Prime Partners Podcast

Prime Partners Podcast


What It's like to Be the Second Generation in a Family Business

March 16, 2023

In this episode of the Prime Partners Podcast, Luke Schar, General Manager of Schar Heating & Cooling Inc., sits down to discuss carrying on a family legacy, gaining his employees’ trust, challenges and goals, and the company’s growth opportunity.


Join us in discovering what it's like to be the second generation in a family business!


Time Stamps

  • (00:59) - About Schar Heating & Cooling
  • (01:39) - How did you first get involved in HVAC?
  • (02:44) - When did the family business begin and what is the founder’s current role?
  • (03:40) - Did you always want to be a part of the family business and are other family members involved?
  • (06:33) - What are your company’s biggest challenges and what does Schar Heating do really well?
  • (08:33) - Is it difficult to find people who fit your company culture?
  • (10:42) - What are the challenges in the transition of taking over the family business?
  • (12:39) - What are you doing to earn your employees’ trust?
  • (14:34) - What have you learned from your dad that has helped you in business?
  • (17:49) - As your role expands, are there things you’d like to change about the business?
  • (20:36) - Do you have an endgame?
  • (24:16) - Where do you see the company in the next five years?
  • (26:17) - What is the timeline for you to fully take over the business and what do you see your father’s role being?
  • (28:09) - What’s your vision for yourself?
  • (29:14) - Final thoughts