All in the Family: Nurturing Success within Family-Owned Construction Businesses

Around thirty percent of family-owned businesses are viable into the second generation, and only thirty-six percent of construction firms make it past their fifth year of business. For a family-owned construction company, the numbers are against you from the beginning. Successfully integrating the second generation of the family into the business is critical for its health, but it can be tricky. Read on to learn how to include the next generation with ease:

• Have a Policy of Open Communication - When a new employee starts, immediately establish a clear environment of open communication and discussion. It is highly likely that they will have a lot of questions about the company and how it's run. Make it apparent that asking questions is encouraged, and that the other employees are willing to do whatever it takes to make the new worker feel like part of the team.
• Establish Documented Processes - If certain processes have always been standard within your company, that doesn't have to change. To ensure high quality, standardized work, consider implementing construction management software like ConstructionOnline or ConstructionSuite (or both). With tools like workflows and project templates, software can keep your company running smoothly and to the level that your customers expect.
• Be Flexible to Input - Chances are, whoever you bring into the company is going to have some new ideas on how things should be managed. While you might have reservations about considering input from someone who just joined the team, it could be beneficial for the company in the long run. Listening to and applying new ideas can result in your business taking on more projects, running more efficiently, and operating at a lower cost. 
• Utilize Personal Strengths - When a relative (or any new employee) enters the company, let them shadow different employees to determine what role they see themselves performing the best in. If unsure, completing a Strengths and Weaknesses analysis test in addition to shadowing would also provide insight into which type of role might be a good fit.

Want more insights about building your construction business? Take a look at:

• Growing Your Company in 2019
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• Success Spotlight: Data Exchange
• Keeping Customers Happy in the Age of HGTV