Book Recommendations
Our publishers and editors have hand selected the following books for you to consider adding to your library. Happy reading.
Only 30% of family business will make it to the next generation. The fact that so many businesses fail to make the transition to the next generation--the usual cause is family strife--means problems not only for the families involved, but for the entire global economy. What Can Be Done Mitzi Perdue's book, HOW TO MAKE YOUR FAMILY BUSINESS LAST, addresses the issue. She gives practical advice on how a family businesses can develop a culture that supports keeping the family business in the family. Her advice can be useful to any multi-generational family. Her I've-lived-it experience comes from membership in two long-lasting family enterprises. Her family of origin began in 1890 with the Henderson Estate Company, forerunner of the Sheraton Hotels which her father co-founded. Perdue Farms (she's Frank Perdue's widow) began in 1920. The secret for the longevity of both families is: neither the Hendersons nor the Perdues left their family's legacy to chance. Using checklists, activities, stories, and tips, Mitzi shares little-known but practical techniques for teaching members that: • Family members have a responsibility to something greater than themselves. • Compromise, including understanding the other's point of view, is key. • Membership in a family business comes with benefits but also with the need for occasional sacrifices. • Elders are responsible for passing along key values and attitudes to the next generation. Happy, high-functioning business families rarely happen by accident; they happen by design. Using the right knowledge, tools, values, and resources, Mitzi's book helps families do just that.
Mitzi Perdue was raised as the daughter of an American hotel family--much like Paris Hilton. Her Dad, Ernest Flagg Henderson started the Sheraton Hotel chain with his brother and his college roommate after the three young men returned from World War I. Unlike many modern celebrity families, the Henderson's put a premium on hard work, family values, education and contributions to society.
Ernest Henderson's youngest daughter Mitzi grew up to be a California rice farmer, Commissioner on the United States National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, a United States Delegate to the United Nations Conference on Women, news columnist and healthy lifestyle advocate on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
Mitzi Perdue is the mother of two sons, and widow of the late Frank Perdue, President and CEO of Perdue Farms. Their love affair, friendship and marriage took them around the world and taught Mitzi life’s lessons which she shares with readers as "Frank Perdue's Ethical beliefs."
This light-hearted and frank autobiography reveals life among the rich and famous. Mitzi Perdue shares first-hand memories about growing up as a privileged debutante who was always expected to make positive contributions to society. "I Didn't Bargain for This" is an American story about Mitzi Perdue, daughter and wife of two legendary American families-- the Hendersons of Massachusetts, founders of the Sheraton Hotel Chair and the Perdues of the Chicken company of Maryland.
After years of hard work and ensuing success, Mitzi Perdue offers unique and poignant insights to leaders and readers around the world through her biography of Frank Perdue, who revolutionized the chicken industry. Frank Perdue did chores as a child so young he needed two hands to hold a single egg. But from these humblest of beginnings, he built an empire that today spans the globe. Due to his intuitive sense of the market, there is hardly a person over the age of twenty-five who doesn’t know the tagline, “It takes a tough man to make a tender chicken.” Frank Perdue was an extremely thoughtful and thorough businessman. He studied every possible angle of business strategy, getting advice from every possible source, before making an important decision. This is his story, and also a personal story regarding the bond between Frank and Mitzi Perdue. A true case of love at first sight – they were engaged within 24 hours of their first date – and a remarkable partnership. The rich combination of Frank Perdue's life and career and the lessons he imparts, along with Mitzi’s journalistic talents, allow this book to resonate on multiple levels – as a biography, as a business book, and as the tale of a one-of-a-kind American entrepreneur.
This collection of short articles is based on the stories of the families featured in our full-length book - Love, Power and Money: Family Business Between Generations. We have organized the articles around four major categories: Transforming Communication, Enhancing Leadership, Creating Strategies, Building Responsible Ownership
This book is created specifically for family-owned company shareholders, leaders and associates. The Business Person’s Handbook series consists of practical tips which address real world issues facing today’s business person. The purpose is to provide concise, yet thought-provoking perspectives that will lead to timely, positive solutions for you and your team. TIPS1) Personal Assessments - Who Are We 2) Goal Setting - Company Versus Personal 3) Corporate Mission - Common Purpose 4) Employee Partnership - The True Benefit 5) Employee Feedback - A Direct Link 6) Organizational Chart - Who and Where 7) Building Strengths - Education and Coaching 8) Business Growth Strategies - The Direction 9) Business Plan - The Implementation 10) Celebration - Pop the Cork! “Every family business has its own unique dynamics, intricacies, and challenges. Craig does an outstanding job of addressing these difficult matters. He touches on issues that any family business owner is sure to experience and presents practical solutions for these situations to achieve lasting success.” Ron Kruszewski, Chairman & CEO, Stifel Financial Corp. “Enjoyed it! This handbook is a very concise and fundamental guide to improving any business, and particularly for the unique challenges associated with a family business.” John Tracy (G2), CEO, Dot Foods USA’s Largest Food Redistributor“Considering the abundance of books out there, it’s refreshing to find one as practical and concise as this. For any business, but especially family-owned, Craig’s tips are essential to instill professionalism and achieve world class performance. A must read!” Tom Phillips (G1), CEO & Founder, Weekends Only Regional Furniture Outlet “Being part of a family business for 30 years, I loved reading the wisdom of your Ten Tactics for Successful Family Companies. You are spot on and your tips will help family businesses large and small prosper. Now that is something to celebrate!” Jim Forsyth (G2), CEO, Moto, Inc. Regional Convenience Stores – mymotomart.com