We’re joined by Brad and Marshall Smith of Pender-Craft to talk about what it looks like to step into business together: not through inheritance, but by choosing to take a risk side by side. They share how this opportunity came together, how they’ve navigated the tension between father, son, and co-owners, and what it means to build something meaningful while learning how to lead together in real time.

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If you are a family business owner or small business owner looking for:

• Guidance on buying a business with your son
• Balancing risk, faith, and responsibility together
• OR learning how to grow into leadership while working alongside your dad

 This conversation will give you a real, behind-the-scenes look at what that actually takes.

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→ Watch this episode on YouTube

00:00 Stats about Family Business
1:09 Brad's journey into Pender-Craft
9:00 Marshall's journey into Pender-Craft
15:00 Finding a good father / son business fit
19:00 Evaluating risk
28:00 How roles are divided up
42:30 Unique rewards & challenges
52:00 Advice to fathers & sons thinking about going into business together
1:00:00 Pitfalls of family business

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On Cornerstone Conversations, we explore the unique dynamic of fathers and sons who work together, whether they built something from scratch or carried something forward.

Our mission is to create a space for intentional conversation and storytelling around family business transitions and legacy by enabling more dads to see working with their kids as a discipleship opportunity and more sons to see working with dad as an honor, not a handout.

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Learn more about Cornerstone Coaching at www.cornerstoneco.com