During and around the COVID-19 pandemic, I purchased three businesses from women in their 70s who were ready to retire. Two were flag companies, which I merged into FlagandBanner.com, and the third was OurCornerMarket.com, a website specializing in plaques and memorials. At the time, I was in my late 60s and thought, “I will never retire.”
Now, in my 70s, I better understand their perspective. My husband and I spend much of our time managing health issues, caring for aging parents, and juggling a schedule filled with various doctor appointments. If my children hadn’t wanted to work in the family business, I too might be considering selling.
My Kids
Three of my four children work at Flag and Banner. As we like to joke, “Of my four kids, only one got away.”
I feel lucky to see my children at work every day, but it’s not all “pie in the sky” for any of us. In the beginning, I often had to say, “I’m not your mother at work, I’m your boss. You have to do what I tell you to do.” That was a hard pill to swallow—for them and for me. But to their credit, they adapted, and today I lean on them heavily.
Now in their 30s and 40s, they are becoming not only the future of FlagandBanner.com but also contributing citizens to the American economy.
Good job, kids. (watch the three of them at work in this funny commercial)
Get Kerry’s latest blog post every week by entering your information under Join Our Mail List in the side bar, checking the appropriate box, and clicking Subscribe. xoxoxo
