Ever felt like the transition timeline is moving impossibly slow—while your career clock is

ticking fast?

AJ Treleven (EVP, Sprague Pest Solutions) walks us through the governance backbone of a century-old family enterprise: outside directors to buffer family from operations, a two-meeting cadence that separates fiduciary work from family dynamics, and a long-view philosophy that treats roles as stewarded “seats,” not permanent thrones. We dig into next-gen readiness, why “happiness is dictated by expectation,” and the underrated power of choosing to be in the business—rather than feeling forced.

You’ll learn:

• How family governance (annual family meetings + owner education) pairs with business governance (outside board, comp committee) to reduce friction.
• The two-meeting system: unit holder (fiduciary) vs. family meeting (relationships/learning).
• Why stewardship > ownership: leave the seat better, and measure leaders by the people they promote.
• The “nose in, fingers out” model for elder generations (grandparent the business).
• The mindset shift: choose to be there; align expectations or expect resentment.
• Personal growth math: if the business grows 10%, grow yourself 11%.
• 
  

Connect with AJ Treleven:

Sprague Pest Solutions — https://www.spraguepest.com/

Pacific Family Business Institute — https://www.pacificfamilybusiness.com/

Connect with Andrea Carpenter and Your NextGen Friend:

Website: https://yournextgenfriend.com/

Your Next Gen Friend on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yournextgenfriend/

Your Next Gen Friend on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yournextgenfriend

Andrea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreashaver/

Subscribe to "Your Next Gen Friend" on your favorite podcast player:

Spotify: https://yournextgenfriend.com/open-spotify

Apple Podcasts: https://yournextgenfriend.com/apple-podcast

Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.