Most of the time when families gather, the focus is purely social—reconnecting, reminiscing, and “rest and relaxation” as a group. Occasionally, family members may also gather for limited financial management tasks, such as settling a loved one’s estate, or planning for how to manage shared assets such as land or a family vacation home. These family get-togethers are important to families no matter what their financial circumstances. For families with wealth, though, the need to connect can go beyond the social aspects.
Family Governance
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Thomas Calandra, who is in his mid-twenties, is the owner of Calandra Enterprises. At least that’s how he introduces himself to customers and clients of the bakeries, hotels, and restaurants he runs with his sister, father, uncle, and grandfather. Thomas credits his family business’s success to his grandfather’s hard work, determination, and artistry. He and his sister vow not to be like other family-owned businesses that rise in the hands of the elders and crumble in the hands of the grandchildren.
Most family businesses take on the characteristics of their founder or founding family, especially in their formative years. This changes as the company grows and the founder begins to transition ownership and control to future generations. To guide the business succession transition forward on a successful path, there needs to be a family governance plan to establish a framework for joint decision-making among family members based on shared values, a common mission or purpose, and a collective vision for the family’s future.
Wealth coaching is essentially the study of one’s relationship with money and wealth. We all have a relationship with money, and through money messages that we learned at an early age, this relationship guides the majority of behaviors throughout our lives. Individuals and families who engage wealth coaches can benefit enormously across a broad spectrum of topics and issues as they participate in difficult conversations, learn about family systems, and devise governance strategies.
Managing family wealth over the long-term requires careful thought and a well-structured estate plan. Before making specific decisions about what’s best for your wealth, it’s wise to spend time considering what it is you really want to see happen with it. There are steps you can take—including considering trust options—to help create a legacy plan that both reflects your values and incorporates tax-efficient ways to transfer your assets.
The decisions made regarding ownership of the family office or closely-held business may not necessarily be the same decisions that are required for leadership and management. It’s critical to understand and acknowledge the different elements that proper succession planning entails, which includes robust governance practices and being proactive in safeguarding the family legacy for generations to come.
Family-owned businesses are an important part of the economy, and they face unique challenges due to the dynamics of family relationships. With family members involved in both ownership and management, decision-making processes can be complex and challenging, so it is crucial that family-owned businesses develop governance structures before a need for governance arises. With proper governance and best practices, family-owned businesses can thrive and achieve long-term and sustainable success.
Understanding the development of family leaders plays an important role as new generations emerge. In this episode, Richard Joyner discusses the path it takes to become a family leader and how to develop the skills and experiences needed for success.
Most business owners know that proper succession planning can help keep their business running strong into the next generation. They understand the importance of creating a plan to prepare heirs and key employees to run the business when it is time. In taking a different approach and applying the lessons learned, a list of seven “worst practices” is provided to help families prepare for an unplanned business transition.
Family offices can be complex, requiring forward thinking and collaboration on a variety of initiatives. Learn more about family office market trends that may impact your organization and key considerations to help you plan your strategy.