Mission possible

摘要

From comments you have made in recent years, it's clear that it means a lot to you, personally, for Smit & Zoon to reach the important milestone of 200 years in business. What would you say are the main reasons why Smit & Zoon, specifically, has been able to continue for so long? Customers always ask about this, how we have lasted for such a long period, surviving two World Wars and a number of other crises. Well, you have to be lucky at times, but I think you can increase the chances of success by looking more long-term, focusing on things that you think will happen in ten or 15 years' time. I, as was my father, was raised with the thought that a family business is not something you own. It's something you get as a loan. You have to take care of it, but your duty is to pass it on in the most successful way possible to the next generation. That means thinking about the challenges and opportunities that will come across our paths in the next 20 or 25 years. That forces you to think constantly about how to overcome those challenges and how to make the most of the opportunities. I think that helps drive a business.