Plan Like a Pro, Lead Like Family | Toni Sandin of Sandin Law

Toni Sandin of Sandin Law shares how proactive planning, outside facilitation, and tough conversations help families achieve long-term success. Toni Sandin shares powerful insights on the unique challenges of balancing business dynamics with family relationships. As an estate attorney, CPA, business owner, and second-generation member of her family’s business, Toni understands the value of sound succession planning and its impact on family relationships. Toni underscores why intentional planning matters, sharing stories of clients whose legacies were successfully passed down and others that ended in legal battles and health issues. She warns that business owners can allow their desire to be frugal to overshadow the importance of setting up their family and business for long-term success. [14:29] “Your family is way too important to be frugal with [succession planning].” From the transformational impact of hiring a facilitator, to how her own family's commitment deepened through hard conversations, Toni illustrates in this conversation that success lies not in avoiding tension, but addressing it head-on. [37:25] “Everybody wants to find people who will tell them what they want to hear, but we only grow when we’re willing to be challenged by other people.” Toni stresses that the family is most important—not the family business. But the business can either strengthen or destroy a family if there isn’t a solid plan in place. Links Toni Sandin | LinkedIn Sandin Law’s Website Western Products’ Website Prairie Family Business Association’s Website Prairie Family Business Association’s Retreat Prairie Family Business Association’s Conference Hug of War by Cathy Carroll