Buddy Smith has one word to describe taking over the family business in his mid-twenties: sobering. Since taking the leap in 2001 at Chesapeake, Virginia-based Russell’s Heating & Cooling, which opened in April 1977, the company has more than doubled its staff size, now employing 47 people. The company also recently relocated to a larger, more efficient space, which helped the company more than triple its revenue.
“It’s funny because when the responsibility was shared, I only took it half seriously.” Smith said. “Looking back, once it all fell on me, I realized this is serious business. It brought a whole different tone to my life; though, I’m still trying to learn — don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today.”