From the Editor: Building and Protecting Legacy
“Legacy,” although a simple, rather straightforward word, carries so much meaning. It’s about building a lasting heritage. It involves creating a meaningful bequest. Legacy is about paying homage to the past and securing the present. It involves honoring the history of those who came before while simultaneously securing the future for up-and-coming generations. Legacy reflects a strong foundation with plenty of room for skyward growth.
For this reason, establishing a legacy in business is a complex endeavor. In this issue of B2B Omaha, we explore legacy from several perspectives. Veteran business writer Steve Jordon covers the century-long history of Boyd Jones Construction from its inception to current leadership. President Jon Crane, who inherited the mantle from his father, Roger, in 2000, reflects on the importance of long-standing relationships and the richness they contribute to company culture.
Family certainly plays an enormous role in establishing and maintaining legacies, and that comes through loud and clear throughout this issue. Take, for example, Sarah Vogel, who left a lucrative career at Union Pacific to take the reins as CEO of Interstate Printing, a company that has been in her family for 107 years. There is a certain amount of familial duty, responsibility, and pride in undertaking such a leadership role, and Vogel demonstrates how upholding traditions while leaning into the future is an exciting proposition for any business leader.
Then there are multi-generational Omaha mainstays like Max I. Walker, renowned for its dry-cleaning and uniform services, and Egan Supply Company, a leader not only in janitorial supply solutions but also in refinishing gymnasium flooring. Both these businesses are leaders in their fields because of the family bonding that has propelled them forward throughout the decades. Families that work together make beautiful businesses together.
Whether you’re just embarking on creating a legacy or piloting a well-established business, B2B Omaha’s annual Legacy issue examines the topic from a myriad of viewpoints that provide multiple ways of considering what this simple, straightforward word entails.
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