Every family, industry, and business is different. There is no cookie-cutter recipe, straight-line path, or single formula for generational success.
The good news? While every family’s journey is unique, many of the challenges they face are common and predictable. And there are proven principles and practices that can increase a family’s odds of sustaining a healthy family and business for generations.
One of the most common questions we hear in an initial conversation with a family is: “What’s the roadmap? What’s the path from founder to multigenerational success?”
If there were one roadmap, we’d happily hand it to you.
What we can offer is a proven framework, along with principles and practices that help families navigate their unique journey. Families that thrive across generations continuously develop all of their 5 MOUNTAIN® Teams (Family, Shareholders, Management, Board, and Advisor). They recognize that each MOUNTAIN has a distinct purpose, while understanding that the MOUNTAINs are deeply interconnected.
Three practices are especially important.
Too often, families wait until they feel pain or “have time” before they begin preparing for the future. By then, options may be limited, relationships may be strained, and important decisions may feel urgent.
Healthy transitions don’t happen overnight.
Consider the Shareholder MOUNTAIN. Developing capable, aligned shareholders who understand ownership as stewardship requires thoughtful conversations, education, preparation, and practice, often beginning decades before ownership changes hands.
Starting early – even when the next generation is in their teens or younger – creates room to develop people before they need to perform. It allows families to clarify expectations, build trust, and learn from mistakes while there’s still time to adjust.
Successful enterprising families are curious. They invest in learning about family enterprise, governance, ownership, leadership, communication, and the responsibilities that come with each role.
But learning alone is not enough.
Families need to learn and act. Knowledge becomes valuable when it changes behavior.
Bring multiple generations into the learning process. Participate in our Educational Forums or Peer Groups to learn from other successful enterprising families and advisors. Apply new ideas in the family meeting, shareholder discussion, management team, or boardroom. Practice having the conversations you know you need to have.
The goal is not simply to know more. It is to become more capable, individually and collectively.
No family can or should navigate every challenge alone.
The right advisors bring specialized expertise, objectivity, and deep family-enterprise experience. More importantly, they can work together across the 5 MOUNTAINS rather than operating in silos.
At DVFBC, we believe in the power of group intelligence: bringing the right people and disciplines together to explore alternatives, challenge assumptions, identify blind spots, and develop plans that strengthen both family unity and business sustainability.
Outside counsel can provide education, coaching, perspective, and accountability across generations. And during the Succession Zone, when roles shift and unfamiliar challenges emerge, trusted advisors can help a family navigate the climb without losing sight of the bigger picture.
The Journey Is Yours. You Don’t Have to Navigate It Alone.
There may not be a universal roadmap from founder to multigenerational success. But families can be intentional about how they prepare for the journey.
Start early. Learn and act. Embrace outside counsel.
At DVFBC, we don’t climb the MOUNTAINs for you. We bring experience, perspective, and proven frameworks to help you see the terrain, prepare for the climb, and navigate the challenges along the way. You climb. We guide. You decide.
Jennifer serves as a 5 MOUNTAIN® Advisor & Coach here at DVFBC and chairs our Peer Groups.