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.
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.
Graham Morsch and Dr. Gary Morsch, Docs Who Care
This caring father/son team, Dr. Gary Morsch and Graham Morsch, works to bring healthcare to many. The younger Morsch joined Docs Who Care in 2015 as accounting manager then COO. He has been CEO since January 2020.
“I have BS in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration. Prior to DWC I worked in the operations accounting department for an oil and gas company in Oklahoma City,” he noted. “My job duties as CEO include leading our administrative staff of 28, building relationships with our providers and hospitals, and solving problems.”
DWC began out of necessity when a rural hospital in central Kansas lost two of its three physicians at once and knew it would be impossible for one physician to cover the hospital 24/7 for many months. The hospital called Gary, and he drove out and worked a seven-day shift. He recruited three physicians to cover each of the other three weeks a month, and DWC was born.
“Other hospitals heard about us and needed the same kind of help,” Gary said. “We now work in over 100 hospitals each year in seven different states and just celebrated our 30th anniversary. In the past decade in Kansas alone, we’ve worked in 79 different rural hospitals with 249 physicians and advanced practice providers.”
Although Gary is partially retired, he still gives vision and ideas for the future. Two of his three daughters are in healthcare. Son Graham is the only one at DWC.
“Because of our heart and mission, we make decisions that don’t make sense to most businesses, like allowing a DWC provider to become an employee of the hospital without a buyout fee as long as the provider moves to the community and puts down roots,” Graham explained. “We know the best model for our rural hospitals is to have employed providers that live and work in their community. We treat our providers like family and have many that work for DWC for their career. Three physicians have been with us over 20 years.”
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.
James Gallet and Mallory Gallet, Envirotech Heating & Cooling
James Gallet has been with Envirotech since 1995. He and his wife, Terri, took over the business in 2001 at just 26 years old. Since then, he has worn just about every hat, technician, installer, salesman, dispatcher, and more.
“Today, I focus on leadership, mentoring our younger technicians, and helping the company grow while staying true to our values,” he continued. “My journey into HVAC began with a simple conversation in a garage. I was a high school senior with dreams of going into construction after high school. I was sitting with my future father-in-law in their garage one night and he asked me what my plans were after high school, he then asked if I’d ever considered heating and cooling. That question changed the course of my life and led me to a career I love.”
Envirotech has always been a family affair. They took over the business the same year their first child, Mallory, was born. As they grew their family, they grew the company, often learning lessons in both at the same time.
“There were late nights, financial challenges, and lots of hands-on work, but our faith, strong partnership, and relentless work ethic kept us moving forward. Today, our team feels like an extension of our family,” he explained.
Their daughter Mallory Gallet now manages the marketing side of the company, from creating and posting on social media to designing and consulting on their website.
“I get to showcase our company in creative and fun ways every day. I like to say I have the most fun job at Envirotech. I get to come to work and create!” she noted. “Envirotech has always been a part of my life. My parents purchased the company when I was just 20 days old, so I’ve truly grown up in it. Working here today is not only a privilege, but also a way to contribute to the legacy my parents have built from the ground up.”
Jeff Covitz, Houndstooth
As a third-generation tailor, Jeff Covitz continues the traditions of his father and grandfather. He owns and operates the men’s clothing shop Houndstooth. Originally from the Overland Park/ Leawood area, he attended film school at KU, and took over his father's shop in 2011, then opened Houndstooth a couple years later in 2014.
“Our inspiration comes from our midwestern values, daily family lives, and a steady fascination with clothing and style,” he noted. “I want us to be the best shop, with the best service at the best value. We offer Ready to Wear and Custom suiting, accessories and casual clothing in a boutique atmosphere.”
His grandfather owned Leo's Tailor Shop at 63rd and Oak in Brookside from 1952-1999. His father’s shop was Rick's Tailoring and Menswear, located in Prairie Village and Overland Park from 1978-2014.
“Houndstooth is different, but definitely an extension of what they did, quality suiting and menswear, with quality tailoring performed in house,” he continued. “Each of us probably put our own spin on how things are done, but the basics of the businesses are quite similar.”
He believes customers are glad his family continues to thrive in the local market. And he likes hearing how well-liked his father was, adding, “Not a week goes by that a new client puts together the connection and reminisces about purchasing clothing with my father. This connection benefits the client as it establishes trust between us.”
As a child, he was always around the shop though, holding it down while his father ran errands.
He explained, “We never really talked about business succession or the like. Had he not fallen ill, my guess is he would've helped me open my own shop downtown. I do think he'd be very proud of me and my team and what we have done.”
He has two sons that love the idea of running their shops and being a part of the business with him.
“We'll see what the future holds. I'm not holding either of them to it, but I would be more than pleased if that's the way things work out,” he mused.