Family enterprises that have continued into their 5th generation often have processes in place that helped them overcome the challenges they encountered through the years. They have a vision for the future. They have a declaration of shared values. They have governance structures, such as a family council, an external advisory board. They have a forum for family members to discuss the family in the context of the business. They have gained foresight and have learned how to address situations where family members undergo a loss of capacity. They have a funded growth plan. They have an established mindset that accepts the need to turn leadership responsibilities over to the rising generation; and the incumbent leadership has their retirement plans in place.
Often–but not always.
Here’s the story of Yuengling Brewery, an “almost casualty” rescued by a fifth-generation prodigal son.
http://www.inc.com/dick-yuengling/how-a-father-son-rift-almost-destroyed-yuengling-brewery.html