Moving Innovation Forward: Concluding Thoughts

Abstract

“Now I see how smart Grandpa was to develop new technology for making snow and to change our distribution from independent reps to a direct sales force,” Edward said to his mother while they enjoyed lunch in the break room at the family’s Wisconsin-based snowmaking equipment business. Edward, age 28 and a third-generation member, had recently joined the business as a sales representative, and his inside view helped him understand the impact of the founder’s innovative approach. Edward’s mother agreed, “Thanks to my father’s foresight, your generation has many opportunities to work in the business and take it to the next level.”