Smells That Take Us Back: The Senses of Early Business

Nothing brings you back to the “good old days” quite like a whiff from the past. When I asked everyone, “What’s one smell that reminds you of the early days in business?” I expected a few quick answers, but the stories flowed.

For Tom, it was all about the grocery locker platter and the infamous rotten potatoes, an odor you simply can’t forget once you’ve tried to bag those mushy leftovers by hand! Kim painted the picture of walking into an old store in Kentucky, recalling the unique mix of fresh produce, meats, and deli that hangs in the air, distinct, but not unpleasant, especially for those raised in grocery aisles. And who could forget the learning experience of Limburger cheese? There’s a rite of passage in sticking your nose into a box, nearly gagging, only for Dad to say, “It’s supposed to smell like that!”

For me, the memory is tied to the meat room, the scent of sawdust soaking up whatever dripped on the floor, mixed with the sharp, unmistakable whiff of burnt stretch wrap from a too-hot wire. If you remember hunting down rotten onions or pickled herring overwhelming the cooler, you know exactly the smells we’re talking about.

Mythbusting: Is Drama the Family Business Trademark?

One myth we consistently hear: family businesses are full of drama. Frankly, not in ours. Sure, Kim pointed out every business has a little drama, people are people. But in our family, drama wasn’t tolerated unless it helped solve a problem or moved us forward. If you wanted to complain for the sake of complaining, that conversation ended pretty quickly. We learned to focus on solutions, accept what we couldn’t change, and move on.

As Shirley put it, cash flow worries were the biggest “drama” any of us can recall. Otherwise, families run as smoothly (or not) as their personalities dictate. If you’re naturally dramatic, so’s your business! But as Tom and I agreed, high-drama folks don’t last long with us and there’s never been much appetite for turning daily challenges into a family soap opera.

Getting Everything Handed to You? Think Again

Another common misconception: kids in a family business have it easy, getting everything handed to them. Tom was quick to point out that every family sets its own standards, sometimes that can result in entitled kids, but that’s never been our way. We all worked for what we had. Yes, there were perks when things went well, snowmobiles in the garage, a boat to take out in summer - but there was no “free ride.” If you wanted to play, you had to finish your shift first, and if business was tough, the perks dried up as quickly as the free time.

It all came back to accountability and pitching in. The business and the rewards, were built by all of us working together, not by leaning on the family name or waiting for a handout.

Can Family Businesses Scale? Absolutely, If You Want It

One of my favorite myths to bust is the idea that family businesses just can’t scale. As Tom and Kim said, it depends on your mindset and willingness to adapt. If the owners want to keep things small and comfortable, that’s their choice, but if you want to grow, you can. You have to keep up with changes, sometimes relinquish control, and bring in the right people. That’s how you create lasting growth and a true legacy.

The key? As Shirley wisely summarized: “Keep up or get left behind.” Family or not, every business rises and falls with the choices of its leaders.

Your Business Follows Your Personality

In the end, every family business is as unique as the people running it. Our family chose to focus on hard work, pulling together, and always staying open to change, which means we’ve each shaped what the business became. If you’re running things, know this: the size, success, and atmosphere of your business mirrors your personality and priorities. Want to grow? Change. Want peace? Choose your team wisely. Most importantly, don’t let the myths define what you build together.

If you’re on your own family business journey, share your story, we’re always eager to hear from others who appreciate the smell of memories, the reality behind the headlines, and the truth of working with family. Send me an email at Brian@mixingfamilybusiness.com

Make sure to listen to Episode 77 in full here!