Fight Like Hell: When a Family Business Succession Becomes a Battlefield

Toolbox for the Trades

Mar 12 2024 • 52 mins

Many family business owners eventually pass the leadership torch down to their children. Oftentimes, those transitions work out smoothly.

But what about when they don’t?

Mike Prencavage, Jr., Owner of The Family Plumber, dreamed of taking the reins of the family business after college, but he had to “fight like hell” with his father to see his vision come true. Now, he’s leveraging technology and networking to elevate his family’s legacy for future generations.

Mike gives us a candid look back at his tumultuous shift into his current ownership role and how he’s bringing a new-school mindset to old-school values.

Join us as we discuss:


  • [7:31] Navigating a rocky family business takeover

  • [23:25] How to show future generations value in trades businesses

  • [40:10] Bridging innovation and new ideas with tradition

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:


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