By Daniel Beenken

Who would have thought that a show about nothing could teach so much about everything? Much of my identity and knowledge of the world has come from Seinfeld – sadly, you can probably tell.

As we all know, “Seinfeld” can teach so much about life that it became obvious to me there were probably lessons for family business too. I did a little research, watched all 9 seasons again, and am now able to bring you some of those nuggets of wisdom.

For our first family lesson, we look at episode 113 – The Maestro, an oldie but a goodie from 1995.  George is engaged to Suan Ross – who happens to be Mr. Ross's niece. Now who he is I have no idea, but he does own a men’s clothing store in Manhattan.

The story goes that George is shopping there one day and notices the security guard in the store having to constantly stand while on duty. Of course, George notices the slightest human suffering and schemes to get the guy a chair. He eventually succeeds with his plan and brings the chair into the store. He is quickly questioned by the store employees about it, to which he responds, “I’m engaged to Mr. Ross’s niece. I’m probably going to be taking over this whole place someday. So if I were you, I’d stay on my good side."

Classic Costanza.  Playing the family card –when he isn’t even family yet. There is so much to learn here – I just want to point out the obvious for now.  A strong company culture related to family ownership is only as strong as the family that cultivates it. As the saying goes – you will reap what you sow. As soon as the family starts treating employees like this, culture is headed down the toilet – and profit won’t be far behind it.