Keeping it All in the Family at Finishing Shops

Finishing and coating shops are, by their nature, family businesses. It seems that 60% or more of shops are owned and operated by a family, usually one entering its fourth, fifth, or sixth decade, if not more.

A few stories in our June issue encompass what it means to run family businesses- good, bad, and ugly.

Fortunately, the shops featured in this issue are all in a good place.

Our cover story focuses on the LeBaron family, which owns Lincoln Industries in Nebraska. With over 1,000,000 square feet and more than 1,000 team members, Lincoln Industries is considered the largest finishing operation in North America.

Recently, Chairman Marc LeBaron decided to make his two daughters, Katie and Kassy (pictured above), owners of the company as he prepares to completely retire from the industry after 60+ years. And yes, he took over the business from his father, Dale, who founded it long ago.

It must be a great feeling to hand over the keys to something you have worked decades building and know that a family member is now in charge of continuing that legacy.

The LeBaron family at Lincoln Industries is a legacy steeped in unique business practices, including a complete commitment to staff health and mental welfare. Lincoln has an incredible support system built so its team members can care for the mind, body, and soul, which you will read about in the article. They have a doctor at their facility caring for its staff and even their families, a large gym and fitness center, and even classes on smoking cessation and getting more healthy. It is truly something that has to be seen — or read about — to be believed.

We also have a story on two sisters, Stacey and Sarah, who now run Bales Metal Surface Solutions after their father passed away suddenly several years ago.

Both Stacey and Sarah overcame immense grief to start running their dad's business and have been among some of the top owners in the entire industry. We write about how they recently spent a sizable chunk of change to add two new plating lines as they march forward with plans to grow the business. Along the way, other manufacturing groups have recognized Bales in the Chicago area as one of the top places to work. It's a tribute to Sarah and Stacey that they treat their staff like family and work very hard to ensure the company remains viable for its team.

We also feature Chuck Zinke from Perfection Industrial Finishing in Arizona, whose company launched its second location in Phoenix a few years ago and is doing remarkably well. In this article, you will read how Chuck grew the business and attracted the needed employees through the help of one of his managers—who eventually became his wife—Toni Zinke, a master at attracting and retaining staff.

Above all, the finishing and coating business is a family-oriented industry. Many employees have been with the shops for 20, 30, and sometimes over 40 years. It is a remarkable achievement for many of the shops to attract and keep staff for that long, but it shows how family-run businesses are designed for that.