Founders: Neil X. McHale, Vertina McHale, Frank Primovero, Dave Brown.
Number of employees: 45.
Key family members active in the company: Regan McHale, president; Neil S. McHale, vice president of operations; Vertina McHale, vice president of finance; Anthony Primovero, plant manager.
What it does: Eagle Elastomers mixes fluorelastomer compounds, extrudes and cures fluorelastomer products, and molds and calenders fluorelastomer sheet.
Markets served: Aerospace, oil and gas, chemical processing, automotive, mining, small engine, semi conductor, agriculture, power generation.
Number of generations involved in the business: Three; the third is only part-time help.
What are the strengths of a family owned business? The strengths include common goals for success and trust.
What are the challenges of a family owned business?
How are they resolved? They are resolved through good communication and respect for one another.
How much does the younger generation of family members influence decisions? The first generation influences 25 percent; the second generation influences 75 percent.
Something you might not know about the company: Eagle Elastomer supplied a part that was used in the space shuttle program. The firm was hit by a tornado in 1992.
What advice would you offer a young entrepreneur who wants to start a family run business? Come up with a solid business plan and seek advice from other business leaders. Work hard. Treat your employees well.
And another thing: Celebrate and share your successes with your employees.