Description

Steve Yelland comes from a long line of entrepreneurs, with a family history in business spanning five generations. It all began with J.F. Rohrbaugh (JFR) crafted custom wood molding in 1888. His parents took over JFR in 1960, transitioning it to pallet manufacturing. On his maternal side, Harry Warehime founded Hanover Foods, with his heirs later acquiring Snyder’s of Hanover, which merged with Lance and was sold to Campbell’s in 2018. 

Steve joined JFR in 1990, overseeing pallets and crates. Under his leadership, a strategic plan was developed to modernize the company. In 2014, JFR acquired West Side Wood Products, and in 2015, JFR Holdings was established. By 2017, Bruce Jones Contractors, specializing in wall panels and turn-key framing, was also acquired. Balancing the legacy and future of the family business, he is responsible for its vision and strategic direction.

In this episode Leonard and Steve discuss:

• The evolution and strategic growth of Steve’s family lumber business, including pivotal changes and acquisitions
• Structural consolidation of JFR Holdings for operational efficiency and liability protection
• The business's eco-friendly practices and how seasonal demand affects operations
• Transitioning from COO to a broader strategic role, management investments, and succession planning
• The balance between maintaining a healthy family dynamic and the complexities of a multigenerational business structure

Key Takeaways:

• Effective business growth can be achieved through strategic acquisitions and sound management structure.
• Consolidating business entities under one umbrella can provide both liability protection and operational efficiencies.
• Sustainable and eco-friendly practices are not just ethical but necessary for long-term success, despite their own unique set of challenges.
• Succession planning and delegating daily operational roles are critical for business continuity and personal work-life balance.
• The importance of a supportive family environment, the formulation of a family charter, and strategic planning are key to the longevity and success of a family-conducted business.

“Find a peer group, get involved, and invest in it as much as you take from it. This will start to change your mindset. Open yourself up to the vast resources and networks available that you might not even know exist. There are numerous family business outlets that connect you with others in similar positions. These connections facilitate discussions not just about business and ownership, but also about broader family dynamics and multi-generational considerations."

-Steve Yelland

Connect with Steve Yelland:

Website: https://jfrohrbaugh.com/pallet-industry/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveyelland/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009211390987 

Email: syelland@jfrohrbaugh.com 

Connect with Leonard Raskin:

Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal 

Email: lraskin@raskinglobal.com  

Leonard’s BOOK: FiduciWho?: What a Real Fiduciary Will Tell You about How to Protect, Grow, Enjoy, and Transfer Your Wealth

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.