For farm equipment dealer-principals, succession planning is more than merely passing a torch — it’s a complex logistical relay. For those resolving to keep their business in the family, the process and the pitfalls can be even more complicated. After spending years cultivating a successful business, dealers want only the most capable hands to carry it on.

Leading is about more than the operations side of the business, and for dealerships to sally forth into the future, the next generation needs to be equipped with the knowledge, skills and values to carry the torch.

Farm equipment dealers who are looking to establish a succession plan for their companies to ensure their dealerships remain viable business entities, whether or not they remain at the helm of the company, are taking a close look at the potential role that an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) could play in the process.