For a small business, long-term success—multi-generational success for family businesses—requires at least two elements: talent and business savvy. Pure talent is often broke for lack of organization. Pure business acumen too often turns out a mediocre, passionless product. Marry the two, however, then stir in healthy doses of blood, sweat, and tears, and success should follow.
LaVine Restorations, Inc., in Nappanee, Indiana, has been in operation for over 40 years now, doing concours-level restorations; building hot rods, street rods, and customs; and performing service, maintenance, and repair on collector cars. Vivian LaVine, who co-founded the business with her husband Eric, is a respected elder in the restoration community who also sits on the board of the Studebaker Museum and serves as treasurer of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club. Hers is a remarkable story, especially for its era and location, but she is a remarkable individual. Vivian LaVine embodies the talent-business combination.
