Episode 14: Merging Two Family Businesses is Tough, But Three? The Holt of California Story. Artwork

A Seat at the Table

Welcome to A Seat at the Table, Trials and Triumphs of Family Business, hosted by Natalie Mariani Kling, a 4th generation family business owner. This program is a creation of The Capital Region Family Business Center, a non-profit agency whose purpose is to help family businesses grow and prosper.One thing about being a part of a family business, is that it’s unique. Family businesses often began very simply, with a person who had an idea. Rarely were these people educated in business or finance, they usually didn’t have big investors, sometimes, they didn’t even speak English. But they saw an opportunity that could support their family, and so they started.Once these family businesses grow and are handed to 2nd, 3rd, 4th generations, there are not only the complexities of any growing business, but also the dynamics of family and relationships and navigating things like, which family member will be CEO, should this year's profits be reinvested or distributed? Differences in opinions can complicate Sunday night dinners, estate planning, who wants to keep running this business, preserving a legacy, entitlement, privilege, imposter syndrome…but there can also be magic.In a time where we want to KNOW the people behind a brand, and where authenticity and trust play a big part in our purchases as consumers, having a family that runs and operates a business over generations can create a very special culture where its success is built on relationships from vendors to employees to customers.On this podcast, expect real conversations with real family business members about what it’s like to be in a family business, run a family business, and the trials and triumphs of taking it into the next generation.

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A Seat at the Table

Episode 14: Merging Two Family Businesses is Tough, But Three? The Holt of California Story.

July 05, 2023 • Capital Region Family Business Center • Episode 14

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Today's episode is a unique story for A Seat at the Table. Typically we interview single family businesses, but Holt of California would never have become as mighty as it is today, employing 900 people brokering deals for Caterpillar equipment. It was the joining of three separate family businesses that allowed Holt of California to be a mainstay in the California agriculture business.

Your host, Natalie Mariani-Kling talks with Ken Monroe, President and Ryan Beatie, Senior Vice President about the history of the company, how they handled the merging of multiple businesses and multiple families to create the powerhouse Holt of California is today, navigating the exit of family members who were working in the business before the merger, and why Ryan refers to Ken as his “work dad.” It is truly an amazing story.

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