F
or 70 years, Atalanta Corp., an international food importer, has man-
aged to avoid the pitfalls that can destroy a family business. Studies
show that 70 percent of family-run enterprises fail or are sold by the
end of the second generation. The Harvard Business Review reports that 90
percent evaporate by the end of the third generation, giving credence to the
proverb, "Shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves in three generations."
The family behind Atalanta found a sweet spot to keep the company thriving and
growing, says Thomas Gellert, vice president and a representative of the third generation.
The company's secret to beating the odds? "We don't stand still," Gellert says.
Atalanta Corp. has beaten the odds of the family business,
growing from sourcing canned hams to bringing in award-winning
foods from all over the world. Celebrating 70 years in 2015, this
importer is going three generations strong.
BY JULIE BESONEN
Around the World in 70 Years
From left: Bob, Thomas,
Andy, and George Gellert
PHOTOS:
ATALANTA
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