Mainebiz

October 30, 2023

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V O L . X X I X N O. X X V O C T O B E R 3 0 , 2 0 2 3 20 FA M I LY - OW N E D B U S I N E S S O perating a family-owned business of any size has its pluses and minuses for those running the business, regardless of whether the leader is a family member or a non-family member. For the lowdown on how leadership works in these matters, Mainebiz checked in with four family-owned enterprises, two large and two smaller ones. My favorite response is from "Maine Cabin Masters" star Ryan Eldridge, who works with his wife, Ashley Morrill. Asked what he does when there's a disagreement, he says: "Keep my mouth shut, no matter how hard it is." Hussey Seating's Brian Deveaux espouses 'collaborative' leadership style Mainebiz: As a former advisor to family businesses, what is it like to now lead one? Brian Deveaux: Having worked with family businesses for many years throughout my career, I have seen some good ones and some bad ones. I am fortunate enough to be working with a family that truly understands what makes family businesses special. e Hussey family has taken great care from generation to generation to communicate how important it is to manage both the family, and the fam- ily business. It is no accident that this business has survived to its seventh generation. It has been very purpose- ful and intentional. As a non-family leader of this business, I appreciate that the Hussey family recognizes and values where the lines should be drawn between management roles, board roles and shareholder roles. MB: How would you describe your leadership style? BD: My leadership style is very col- laborative in nature. I believe there are very few decisions or actions that need to reside solely with the CEO. Of course, that means that you must surround yourself with highly capable and committed people, which Hussey Seating has a long history of doing. One of our core values is that we care about and empower the people we work with. We very intentionally added the word empower to that core value a few years ago. I want every employee to feel they are valued. Another of our core values is to operate with honesty and integrity. For me, those characteristics are non- negotiable in a leader. MB: What's the sales breakdown of replacing older seating vs. building seating for new facilities? BD: Our breakdown of sales between F O C U S HUSSEY SEATING FOUNDED: 1835 WHERE BASED: North Berwick WHAT IT DOES: Manufacturer of spectator seating solutions for the sports and entertainment, education, and performing arts markets EMPLOYEES: 300 P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Hussey Seating's Brian Deveaux is the second non-family member to serve as president and CEO in the family-owned company's 188-year history. FRANK TALK about running a family business The good, the bad and the surprising from 4 Maine firms B y R e n e e C o r d e s

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