Dealer Begins Transition

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Janod will join the business later, after they complete three years of outside work experience. Each has worked in the business since they were young teenagers, during summer vacations and holidays. None were allowed to work during the school year,Breeze said, because "I wanted my kids to have a life."

Breeze worked in the family business from a young age, too, but left for a few years. When he returned, it was to pay off debt and save money for college. But he soon had too many responsibilities to leave and has always felt the lack of a college degree. "It is important for our sons to have quality education," he said, "especially as the business goes to the next level."

Breeze also knew it was important to consolidate ownership of Truckee-Tahoe Lumber, because it's difficult for family businesses to support too many owners. "I saw this happen with the original Cross Lumber Company," he said. "Ownership got very diffused, with too many different shareholders and no real new leadership."

As part of the transition, Breeze and Ruth Cross acquired all the ownership stock from the other family members. Now they are the majority owners and Andrew, Ira, and Jarrod are minority owners. "If we were going to let the boys run the business, then we needed to consolidate ownership," said Breeze.

Both Breeze and Ruth believe that working with a transition-planning consultant was beneficial. "Working with the Jenks Group was probably the best thing we did," said Ruth. "Sometimes when you are facing changes, you get clouded and don't see all the possible directions or the right path to take. Someone outside can look at things differently and see different options."

In fact, Ruth wishes the consultants had gotten involved earlier in the process. Her advice to other family business owners is simple: "Start planning early, before the panic attacks can start. Plan when to leave the business and get someone experienced to help."

Breeze also appreciated the consultants' outside perspective. "It's difficult to separate business from emotion. The consultants have been objective and have really helped with this," he said. "Using a consultant has worked well with us, but we're just starting out. We'll know for sure in a couple of years."

Ruth, who will continue to oversee the design showroom, said she is happy for Breeze and Andrew.

"Change is hard, but this is a great opportunity for both Andrew and Breeze. Watching your sons grow and mature is wonderful," she said. "It's also nice to see they have an interest in the business, in continuing the legacy. I look forward to the boys taking charge and then I'll think about my own transition."

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