10/15/2026
Generational Leadership: Building Businesses That Last in the Central Valley
Business leaders, rising professionals, and community members gathered for the Modesto Chamber of Commerce's Rise & Shine event to explore the impact of generational leadership and family-owned businesses. The panel featured Jeff Reed and Matthew Reed of Reed Family Companies; Brad Ardis and Garrett Ardis of Huff Construction Company, Inc. and Huff Energy Solutions; and Mike West, Noah West, and Nicklaus West of JS West and Companies. Together, they shared insights on leadership, succession planning, company culture, and the responsibility of carrying family legacies into the future.
A key theme throughout the discussion was that successful transitions require more than simply passing leadership from one generation to the next. The next generation of leaders emphasized the importance of earning credibility, learning from experienced employees, and understanding the business from the ground up before taking on greater responsibility.
For Jeff Reed, empowering the next generation means trusting them to bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the organization. "Each of them has something that they bring to the companies, and a lot of areas I just sort of step back and let them run with it. They're always coming up with a whole lot better ideas than I ever came up with."
He shared how Reed Family Companies has grown and evolved over the years, making it increasingly important to rely on strong leaders throughout the organization while allowing future generations to take on larger roles.
The discussion also reinforced the importance of people-first leadership. Speaking about the company's philosophy, Jeff Reed explained: "We have a tagline in our company: taking care of our employees. That comes first. Customers second, communities third, and the environment fourth."
Panelists also discussed the critical role longtime employees play in mentoring future leaders. Many credited managers, supervisors, and employees who have dedicated decades to their organizations for helping shape both company culture and the next generation of leadership. Through mentorship, collaboration, and a shared commitment to their communities, these businesses continue to strengthen the Central Valley's economic future.
As the event concluded, one message stood out: family businesses thrive when they balance tradition with innovation. By honoring their history while empowering the next generation to bring fresh ideas and new perspectives, Central Valley businesses can continue creating lasting impact for employees, customers, and the communities they serve. Learn more at www.reedfamilycompanies.com.
