All in the Family

Read the Diane Eastabrook's thoughts about the families she profiles. Then post your comments. Image of Diane Eastabrook

The Gift of Lifeway Foods

posted by Diane Eastabrook

Julie and Edward Smolyansky have come a long way since that July day I interviewed them back in 2002. It was less than a month after their 55-year-old father, Michael, died suddenly of a heart attack. The siblings were left to run the company... + More

A Family That's Keeping

News Un-Commoditized

posted by Diane Eastabrook

We live in a world today where technology, trade, and travel bring the world to our front doors. But, most of us are still more interested in what's going on in our back yards. That idea is what has made Shaw Newspapers so successful. For 158 years he Shaw family has been reporting the news of the day in small communities like Dixon, Illinois... + More

A list of websites you can visit to learn more about family businesses and entrepreneurship. Neon open sign.

Family Firm Institute

Center for Family Enterprises

Family Business Magazine

"The History of Family Business"

Signature Stories of American Business

Many of the earliest businesses established in America were family run firms. Today, families continue to operate around 80% of the businesses in North America. And, as of 2003, family businesses contributed more than 60% of annual U.S. GDP and employed more than 60% of the nation's workforce. There's no doubt the family business is critical to the success of the U.S. economy.

In the continuing series "All in the Family," NBR's Diane Eastabrook profiles some of the nation's family businesses, uncovering both their triumphs and and their challenges.