Author Archives: John Brooks

About John Brooks

John Brooks brings a variety of perspectives and expertise to his family business consulting practice. He understands the business issues, having worked in a wide range of management positions over 15 years for a Fortune 500 company. He understands the family ownership issues, based on over 30 years of active participation as a third-generation shareholder of two significant family businesses. And he understands that “best practices” can be a useful benchmark, but not always “best” for everyone, having helped family businesses achieve their goals for over 14 years.

Succeeding at Succession

Posted on April 13, 2012 by John Brooks

Every business that survives for any length of time eventually needs to find new leadership. Perhaps the challenges of the business now exceed the capabilities of the current leader. Perhaps the current leader wants to retire or has reached the … Continue reading →

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Working with your sister? your brother?

Posted on February 16, 2012 by John Brooks

Let’s face it. To be successful in business you need to work hard and outsmart your competition. Now add the challenge of working with a sister or brother. You may like each other. Maybe even love each other as your … Continue reading →

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Shareholder Roles and Responsibilities – Family Meetings

Posted on February 1, 2012 by John Brooks

Anticipating the First Family Meeting Perspective: Rick, the 2nd Generation CEO Just what I was hoping for – another meeting, and this time it’s a meeting with family members where the group might have to make a decision on something … Continue reading →

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Shareholder Roles and Responsibilities – First in a Series

Posted on December 6, 2011 by John Brooks

A little over 25 years ago my family began meeting to discuss matters pertaining to the ownership of our business. My father, who was running the company at the time, was concerned that family communication was creating conflict that could … Continue reading →

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Board meetings – Opportunity for more different points of view? (Source: The New Yorker)

Posted on November 10, 2011 by John Brooks

Board “Dialogue”

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AmeriPride Services wins MN Family Business Award

Posted on November 10, 2011 by John Brooks

I am very pleased to announce that one of my clients, AmeriPride Services, won in the “Legacy” category at the annual MN Family Business Awards held in Minneapolis on November 10. The second, third and fourth generations are active as … Continue reading →

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Family Business: It’s Complicated!

Posted on November 1, 2011 by John Brooks

Case Study: Johnson, Inc. Part 1 – The Family Business – It’s Complicated! Maybe your family is like the Johnsons. They have discovered that owning a family business can be a mixed blessing. On the positive side, Johnson family members … Continue reading →

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