Often, we see the second or third generations of family businesses struggle and fail. When we sit back and watch this happen as bystanders, we may say that the later generations just didn’t have what “it” takes to be successful. I’m not sure what “it” is exactly, but I can only assume it has a lot to do with working long hours with backbreaking labor.
During my brief time as a board member and now as president of the Connecticut Carwash Association (CCA), I have had the pleasure of seeing firsthand excellent examples of later generation operators being successful and innovative in running their family businesses in challenging times. The later generations have come with a fresh approach and have made use of new technology available to them, and by thinking creatively have often expanded and streamlined operations.
Prioritizing what is an immediate fix and what can be done later has helped the new-age operator be successful. In addition, delegating tasks and using employees efficiently is also vitally important to success.
As a family business carwashing will always require a large amount of hands-on participation and long hours. I’m proud to say that in Connecticut we have excellent examples of later generation operators who have “it.”
Joseph A. Tracy
CCA President
