My Dad's family built a trenching company back in the mid 60s. When my grandfather died in 1987, he left the company to my Dad and his brothers with only $2000 in the company bank account. Today, it is one of the largest, most successful general contractors in the state. My Dad was promised lifetime employment as he is family and the second largest shareholder of the company.
Unfortunately, business is difficult to conduct with family members. Now that my grandfather is gone, and no one is there to protect family values, the promises made to my dad are broken. My uncle fired my Dad, wanted to wash him out of the company for only $100k; even though his service and loyalty to the company as a worthy asset stretches decades. He filed a lawsuit with his former company and this deeply divided the family.
My whole life I went to my family's Thanksgiving party, Christmas party, birthdays, events. Because of the current situation, those traditions are now broke. He has been unemployed for well over a year now; and it breaks my heart.
I've watched him pour his heart and soul into that company my whole life. Two years ago, you could have asked me what I would be doing for a living, I would have said construction.
This is a powerful learning experience for me. Discuss family business.
