Family businesses overcome modern-day challenges

It can be a challenging environment for family businesses these days, especially as technology needs mount and aging owners face pressure to determine who will lead the company into the next generation. Despite those and other headwinds, Connecticut remains home to a diverse array of family businesses, some of which have been around for more than a century. Many are thriving by adding jobs and investing in the future. For the 2017 Connecticut Family Business Awards, we highlight some of the best and finest family businesses in the state, from a wide range of industries. They are auto dealers, entertainment companies, wealth advisors, manufacturers and even technology firms. In the pages that follow, we highlight our top winners — along with other nominees — including what sets them apart from the competition, how they stay ahead in the marketplace, and how they remain true to their founding principles in a modern world. For these companies, the key to long-term success is treating everyone like family, including employees and customers. The Connecticut Family Business Awards honor companies that had particularly strong successes over the last 12 months: completing expansions, growing in the marketplace, fulfilling major projects, and breaking new ground in the local and state business community. Yet, as they find success, these companies stay rooted in their traditions, even if that means changing with the times. Please join Hartford Business Journal in congratulating this year's winners, who were honored at an Oct. 18 gala at the Farmington Gardens in Farmington. And remember, we'll be back next year with a new crop of winners, so please nominate any worthy companies. Greg Bordonaro, Editor First Place Winners Full-time Employees Less Than 25: Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home Full-time Employees 25-75: Powerstation Events Full-time Employees 76-199: Schaller Auto World Full-time Employees 200+: Laticrete International Inc. Second Place Winners Full-time Employees Less Than 25: MJP Wealth Advisors Full-time Employees 25-75: Acme Wire Products Co. Inc. Full-time Employees 76-199: iTech Solutions Inc. Full-time Employees 200+: Educational Playcare Third Place Winners Full-time Employees Less Than 25: Wepco Plastics Inc. Full-time Employees 25-75: Mercantile Development Inc. Full-time Employees 200+: Gates Auto Group Judges Robin Ann Bienemann is CEO and founder of Crimson Rook, a consulting firm to small and mid-size companies. Peter M. Gioia is the vice president and economist for the Connecticut Business & Industry Association. Anthony Price is the founder and CEO of LootScout, which counsels small businesses how to raise capital.