Riding the Tech Wave: Embracing Change in Our Family Business

First Brushes with Groundbreaking Tech

So, during our chat, we got a bit nostalgic. Shirley recalled her first experience with computers back when they seemed like magic boxes. Kim brought up the time QuickBooks entered our lives, turning our accounting from an old-school nightmare into a sleek, digital breeze. Tom shared his aha moment with scanning tech in the retail space, which flipped the script on how we managed inventory. Crazy, right? Each of these stories had a common thread: these tech moments were like giant lightbulbs turning on, changing how we did things forever.

Timing Is Everything: When to Dive In

Ah, the tricky part—timing. Bringing in new tech isn't just about snagging the latest gadget. It’s about knowing when to jump and when to wait. I remember the debacle with pre-cut chickens at our grocery store in the ‘80s. We were way early to the game and had to hit reverse. Other times, like with our espresso machine failing before coffee culture hit Wisconsin, we were too soon. Tom emphasized keeping your ears open to what customers want and noticing market shifts. The moral of the story? It’s a fine art balancing act.

Old Dogs, New Tricks: How We Deal with Change

Here's the twist: it's not always the ‘old folks’ who resist change. Kim shared how some younger team members are surprisingly set in their ways. The key? Show them the success new tools can bring. Tom hit the nail on the head by stressing the value of having a variety of age groups on board for fresh perspectives. It's like getting a sneak peek at what different customer groups are craving next.

Patience Before Pressing Play

Over the years, I've become a firm believer in the power of patience. Let someone else test out the buggy first versions! Kim shared her approach and I'm with her—I'd rather ride the wave of a tech that’s already proven its worth than struggle through the rough patches of brand-new ones.

Learning and Growing Every Day

Nowadays, business landscapes change faster than ever. Staying ahead means constantly learning and not being shy about what doesn't work. Take our journey with credit card systems—it took a while for rural areas to warm up to them, but now, it's second nature to swipe instead of carrying cash.

We wrapped up the episode with a little reminder: we're in this fast-paced race together. The name of the game is to keep our eyes open, remain adaptable, and welcome change with open arms.

Chatting about our tech adventures reminded me of our strengths in balancing new ideas with the experience we've gathered over the years. It's about bridging the old with the new, making sure we stay both grounded and nimble in our family business adventures. Here's to staying curious and ready for whatever's next on this wild ride and make sure to listen to the full episode here!

Till next time,

Brian