A Letter That Changed Everything with Adam Hatcher (Part 1)

What does clarity really look like in a family business?

In this episode, Andrea talks with third-generation leader Adam Hatcher, who shares how a simple letter from his father set the standard for joining the family firm—and why that decision changed everything. Together they unpack the complex mix of love, loyalty, and leadership that defines multi-generational companies and the systems that help them thrive.

If you’ve ever wondered how to enter your family business without losing yourself in it, this conversation will feel like a mirror.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

The five criteria Adam’s father required before any child could join the business
Why clarity and systems protect relationships as much as profits
How to avoid “drifting into” the family company by default
The difference between being family-fit and role-fit
What happens when unconditional love meets conditional business realities
The conversation that aligned ambition, faith, and growth at $200 million in revenue

Connect with Adam Hatcher:

Website: https://21clear.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhatcher/

Adam’s Newsletter: https://21clear.substack.com/

Connect with Andrea Carpenter and Your Next Gen Friend:

Website: https://yournextgenfriend.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yournextgenfriend/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yournextgenfriend

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreashaver/

Subscribe to Your Next Gen Friend on your favorite podcast player:

Spotify: https://yournextgenfriend.com/open-spotify

Apple Podcasts: https://yournextgenfriend.com/apple-podcast