Passing The Torch With Grace

This past Thursday in Colfax at Becknology Days, Scott talked about the importance of a succession plan, especially in our farm businesses. Succession is the action or process of passing one's business or assets from one generation to the next. And since it's a known fact that we all leave earth with nothing, it seems one should plan sooner rather than later.

Jan and I were in our mid 30s when Shannon convinced us to start selling Dekalb seed for the Roberts family based in Dekalb, Illinois. At our first customer appreciation supper, Kurt and Karl were a year old.

Kurt and Karl are now in their mid 30s, with families, as they visit with Shannon at Becknology Days in Colfax. Much like our family's story, after working for Dekalb, Monsanto, and Bayer (consolidation), Shannon is now working for the Becks family.

Karl and Kristin have taken over the leadership role in our seed business. Does that mean Jan and I have lost interest? Of course not. And we help wherever needed.  We believe the next generation deserves opportunities during their family raising years, and not have to wait until the previous generation has left earth.

One of the many benefits of passing the torch earlier is getting to watch and appreciate the next generation in action, serve others, and loving it. Kudos to Jan, Cassia, Kristin, Stacy, Suzanne, Emily, and Linda for serving the meal. Also Kudos to all the others who helped with trash, wash dishes, encourage and watch the little ones running around, and cleaning up afterwards.

Even the 3rd generation helped. One of their responsibilities was to help dry and serve drinks from the ice tubs.

Yesterday Jan and I attended JoAnn's funeral. Howard passed away in 2007. 

In the spring of 1975 a newly married 18 year old walked into Mahaska FS, looked at the floor, and timidly asked the manager for some custom work to do. Howard told me, "Son, never put yourself down". Howard gave a young man a chance, and the rest is history.

In the summer of 1986 Mahaska Bank said I was no longer an asset because I had the wrong last name, and refused to give me an operating loan. Weeks later I received a call from a new-fangled car phone from Madison, Wisconsin. Howard told me about a new start up bank opening in Albia, Iowa. He said in his bold voice, "Steve, I've made an appointment for you at that new bank. Don't be late, and don't be under dressed." Peoples State Bank welcomed Jan and I with no co-signer. And we stayed with them 35 years until they sold out to a bigger bank. Howard gave us an opportunity. Later in Howard's life I was able to be his spiritual mentor.

What a blessing to be friends with this couple and their 7 children. Thank you Lord!

Jan and I stopped at Sully Locker and Market on Thursday. Grandson Gideon showed me he and his crew's day's work. They slaughter around 3 beef and 2 hogs/day. Kudos to everyone who helped give a 20 year old couple, expecting their second child, an opportunity to purchase and operate their own business.

I have always expected and appreciated our hired help to help us make a plan, sometimes for the day, sometimes for the season. If they become better at things than I or the boys, we all win. Guys, you are appreciated more than I take the time to tell you.

One afternoon this past week I decided to mow around a corn field with Kurt's skidloader and front mower. I got stuck. As I was walking the half mile home BJ saw me and gave me a lift. Kurt and Jim helped pull me out. I told Kurt I was sorry I got his loader stuck and thanked him for pulling me out. He said, "No problem Dad. I'm sure you've pulled me out way more times when I was growing up". The roles switch whether we choose it or not.

So you might think starting a succession plan would include identifying assets, identifying recipients, and the help of an attorney. Those things are necessary but minor details. Givers and receivers both need to start with contentment, gratitude, and a servant-heart. When we shovel out, God shovels back, and God has a bigger shovel! Let's get together again next week and talk about our non-negotiables.