Crises rarely arrive on schedule, and for some families, they arrive more than once—each time revealing new truths about resilience, fear, and decision-making. In a family business, one thing is certain: challenges will arise. That's a more optimistic way to put it, but the truth remains: stuff happens. The key is how you respond to the crisis. Will you continue doing things the same way, change, adapt, or close your doors and move on? This is a story about my family’s business, Ratajack’s, and how they faced a crisis.

A Harsh Welcome to America

A bystander sneered as Narcyz Snarski disembarked, "There's another 'DP' right off the boat." Narcyz ignored the insult, fully aware of his worn appearance after his harrowing escape from Russia. Though unfamiliar with the term "DP," he sensed its derogatory nature. In his homeland, he had been labeled a White Russian—a term signifying the complex heritage of those from the region straddling Poland and Russia, now known as Belarus. Raised as a Polish nobleman, Narcyz carried the weight of history; Poland was a nation erased from maps back in 1795, and still didn’t exist when he arrived in Boston, MA, in 1912.

For years, I wasn’t merely relegated to the kids’ table — I was the family's baby, the last one considered and the first to be overlooked. As my sisters strategized their way to the adult table, I watched their diplomatic maneuvers with a mix of amusement and resignation, fully aware that no matter my efforts, I would never attain the privilege of sitting at that esteemed table.

At every holiday gathering, the “kids’ table” is a rite of passage — a symbol of unpreparedness for the grown-up conversations. However, in the context of a family business, that table can become a metaphor for the long journey from junior roles to executive leadership. Eventually, the children grow up, gain experience, and prepare to lead. And when the time comes to move from the kids’ table to the head of the table, a well-crafted succession plan becomes essential.

Smart, fiercely opinionated, and irresistibly tenacious — these three powerful words encapsulate the extraordinary essence of Aunt Kathryn, a remarkable woman whose petite 4 feet 3 inches stature belied the monumental legacy she forged. Whether you were a vendor proudly showcasing your goods, a customer in search of a familiar smile, a relative sharing cherished family tales, or one of the countless children wandering through the vibrant aisles of the family’s beloved store, her presence was a beacon, amplifying the values she embodied. Her relentless drive, charming quirks, and unwavering sense of purpose radiated in every interaction and endeavor, leaving an unforgettable imprint on every heart she touched.

You have to hand it to my family: surviving for seventy years in business, they have certainly witnessed their fair share of ups and downs when it comes to the goodies they sell. When life hands you lemons (or outdated merchandise), business plans often get a makeover. But let's delve into my family’s drama and explore this transition by flipping through some obituaries and prayer cards because nothing captures 'business strategy' quite like a good old family funeral!