Bridging Generations: The Realities and Rewards of Family Succession

Family Succession and the Legacy of Hammond’s Candies

Family businesses are more than just companies—they are legacies built on love, tradition, and countless hours of hard work. The journey of succession, when one generation passes the torch to the next, is often one of the most profound moments in any family business. It can be a time of joy, reflection, and deep emotion. Yet, this narrative is often overshadowed by high-profile stories of power struggles and conflicts over wealth. While those portrayals have their truths, the reality for many family businesses is a deeply personal journey marked by high expectations and the aspiration to build upon legacies that often seem unattainable.

Generational Crossroads: Two Families, One Legacy

I found myself at the intersection of two such generational enterprises: Hammond’s Candies Inc. and FBC Foods International (The Fruit Basket Company Inc.). Both were iconic local institutions in Denver, each facing the complexities of transitioning through their second and third generations of leadership. My wife’s family carried forward the Hammond’s Candies tradition, while my family had established a reputation in fresh produce and gourmet groceries through The Fruit Basket.

Carrying the Weight of Legacy

I also bear the name Emery Arthur Dorsey IV, representing four generations of legacy, each with its own set of hopes, dreams, and responsibilities. Hammond’s Candies mirrored this tradition, with Carl Thomas Hammond Jr. upholding the family’s confectionery legacy. For both families, the weight of these names extended beyond mere titles—they were symbols of the aspirations of those who came before us and the legacies we were entrusted to protect. Yet, carrying this torch was not without its challenges. Both families encountered resistance to change, internal family struggles, and the difficulties inherent in succession.

Hammond’s Transition: A Struggle Between Tradition and Expansion

The ambition to expand Hammond’s from a cherished local landmark into a national brand was met with challenges. Tom Hammond, having been deeply rooted in the small-scale production they had established in North Denver, found it difficult to embrace expansion. Tom's world had been shaped by working alongside his parents as a teenager, interrupted only by his commission on an aircraft carrier during World War II. After the war, family expectations brought him back into the fold, putting aside dreams of an engineering degree to continue the Hammond legacy.

This generational perspective, forged by the Great Depression and the war, meant that staying small, self-reliant, and family-centered was not just a business choice but a survival strategy. Tom, with his steadfast belief in the value of tradition, was hesitant to move beyond their established operations. This created a barrier to the next phase of growth, ultimately leaving the opportunity for direct succession unfulfilled.

A Fork in the Road: The Dorsey Family

My family's journey was equally complex. My father joined my grandfather in expanding The Fruit Basket from a modest 800-square-foot store into three thriving locations across Denver. With my grandfather's approval, my father took full control and ambitiously consolidated these into a 20,000-square-foot gourmet grocery store, a groundbreaking concept at the time. The entire family was deeply embedded in the business, with everyone from my grandparents to my brothers contributing to its growth.

However, during this period of expansion, our family was torn apart by a painful and public divorce, which further complicated any hopes of a clear succession path. My two brothers went on to carve out their own paths, one in engineering and the other in sales, both funding their education independently. As for me, life's unexpected turns led me to focus on a different legacy.

Navigating Unexpected Paths

In 1985, after working part-time at Hammond's and learning the craft, I found myself stepping into a full-time role following the passing of my father-in-law. My mother-in-law, June, reached out, asking if I could help keep the business running during this critical period. It was a pivotal moment not only for Hammond's but also for our family. At the same time, my family's business had closed, with the concept sold to a natural foods company, marking the end of one legacy and the beginning of another.

The following 20 years were not just about preserving the confectionery traditions of Hammond's but also about navigating the complexities that come with steering a family business after the loss of a key patriarch. I apprenticed under the three senior candy makers, absorbing their knowledge while grappling with the weight of keeping the company afloat. Every decision was a balancing act between upholding tradition and adapting to new challenges. It was a constant struggle, often exhaustive and all-demanding. The effort and vision had to be in concert to achieve any semblance of longevity.

In the background, the struggle to align differing visions for the company's future grew more pronounced. Navigating these dynamics, including the inevitable disagreements that arose within the family, was an ongoing challenge. These weren't just professional disagreements; they were deeply personal, tied to the legacy of those who had come before us. Despite these struggles, we worked diligently with a modest budget and a vision for growth, eventually gaining national recognition. But success in family succession requires more than just hard work; it demands early planning, open communication, and a shared vision—elements that were often at odds during this period.

Building a New Succession Legacy

Robin and I had three wonderful children who grew up surrounded by the candy business. As is often the case in family enterprises, the involvement of our children was almost a given; they spent their teenage years working alongside us in the factory. They witnessed firsthand the long hours and relentless effort we poured into our work, often asking, "Why do we work so hard?"

We made a conscious decision to allow them the freedom to choose their own paths. We discussed the possibility of their involvement in the family business, but we mutually agreed that it would need to be their decision. We understood that successful succession is not just about handing over the keys to the next generation; it involves creating an environment where they feel included, encouraged, and ready to work hard toward a common vision. Succession, at its core, is not just about continuity—it's about cultivating a shared purpose and the willingness to navigate through disagreements and sacrifices to preserve the legacy.

The End of a Confectionery Legacy

In the end, the challenges proved too great for a seamless family transition. The differing visions for Hammond's future led to conflicting perspectives, and the emotional toll on the family was profound. Ultimately, the company was sold, bringing an end to this chapter of the Hammond's legacy. Reflecting on this journey, the emotional rollercoaster of experiences, triumphs, and disappointments was a defining part of my life. Being involved in both family enterprises provided a unique perspective—not one of regret, but one of deep understanding of what it takes to sustain a legacy.

While the legacy of Hammond's as a family business came to an end, it served as a testament to the importance of planning and inclusivity in succession. It reminded us that the essence of family succession lies not just in the business itself but in the ability to pass down values, traditions, and the spirit of the enterprise to future generations, even if the path to doing so is fraught with obstacles.

The Evolving Nature of Succession

Family succession is rarely a straightforward journey. It is filled with moments of pride, sacrifice, and difficult choices. While the stories of my family and the Hammonds reflect unique challenges, they also highlight the resilience and adaptability required to navigate the evolving landscape of family legacies. In our case, the traditional paths to succession were not followed to the letter, but the spirit of the legacy lived on, adapted to new circumstances and aspirations.

A Call to Embrace the Future of Legacy

For those currently navigating the intricate path of family succession, the key lies in balancing respect for tradition with the courage to embrace change. It's about understanding that while a business can carry the weight of history, it must also be allowed to evolve. Open, honest discussions about the future and involving the next generation in the planning process are essential to preserving the essence of the legacy.

If you know a family business standing at the crossroads of succession, share this story with them. Succession is not just about passing the torch—it's about ensuring the flame continues to burn brightly for generations to come. Planning for the future isn't merely a task; it's an opportunity to build a legacy that thrives through shared values, hard work, and inclusion. Do your research, find a path, create a journey!