My father is 100% owner of our family business and we have plans in motion for me to start acquiring the business starting in January 2026 through a typical owner-funded buyout. Our business typically does yearly sales between $9M and $12MAs of 2019, I make a salary of $175K. That includes commissions and a mid-year and EOY bonus.What’s changed since 2019? Well, most importantly, I’ve taken on responsibilities that would typically line up with that of a Vice President position (though, formally, I don’t have a title and our company doesn’t have a Vice President). I’ve helped my father, the owner, build the business almost back to where it was pre-COVID.Now that we’re recovering a bit from COVID, there’s an opportunity for me to ask for a raise that compensates me better for the new responsibilities I’ve taken on. I’m proposing a base pay of $201,250 (a 15% raise from $175K) and instead of a commission on my own sales, a 5% commission on overall company profits. This way I’m compensated fairly from the leadership-level decisions I make that affect the health of the whole company.What does everyone think?
You make a good point about my raise potentially impacting the profitability of the company. But on the flip side, if my new responsibilities are helping the company’s profitability, I want to be compensated proportionately. I think it’s fair.
There’s only so much focus I can put into the acquisition in two years. The succession plan has been in place for a while now. But if my father wants to start it earlier, I’d be up for that too.
Is this plan ironclad, in writing and with the buyout amount signed off on? I’ve seen a ton of posts where the kids think it is happening and when it comes to be that time the parents won’t give up the business.
If that is the case, sure you can ask for a raise from your dad. How far below market rate are you paying for the business in 2 years? That might be considered a deferred raise. If you are paying a hefty price, then it makes it easier to request a raise now.