Welcome to the latest installment of “Leading Questions: Wisdom from the Corner Office,” where
IBJ sits down with central Indiana’s top bosses to talk shop about their industry and the habits that lead to success.
Family-owned businesses rarely plan for the unexpected death of a founder or principal leader. Christine Burd, 41, found
herself in that position in November when her husband, 43-year-old Richard Burd, committed suicide in his office at the family
car dealership. Although a fixture in Burd Ford's local TV ads, Christine was not actively involved in day-to-day operations.
But after consulting with her four children, she decided to continue operating the dealership and took over the leadership role as
owner and president.
In the video below, Christine outlines the decisive steps she took in the days after her husband's death to preserve
the dealership and get it back on the road to profitability. The tragedy led to renewed focus at the dealership, as well as
cost-cutting measures that save the business an average of $109,000 per month, Burd said.
Although the reasons for Richard's suicide were not clear, Christine knew he was distraught over the slow economy and
depressed sales. The dealership was nowhere near insolvency, but Richard had a "worst-case scenario" outlook. In
the video below, Christine details the bittersweet feeling of piloting the dealership back to firmer ground when its troubles
may not have been as dire as her husband believed.
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Many serial killer types and psychopaths work as lowly bureaucrats, just waiting to impose their wrath on a powerless person, child, or pet. Don't forget, the BTK killer was a dog catcher.
If a television station wants to improve viewership, get rid of the local blackout. I was born by the brickyard, and have attended 15 or more races. I have children now, I won't attend unless circumstances are perfect. As those with growing families know, they never are. I'm always impressed that upwards of 250,000 people attend the 500. However, as a growing, or, more apt, sprawling city, Indianapolis and its immediate suburbs count almost 2.2 million. Show the race live, let the venue get a kick-back on revenues, and open-wheel racing might have a fighting chance to be relevant again. Just in time for those tax-payer lights to make sense.
John Moore, I too have had the same issue recently. A property next to my house was on the Land Bank and I was interested in purchasing. When I tried to contact Reggie, I got back emails that had nothing to do with what I asked about. Actually my latest response from him was on this past Friday. I had asked about how to buy the property and if it was still available. His response to me was to contact the mayor's office to get the schedule of his appearances. (???) Hopefully the city is able to do something to fix what this guy has done, it would be nice if they would take the properties back and sell them properly so land owners like me and you mother would have a fair chance.
I too work in the industry, with over 25 years of experience and your political spin has probably nothing to do with any rebranding. "Let's dress it up" would have nothing to do with the government "telling us how and what to eat." Give it a political rest. And being a producer for a radio show doesn't mean you've been involved in advertising and branding for 30 years.
Ms. Morris did not understand the ways of the business world, otherwise, like the IMS, she could have petitioned the State Legislature for a handout of State Funds for her charity work. Ms. Morris should consider becoming a state lobbyist for Lemonade Stand Operators.