By Clifford Barnett, Owner of SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service® in Dallas, TX. Clifford works alongside his 18-year-old son, Conner, who he’s training to eventually take over the family franchise and carry on the legacy.
When you own a business, it’s not always part of the plan for your child to take it over someday. That was the case for me. My son spent a lot of time around my auto shop growing up, but I always encouraged him to explore other paths. Even though I never pressured him to follow in my footsteps, he kept showing a genuine interest in the work – and that’s when it occurred to me for the first time that maybe this could become a family business.
It hasn’t always been easy. Like any parent-child relationship, there have been hiccups and growing pains. But with the right mindset and well-thought-out strategies, building a successful family-run business is both possible and can actually set you apart in any industry. Here are four ways to make it work:
Start Them at Square One
Don’t hand your child a title. Start from the ground up by teaching the ins and outs of the business and having them learn the day-to-day operations just like any other new hire. It might be tempting to put them in a leadership role right away, but if you want long-term success – for both them and the business – they need to earn it.
When you hold your child to the same expectations as everyone else, you’re teaching more than just how the business works. You’re showing them the value of hard work, humility, and what it takes to be a leader. That kind of fairness sends a clear message to your team that this isn’t a case of favoritism, and your child isn’t getting any special treatment, which builds trust and credibility.
If your goal is to eventually pass the business down, starting at square one gives your child a full understanding of how everything runs. It also gives you a chance to see how serious they are about learning and growing, not just inheriting the business.
Set Clear Boundaries (and Stick to Them)
The hardest part about working with family is often learning how to flip the switch between being a parent and being a boss. If you don’t set clear boundaries early on, the lines between home and work can blur together fast, which can be frustrating and strain your relationship.
A rule you should always follow – no talking shop at home. When the workday ends, leave business at the door. At home, your child needs you to be a parent first. At work, your team needs to see you treating them like any other employee. It won’t always be perfect, but acknowledging the difference between work life and home life goes a long way.
Also, have an honest conversation with your child about roles and expectations. It’s better to over-communicate than to let unspoken tension build up. When you establish that mutual understanding sooner rather than later, you’re setting the tone for a healthier working relationship and strong family bond.
Don’t Rush the Succession Plan
It’s only natural to start thinking about legacy when your child joins the business. But just because they’re interested doesn’t mean it’s time to hand over the keys right away. Succession is a long game, and if you want to do it correctly, you’ve got to take your time.
Rather than rushing to prepare them for management, focus on being their mentor. Teach your child everything you’ve learned over the years – from day-to-day operations and tough decision-making to how you lead your team. Let them grow into the role by developing their own leadership style, instead of trying to mold them into a carbon copy of you.
Have honest conversations about what they want and whether leadership is something they’re truly aiming for in the future. If they want to follow in your footsteps, be open to the fact that their approach might look different than yours – and that’s okay. What matters most is that they’re learning, growing, and genuinely motivated to succeed.
Know When to Step Away and Go Fishing
When you’re working with your child, it’s easy to let the business consume everything. But sometimes the best thing you can do for the business and your relationship is to step away. Take a break. Go fishing. Grab lunch together. Talk about anything but work.
These moments remind you both that you’re family first, business partners second. Remember – without a strong relationship at its core, no business partnership can truly thrive.
Make it a priority to spend time together outside the store. It doesn’t have to be a big deal or even take a lot of planning. Whether it’s a weekend activity or 30 minutes after work to decompress, those small breaks help protect your bond from the natural stress of working together.
While you’re in business to make money, you’re also in it to build something together. Sometimes, the smartest move you can make is to close shop for a day, or even an afternoon, and grab a couple of fishing poles.
At the end of the day, building a family-run franchise isn’t just about passing down a business – it’s about passing down values, work ethic, and trust to the next generation. If you approach the partnership the right way, you won’t only create a legacy but also strengthen your relationship in the process.