In the introduction, we referred to an emotional owner as a family business owner that has an emotional connection to the business and believes it to be linked to family unity and legacy. Now, let’s see what this looks like in action by revisiting our case story.

TIM

I’m really not sure what to think about family ownership.

NICOLE

It’s okay. It’s going to take you time to work out what it means for you.

TIM

I feel like I’ve been distant from the family business in the past. It was all – someone else’s thing. But now that I own a third of the shares, I need to know what ownership means.

NICOLE

How about a program of you coming round the business and getting to know all that goes on here? Find out how we’re making a difference.

STEPMOM

Nicole is dragging Tim into more and more into the business and…

…I almost feel sorry for him.

He’s going to feel all kinds of pressures.

And he might get ideas that jeopardize the value for all the other owners.

Things are going to get a lot more complicated around here.