"Challenges and Opportunities in the Fast Growing Family Business," Sprague Pest Solutions, Family Business Legacy Series, Davis Wright Tremaine, Seattle

In 1931, A.H. Treleven Sr. purchased the Tacoma-based pest control business founded by W.B. Sprague. Sprague Pest Solutions in recent times has doubled in size every four years and now protects homes and businesses throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado and parts of Montana, Wyoming and Nevada. Sprague is run by third generation members Lawrence (Larry) and Alfred (Alfie) Treleven each of whom has a son in the business (Ross and A.J.).

Alfie, Larry, Ross and A.J. discussed the challenges and opportunities of operating a fast growing family business. Among the topics were:

• Preparing the next generation to operate and own the business
• The development of family business policies
• The adoption of a meaningful board of directors and the role of board