06/Nov/2009
Family Run Businesses Enjoy
A Rich Tradition in Zachary
By Sarah Forman
A large chain of Italian
restaurants nationwide uses the advertising line: “When you’re here you’re
family!” and that’s just the way it is with many family businesses in
Zachary.
Family members who
work together learn to rely on one another.
At an early age family members learn how their family works and who in
the family is good at what.
That kind of
caring usually translates to outstanding customer service and a successful
enterprise.
Jeff McMills of Fun Time Pools along with his wife Cindy and daughter Brandi.
The business was
started by Bill McMills and today his son Jeff McMills runs the pool
installation and supply business.
Current
staff includes: Rebecca Cupid, Jeff’s sister; Lacey Richard, Rebecca’s daughter;
Margie White, Rebecca’s relative through marriage; and Cameron Thompson, owner Jeff’s
McMill’s nephew.
Drawbacks
“There are some
drawbacks,” said McMills.
“But I would
much rather work for family.
I’ve just
never found the right outside person who could fit in here and run things.”
As the boss, Jeff
sometimes faces situations where personal feelings get in the way of work decisions.
“It does throw a curve into decision making
sometimes, but we all work through the problems just like a family would and
really should.”
Family members understand
each other’s needs and wants, according to McMills. “The best thing about
working with your family is that we will all cover for each other.
If you just need a day to go play or you have
really serious trouble at home, it makes no difference because we’re here to
help,” he said.
Reliability
“I absolutely need
everyone who works in the store to be able to run it” said McMills.
“Our company would not be the same without our
family members who are often all on a first name basis with our customers. That’s
why when people call with questions they are shocked sometimes because they get
to speak to a real person who is not just an employee: they are a member of our
family.
It keeps things personal and it
keeps customers coming back.”
McMills said they have
found that customers are willing to pay for service and the added value that
good service brings.
“We take care of our
customers like they are our family and we give them the level of service they deserve
and expect.
Fun Time Pools is our humble
abode.
We have to keep people coming
back.”
Chris’ Specialty Meats
Another necessary quality
to have a successful family run business is trust.
Chris’ Specialty Meats’ staff includes many
members of their family, and they have mastered this quality.
Paul Mier and his sister Dr. Rachel Gruner of Chris' Specialty Meats.
Paul Mier is one of
the owners of Chris’ Specialty Meats.
Paul pitched the idea of opening a customized shop like theirs to his
sister Rachel, and everything took off from there.
This business’s staff
is compiled of spouses, parents, in-laws and some friends that might as well be
related.
Paul Mier’s wife Kayla
makes the desserts.
Rachel Gruner, Paul's
sister does the stores bookkeeping. Rachel's husband helps with many of the
errands and assists with the Central location.
Louis Mier, Paul and
Rachel’s father, makes the homemade candy.
Pauls in-laws, Dale
and Joanne Broussard help during the busy holidays.
Scott and Kim
McAllister are the families close personal friend.
“They are not blood related, but they might
as well be.
They are vital to the
business’ behind the scenes work.
They
do the marketing management and help run the store.
We trust Scott with everything we do.
It’s nice to know you can pack up and leave
for vacation and you know the business is being run right,” said Mier.
Trust is vital
When working with
family, there is a stronger trust factor.
“We know the books are done correctly by my sister Rachel.
We only trust our family with things like
this,” said Mier.
Since they have known
each other their entire lives, Mier and his sister are mostly on the same page
when it comes to decision-making.
If
they do have a different point of view, they have a tendency to work through
conflict quickly.
Families looking to
open businesses together can often rely on their community.
“We are really involved in Zachary. We knew
people here so when our doors opened, they came,” said Paul.
“Being a hometown Zachary boy was a perk.”
Chris’ Specialty Meats
is family-run family-owned, and they believe their trustworthiness with each
other will lead them to more business accomplishments to come.
Y-Farms Retrievers
Family Run businesses
give the working family a chance to be together.
Adults can teach the kids the importance of a
good work ethic and teamwork which will benefit them in the long run.
Jennifer Young, the
owner and founder of Y-Farms retrievers, started her business when she first
moved to a rural farm in Zachary after working in the banking field.
She realized she wanted to work from home to
enjoy watching her children grow up.
Since her first litter
of Retriever pups in 1998, her business has grown tremendously.
Young does much more than breeding; she
boards all breeds of dogs, does obedience and hunter retriever training, and
doggy day care.
Helping Out Mom
This family run
business is run solely by a mother and her three children; Jeffrey, 16,
“This started out as a
little something to get extra vacation and Christmas money, and it just
blossomed,” said Young.
It has turned
into something that they can do together.
“It has brought us closer as a family because
we are so involved in each other’s lives.”
It has been a terrific
learning and growing experience for Jennifer’s children.
“They are able to see their accomplishments
and that’s helping them develop a good work ethic.
“I’ve seen Jeffery’s business side
blossom.
He has even started his own
seasonal pecan cracking business from our house,” said Young.
Zachary is all about
community, and the local community businesses all started with family.
“Family is everything,” said Young.
“It lays the foundation for success and helps
us guide our children.
Zachary has the
right people here to make strong role models for children.”
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