Slalnming on the brakes with the next generation

llff" oLDEST cHtt-o recently got his learner's permit, a IVlright of passage for all teenagers and a different sort of right of passage for parents. As he leams to drive, I find myself slamming repeatedly on imaginary brakes and trying, usually in vain, to use moderately toned coaching instead of screaming at the top of my lungs.

As with so many experiences, trying to teach my son to be a responsible driver has made me mindful of families in business together and intergenerational relationships. On a recent business trip, I rode in cars with members of our client's family business: the husband, the wife, the daughter, and one of their employees.

In none of those occasions did I feel tense, slam on the imaginary brakes, or shout intemperately at the driver. What makes me (along with most other parents of teenagers) so much worse a passenger when riding with my own dear son versus when riding with comparative strangers? And what makes business families less tolerant of each other than they are of "outsiders"?

First, we have a desire for our children to be perfect. I critique every aspect of my son's driving: every lane change, failure to use a turn signal, or one mile per hour over the speed limit elicits a comment. When riding with friends, clients, or anyone else, these things aren't even worth a mention. Perfection-never a realistic goal-is something we both expect and demand from our children, especially as we coach them to take on responsibilities for things about which we care the most.

Next, part of our anxiety is related to imaginary fears. We fear the heartache that would come if our children were in accidents and were injured. Even where no injury is involved, we worry about how they'd cope dealing with strangers in high-stress situations like rush hour fender benders. Again, when thinking of our employees or peers, these imaginary fears rarely come to mind.

Third, it's a little unnatural for go-go entrepreneurs like me to teach. We'd rather jump into the driver's seat and take charge of the wheel ourselves. Having someone else steer the car makes us feel vulnerable and afraid-especially if that person is our child. Having another competent peer chart the course doesn't seem to bother us nearly the same way.

Finally, deep down inside there is a lack of trust in our children. We remember the sloppy homework, the laziness when it came to working on school projects, the inclination to put friends and social activities ahead of work and scholarship, and other shortsighted, child-like decisions. It's hard for us to see that now they're driving their own cars or, in the case of many family businesses, steering the company that dad and granddad helped create.

Eventually, I suppose, I'll grow more comfortable with my son driving the car and my foot won't reflexively jump on the invisible brake quite so often. For families in business together, here are some tips for helping their children

Require that your children work elsewhere, for at least three years, before coming back into the family business.

I recently told a client that we were putting together "Entry Rules" for another client whose children are about to finish college. He remarked, "I wish I had made my sons do that. I think it would have solved a bunch of immaturity issues."

His sons had come to work for him directly after college and had no work experience at all outside the family business. Partly due to their tender ages, partly due to dad's genius in building a business, and partly due to his ability to clean up any messes they created, they engineered plenty of havoc and heartburn. They each had behavioral, maturity and even substance abuse issues they wrestled with as younger men.

Would they have engaged in these sorts of behavior while working for another company? Maybe, but maybe not. It is likely that they would have been held more accountable for unprofessional or unproductive behavior in someone else's company.

Teach your children financial independence early and it will pay dividends their whole lives.

Most banks today will allow children as young as 12 or 13 to have their own debit cards, as long as the parents are willing to stand behind them. Give them a fixed sum or money, or better yet have them earn it through chores, yard work, babysitting, etc., and have them put money into the debit account.

Nothing will teach them about the scarcity of money better then having them blow their own money on their youthful indulgences.

Don't directly supervise your children in the family business.

It's simply too hard to be objective about our precious children whom we love so dearly. Have them work for other people in your company, and let those supervisors evaluate them. When your son nrns back to you and says, "John Doe is being way too hard on me," you should demonstrate the importance of chain of command and objective evaluations by staying out of it.

Unless it is an extraordinarv or egregious situation, you should stay away for two reasons: first, it won't do to undermine the manager to whom you've given this great responsibility, and second, your children need to know what it is to work for different bosses with different styles of different things. They need to learn to be a part of the team, not a primadonna who get what they want by seeking intervention from Mom or Dad.

Have outsiders objectively evaluate how your children are progressing and growing in the business.

An outsider can informally survey other employees for their impressions. evaluate work tasks of various kinds, help you think through how best to coach your next generation leadership candidates for improved performance, and help them see their future career paths as they accept more and more responsibility.

An outsider can also help with evaluation tools and instruments to better understand your child's capabilities, work and thinking styles, and what roles in the business are better suited to his or her preferences and inclinations.

As I think about my son the novice driver, and I think about myself as a "side seat driver," I realize that I slam on the imaginary brakes too much. In terms of our clients, I have observed that many family business next-generation leadership candidates keep their

Protect Your Greatest Assets, Your People &Your Products

Average cost ofa back injury is 549,283 and a slip and fall injury 562,000 (Sanity Saf.g Elog Feh 7, ml I ) 87o of all injuries in trucking come from tarping building materials. (Jure 1, 2006 Oc(up.tinal Hehh .nd Satuy tftg.rne)

"learners' permits" until age 55 or 60. In their cases, parents continue to slam on the invisible brake so frequently that it undermines the successor generation as business leaders, parents of their own children, and human beings.

Maybe we should all resolve to not be overprotective and slam on the invisible brake too much. Then, nextgeneration leadership candidates will be more likely to reward the opportunities and confidence with rapidly improving performance.

- Wayne Rivers is president of the Family Business Institute, Raleigh, N.C. Reac h him at wayne.rivers@familybusinessinstitute .com or ( 877 ) 326-2493

Reprinted with permission of the Family Business Institute. No portion of this article may be reproduced without its permission.

Storm Door Makers Comblne

PGT Inc., N. Venice, Fl., has completed its $111-million acquisition of fellow impact-resistance door and window manufacturer CGI Windows & Doors Holdings, Miami, Fl.

CGI will remain a separate and distinct brand in the marketplace, continuing to operate and manufacture products in Miami.

Jeff Jackson will serve as president and chief operations officer of both PGT and CGI. Steven Dawson will continue with CGI, as v.p. and general manager. Jorge Santaella remains director of manufacturine.

Thermo-Treated in the USA

Reportedly the first domestically produced thermally modified hardwood has been introduced by Wahoo Decks and Rockwood Timber Group.

Rockwood lumber is thermally treated in Macon, Ga., eliminating international shipping costs. The process increases weather durability by up to 25 years; improves dimensional stability, cutting moisture-related shrinkage and swelling by five to 15 times; and decreases the risk of mold. mildew. rot and insect infestation.

With a rich, deep brown finish and enhanced, accented grain structure, the wood is ideal for decks, docks, paneling, siding, moulding, flooring, doors and roofing. Species include white ash, elm, cypress, soft maple, sap gum, and poplar.

T ROCKWOODTIMBERGROUP.COM

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Aggressive Duct Tape

The new ShuTGRIP duct tape line from Shurtape features an aggressive, stickier adhesive for superior holding power across a variety of applications, surfaces and weather conditions.

Suited for indoors and outdoors, the tapes come in three general-purpose options: 7-mil for light-, 8-mil for medium-, and 9-mil for heavy-duty uses.

They reportedly are waterproof, weather-resistant and durable to withstand wear and tear. They unwind easily, are hand-tearable, and will not twist or curl during application.

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Light Rail

New LED rail lighting from i-lighting is installed in half the time of tradional lighting with near-invisible results using Easy Plug micro connectors that simply plug together.

The iluma system works equally well with vinyl, aluminum, composite and wood railings.

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(888) 305-4232

High lmpact Masonry Bits

Irwin's Impact Performance Series Tapcon installation system combines a drill bit and drill/drive sleeve to make installation faster and easier. The bits have a builtin hex collar stop for drilling the perfect hole depth for concrete screws.

Designed with three different lengths across two different diameters, the bits match up with all standard screw diameters and lengths. Engineered with a pressed carbide tip, with aggressive cutting angles, their one-piece construction withstands higher torque loads than quick-change bits with a two-piece design.

The sleeve slides over and locks on to the drill bit's hex collar and accepts standard or impact ll4" hex shank fastener drive bits for drivins screws and completing the job.

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Double-Hung Tilt.lns

Wojan Window & Door has added a double-hung window to its commercial aluminum window line.

The M1500 series tilt-in is a 3-114" frame custom built double-hung that carries a CW30 AAMA rating, and features versatile dual accessory channels and a pour and debridge polyurethane thermal break.

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Seals the Openings

OSI's new QUAD Window & Door System simplifies installation of windows and doors, while reducing the risk of energy loss and water penetration.

The system includes QUAD MAX three-in-one interior, exterior and bedding sealant; OSI Butyl Flash Tape; and QUAD window/door installation foam.

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Packing Heat

Bosch has expanded its heated jacket collection to include a tailored-fit women's version.

The PSJl20 women's heated jacket is powered by a l2v lithium-ion battery connected to a battery holster, which keeps the jacket warm and USB-compatible cell phones charged.

The line features five pockets and three quick warm ing core heat zones-two chest and one back-that start warming in a matter of minutes and provide up to six hours of heated runtime.

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Lighted Loads

The Lighted Tool Bag from Klein Tools features a twist on/ twist off LED light that can be positioned to illuminate inside the bag or the workspace.

The bag has 3 1 pockets for storage, a bright orange interior to find tools faster. and durable molded base that protects from the elements.

The work light, which is sold separately, has a swivel hook and magnet for hands free use.

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A

Smart Fan Gontrol

DewStop's new bathroom fan control uses QUE moisture prediction software to sense when condensation is present and automatically turn on the fan.

Compatible with any new or existing ventilation fan, the FS300 Adjustable Humidity & Condensation Fan Control includes a timer and security lock feature.

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Glad in Luxury

Hurd Windows & Doors has introduced a line of low maintenance, heavy duty, extruded aluminum cladding with the look of fine woodgrains.

The Luxury Wood Grain Collection comes in six colors: burl walnut, antique walnut, cherry, knotty pine, oak, and mahogany.

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Gordless Right Angle Drill

Milwaukee Tool has updated its Hole Hawg cordless right angle drill to weigh less, while delivering faster drilling-over l5O 718" holes per charge.

The Ml8 Fuel Hole Hawg drills with augers up to l-114" and self-feed bits up to 2".

Upgrades include a long-lasting PowerState brushless motor, Redlithium XC4.0 battery pack, and Redlink Plus intelligence hardware and software.

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Pivot Screwdriver

Black+Decker's new 4V MAX* lithium pivot screwdriver features a handle that rotates 90" to allow for either pistol-grip or inline orientations, making it easy to use in tight spaces.

Its over-molded handle and ergonomic finger grip follows the contours on the hand, increasing comfort.

An included micro USB wall charger supplies the screwdriver with a 40O-milliamp charge rate-up to four times that of standard chargers. Its lithium ion battery will hold a charge for up to l8 months.

The tool comes equipped with a bit holder and an accessory kit that includes bits, screws, nails, and even hooks and wire for hanging picture frames.

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Worksite Wi-Fi

A durable jobsite radio that wirelessly streams music from a Bluetooth-enabled smart phone is new from Porter-Cable.

Run on lithium ion batteries, the 20V MAX* Radio features Bluetooth compatibility, two high performance speakers, four operation modes, AM/FM tuner, auxiliary, and 12 presets.

Its full roll cage helps to protect it from drops and falling objects, while the handle and hang loops allow for the radio to be easily hung from rafters or a ladder, or transported to another jobsite.

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Ridge Vent on a Roll

Flex Vent Soft Roll, a lightweight, low-profile rolled ridge vent that will simplify venting for roofing contractors, is new from Quarrix Building Products. Manufactured from non-woven and non-wicking polyester matting, the product reportedly is easy to install with no complicated fitting, wrapping or connectors.

It is ideal for venting while preventing insects, getting in.

Rolls are 10" wide by nails.

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(800) 438-2920 warm, moist attic air out, birds, bats and dust from 20' long and include coil

Coatings Maker Adds Demo Studio

M.L. Campbell has opened a Design Studio in High Point, N.C., to demonstrate its professional wood coatings.

The new studio will provide a variety of value-added services for furniture, cabinet and millwork manufacturers, including color styling resources, customized palette analysis and development, and consultations on the latest forecasts with our color, design and technical professionals who have extensive knowledge on custom finishing systems.

"The Design Studio is a creative working space for our customers to advance their color offerings in the wood finishing industry," said Donna Schroeder, designer and studio manager. "Our experienced design and technical professionals are eager to collaborate with manufacturers and distributors to bring new furnishing, cabinet and millwork projects to life. Customers are invited to grow their business with these unique capabilities by visiting our newly opened Design Studio."

Dyersville, followed by Spahn & Rose Lumber, Dubuque, and Great Plaines Lumber Co., Farley. When Great Plaines closed, he started his own business, Farley Building Supply, Farley, operating it until 1994. He then worked for Lumber Specialties, Dyersville, and later Spahn & Rose, Dyersville, before retiring in 2010.

Clarence Edgar '6Bud" Rice II, 93, former owner of Otis Lumber Co., Boone, Ia., died Aug.27

After serving as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II, he owned and managed Otis Lumber for 17 years.

Berthol J. ttBerttt Foreman, 90, retired owner of Foreman Cash Lumber Co., Columbus, Ne., died Aug. 2 in Columbus.

After serving as a Marine during World War II, he worked for Mead Lumber. Columbus. before startins his own business in 1952.

Lincoln '6Abe" Harold Cole. 83. retired foreman at United Building Center, Austin, Mn., died Sept. 6.

In 1950, after his discharge from the U.S. Army, he joined Payless Cashways, Austin, staying on after it became UBC. He retired in 1987.

Donald Greg Kitchens, 67, former president of Kitchens Brothers Manufacturing and Kitchens Lumber, Utica, Ms., died Sept. 8 in Utica.

He joined the family business in 1968 after graduating from the University of Mississippi. He became part-owner with his brothers Alan and Kevin in 1987. They shut down Kitchens Bros.' three hardwood mills in 2012.

He served as president of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association from 1995 to 1996 and as president of the National Hardwood Lumber Association from 2000 to 2002.

Delmer Harrison Miller. 81. co-founder of Miller Brothers Lumber Co., Elkin, N.C., died Sept. 16 in Glendale Springs, N.C.

In 1971 , he was presented the state's prestigious Long Leaf Pine Award by the governor.

Lewis Drabkin, 96, former owner of Lewis Lumber Ltd., Great Neck, N.Y., died Sept. 9.

He operated the spruce distributor/manufacturer from 1953 until retiring in 1983. His son, Brian Drabkin, continues the business in High Falls, N.Y.

Edward Albert Kakenmaster, 87, 43-year veteran of Metropolitan Lumber Co., died Aug.23 in Gaylord, Mi.

After serving in the U.S. Army, he became a lumberjack in ldaho. He then graduated from Western Illinois University and joined Metropolitan Lumber, Chicago, Il., in 1951. He opened a Detroit, Mi., office for Metropolitan Lumber, retiring in 1994.

Rotlert Joseph Hudspeth, 79, retired assistant manager of Southtown Lumber, Forest City, Ia., died Aug.26

He spent four years in the U.S. Navy and 10 years at Southtown before retiring.

John H. "Jake" Besler, 69, longtime Iowa lumberman, died Sept. 13 in Farley, Ia.

He began his career with Armstrong Lumber,

Roger Dallas Garnatz, 63, longtime manager of Fullerton Lumber, Lanesboro, Mn., died Sept. l4 in Duluth, Mn.

After leaving Fullerton, he worked for Spring Valley Lumber, Spring Valley, Mn.

Julia Elizabeth "Betty" Lang Downey,92, former bookkeeper and co-owner of Adams County Lumber Co., Manchester, Oh, died Sept. 7 after a lengthy illness.

Dorothy Aileen Holcomb, 86, former co-owner of Holcomb Lumber & Feed, Booneville, Ar., died Sept. 15 in Booneville.