This, That and Then
Continuing with the writings of Robert H. Hoge’s “Thoughts on This and That”, Madeline established her own blog thus giving it a modern twist. Her focus is on Family Business, History, Strategic Planning, Training/Education, Governance and Legacy.
The Women Who Built a Legacy: The Ratajczak Family Business
In 1910, Mary (Maryanna) Ratajczak, a 32-year-old Polish immigrant, was already laying the foundation for a family business that would define generations. She lived in North Chicago, Illinois, with her husband, Adam, and their five children in a modest rental home. Though she was born in Poland, the census listed her native tongue as English, a testament to her swift adaptation to her new country. A literate and resourceful woman, she was officially recorded as a homemaker—but in reality, she was so much more.