From Eye Roles to Profit Margins: Growing Up in the Family Business
By Zoe Papageorgiou
Working in a family business can be one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences for a teenager. It’s an opportunity to learn valuable skills, contribute to something meaningful, and bond with my dad while navigating the complexities of the real world.
Since I was in fourth grade, I was immersed in our family business—whether it was helping out during busy seasons or learning about day-to-day operations, there was no choice but to be all in. This exposure gave me a unique perspective on what it means to work hard and take responsibility. Unlike traditional jobs where you clock in and out, working alongside family members meant understanding every aspect of running the business—from customer service to inventory management to always being on.
One of the greatest benefits of working in a family business is the strengthened bonds that form through shared experiences. Long hours spent together fostered teamwork and communication among us all, not to mention some hilarious stories. Have you met my dad? Blog post for another time…I learned how to navigate disagreements respectfully and appreciate different perspectives. I also learned that my “value add” to the business by my teen years was that I knew more about marketing strategy than my parents. It took them a while to agree with me, but they came around.
Being involved in our family business allowed me to develop essential skills that will serve me well. Have you heard about the month of March for maple syrup production? It’s 24/7. Balancing schoolwork, sports and my part time job, along with my Gold Brook Maple responsibilities taught me how to manage my time effectively. And let’s not forget sales. I’ll never forget my first farmers market. Having to learn to put myself out there was a lesson in itself, but so too was interacting with customers. My weekends at these markets helped me sharpen my communication skills and understand customer needs better. There is nothing like trying to sell your product to a customer who says “I prefer the cheap stuff.”
Working closely with budgets and sales figures provided insights into financial management and financial literacy - a skill that's crucial no matter where your career takes you and one that feels like it can only be learned hands-on. Who knew I would love spreadsheets and learning about profits vs. operating costs?
My experience has given me firsthand insight into entrepreneurship—the risks, rewards, triumphs, and setbacks that come along with owning a small business. I have witnessed how dedication drives success while adaptability helps overcome obstacles like economic downturns or changing consumer preferences. I’ve also learned a great deal about how the weather can truly impact our bottom line year to year.
As much as working in the family business came with its own set of challenges (like juggling homework deadlines and dealing with my dad!), it ultimately led me toward discovering my passions more clearly than ever before—both personally & professionally.
I won’t lie, to be honest, there were a lot of eye rolls at the start. Coming of age and building a family business simultaneously don’t always align. But at the same time I’m now able to realize what I’ve learned in terms of teamwork, collaboration and ingenuity. I also understand the challenges small businesses face.
When I was little I was thrilled to use the drill and tap the tree. Now as I enter adulthood I’m thrilled to see the increase in sales and in return customers. And don’t tell my dad (yet), but I’m thankful he pulled me in. It’s been quite a special ride on many levels.