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By exploring the essence of legacy and its impact on business performance, this report brings together the detailed analysis, academic insights, and the firsthand experiences of family business CEOS to contribute to a deeper understanding of the importance of balancing tradition and innovation for long-term success in family businesses. From this report, you can learn more about the steps you and your family can take to uncover the strengths of your legacy.

The concept of transferring ownership of a private business to a purpose trust was first popularized when the Patagonia transaction was announced—instead of “going public,” they were “going purpose” to allow the owner to monetize his stake in the business while at the same time ensure that the values of the business are preserved for future generations. This guidebook by Northern Trust offers insights for business owners who may be interested in exploring a purpose trust transaction structure for their own business.

Many business owners worry about how their success and wealth will impact their loved ones and the next generation. The fear behind it can hinder the ability of future generations to build on past success and even lead to family tension. To successfully move past the fear-based planning and toward a collaborative approach, five secrets and action items of successful families demonstrate how to effectively transfer the family wealth and values.

Sustainability is now a business imperative across the world, as much as it is a stewardship one, and those companies that fail to adapt may struggle to compete in a new, low-carbon environment. Fortunately, for many family businesses, the drive for sustainability is already a road well-traveled. Their experiences and the progress they’re making on the road to sustainability are instructive and an inspiration for leaders and organizations of every type to follow.

Social responsibility is not new to family businesses. However, issues related to sustainability, climate risk, poverty, and uncertainty in many parts of the world are rising in importance. Leaders are turning their attention to ‘people, planet, and profit’ goals to generate value for the environment, create jobs, contribute to community prosperity, and deliver long-term value to the family as well as the business.

Sustainable practices and responsible governance are the future of capitalism. With nearly 7 in 10 millennials and 52% of U.S. adults considering company values when making a purchase, B Corporations are making an impact on many levels. Some of today’s most well-recognized brands—including Patagonia—are at the forefront of that movement. Learn how to create a B Corporation and align it with your long-term business vision and mission.

Each family’s legacy is as unique as the family itself. It can be a bloodline, a name, heirlooms, a legal entity or family stories, myths, and artifacts. In this fourth and final report in the series on family business succession, key insights are shared on the important role that legacies play in uniting the core purpose of the business with the family’s abiding values. If you missed the other three reports in the series, you will find them here:

Just because a small business or startup makes it beyond its initial launch phase and sees some early commercial success doesn’t mean its challenges are over. In this podcast, learn about three important topics—including key metrics in the early growth stages—for business leaders buying into startups, creating value over time, and what happens when you’re ready to get out.

Thomas Calandra, who is in his mid-twenties, is the owner of Calandra Enterprise. Thomas credits his family business’s success to his grandfather’s hard work, determination, and artistry that greatly influences the services provided to their customers and clients at their bakeries, hotels, and restaurants. He and his sister vow not to be like other family-owned businesses that rise in the hands of the elders and crumble in the hands of the grandchildren.