Change

Apr 11, 2017

Photo by: Ken Levy     Change…there is a side to me that the older I get, the less I want to…But, you’ve heard it before:   change is inevitable…   So, ...

The Elder and Her (His) Issues

Mar 23, 2017

 Photo by: Shawn Allen   The Elder and Her (His) Issues   I’ve written about this topic elsewhere, particularly in the book, “The Family Business Teeter Totter,” ...

The Funeral Excercise

Feb 27, 2017

 Photo by: Peyri Herrera   Most, if not all of you, are familiar with Stephen Covey’s magnum opus “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” If you haven’t ...

Are you a giver or a taker

Jan 18, 2017

    So, here we are starting a New Year…tick…tick…tick…I’m reminded of the days that pass and how I need to cherish each one as I learned of the ...

Beware Rip VanWinkle

Dec 14, 2016

Photo by: Ioheasha   Remember the story of Rip VanWinkle? I always thought he slept 100 years, but according to the story, it was “only” 20. While where he found himself ...

Chalk Talks

Nov 21, 2016

Photo by: Kennedy Library   Well, the election is over…thank the Lord! Whatever your opinion is, I think we can all agree on one thing…   Campaigning sucks!   Whether ...

Am I an addict?

Oct 24, 2016

Photo by: Victor  Am I an addict?   Before you write me wondering what this has to do with family business, read just a bit more.  Hi…my name is Mark and I’m an addict… WHAT?? ...

Lean In or Run and Hide

Sep 26, 2016

Photo by: Ethna Piazza    Lean in or run and hide…   I’ve written before about forgiveness and reconciliation. Once those two concepts grab ahold of you, they don’t ...

Summer Musings....

Aug 16, 2016

  Photo by: Ian Burt  Summer Musings…   I had the chance to shut down for a bit this summer. As the RPMs slow down, some things bubble to the surface. Bear with me as ...

Love Languages

Jul 25, 2016

  Photo by: Angela Marie Henriette   What is your love language?   Many of you are aware of the idea of love languages. Almost 25 years ago, Dr. Gary Chapman first came out ...

Be Courageous!

Jun 21, 2016

Photo by Catherine     Many of you know I’m a fan of Brene Brown. Her TED Talk, “The Power of Vulnerability,” is one we recommend to all of our new clients. ...

Don't Miss the Moose

May 18, 2016

Photo by Cameron Holt   Don’t miss the moose!   A number of years ago I was hiking with some friends outside of Salt Lake City, toward Timpanogos. I was set to fly back ...

Are you ready to let the cat out of the bag

Apr 18, 2016

Photo by Ted Major   Google the word VALUE and you get:   the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.   OR   a ...

The Value of Starting Conversations Early

Mar 30, 2016

Photo by Karen Christine Hibbard   Over Christmas this past year we were able to have our family together: my wife and I, our daughter (who is 25) and our son (23). Neither of our kids are ...

Buy A Lawnmower...Don't Be One

Feb 24, 2016

Photo by Penn State  You’ve probably heard the term, HELICOPTER PARENT. Well, there’s a new one out, and it takes this idea to a whole other level (literally):  LAWNMOWER ...

Bullseye!

Jan 21, 2016

Photo by Rob Ellis A number of years ago I was visiting with an attorney friend of mine. At the time I was wrestling with a very hectic schedule and a number of demands on my time that seemed ...

Off To Work I Go...

Dec 17, 2015

1938 Comic by Hank Porter   Just before the holidays I was meeting with a client. We had finished the main part of the meeting and were just chitchatting a bit. We got on the subject of ...

Qualifiers and Generous Assumptions

Nov 25, 2015

Photo By Jon Connell Earlier this month, I met a track and field athlete who is training to compete in the Olympic Summer Games in Rio next summer. Many hours of training and many races stand ...

"When will it end?"

Oct 28, 2015

 Ain’t it interesting how life works??? Just when you think you’ve got it by the tail, something new happens…   Last month I wrote in this column about forgiveness ...

The Genuine Article

Sep 24, 2015

Go for the genuine article! Recently, I was speaking with a group of cattle ranchers and a question was raised regarding what to do when family members don’t get along. Before answering, ...