The Road to Why
A Study in Succession Planning with Jane Blain Gilbertson (Blain’s Farm & Fleet)
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Show notes
In 1955, Jane Blain Gilbertson’s parents started Blain’s Farm & Fleet in Janesville, Wisconsin. Today the business has grown to 45 stores across four states.
Jane shares how over the past 40 years she took over the business from her father, consolidated ownership, welcomed her two daughters into the business, and is now passing the CEO baton to the next generation of leadership.
In our episode, Jane will discuss:
(1:10) – What was Jane’s upbringing like?
(2:43) – How was Jane first introduced to the family business?
(5:21) – Was there an expectation for Jane to join the company?
(7:52) – What was the process of growing within the company and taking on more responsibility like?
(12:49) – Why are advisory boards so important?
(15:31) – How did Jane’s daughters come to join the family business?
(21:35) – What has Jane learned from watching her daughters grow in their roles?
(24:14) – What are Jane’s thoughts on succession and the future of Blain’s Farm & Fleet?
(27:05) – What are Jane’s plans now that she’s stepping back from day-to-day operations?