Open Next Generation Recruit Program: Multi-Generational Panel

The Institute for Family-Owned Business (IFOB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the success of family-owned businesses in the State of Maine.  Eighty percent of businesses in Maine are family-owned and we have over 140 family-owned businesses across the State, from all sizes and industries, who are part of the IFOB as well as associate partners who provide services to these businesses.  Annually in the fall, we hold an awards program this year with nearly 1,000 in-person and live streamed attendance to celebrate these family businesses with the Maine Family Business Awards.

Our upcoming annual Next Gen celebration / recruitment program with our existing groups is a great opportunity for future members to make new connections, and learn about the Next Gen Peer Affinity Groups and how they have helped members run their family-owned business.

We’ll hear from family business leaders of companies spanning a 1st generation business through to a 7th generation business. They will provide insight to the challenges of each stage of their business and share critical success factors.  Learn from those who have done it!

This event will be facilitated by Anne Hussey, Partner of Quad Group, also a 6th generation owner of Hussey Seating Company.  Attendees will have a better understanding of the common characteristics of a business in each of the 7 generations. They will also learn more about the best practices for business continuity and how to successfully navigate the challenges of each phase including:  family dynamics, leadership, business structure, business governance, family governance, succession planning and culture.

Here is the program recording: https://youtu.be/EpTY9CNrIqY?si=mD-WBpjDyjx1GUum

Speakers:

Daniel Cote (Third Generation) – President, The Cote Corporation  

Daniel Cote has spent most of his lifetime in the crane and rigging industry with more than 25 years at The Cote Corporation – a third generation, 57 year old crane and rigging business. Appreciative for the opportunity to work with his father, grandfather, uncles, and several cousins, he has cherished the family business experience. He is currently the President and Owner. Daniel holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University.

The crane and rigging field obligates unique challenges that demand competency, creativity,  and a firm commitment to safety. The Cote Corporation focuses on employee retention/development and superior customer service as cornerstones of their culture.

Jeffrey Messer (Fourth Generation) – Owner and CEO, Messer Truck Equipment

In 2003, Jeffrey Messer joined Messer Truck Equipment, becoming the fourth generation in his family’s business, which was founded in 1899 by his great-grandfather Walter Messer. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in Ocean Engineering, Jeff served in the U.S. Navy for five years as a surface warfare officer and nuclear power engineer before returning to Maine and entering the family business. He has worked in various areas of the company, including service, parts, and sales in an effort to learn the business from the ground-up. In 2008, he was named company president after his father’s untimely passing. Jeff and his wife, Alissa, have three children and split time between Raymond and Matinicus Island.

Rich Hussey (Sixth Generation) – Owner and Vice President of Human Resources, Hussey Seating Company

Richard is the Vice President of Human Resources for Hussey Seating Company where he has been since September of 2019, and was also employed with the company from 1997 to 2006 as well in the same role. Prior to that, Richard has worked as an HR Director & VP of Human Resources + Director of Human Resources in both Maine and New Hampshire.

Richard earned his Master of Arts in Teaching from Boston University, and his Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Colby College. Richard also holds his Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification (SPHR).

Philip Hussey (Seventh Generation) – Owner of Hussey Seating Company & Vice President, Chenmark

Philip Hussey is a Vice President at Chenmark, a family-owned holding company, and the CEO of Outerland, a 90-person landscaping company on Cape Cod. Philip received his MBA from Georgetown, where he focused on sustainability and economic development. That included interning with Citi Ventures and i2 Capital – and serving as a Rural Opportunity Initiative Fellow. Before Georgetown, he worked in marketing at Harvard Business School and the Friends School in Palestine. Philip is a member of the seventh-generation family business, Hussey Seating Company, and received his B.A. from Colby College in Waterville.