For many entrepreneurs, owning a business is more than a financial venture—it’s an opportunity to establish a meaningful legacy that reflects family values, teamwork, and shared success. Doug Bates is one such business owner who has used his journey as a platform to foster family involvement, create lasting memories, and shape a business legacy that will impact future generations.
Doug’s journey began 15 years ago with the goal of creating a family business that his children could join if they chose. His approach was never about obligation but about building an enterprise that could serve as a foundation for the family’s future. Doug wanted his business to be a place where his family could contribute according to their strengths, while still pursuing their personal goals. This commitment to creating an inclusive and flexible environment has allowed his children, Nathan and Kristen, to take active roles when the time was right for them.
Work-Life Balance for Family Unity
One of the most cherished benefits Doug enjoys as a business owner is having more control over his time, which allows for quality family interaction. Early in his journey, Doug’s wife, Angie, joined the business, offering essential administrative support and ensuring the venture’s financial stability. Their son Nathan, after a stint as a professional baseball player, now works full-time with Doug, learning the ropes and contributing to the business legacy Doug envisioned. His daughter, Kristen, also lends her expertise, handling marketing efforts that support the growth of the family business.
Doug’s dedication to work-life balance is evident in the lifestyle choices he makes to keep his family close. Recently, upon learning his son was expecting a child, Doug decided to relocate closer to him. This flexibility, born from owning his own business, allows Doug to make family-oriented decisions without being restricted by corporate schedules, underscoring the unique benefits of a family business.
Legacy of Integrity
Doug’s business legacy is about more than financial success; it’s built on core values like integrity and doing things the right way. As Doug has taught Nathan the business, he emphasized the principle of choosing honesty over shortcuts. This approach not only strengthens the foundation of their family business but also imparts values that will benefit the next generation. Doug’s motto, “fail doing it right before succeeding doing it wrong,” is a reminder that character and integrity are the cornerstones of any successful family business.
Community Impact and Lasting Legacy
A significant part of Doug’s vision for his family business is its role in the community. Over the years, Doug’s business has contributed millions of dollars in IT services to local nonprofits, becoming a trusted community partner. As Doug looks to the future, he knows his children will carry on not only the business but also the values and impact he’s instilled.
Doug’s journey as a family business owner highlights that success is about building a meaningful legacy rooted in family values and shared goals. For Doug, one of the greatest rewards is seeing his children willingly choose to be part of the family business, honoring the principles of hard work, integrity, and service that he holds dear. Through his family-focused approach, Doug has established not just a thriving business but a legacy that will benefit generations to come.
By prioritizing family values, Doug Bates has created a business legacy that transcends traditional goals, leaving a foundation of integrity, teamwork, and community involvement for his children and grandchildren to build upon.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode featuring Doug Bates here
