WellesleyWeston Magazine

SUMMER 2017

Launched in 2005, WellesleyWeston Magazine is a quarterly publication tailored to Wellesley and Weston residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in two of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.

Issue link: https://wellesleywestonmagazine.epubxp.com/i/819093

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Dr. Davis agrees that family business owners should develop talent in the family starting at a young age. He says, "Teach and instill personal financial skills, a strong work ethic, an interest in the work of the busi- ness, a responsibility to the collective family and the community, and other important life, professional, and relationship skills. Even if the next generation does not end up working in the family business, they may be shareholders, board members, or parents to the young genera- tion. Every family-owned business needs a talented and industrious family behind it." "Our folks were smart enough to give us different roles," admits Brad. Brian buys the cheese; Brad is the wine buyer; and Carol, a Wellesley resident, is responsible for the shelf items. They all can be seen at the counter, chatting with customers and enjoying the interaction. Brad professes that a family business is not for everyone. "It's hard sometimes, but we just do it, and the benefits outweigh the challenges. We're on display, so we talk about problems in the back. Our biggest arguments are over the music," he quips. "And we don't vacation together. But we still hang out all the time, and I get to talk to my mom every day." Brian acknowledges that it's difficult worrying about the business with the added family dimensions and appreciates their unwritten rule of not talking about business at the kitchen table. "That's our sanctuary, our symbolic time with family." Perhaps the greatest challenge the family faced both personally and professionally was the passing of patriarch and mentor Stephen. Tragically taking place days before Christmas in 2010, The Cheese Shop's most lucrative time of year, the Wasiks had to mourn publicly while taking care of their customers. The response? "People were in line for hours. They knew and loved my father and wanted to support us. It reaffirmed how great our community really is," recounts Brad. Traveling from One Generation to the Next In 1970, Barbara Viles, a Weston resident since 1942, wanted to give back to the community after raising five children. Using her extensive travel experience, she opened Weston Travel Service, which books tours and cruises and specializes in individual travel to Europe. It also became one of the largest agencies for business to Bermuda. Within a year, daughter Cindy joined her, and her other daughter, Carolyn, joined in 1975 for some time. "My mom was my best friend," reminisces Cindy Appleby fondly. During college, Cindy worked part time. "I never thought about mov- ing on. It was a given that I'd work in the family business. I thought we'd work together forever." P H O T O S B Y M A U R A W A Y M A N P H O T O G R A P H Y Brian, Carol, and Brad Wasik 142 W e l l e s l e y W e s t o n M a g a z i n e | s u m m e r 2 0 1 7 business "the benefits outweigh the challenges"

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