Knowledge Centre - Secondary Case Studies

The McCains – When the chips are down

The McCain family were part of the wave of emigrants from the British Isles who began farming in the fertile lands of Eastern Canada in the 1860s. H H (Henry) McCain was an innovator and a genuine entrepreneur. His first venture concentrated on apple growing on his farm in Florenceville, New Brunswick. He also set up a general store, and was one of the first merchants in the area to pay farmers for their produce in cash rather than goods. He had three daughters and one son, Andrew Davies (A D). Andrew from an early age proved to be hard- working and intelligent, earning him responsibilities beyond his years. In 1910, Henry and Andrew started potato farming, and called their enterprise the McCain Produce Company. Potatoes became the most important cash crop in the area, and the McCains grabbed the opportunity to export their produce to the United States and beyond. Andrew worked tirelessly, and by the time Henry passed away in 1920 the business was flourishing.Andrew and his wife Laura had six children: Marie, Andrew, Robert, Eleanor, Harrison and Wallace. The gene lottery this time dealt a matrix of personality types that was to be an important leitmotiv for the family saga. The eldest, Marie was quiet and timid by nature; Andrew and Robert were solid, somewhat staid types, while younger sister Eleanor was quick-witted, funny and talkative. The two youngest siblings, Harrison and Wallace, were like twins, growing up very close to each other. A strict work ethic was instilled in all the children by their parents and mediocrity was not tolerated. The McCains never lavished money on the children. If they wanted something, they had to earn it. Mrs A D, as she was always known, was a strong and dynamic woman who ruled the McCain family.

The DASSLER FAMILY

The family lived in Northern Bavarian town – Herzogenaurach. This town was the centre of producing shoes for centuries. Father Christoph was a shoemaker and to help make ends meet, mother ran a small commercial laundry. The family was not well off, but very hard working. Adolf Dassler, born in 1900 was a young lad and an active sportsman; running races and competitions.

Beretta Five Hundred Years Old Family Business

Beretta is an Italian firearm manufacturer that was founded by Bartolomeo Beretta in the 16th century.

The Steinberg Story- Falling Apart, Together

Steinberg family business is a story of a firm that stood on the verge of great success but then comprehensively lost its way.

The Gallo Family – Vintage Conflicts

The family name Gallo has become synonymous with the wine industry in California as they were the first movers in the industry.

U-HAUL AND THE SHOENS - A SHATTERED DYNASTY

Leonard Samuel (L.S.) Shoen, who grew up in poverty, founded U-Haul, a nationwide trailer rental business.

AMARELLI - More than 290 years old Family Business in Perpetuity

Amarelli is among the few family-owned businesses that has demonstrated resilience, longevity and sustained growth during the long tenure of its 13 generational transitions in family.