Doud Hausner and Associates
Those of you who have heard Ernie Doud speak about frustrations in the world of family businesses have probably heard this “Top Ten” list. We’ve gotten so many requests for copies of the article that a version is reprinted with his permission. With apologies to David Letterman, here they are:
10. “Too many people I’ve known have died soon after they retired (or acted like they were dead).”
There’s no correlation between mortality and retirement. However, it helps to develop interests outside the business to which you can turn your attention.
9. “Without me, the business is nothing.”
Get your ego down to a more realistic size. In fact, under your successors, the business may evolve in ways you’ve never imagined. More…