ColeTek, Inc.

By H. Grousbeck, J. Ellis
1993 | Case No. E10
Offers a unique opportunity to view the dramatic inner workings of a volatile family business. The primary focus is the evolving relationship between ColeTek’s aging, but creative and energetic founder, Alan Cole, and his two sons, Paul and Brian. Chronicles the evolution of the business and the 45 years of effort by Alan to turn his small regional distributorship into a manufacturing company with channel sales of $20 million. Alan is trying to establish a viable way to bring Brian and Paul back to ColeTek (away from a smaller competitor, which Brian and Paul founded) and establish a transition of ownership from father to sons.
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