Our Latest Articles

June 22, 2026 - Issue #170

When Keeping the Business in the Family No Longer Makes Sense A study of German family businesses showed that as intra-family succession becomes more difficult, families are increasingly open to selling — and intermediaries are emerging to help match owners with outside buyers.

Fair Does Not Always Mean Equal: Ownership Decisions in Family Business Families often struggle to decide whether shares should be divided equally among children or reflect leadership, sacrifice, and “sweat equity.”

Why Family Business Founders Struggle to Step Back During Succession Founder resistance is often more complicated than control. Empathy can help families understand what founders are trying to protect — and what their continued involvement may be preventing.

How Franchising Helped Chefs for Seniors Go National The Wisconsin-based family business providing home-cooked meals for the elderly discovered a nationwide need for their services, and used franchising to expand.

Why Family Business Strengths Can Become Weaknesses in a Crisis Family businesses often rely on loyalty, long-term thinking and strong relationships. But research shows those same strengths can backfire when crisis hits.

How to Grow Your Business Through Franchising Franchising was the key to growth for a new beauty company facing competition from established brands.

The Great Wealth Transfer Mat Hughes

This New York Times article discusses the trauma that may ensue when aging family business owners begin to pass down their wealth -- and features FamilyBusiness.org contributor Doug Baumoel.

Can a Family Stay a Business Family After Selling the Business? A study of German family firms shows that regular, meaningful contact between the family office and the family can preserve shared purpose after an exit.

Why Companies Adopt New Technology Before It Pays Off A study of renewable energy adoption in Europe shows that businesses move faster when regulation, entrepreneurial activity, and cultural values reinforce one another.

Always Putting Out Fires? Time to Rethink How Work Gets Done When every problem feels urgent, it often signals an inability to prioritize. Leaders need to identify why this is happening, and develop protocols for moving forward.

From our Archives Timeless and Timely The battles tearing apart the family behind New England's Market Basket chain have made this article particularly relevant.

A New Way to Resolve Extreme Conflict in Family Businesses

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Strong Family Businesses Think Short Term and Long Term at the Same Time

Helping Daughters Become Successful Family Business Leaders

The Hidden Fault Lines That Threaten Family Enterprises

The Hidden Branding Risk for Family Businesses: The Family Becomes the Brand

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by Kimberly Eddleston / Interviews

A leader's tacit knowledge can make the company more successful, but it's a challenge to understand what's behind it or how to pass it down to next-gens. Read more...

Inside the Family Business Boardroom: How Better Meetings Lead to Better Decisions

by Isabel C Botero, Miguel Méndez, and Pedro Vazquez / Research Insight

Board effectiveness isn’t just about who sits at the table—it’s about what happens during the meeting. Research reveals the hidden dynamics shaping family business decisions. Read more...

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An unexpected death or disability can wreak havoc on a family business's best-laid plans. Read more...

How Families Can Override Emotions to Make Better Judgments

by Paul Edelman / Practice Insight

When decisions become emotionally charged, it becomes harder to think clearly just when clear thinking is needed most. Read more...

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Let the Next Generation of Family Firm Leaders Chart Their Own Path

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