meet:
* Dad the Decider: Can he run a successful business and keep the family happy?
* Mom, CFO (Chief Family Officer): Can she keep the business from destroying her family?
* The Hard-Charging Son: How can he get Dad to move aside without ruining their relationship?
* The Sibling Rivals: Will they ever cooperate when each believes Dad loved the other one best?
* Mrs. & Mr. Inc.: How can they juggle business, marriage, sex, and the kids?
* The Supportive Spouse: What can she do to ensure her husband is treated fairly on the job by her family?

With these and other captivating characters, Family, Inc. will show you how to keep your family from ruining the business and your business from ruining the family. You'll laugh, you'll cry...and you'll avoid a train wreck.

About the Author

Larry Colin is a 37-year veteran of a 92-year-old family business. From the beginning of his grandfather's one-man operation to the sale of two businesses with sales approaching $200 million, Larry's insight from "Been There, Done That, Try This," is the real deal.

Laura Colin, a Kellogg MBA, worked as an investment banker in New York and in economic development in North Africa before joining Larry in the family business. The couple, married 15 years, live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Career Press (March 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564149854
• ISBN-13: 978-1564149855
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #55,937 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Clues to running a family business, July 9, 2008

By	Rolf Dobelli "getAbstract.com" (Switzerland) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Imagine the conflict, arguments and drama around almost every holiday dinner table, then imagine them played out around a conference table and you'll see the issues that arise in family firms. Emotional, volatile relationships can erode even the most solid business. Larry and Laura Colin, who worked together in a family company before it was sold, use their first-hand experiences to show you how to avoid sacrificing your relationships on the altar of the family firm and visa versa. They look at the characters who populate many family firms, including "Dad the Decider," "The Hard-Charging Son" and "Mr. & Mrs. Inc." Although their insights are just one step beyond common sense, at least you don't need a business degree to understand the conversational text. getAbstract recommends this to readers who must practice nepotism as an art form, working with bosses, colleagues and employees who are also close-knit kin.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Characters that can hurt your family business, October 22, 2008

By	Margit Willems Whitaker "Margit Willems" (Baltimore, MD USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Family Inc. describes character - "Dad the Decider," "The Hard-Charging Son", "Mom the CFO", "The Inlaw under the Influence, and "The Father with Fairwell Paranoia" that are found in numerous family business settings, and talks about how these characters can tilt a family business unit structure. A good example is how the arguments, conflicts, and drama in the family unit can play havoc in the business unit. Growing up, and working in my family's business, I can relate to what Larry and Laura Colin describe in their book - the emotionally charged relationships that can erode even the most solid business.

The book is an easy read, and a bargain investment. In the privacy of your own home you can read up if you or other family members fit one or many of the characters described that can hurt your family business and keeps it back from moving into the "next generation." Highly recommended if you want your business to move beyond the second generation.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Easy Read, April 27, 2008

By	Bohemian Rosebud - See all my reviews

Easy to read. Would recommend for family businesses in the first and second generation. Not much help for families in businesses in the third and fourth generations.