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Our family used to manufacture soap. But then the megacorps came and you know the small guys get killed. So around the time my switch happened, we switched to d

Our family used to manufacture soap. But then the megacorps came and you know the small guys get killed. So around the time my switch happened, we switched to distribution and retail of hardware (related to water, not electronics). Basically 1 shop, then 3, my brothers still manage those including a workforce of 20-30 people (could be more, I do not dig into those unless I visit their office) of various profiles - sales, manual labor, back office. Edited to add: So I have seen manufacture of soap, retail of soap, home-delivery of soap (not sure why but we used to do that for some areas), sourcing and distribution of water related hardware, and even done financial book-keeping for our business ... this was before computers, and was based on decent handwriting, decent arithmetic, and able to follow the directions (be able to transfer totals from one page to another with decent attention to details without messing it all up), and just be able to sit down and do the work. But that was in a different millennia :)

pyb 4y ago
Thanks, family businesses are always interesting to learn about! But it's true that children should to be free to follow their own path if they prefer.
- kshacker 4y ago
  I am not so sure, any more. I see our family businesses at end of line not because we can not compete but because the children have so many other options. However, many of the options are superficially attractive and the reality is not so great. I got into computers/programming almost 35 years back in a decent university, but I see kids now getting into programming in tier 3 and 4 schools thinking they made their career. I see Canada offering almost free visas and permanent residency but there are no jobs for the ones at bottom. Eventually the youngsters at bottom of the food chain will figure something out, but they may be better off sticking to a business that works. And there are millions of them buying the glamour. We only know the story of the ones who make it to bay area (or its ilk). Maybe I am presenting a one sided story, but that is just due to shortage of time. Maybe some other day if a topic comes up.

pyb 4y ago

Thanks, family businesses are always interesting to learn about! But it's true that children should to be free to follow their own path if they prefer.

kshacker 4y ago
I am not so sure, any more. I see our family businesses at end of line not because we can not compete but because the children have so many other options. However, many of the options are superficially attractive and the reality is not so great. I got into computers/programming almost 35 years back in a decent university, but I see kids now getting into programming in tier 3 and 4 schools thinking they made their career. I see Canada offering almost free visas and permanent residency but there are no jobs for the ones at bottom. Eventually the youngsters at bottom of the food chain will figure something out, but they may be better off sticking to a business that works. And there are millions of them buying the glamour. We only know the story of the ones who make it to bay area (or its ilk). Maybe I am presenting a one sided story, but that is just due to shortage of time. Maybe some other day if a topic comes up.