Why Family-Owned Businesses Still Matter in a Private Equity World

This picture is from the first year we owned the business in the locker room at our old building. Before we ordered milk jugs by the pallet, we used to collect used milk jugs from friends, family and local restaurants to use in our production each day to help cut costs.

Our 3 small kids would accompany me to not only collect, but also clean out the milk jugs and get them ready to be utilized on the shop floor every other week. On one of our lockers you can see pictures our daughter colored for her favorite employee are proudly on display.

These reminders are what I often think about when comparing us as a Family-Owned Business vs Private Equity.

Private equity plays an important role in today’s economy - but there’s something uniquely powerful about family-owned businesses.

Family-owned companies often:
▪️ Think long-term - not quarter-to-quarter
▪️ Put people first - employees, customers, and communities
▪️ Preserve culture and values across generations
▪️ Stay agile, with faster decisions and fewer layers
▪️ Build trust, rooted in reputation rather than exit timelines

While private equity can drive rapid growth and efficiency, family ownership tends to focus on stewardship over speed - investing in sustainable growth, relationships, and legacy.

In a world obsessed with short-term returns, family-owned businesses remind us that success can also mean longevity, loyalty, and lasting impact.

Both models have value - but when values lead the business, the results often speak for themselves.

#FamilyBusiness #Leadership #LongTermThinking #BusinessValues #Entrepreneurship