Multi-generational Family Business Project

There is a direct impact on our communities when we lose the family enterprises that bind communities and help sustain and preserve the historical traditions, art forms, skills, leadership and economy.  Today only 30% of family-owned businesses survive the transition from founder to the 2^nd generation, marking an alarming decline in recent years. Only 12% of family-owned businesses are still viable into the 3^rd generation with a mere 3% operating into the 4^th generation and beyond. Our communities are losing the strong economic and social impact that these sturdy multigenerational businesses, that have grown steadily through several generations, provide.

This documentary portrays the dreams, stories, and future prospects of families running enterprises over multiple generations.

LEGACY: Generations of Family Business documentary can be used in your community.

Jim Howard, Senior Producer and Photographer, was born into a multigenerational family enterprise and has spent a lifetime involved with them. He was compelled to tell their story in hopes of turning the trend of their decline around. 

To order a DVD, please email Jim Howard at LEGACYdocumentary@gmail.com.