iBi - September 2010

A throwback to an earlier time, Fred’s Shoe Repair keeps alive a trade that has practically been left to the dustbin of history.

What began as one man’s private law practice has become a family business now in its second generation.

One might envision Lindy’s as the classic mom-and-pop shop, the David struggling to fend off the corporate Goliaths. And so it is in many ways…yet Lindy’s is not struggling at all.

One does not need to work in a family-owned business to appreciate their importance.

Getting a grasp on your business transition needs—and the many strategies available to you—will provide a framework for achieving your goals.

Each succeeding generation has its own ideas about taking the company forward—or if it wants to join the family business at all.

Brothers Nate and Matt Walz run the operations of two separate companies; at the head of each is their father, Tom Walz.

Tammy Finch, founder of East Peoria’s Web Tech Services, didn’t plan on getting into the computer industry—it just kind of happened.

Founded in 1981, this business keeps an eye out for its family of customers.

The Murphy Law Group is one family business whose business is family—its practice is dedicated to helping clients resolve thorny family law issues.

What do American Pest Control, Avanti’s, Lippmann’s Furniture, Jim Maloof Realtor, Fritch Heating & Cooling, South Side Bank & Trust, Beck’s Florist and Craig Upholstering have in common?

Eight years ago, Roger Kahler’s son, Brad, returned to Morton to begin the process of taking over the reins of Fort Transfer.

Jerry Buysee purchased a local fireplace store in 2003, and together with his daughter, Tracy Sutherland, began making the business their own.

Like many essential services, upholstering is one that you never really think about until you need it.

Peoria Charter Coach has brought joy, value and the best in quality service to travelers throughout central Illinois.

For 18 years, the staff of Ron’s Carpets has served the flooring needs of central Illinois as a family, albeit not without some considerable hardships.

In 1915, Joseph Haddad left his home in Lebanon to come to America to pursue a dream. He married Mary Siyman, and together they saved enough money to open their first grocery store.

Family business brings a complicated dynamic, not only to the workplace, but to the dinner table as well.