“A family business is a never-ending journey, one that is continually evolving. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on something, things change, and you have to adapt quickly and efficiently.”

– Genette Gregson, VEO, All States Trailer Spares

Businesses owned by families have a huge impact on society. Though starting a family business is not easy, it has a lot of benefits, not only for the owners but also for the community. We often think that successful businesses are large multinational corporates. However, you will be surprised to know that some of the biggest names in the world of business are family-owned. Walmart, Dell, BMW, Tata, Samsung, and Ford, among many others, are actually family-owned businesses. Despite starting small they have gone on to make a name for themselves worldwide.

One of the keys to the success of family-owned businesses is their commitment to their customers and communities. Instead of well-clogged machines like big corporations, family-owned business organizations genuinely care about the world. As a result, most family-owned businesses employ sustainable practices to produce eco-friendly products and services. Like the co-owner of Sol de Minca, Viviana Jaramillo, said, they have understood that “profit and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive and the latter should always come before the former.” Take SC Johnson for example. In 1975, it became the first company to voluntarily remove fluorocarbon propellants from its production lines. Today, it is dedicated to saving lives by making low-cost spatial repellents available at no profit to malaria-infested areas.

Like Deborah Sparks, co-founder of Sparks and Daughters, said, “Customers now are much more aware of who they’re buying from and want to buy from businesses that care about their products and their customers.” Gone are the days of indifferent consumers of mass-produced goods. Today’s customers are eco-conscious and sustainability-oriented. They like to patronize businesses whose values align with their own. Businesses who care about their customers and communities thrive in the modern society. This is done best by family-owned businesses. These organizations are deeply invested in their products and services. Local business owners do their best to uplift their community. They often dedicate their own time and money to this. Large family businesses are not merely profit-making machines. They are committed to solving the problems of their communities. More often than not, they donate a sizable chunk of their profits to charities. They contribute to projects like Boys and Girls Scouts, Junior Achievements, and United Way, among many others. They help in the development of local schools and hospitals.

It is no wonder that family businesses have been on a rising tangent these last few years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. During the lockdown, they not only did their best to survive but also aided their communities. They have stood the test of time and gone on to prove their mettle in the business world.

Family businesses indeed make a difference in their communities. Hence, the least we can do is to support them. Let us have a look at some family businesses that have contributed to their communities.

Fostering Long-Term Relationships and Local Investment

Family-owned businesses make a lasting impact on their communities by fostering long-term relationships, prioritizing local investment, and upholding strong values of trust and service. Unlike large corporations, family-owned businesses are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, often spanning multiple generations. This long-term presence allows them to build meaningful connections with customers and contribute to the well-being of the community in ways that go beyond just business transactions.

A great example of this is our Reiner Gives Back program, which reflects our commitment to supporting local organizations and making a real difference in people’s lives. Through this initiative, we sponsor schools, charities, and community events, helping to strengthen the neighborhoods where we live and work. One standout contribution was our partnership with a local housing initiative, where we provided efficient heating systems for families in need. Not only did this project improve the quality of life for those families, but it also instilled a deep sense of pride among our employees, who saw their work creating a tangible, positive impact.

Andrew Hulsebos, Service Director, Reiner Group Inc.

Engaging Community Through Volunteer Initiatives

I owned a small business and ensured that the company was always involved in the community. My staff loved getting involved in helping others. One year, I called Costco and asked if I could have their leftover frozen turkeys to donate to shelters. They called me back and said, there were 180 available but we would have to arrive at 4:00 AM to pick them up. Not only did the staff come in early to do it, they volunteered their time to do so.

I would send out notes to our 10,000-person customer email list asking for winter clothing donations to deliver to the shelters once a year. My staff volunteered to sort through all of the clothes and deliver them directly to shelters for men, women, and children.

I did the same with business attire and created a campaign called “Get A Job.” People donated old business attire and the staff sorted them and greeted people when they came in to pick them up free of charge.

The staff loved helping the community and it helped grow a tight bond between them.

Michael Wood, Partner/Chief Marketing Officer, Ottawa Consultants

Building Trust and Enhancing Safety

Family-owned businesses make a lasting impact on their communities by building trust, creating jobs, and fostering long-term relationships with customers. Unlike large corporations, family businesses often have deep roots in the areas they serve, allowing them to understand and respond to local needs in a personal and meaningful way. Our over 20 years of experience and my certification as an arborist with a TRAQ qualification have allowed us to go beyond just tree care, we’ve actively contributed to making our community safer. One example of this was after a major storm in Dallas, when fallen trees and damaged limbs were creating hazardous conditions for homeowners and businesses. Thanks to our experience and quick response, we were able to clear dangerous debris efficiently, prevent further property damage, and even provide free services to elderly residents who couldn’t afford immediate cleanup.  

Our deep knowledge of tree risk assessment allowed us to identify unstable trees before they became a danger, helping prevent future accidents. By educating homeowners on proper tree maintenance and providing affordable solutions, we’ve not only helped improve property values but also enhanced the overall safety and beauty of our neighborhoods. The trust we’ve built over decades means customers know they can count on us in emergencies, and in turn, they refer us to family and friends, helping us grow while keeping our community safe. Family-owned businesses like ours don’t just offer a service, we create lasting relationships that make a real difference where we live and work.

Amaury Ponce, Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services

Creating Jobs and Mentorship Programs

Unlike larger corporations driven by shareholder demands, these businesses tend to focus on legacy, sustainability, and personal connections, making them pillars of their communities.

One standout example is a third-generation bakery I worked with that not only sourced ingredients from local farmers but also launched a job-training program for at-risk youth. Over the years, they helped dozens of young people develop culinary and business skills, with many going on to open their own ventures. Their impact went beyond just providing jobs—they built a culture of mentorship, resilience, and community pride. That’s the power of family businesses: they don’t just operate in a community; they shape it.

Hamzah Khadim, CEO & Co-Founder, Patient Logik

Providing Emergency Assistance to Families

Unlike large corporations, family-owned businesses operate with a personal touch. We take the time to build long-term relationships with customers and treat them like family. One example is our emergency assistance program, where we provide free or discounted HVAC services to struggling families in the winter and summer months. It’s a way for us to give back and make a real difference in people’s lives.

Omero Flores, CEO, American AC & Heating

Supporting Local Humane Society Through Donations

Family-owned businesses play a vital role in strengthening communities by stimulating local economies, building strong relationships, and demonstrating a deep commitment to their neighbors. Since 1990, our family-owned plumbing and HVAC business has been dedicated to providing top-quality service while creating a lasting impact in our community.

One of our unique contributions is our long-term partnership with Rancho Coastal Humane Society. For every invoice, $1 is donated, ensuring consistent support for animals in need. This sustained commitment, spanning decades, has created a lasting positive impact. Our business contributes to the local economy by providing stable employment and prioritizing local suppliers. We have been able to adapt to the changing needs of our community over the decades. Providing a necessary service that the community relies upon also creates a lasting impact. Being part of a company that values its customers and community reinforces our commitment to community well-being, making our work truly rewarding.

Destry Thompson, General Manager, John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Strengthening Communities by Hiring Locally

Family-owned businesses are not only beneficial to communities, but they’re essential. Drastically different from big business conglomerates and corporate-owned businesses, these small, local businesses always hire from within the community, create opportunities, and help develop the area. My own business has been a staple in the community for years. People know us and respect us because we’ve renovated their homes, we’ve hired their family members, and we’ve built up the community. Any charity we do is local, benefiting our own community, as opposed to generic, empty causes like you see with much bigger companies. When small businesses thrive, the local community thrives.

Rick Berres, Owner, Honey-Doers

Character-First Approach to Employee Growth

Family-owned businesses play a crucial role in shaping and strengthening their communities, and we are a perfect example of that. For over 50 years, we’ve been dedicated to providing top-notch HVAC and electrical services to families across Portland, Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties. But it’s not just about the services we provide—it’s about the relationships we build. Our long-standing presence in the community comes from hiring the right people, those who genuinely care about their work and the customers they serve. Ron Friedrich founded this business with a simple belief: homeowners deserved better. That philosophy has guided us every step of the way, ensuring we continue to put our customers first and make a meaningful impact on their lives.

One of the unique ways we contribute to the community is through our character-first approach to hiring and employee growth. We don’t just look at skills on a resume—we look at who a person is. Honesty, clarity, good judgment, and integrity are at the core of our team. We believe that when you find the right people, you can help them grow into any number of roles, whether that’s a technician, Comfort Advisor, office personnel, or even a manager. This helps our employees build fulfilling careers and ensures that our customers always receive service from trustworthy, dedicated professionals.

Erika Friedrich, Operations Manager, A-Temp Heating & Cooling Inc.

Contributing to Economic Growth and Charitable Causes

Business owners contribute to economic growth through employment and charitable activities. Creating job opportunities allows individuals who are employed to earn wages and use them to purchase other goods and services they need. Furthermore, I’ve witnessed the impact that diverse-owned companies have when they intentionally donate money to charitable causes, nonprofit organizations, or directly to individuals in need. Their distribution of their revenue continues to keep the economy going.

LaMecia Butler, FirstGen Thought Leader

We’d Love to Hear From You!

Family-owned businesses play a vital role in shaping communities — and your insights matter. Share your thoughts in the comments!

• How has a local family-owned business made a difference in your community?
• What inspires you most about businesses that give back?
• Do you have a favourite story of kindness or community impact?

Let’s celebrate the power of small businesses together!

Disclaimer: This content highlights personal stories and real-life examples of community involvement, charitable initiatives, and local business contributions. These accounts reflect the individual experiences and perspectives of the contributors and are shared to illustrate the positive impact of family-owned businesses. Any descriptions of volunteer efforts, donations, or assistance programs are provided as examples and do not constitute guarantees or ongoing commitments by the businesses mentioned. Readers are encouraged to verify current programs and initiatives directly with the respective organisations for the most accurate and up-to-date information.