Key facts
- Jill Gardner married into the Laird Norton Company, a family business founded in 1855.
- The company is now an investment firm with 551 family members across seven countries.
- Family members elect a board of directors, comprising seven family and five non-family members.
- Gardner's role as family president is to keep family members engaged with the business.
- The company hosts annual summits and a journal to maintain family connection and legacy.
The Laird Norton Company, established in 1855, represents a rare example of a multi-generational family business that has successfully navigated over 170 years. Its longevity is attributed to intentional efforts to engage a large, geographically dispersed family ownership base, fostering a shared sense of purpose and legacy that extends beyond mere financial ties. This approach is crucial for family businesses aiming to avoid the common 'shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves' generational wealth decline.