On the way to Orrville, Ohio, my perception of the Smucker’s family ran through my mind like the brand’s iconic TV commercial featuring boys dragging red wagons full of jelly through apple orchards. Pondering the concept of a family-run business, I attempted to name other companies that had survived under a similar model. Every example that crossed my mind had lasted no more than two generations before breaking under corporate pressure. It seems that a single name keeps the seemingly unsustainable tradition alive – Smucker’s.

In 1897, James Monroe Smucker founded the company in Orrville, Ohio by selling apple butter from his now famous horse-drawn carriage. Since its inception, the five CEOs who have taken charge of the company all have one thing in common – their last name. After James Monroe, his son Willard stepped into the chief executive role, followed by Willard’s son Paul, and later Paul’s two sons, Timothy and Richard who currently share the leading role. Waiting as the next in line, fifth-generation cousins, Mark Smucker and Paul Smucker Wagstaff, serve as eager division presidents with countless tales of how the family-run company has survived – and thrived – throughout the years.

After personally talking with the cousins during my trip to the historical headquarters, I realized how the practical and grounded approach toward grooming future Smucker’s family leaders operates.

Both cousins began in the factory at the age of 16 where they would arrive at 4:30 a.m. to make jelly with the other employees. The workers had a tradition of dumping water from the roof when the new guys headed in. After being victims of the harmless prank, Paul and Mark headed to the roof with water in seek of revenge. A problem presented itself when they failed to realize that their grandfather’s office window overlooked the roof. The two men recount seeing his face staring at them from his office, and he motioned them both in his office to meet with him. Due to this attempted prank, the two were separated from working together until this year. In between the factory positions and their current roles, the two receive graduate degrees and spent two years working for another company outside of Smucker’s.

It became clear that the Smucker’s family model consists of a humble upbringing where having the famous name only counts as a small credit toward earning a place at the executive level. But as I recognized the true power of a family-owned business and its ability to connect with consumers on an entirely different level, I requested – and received – the title of an Honorary Smucker’s Cousin!

Through five generations of adding family values to every product, Smucker’s continues to uphold the vision of J.M. Smucker and his horse-drawn carriage filled with apple butter.

Disclosure: Stacy DeBroff attended the Smucker’s blogger education event on behalf of Mom Central.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.