A Leadership Crisis:The Consequences of Inadequate Succession Planning in a Manufacturing Company

May 2025

Abstract

The unforeseen death of a business owner without a clear succession plan can plunge a company into chaos, particularly in privately held firms. Leadership voids, financial instability, and legal disputes can jeopardize the organization's continuity. This paper delves into the case of the James J. Michael Company, where the president, with four decades of service, faces contractual constraints, mounting debt, and legal challenges following the owner's demise. This analysis underscores the critical need for structured succession planning, transparent legal agreements, and proactive financial strategies.

Author

Paul Russo

President, George A Mitchell Co, USA

George A. Mitchell Company – Youngstown, Ohio Positions Held: • 2019–Present – President • 2007–2018 – Vice President • 2001–2006 – Vice President of Sales • 1994–2000 – Sales Manager • 1988–1994 – R&D Manager • 1984–1988 – R&D Engineer Experience Highlights: • Expert in tubular cold forming processes and techniques, including process development, equipment conceptualization, and prototype development • Extensive purchasing experience, including vendor negotiations and sourcing of special-design machine components and tooling • Spare parts sales management: estimating, quoting, and order processing • Development and design of tooling for automotive and sporting goods applications • Demonstration and commissioning of new production equipment • On-site training for customer personnel on new machinery • In-depth knowledge of tube production methods: drawing, extrusion, reducing, and associated processes • Proficient in hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems used in industrial machinery • Coordinator of domestic and international machinery shipments • Hands-on experience producing net-shape and near-net-shape automotive parts • Planning and attendance of North American and European trade shows Achievements & Associations: • Co-Inventor of U.S. Patent No. 6,808,210 – Drill Pipe With Upset Ends Having Constant Wall Thickness and Method for Making Same • Co-Inventor of U.S. Patent No. 7,114,362 – Method of Making Metal Work Piece, used in manufacturing instrument panel beam tubes, fuel filler tubes, etc. • Former Chair, Extrusion, Drawing & Tube Reducing Council – Tube & Pipe Association International (TPA) • Former Chair, TPA Advisory Board and Board Member (2001–2003) • Member of multiple TPA committees: TPJ Editorial, TPJ Symposium, Cold Draw Video Project, and technical conferences • Author of a published technical paper in Tube and Pipe Technology USA: “Unique Innovations in Cold Forming Technology”

Company

George A Mitchell Co

George A. Mitchell Company Custom-Designed Hydraulic Push Pointing Machines George A. Mitchell Co. is a recognized industry leader in the design and manufacture of hydraulic push pointing machines, with over five decades of experience. As an original equipment manufacturer, we specialize in hydraulic push pointers for tubular and bar products. We also design and produce hydraulic cold forming machines for near-net shaped automotive and specialty products. Our offering includes custom material handling systems for large-diameter tubing applications.

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A Leadership Crisis:The Consequences of Inadequate Succession Planning in a Manufacturing Company

Abstract

Author

Company

George A Mitchell Co

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