Passing the Baton: Small Business CEO — The Agent of Change

Passing the Baton features a series of “letters” sent from Terry Corman, outgoing CEO of Firehouse Image Center (Indianapolis, Indiana) to his son, Ted Corman, who will be leading the business into its future. This series of communiques offers thoughtful views of a business undergoing generational transition, glimpses of the company’s history, and strong views to the realities of leadership. 

Your role as the CEO will require Firehouse to change with the demands of the marketplace. It will now be your job to attend conventions, talk to industry friends, and listen to suppliers and fellow employees for trends for the future.    

Know, too, that not everyone enjoys changes taking place in their work environment. The CEO of a small business has to overcome that natural resistance and be the “agent of change.” It can be a daunting process.   

It’s often wiser not to be a first mover in industry shifts, but you must not let the business fall far behind. Only once in 35 years did I make the all in risk laden decision to be a first mover. It was a huge gamble, and everyone knows I didn’t understand the technology. Thank goodness for Anna. Her brilliance and dedication made it work and propelled our business forward for the future.   

Whatever the source of the next innovation that is needed, it will be your responsibility to make it happen. Change can be difficult, as it always costs twice as much and takes twice as long as planned. However, you must not let the process grind to a halt; your job is to manage and push the process.  

The Firehouse Leadership Team has a great track record of making changes, including the most difficult one of all — software development and integration.   

Listen well. Be the agent of change. I know you will.