In the barge business, this year has been "consistent, predictable and profitable"

May 1, 2024
At Golding Barge Line in Vicksburg, Mississippi, volume and demand are stable, but rising prices continue to pose a challenge.
"Our equipment is more expensive than ever, to repair it is more expensive than ever," says Austin Golding of Golding Barge Line. "The ability for me to grow is really inhibited by that cost structure."
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Moonshine enters the mainstream

Apr 16, 2019
The once-illicit beverage has a new following.
Brian and Laura Call make moonshine at the eponymous Call Family Distillers. They use family recipes and have turned the tasting room into a family museum. They say their stories pay homage to those who made moonshine to make ends meet.
Irina Zhorov

Keeping the family recycling business afloat

Nov 29, 2018
There have been rough years before, but this year may be the toughest.
SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

For small commercial fishermen in Alaska, the business can be boom or bust

Aug 22, 2018
Why one fisherman in Alaska won't leave the industry, despite the ups and downs.
Salmon fishermen hauling in salmon on July 1, 2015 in Newtok, Alaska.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images

My Economy: Leaving the big city life behind

May 8, 2018
One former journalist left the newsroom for the family business. The reason? A lower cost of living.
Matt Schewel traded a job in Washington, D.C., interviewing senators and congressman for work in the family furniture business. 
Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

Family businesses and family drama

Jul 26, 2016
The greatest threat to family businesses is...the family. But it's also their greatest asset.
A family business' biggest enemy may be the family itself.
George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Recipe for success in family-owned fluff business

Jan 1, 2016
Marshmallow Fluff's creme product remains a holiday classic.

When daughters take over the family business

Feb 19, 2014
Women leading family businesses is five times higher than the late '90s.

Why family and business don’t mix: Freakonomics Radio

Jun 12, 2013
Freakonomics' Stephen Dubner has yet another reason to blame your parents for pretty much everything.