lSeveral inquiries about the early days of Kitchen Kettle Village have caused me to search my memories and memoirs for facts about how it all happened. However, today I am thinking of the complicated phases of family business and how they develop.
The second generation arrived at the business after their college years mostly because they were sorely needed. The Mom and Pop operation had become a pretty good backyard jelly business. Nevertheless, it had become apparent that cookies could no longer be sold for 5 cents, the love of heritage could no longer meet the payroll, and purchasing had become a knowledgeable occupation. We seemed to have established that we were at the right place at the right time and so we just had to admit that we had to operate in a profitable, business-like fashion.
The third generation has now arrived with new standards and plans for growth which fortunately meld into the original intent. Our path so far has been fostered by good leadership, endless seminars, and associations with a continuous stream of helpful compatriots. My files are filled with letters and records that may never be destroyed in my lifetime. The terms faith, family, fair and fun have been important hallmarks over these years. My husband and offspring have included me in their daily affairs. So for me, I only offer, “What more can a Mother ask than that?”
