The Spare Heirs and Henriksen resort at Surprise lake

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore family business, leadership development, family dynamics, succession, and governance. It is appropriate for undergraduate and graduate family business and leadership courses; and to facilitate dialogue among members of family enterprises to introduce the need to address family dynamics and leadership issues. Design/methodology/approach – This case blends issues arising out of several family firms known to the author. Events, people, details, and location have been merged and adapted into this one case. The case method is used for the purposes of identifying key issues and provoking discussion on areas critical to multi-generational family enterprises. Findings – The case study method allows readers to explore and dialogue possible options for dealing with issues of unexpected family business leadership transition. Practical implications – Every family enterprise generation has unique challenges and opportunities. This case facilitates discussion that helps explore leadership succession issues and leadership development. For family business members, it is vehicle for neutral exploration of possible issues in their own organizations. Originality/value – This is an original case study based on the blending of issues and adaptation from several family firms.