March 2009

Cain Quoted in Chicago Tribune Article

Barry Cain was quoted in the March 22, 2009, print edition of the Chicago Tribune. The quote appeared in Jason Lee’s article on succession planning titled "Succession Story." In the article, Lee advises family business owners to prepare for the future by following guidelines such as start planning early, get outside help, be open to change and be a coach.

Barry underscores these points with the following remarks:

"Often, there is a reluctance for business owners to groom the next generation for leadership, whether because it forces them to acknowledge their mortality, an inability to let go of a lifelong labor of love or unwillingness to designate one successor over another," says Barry Cain, Managing Director of the Family Business Center at Blackman Kallick, a Chicago business consulting and accounting firm.

"Waiting too long drastically reduces the probability of a successful transition, limiting essential time and resources to identify the needs and match them with long-term objectives."