When Becky Berger reflects on her nearly four decades as a farmer, mother and businesswoman, one key move continues to pay huge dividends. That smart decision was to create a family council, which has produced family harmony and business success.
Berger has taken a non-traditional path to become CEO of Berger International, which produces proprietary tall fescue seed, wheat, red clover, hemp and hazelnuts near Hillsboro, Ore. Around 45 years ago, she married into a farm family and slowly absorbed more responsibilities as her husband battled multiple sclerosis, which eventually took his life in 2011.
“After my husband passed away and I inherited some assets, we started doing estate planning immediately,” Berger says. “I was meeting with the estate attorney once a month for about two years. It was focused on emergency planning.”
This process also included buying out a dysfunctional business partner — her brother-in-law.
“My husband and brother-in-law probably never really got along, which is a good lesson for parents,” she says. “If siblings are not getting along in life, they’re probably not going to get along in business.”
For the past six years, Berger has been the sole owner of the company, which employs eight full-time and six part-time team members. This includes some of Berger’s six children, primarily her son Derek, who has worked full time on the farm for more than two decades. Her husband, Earl Meeuwsen, joined the team in 2015 after they married.
Listen in as Becky Berger visits with Paul Neiffer on the Farm CPA Podcast.
Family in Business
A few years ago, Berger created a family council. It includes her children and their spouses. The group meets twice a year. The meetings are led by a consultant and follow an agenda of important topics such as investments, business decisions and community philanthropy.
“We talked through business and personal items that can affect our business and family,” Berger says. “At times, it can get uncomfortable but, in the end, we have a deeper relationship. It helps bridge that gap between the family members working in the business and those who are not.”
Berger hopes the family council conversations help her children form strong bonds and avoid conflict.
“When you have situations without transparency, kids can start having relationship issues,” she says. “I’m blessed my kids all get along really well. We’ve been through some tough times — when their dad was sick and our business problems. Those times really brought us together, and everybody is very supportive of each other. I feel very fortunate.”
Tips for Smooth Meetings
Open communication help farm families maintain profits and healthy personal relationships, says Wesley Tucker, University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist. Here are some strategies for successful family council meetings.
- Include everyone with an interest in the farm. This includes spouses, in-laws, grandparents and grandchildren.
- Hold meetings annually to share information about the family business with those not directly involved with management and labor.
- Set and share an agenda. Identify key issues that require action. Start and end on time.
- Moderators can help keep meetings professional and take minutes.
- Have fun and share the joys of being part of a family business. Celebrate successes and play together.
Read More
