I’ve been asked more than a few times why my family still has an operating business and we do not just park our money with a wealth manager and call it a day. It’s a fair question. Every family is different but for my family it comes down to the following: 1. Outsized returns: Historically, we see outsized returns in our operating business as compared to our passive investments. We do keep an allocation for non-real estate private markets investments so as to diversify but these have generally underperformed relative to our real estate operating business. Probably comes down to us having done real estate operations and development for over 50 years. That kind of institutional knowledge is something we want to take advantage of. 2. Passion: We have been lucky so far and had a very passionate person in each generation excited to continue operating our family business. If I did not run Westlake Realty, I would have probably started my own real estate investment platform. I really do love real estate and am grateful for the opportunity to do it alongside my family. 3. Imparting values to the next generation: Of all the reasons, this is the most compelling for us. Operating a business day in and day out is an exercise in hard work, grit and resilience. When problems come up, we cannot just run away, we have to solve them. When we fail, we have to get up and try again. I do not think you learn these same lessons as a passive investor. The business is a place where the next generation of family members can try out different aspects of working in a business and learn how businesses operate at a young age. These are intangible benefits you can’t measure with IRR or equity multiple.
And perhaps it's gratifying for the prior generation to see how the next gen brings their personal vision and strengths to the heritage.
Very honorable. Its refreshing to hear this. Thank you for inspiring me.
Wisdom
While 1 is obviously key it’s 2 & 3 that’s so refreshing to read. Thanks for sharing.
Love #3.
Well said.
Love this!!
USMC Veteran Turned Financial Advisor | Board of Directors Risen Warrior Foundation | #1 USC Fan According to My License Plate
1moCurious as to what you’re doing to reduce tax drag and reduce taxable income while still growing your assets. It may not be a “money” problem but seems taxes paid could require planning. Not everyone needs to put money with a firm. Offensively there are many ways to grow your money and historically Advisors don’t work well with those who do it themselves. Everyone is different. Sounds like you’ve got a good approach. What do you do for insurance? And what money do you have for later that isn’t going to be taxed?