I want to start by thanking everyone who reached out to me and our family after the passing of my father, Frank Brownell, in June. The support from friends, colleagues, and customers has meant a great deal to us. Moments like this remind you how deep the ties run in this industry and how personal business becomes when it involves your name, your family, and your life’s work.

Frank believed in having a plan. He often said, “The only thing worse than a bad plan is no plan at all.” That thinking guided his entire life, especially when it came to preparing for what would happen when he was gone. That day came on June 17, 2025.

Frank Brownell understood the need for advance planning. It’s a key to preserving all businesses, but especially essential in family businesses. Photo courtesy of Brownells.

Looking back, the succession planning my father put in place began the day I joined the business in 1997. He had learned as a second-generation owner that the longevity of a company depends on how well the next leader is prepared. Across our industry, we can see strong family-run businesses that are still thriving. We can also see businesses that faltered because a founder passed without a clear transition.

Avoiding this kind of planning does not preserve your legacy. It puts it at risk. When you die without direction, your family is left to guess your intentions. They are left to manage your business and estate while they grieve. The strain can pull apart even the closest families.

Succession planning is not just for the wealthy. It is the best gift you can leave behind. It preserves relationships, protects your life’s work, and gives your family a clear path forward. This list is not legal advice, but it is a practical guide drawn from experience. These steps helped our family. They can help yours too.

1. Establish a revocable trust.

A revocable trust holds your assets—homes, vehicles, bank accounts, investments—and keeps them out of probate. It also ensures privacy. Most estate attorneys can create one. A trust gives your family direct access to what they need and prevents delays that come with the court system.

2. Appoint a trustee and a successor trustee.

Your trustee follows the instructions in your trust. This person needs to be steady, fair, and capable of managing people and money. A successor trustee should also be named in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve. Without a backup, your estate could end up in conflict or legal uncertainty.

3. Assign a medical power of attorney.

This document names the person who will make your healthcare decisions if you are unable to do so. It should include guidance on life-sustaining care and any DNR instructions. Your family and medical providers will rely on this during critical moments.

4. Write or update your will.

A will serves as a safeguard for anything not placed into your trust. It should match the trust in tone and direction. Even with a trust in place, a clear and current will helps prevent confusion.

5. Clarify what fair means in your plan.

Treating family members fairly does not always mean treating them the same. One child may run the business. Another may have different needs. Your spouse may require security. Being honest about your intentions and specific in your instructions helps prevent future conflict. Fair means thoughtful. Not equal.

6. Communicate with your family while you are alive.

Your estate plan should not be a surprise. These documents can be revised during your lifetime, which gives you a chance to involve your family in the process. Sit down with them. Explain your thinking. Listen to their feedback. You may discover something you missed. You will also give them peace of mind that they are not left guessing.

7. Separate the business from the inheritance.

If one child is active in the business and others are not, splitting ownership equally will create problems. The one involved should have a clear path to ownership. Others should receive equal value in different ways. A business should be managed by those capable and committed to its future. This protects the company and avoids resentment.

8. Work with the right estate planning attorney.

Not all lawyers are the same. Choosing a generalist or a contract lawyer may do more harm than good. Find someone who focuses on estate planning and understands family business. Pick an attorney who is younger than you. That way, they are more likely to be around to help the next generation carry out your plan. Replacing a retired lawyer after your death is not something your family should be scrambling to do.

9. Keep your original documents.

Your trust, will, and medical directives must be stored securely and made accessible to the trustee and your attorney. Originals are often required to execute certain tasks. Without them, the process becomes harder and slower.

10. Revisit your plan often.

Life changes. A plan that is five years out of date may cause more confusion than having no plan at all. Update it after major events—marriages, divorces, births, deaths, or business changes. Your family will need a plan that matches the current reality.

Final Thoughts

My father gave us a map. He didn’t leave us in the dark. That clarity allowed our family to grieve without division and gave our business the stability to carry on. We honored his legacy by building on what he left behind.

If you own a business or even just a home and some savings, you have something worth protecting. A clear plan is the final act of leadership. It brings peace instead of conflict. Strength instead of confusion.

So, who’s next? That is not a question to leave unanswered. Your family and your business deserve a plan—and they deserve to hear it from you while you are still here.

— Pete Brownell

Pete is Chairman of the Board of Brownells and Chairman and CEO of Brownells parent company, 2nd Adventure Group.