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Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw family businesses do what they do best in times of crisis: take care of their employees, their customers, and each other. In 2021, we celebrated 12 different family businesses who served as beacons of hope, positivity, and togetherness—these inspirational stories show that in the face of incredible and unprecedented challenges, good can be accomplished when you lead with family values.


Our sponsors

Special thanks to our sponsors—BMO Harris and Katten—for their generous support of the 2021 Family Business Heroes Campaign.

BMO Harris and Katten


Spreading Good News

In the midst of the crisis, we were impressed and bolstered by stories of courage, integrity and leadership, showcasing the best of family businesses.


Meet the Heroes

We’ve always believed in the strength, perseverance, and resiliency of families in business; 2021 showed us it’s time to share more of these stories.

Anne Smart
Introduction

Anne Smart

In the face of what seemed to be a never-ending tide of bad news, we wanted to share something good.

WATCH
Ray Whitacre
Introduction

Ray Whitacre

BMO knows family businesses are the cornerstone of our economy and our communities.

WATCH
Magid

Magid

"There was no playbook for this. We were writing the rules as we went."

WATCH
Wall Family Enterprise

Wall Family Enterprise

“We realized if we wanted to be part of the solution in libraries and schools, we had to bring the solutions."

READ
W.S. Darley

W.S. Darley

"This isn't the first pandemic our company has ever experienced."

WATCH
BCD International

BCD International

“We like to say that we’re in the business of protecting those who protect us.”

READ
Carl Buddig & Company

Carl Buddig & Company

"We didn't do this alone. It takes a village and we relied on our resources to give us information so we could make good decisions."

WATCH
Gold Eagle

Gold Eagle

"COVID forced us to come up with ‘what if’ scenarios that provided new insights on what we can do as a company and as a family."

READ
Medline

Medline

"We did what we could to keep supplying our customers who needed our products to save people's lives."

WATCH
Edlong

Edlong

"We were all hands on deck, and had each other’s backs to ensure everyone stayed afloat and succeeded."

READ
Powers & Sons Construction

Powers & Sons Construction

"Never in my lifetime has there been anything that has challenged us in this manner."

WATCH
Home Run Inn

Home Run Inn

“We’ve been a family business for the last 74 years, and Chicago is our community. Of course we’re going to do our part to help those in need.”

READ
Wahl Clipper Corp.

Wahl Clipper Corp.

"Our values are what got us through. They're what allowed us to thrive in this environment because we have such committed people who really understand our business."

WATCH
Baldwin Richardson Foods

Baldwin Richardson Foods

"As a family business, we wear our values on our sleeves. We don’t just talk about integrity, authenticity, and honesty—we live it."

READ