Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Paul Nelson reportingFather's Day is just around the corner, and we're reminded of how much we love the guy. But would we love him as much if we had to work with him every day?
As Father's Day approaches, we all look back to whatever advice or guidance our father gave us.
For some people that guidance never ended. These people have decided to work with their fathers.
For instance, the Butler family still works together at Butler Tax and Accounting in Taylorsville. Father Mel Butler said, "I really actually enjoy working with them. They're good boys and they do a good job."
Mel Butler had nothing but nice things to say about his three sons working at the firm. But what do his boys say about working with Pops? To get the truth, we had to send Mel out of the room.
I asked Russ Butler, "He's a bear isn't he?" Russ said, "No, he's actually really good to work for."
A new book called "Family Wars" illustrates conflicts in family businesses. USA Today says power struggles are heightened by emotional entanglements that can happen when family members spend time together. That's not happening with the Butler family, partly because Mel is buying his children's love.
Paul Butler said, "The best part is he buys us lunch quite often. If it weren't for that, maybe there might be some issues."
The Vest Pocket Business Coalition works with local businesses in Salt Lake City. Coalition President Ellen Reddick says she doesn't see very many battles within family-owned businesses here.
"I'm sure that everyone faces challenges and growing pains as a younger generation comes in with their own ideas and the older established generation has theirs," she said.
But she says many Utahns have become very successful and well-adjusted people after inheriting their business from their father, although she admits she never worked with my dad.
Reddick says there's a way to tell if a family-run business will survive. "The work ethic, the putting your heart and your soul into your business, if that can pass to the third generation, it's generally an extremely solid business," she said.
As for the Butlers, the sons plan to buy the business from their father some day. Russ and Paul will push for their father to keep buying their lunches even after the sale is finalized.
E-mail: pnelson@ksl.com
