Survey Profile

Respondents represent every region of the country and are involved in a broad cross-section of industry sectors from manufacturing (the largest category at 30%) to construction (11%), wholesale trade (8%), retail trade and real estate (6% each), finance, agriculture, hotel management, restaurants, and more. 58% of respondents carry the title CEO or President, 28% are family members, 17% serve on the Board, 14% are Vice Presidents, and the balance are C-level executives.
As in past FEUSA surveys, the overwhelming majority of respondents are from well-established firms—40% have been in business 30–60 years, 22% have been in business 60–100 years, and 10% have been in business over 100 years.

These are stable family enterprises. One characteristic of stable family businesses is consistent leadership. 27% of FEUSA survey respondents have been leading their companies for 11–20 years, 20% have been leading their companies for 21–30 years. 18% have been at the helm for over 30 years.

“58% of respondents carry the title CEO or President. Others are either part of executive leadership, are owners, serve on the board and/or are family members.”