This week I had the privilege to be given a tour of the production facility of a third-generation family business by one of the current generation.
One of many resonant moments was when they proudly showed me a piece of equipment their grandparent had installed so many years ago and that they still used every day. It is no longer the most efficient available, but they love it and it is a daily reminder of what they stand for and the traditions they hold dear.
At the same time, when we spoke after the tour, that current generation leader expressed how they felt that what had got them through the pandemic was one word. Innovation.
They are a wonderful example of balancing Tradition and Innovation.
One more thing. Their secret is neither of those things to me, it is their strongly held values and how they live them every day.
When a family business flows like this it is indeed a privilege to bear witness to.