Stepping into a family business can feel like inheriting a legacy and a whirlwind at the same time. In this podcast episode, Dominic Rubino chats with Dave Hudon, former owner of RJ Millwork and current senior product specialist at INNERGY, about the lessons he learned in taking over his father’s business. From navigating family dynamics to rebuilding culture and managing growth, this episode is packed with actionable advice for construction business owners.

Here’s a breakdown of the key insights from their conversation:

The Challenges of Stepping Into a Family Business

Dave Hudon’s story is one many construction business owners can relate to. After his father passed away unexpectedly, Dave found himself thrust into the leadership of RJ Millwork.

Key Insight: Timing is Everything. Dave emphasized how often business owners delay discussing succession planning. His father always said, “There’s plenty of time,” but when tragedy struck, that time disappeared.

Lesson for You: Don’t put off succession planning. Start mapping out your business’s future now, so you and your team aren’t caught off guard.

Building Respect and Credibility as the "Boss’s Kid"

Dave shared the unique challenge of proving himself in a workplace where everyone knew him as “the boss’s son.”

Key Insight: Earn Trust Through Action. It’s not enough to inherit a role—you need to show your team you’re capable. Dave built credibility by learning the business hands-on, asking questions, and showing he was committed to the company’s success.

Lesson for You: If you’re grooming a family member for leadership, give them real responsibilities where they can earn respect from your team.

Changing a Company’s Culture

RJ Millwork had a strong but resistant culture, with long-time employees who weren’t open to change. Dave knew that shifting the company’s direction required tough decisions.

Key Insight: Sometimes, You Have to Let Go. Dave made the hard choice to let go of employees who didn’t align with the company’s future goals. The result? A nearly instant positive cultural shift.

Lesson for You: Evaluate whether your team is aligned with your vision. If not, it might be time to make changes for the good of the business.

The Role of Technology in Business Success

Dave credits ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems and ongoing education for helping him manage RJ Millwork effectively. He worked with INNERGY to implement better systems, and he invested in leadership training to grow as a business owner.

Key Insight: Data Drives Decisions. Dave found that having clear, actionable data helped him make smarter decisions and run his business more proactively.

Lesson for You: Invest in tools and training that empower you to work smarter, not harder.

What’s Next for the Industry?

Dave shared his perspective on where the construction and contracting industry is headed:

• Automation and Robotics: As skilled labor shortages increase, automation will play a bigger role in keeping businesses competitive.
• AI and ERP Systems: AI tools like ChatGPT are starting to integrate into ERP systems, simplifying workflows and allowing less experienced team members to handle more complex tasks.

Key Insight: Adapt or Fall Behind. Embracing new technologies isn’t optional—it’s necessary for staying competitive in today’s market.

A Final Thought: Leadership Is About Learning

Dave’s journey from sweeping floors to leading a business is a testament to the value of curiosity, adaptability, and mentorship. His story reminds us that great leaders aren’t born—they’re shaped by challenges and the willingness to learn from others.

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