Have you considered, or are you considering, hiring a relative in your propane business? Hold that thought! Making a family hire can either turbocharge your business or it can jeopardize everything you’ve worked so hard to build.
Surprisingly, internal conflicts from poorly planned family hires contribute to nearly 60% of family business failures. This article won’t be just another discussion on the pros and cons. It will explore real, actionable solutions and cover a robust tool kit designed to ensure that adding family to your workforce actually propels your business forward, not backward.
Dive into these insights and discover strategies that strike the perfect balance between prioritizing family loyalty and business acumen right here, right now.
The Danger of Automatic Entry
With the goal of a multigenerational legacy, many business owners assume their children or in-laws should have a role in the company simply because of their last name. But hiring from obligation rather than qualification can backfire. Here’s what’s at stake when the wrong family member gets a free pass:
- Low employee morale: Your loyal, hardworking employees may resent a family hire who hasn’t earned their place.
- Operational damage: A weak leader in a key role can hurt customer service, sales and overall efficiency.
- Family drama: If a family member underperforms, how do you handle it? Can you fire them without causing a Thanksgiving meltdown?
The good news? You don’t have to rely on gut feelings. There’s a proven framework to evaluate whether a family member is an entitled liability or a valuable asset to your business, as well as a way to handle it so it doesn’t disrupt family harmony.
The Family Member Evaluation Checklist
Before hiring a family member, put them through this five-question test. If they don’t pass, think twice before handing them a company truck and a payroll check.
1. Do They Bring Value?
Would you hire them if they weren’t related to you? This is the most critical question. Do they have skills, experience or expertise that your business actually needs? Or are you creating a position just to accommodate them?
If you wouldn’t hire a stranger with your family member’s resume, that’s a red flag.
2. Have They Proved Themselves Outside the Business?
Successful multigenerational companies rarely bring family members in straight out of school. They encourage them to work elsewhere first. Why? Because real-world experience:
- Develops a stronger work ethic
- Teaches them how to take direction from nonfamily bosses
- Brings fresh ideas into the company
If they’ve never held a job outside the family business, ask yourself: Are they here to grow the company or just to claim a position?
3. Are They Willing to Start at the Bottom?
A sense of entitlement is a propane business killer. If your son, daughter or in-law expects a leadership role on day one without earning it, that’s a problem. The best way to test their commitment and character? Have them start at the bottom — just like any other employee.
Some of the most successful second- and third-generation propane leaders started by:
- Driving a delivery truck before managing a fleet
- Handling customer service before running sales
- Doing tank installations before leading operations
If they’re unwilling to do the same, they’re not ready to lead.
4. Do They Align With Your Company’s Culture & Values?
Even if they have the skills, do they fit into the team culture? A propane business isn’t just about selling fuel — it’s about customer relationships, trust and reliability. Family members who feel entitled often resist feedback, causing tension in the workplace. Ask yourself:
- Are they coachable, or do they push back against criticism?
- Do they have the grit to handle the tough side of the job?
- Will they earn the respect of employees and customers?
If the answer isn’t a clear yes, they may do more harm than good.
5. What Do Other Employees Think?
Your team often sees the red flags before you do. Employees will quickly notice if a family hire is an asset or a problem. That’s why some family businesses conduct anonymous employee surveys to gauge how new hires — especially family members — are perceived. Warning signs include:
- Employees having to “walk on eggshells” around the family member Increased complaints about favoritism or unfair treatment
- A drop in team morale after the family member joins
If multiple employees raise concerns, take them seriously before it’s too late.
How to Handle Family Dynamics in the Workplace
Even with a solid hiring process, emotions run high when family is involved. Here’s how to manage family expectations and avoid conflict.
1. Communicate Expectations Early
If a family member wants to join the business, set clear guidelines from the beginning. Let them know:
- They will be held to the same standards as other employees.
- They may not start in management.
- They must earn respect through hard work, not family status.
2. Keep Business & Family Separate
One of the biggest mistakes family business owners make is letting business disagreements spill over into family relationships. To prevent this:
- Don’t discuss business at family gatherings.
- Avoid favoritism or extra perks that aren’t offered to nonfamily employees.
- Treat work performance as a business decision, not a personal one.
3. Use Outside Advisers to Make Tough Decisions
If family conflicts arise, a neutral third party — such as a consultant, board member or attorney — can help mediate difficult conversations. This helps take the emotional weight off your shoulders.
4. Set Up a Formal Review Process
Regular performance reviews should apply to all employees, including family members. If they meet expectations, great — treat them the same as anyone else. If they don’t, hold them accountable like you would with any other employee.
5. Have an Exit Plan
Not every family hire will work out. If it becomes clear that a relative is hurting the business, you need a plan to transition them out without damaging family relationships:
- Discuss alternative roles that may be a better fit.
- Offer guidance on outside career paths.
- Be honest, but respectful, about why the decision is being made.
Building a Lasting Family Enterprise: Growth, Sustainability & Longevity
Integrating family into your propane business demands careful consideration to ensure both relational harmony and operational excellence. It’s essential to rigorously assess each potential family hire, ensuring they truly add value and align with the unique culture of your enterprise. Effective strategies include setting clear expectations, maintaining professional boundaries and having a robust plan for transitioning family members out if necessary.
Your propane business’s success depends on leadership, not loyalty. Hiring family should be a strategic decision, not an emotional one. If a family member brings real value, welcome them aboard. If they don’t, you owe it to your company, your employees and your customers to make the tough call.
This effort is not merely about maintaining tradition — it’s about forging a robust, sustainable business that supports your family now and secures its future. Embrace the challenge with the right tools and resources.
