There is perhaps no prouder moment than when a parent’s children decide to work in the same business their parents or grandparents founded. The song “May the circle be unbroken” is quite fitting for these nine families who are carrying on the dreams of generations who came before them. Their pride is evident in the caring customer service and services or products they offer. Each has a truly unique, inspiring legacy.
Carrying the Torch: Andy Rieger and the Revival of a Family Legacy
Andy Rieger always knew his last name meant something special. As the final male in the Rieger family line, he grew up with stories of a long-forgotten family business — J. Rieger & Co., a once-thriving distillery that closed its doors in 1919 when Prohibition swept the nation.
In 2010, while working in finance in Dallas, Andy's life changed in an instant. His father, Tom, had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Even in the face of heartbreak, Tom urged Andy to stay the course, not to rush home unless he had a reason — a reason only he would know. Just nine weeks later, Tom passed away, leaving Andy with one final wish: visit the new Rieger restaurant opening in Kansas City, in the old Rieger Hotel, and represent the family.
Andy honored that wish. At the restaurant, he met bartender Ryan Maybee, and that conversation lit a spark. What if J. Rieger & Co. could live again?
Together, they dreamt big — and remarkably, enlisted the former Master Distillers of Maker’s Mark and Tanqueray to help. The idea quickly turned into a mission: restore a piece of Kansas City history and honor a family legacy. With encouragement from his then-girlfriend (now wife), Andy realized his reason to come home had arrived.
In 2014, the couple returned to Kansas City and began rebuilding the iconic distillery. Today, they have two young sons, poised to carry on the Rieger name, while J. Rieger & Co. continues to grow, reaching shelves in 26 states and counting.
Miles and Ken Green, Mitchell Capital
At Mitchell Capital, family and legacy go hand in hand. The firm was founded by Fred Mitchell in 1987, with Ken Green joining just a few years later in 1990. When Fred retired in 2010, Ken and two other partners—none of them related—acquired his shares, later bringing in younger partners like Ken’s son, Miles, in 2021 to maintain a strong foundation of employee ownership.
“Advising clients and managing investments has always been my passion,” said Ken. “Joining Fred’s team to build fixed-income portfolios was a defining moment for me, and I never looked back. He established a culture rooted in client service and strong performance, and that still guides us.”
That commitment runs deep. With their family name directly tied to their work, both father and son see every decision as personal—and every result as a reflection of shared values. Prioritizing clients isn't just a philosophy; it’s a responsibility.
Miles didn’t grow up aiming to join the firm. “I was drawn to architecture, and later considered accounting at my dad’s suggestion,” he said. “But in college, I found my fit—combining accounting with the analytical mindset investment management demands. That’s when I committed to the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program and made this path my own.”
Ken never pushed him into the business, Miles noted. “That freedom made it easier. I joined when I was ready, with real clarity on what the firm stands for. Mitchell Capital has thrived for nearly 40 years, but lasting another 40 depends on thoughtful leadership and authentic alignment—not obligation.”
Like his father, Miles sees the future in continuity, not pressure. “If my kids show interest, great—but only if it fits who they are and what they love.”
Greg, Laura and Katie Crowley, Crowley Furniture
All in the family! Crowley Furniture & Mattress has been a household name since 1954, when Charley and Marilyn Crowley opened the original store in Excelsior Springs, MO. Their son Greg joined the business in 1972 and took the reins in 1985, expanding to Liberty, MO, and championing the kind of customer service that has long defined the Crowley name.
In 2003, Greg’s daughter Laura became the third generation to join the company. With a keen entrepreneurial sense and her dad’s mentorship, she helped grow the brand further into the Kansas City area, adding stores in Lee’s Summit, MO, and Overland Park, KS.
Katie, Greg’s youngest daughter, brought her creative energy to the business in 2019. With a background in architecture, she now leads the marketing and brand strategy, infusing fresh perspective into the family’s legacy.
Today, Crowley Furniture & Mattress is proud to serve the Kansas City community with four locations in Liberty, Lee’s Summit, Overland Park, and Blue Springs, along with their Bassett Furniture store in Overland Park.
“We offer furniture, mattresses, décor, and more—always with an emphasis on value and service,” Katie shared.
They’ve never lost touch with their roots. Charley’s favorite place was a rocking chair by the front door, greeting customers like old friends. That spirit still guides their team today. “We want every guest to feel welcomed and at home—like part of the Crowley family,” Katie said.
Laura knew early on that she’d be part of the business—she came home from third-grade career day announcing it. She and Katie feel honored to carry on what their grandparents started. “It’s a privilege,” Laura said. “Our dad encourages innovation and fresh ideas. His openness makes being part of the family business both meaningful and fun.”
Douglas M. Huston and Douglas R. Huston, Huston Contracting
Like father, like son. Douglas M. Huston and his son, Douglas R. Huston, are the family duo behind Huston Contracting.
“This company is all I’ve ever known,” said the younger Huston. “Our original shop sat right next to our small house in the country, and I’ve been tagging along to job sites for as long as I can remember. Even my childhood essays about the future were all about the company. To say I’m proud of what my dad has built doesn’t quite cover it. Sure, there are challenges working as a father-son team, but I truly can’t picture myself doing anything else.”
His father never assumed his son would join the business.
“In fact, he wasn’t planning to,” said the senior Huston. “He had accepted a finance job in Omaha after college. But just four days before graduation, I called and asked if he’d consider coming home to work with me. It was May 2009, during the Great Recession. I told him the pay might be lean at first, but I believed we had a chance to build something meaningful.” Sixteen years later, that belief has paid off. “By God’s grace, we’ve surpassed every expectation. We’re stronger than ever. Right now counts forever.”
When asked if he hopes to pass the business on again, the younger Huston smiled. “Our 10-year-old son, Tucker, already talks about it. He’s our only son, like I was, and right now, he says he wants to work with me someday. I’ll encourage him, and his 7-year-old sister, to follow their passions—whatever path God puts before them. If it leads to the company, that’s wonderful. If not, they’ll have my full support.”
Grateful for their journey, both father and son are quick to share credit.
“We’re blessed with a team that represents our name with pride. They’re family to us, and we never take that for granted. God has provided more than we could have imagined. Like the sustain pedal on a piano, He holds everything together,” they said.
Kylie Oberweather and Forrest Swyden, Chick-fil-A
This father-daughter duo has each found purpose and passion in their roles as Chick-fil-A Owner/Operators. Forrest Swyden was among the early group of franchise owners, and his daughter, Kylie Oberweather, has followed in his footsteps, now six years into her own journey. Their shared story is one of connection, growth, and legacy.
Kylie shared that Chick-fil-A was founded in Hapeville, Georgia, in 1946, with a focus on building strong teams and serving food people love. In Kansas City, the brand has had a presence for 18 years.
“I own the Chick-fil-A at 135th and 69 Highway in Overland Park, and my dad owns two locations—one at Ward Parkway and another in Mission, Kansas,” she said. “I actually began my career in mental health as a Marriage and Family Therapist. When my dad became an Owner/Operator while I was in college, I worked with him briefly before pursuing graduate school. But over time, I felt unfulfilled and started to reflect on purpose. That led me back to Chick-fil-A. The experience helped me grow as a leader and deepened my love for the community. I now feel honored to lead a team focused on hospitality and excellence.”
Kylie believes their locations make a meaningful difference and takes pride in watching her parents help grow the brand locally over nearly two decades.
“It taught me the value of consistency and the impact of service,” she said. “When my dad started, I never thought I’d follow the same path. But returning to Chick-fil-A years later, I realized how much I wanted this. My dad allowed me to learn the business firsthand, and I saw the dedication it takes to build something lasting.”
“Today, he’s one of my biggest supporters, and it’s a gift to share this journey with him,” she added with a smile. “Being a young mom and a business owner brings its own challenges.”
Her kids, now five and three, love visiting her at work—and she thinks it would be a joy if they chose to be part of the business one day.
Gary and Jackson Hinton, Gomer's
For Gary Hinton and his son Jackson, working side by side isn’t just good for business—it’s the heart of it. Together, they’re building something that goes beyond bottles and shelves: a family legacy rooted in community, connection, and shared passion.
Gary is the proud owner of two Gomer’s Fine Wine & Spirits locations—one at 75th Street and another at 103rd. His journey into ownership began in 2016, when his friend Jim Probst, then owner of the 75th Street store, approached him with a proposal.
“Jim was ready to purchase the Parkville store that had been owned by Tom Stacey for 25 years,” Gary recalls. “Since Jim lived in Parkville, it made perfect sense for him. That’s when he asked if I wanted to buy the 75th Street store—and I did, on November 1st of that year.”
The next opportunity came in 2020 when Jim bought Royal Liquor at 103rd Street. He refurbished the space, then offered it to Gary. “I bought that store on September 1, 2022,” Gary says. “We rebranded it as Gomer’s, and I’ve continued to update and improve it ever since.”
One of the biggest additions? A vibrant tasting room, opened just over a year ago. “We’ve hosted winery, brewery, and distillery owners who come in for seated presentations to share their products,” Gary explains. “It’s a space that brings people together.”
The tasting room is open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 2 to 6 p.m., offering a curated selection of premium bourbons, scotches, beers, and wines by the glass or shot.
But perhaps the most special ingredient in their recipe for success is family.
Gary and Jackson split their time between the two stores, a presence customers notice and appreciate. “People respect that loyalty,” Gary says. “They like seeing a father and son working side by side.”
A proud father, Gary is quick to reflect on what matters most. “I have 28-year-old twins, Jackson and Valerie. I coached Jackson in baseball, football, and basketball—and I never missed a single game. I was just as present for Valerie’s choir performances. Those are moments I’ll always cherish.”
Now, Gary looks forward to the future with confidence—and gratitude. “I consider myself a lucky dad. Working with my son has been one of the greatest blessings of my career. I’m excited for the day he takes the lead.”
Jeff Covitz, Houndstooth
As a third-generation tailor, Jeff Covitz carries forward the legacy of craftsmanship built by his father and grandfather. He now owns and operates Houndstooth, a refined men’s clothing boutique. A native of the Overland Park/Leawood area, Jeff studied film at KU before stepping into the family trade—taking over his father’s shop in 2011 and launching Houndstooth in 2014.
“Our inspiration comes from Midwestern values, everyday family life, and a lasting appreciation for style,” he shared. “We aim to be the best shop, with top-tier service and great value. Houndstooth offers Ready to Wear and Custom suiting, accessories, and casual wear in a boutique setting.”
His grandfather owned Leo's Tailor Shop in Brookside from 1952 to 1999, while his father ran Rick's Tailoring and Menswear in Prairie Village and Overland Park from 1978 to 2014.
“Houndstooth has its own personality but continues their commitment to fine suiting and in-house tailoring,” Jeff said. “We’ve each brought our own perspective, but the foundation remains the same.”
He often hears from customers who fondly remember shopping with his father. “Not a week goes by without someone making the connection and sharing a memory. It builds immediate trust and deepens the relationship.”
Jeff grew up helping at the shop while his dad stepped out for errands.
“There was never a formal plan to take over,” he recalled. “If my dad hadn’t gotten sick, I imagine he would’ve helped me open downtown. I think he’d be proud of what we’ve built here.”
Now a father himself, Jeff says his two sons are already fascinated by the idea of running a shop alongside him.
“We’ll see where life leads,” he said thoughtfully. “There’s no pressure—but it would be a joy if that’s how it turns out.”