Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/215553
By Stacy Ward, Managing Editor fedastacy@verizon.net Start the Process Early, Says The Dine Company's Darryl Manias I t felt "weird" the first day Darryl Manias officially moved into his dad's office and sat in his chair—an imposing traditional at odds with his blue-collar style. The fit was awkward, the walls too white, and his new role as president of the Dine Co., while exciting, was overwhelmingly definitive. One of his first official acts: Hire an interior designer to spruce up every office space with a fresh coat of color; add personal touches to his new office; and swap out his dad's furniture with more contemporary pieces. Adjusting to the change was the hard part, says Manias, a proverbial fish out of water, who recalls the company's longtime office manager, Nelda, calling him out. "One day I'm sitting in my chair and she says, 'Don't you be jumping up and going to that warehouse. This is 10 FEDA News & Views your office now and you've gotta sit in that chair.'" Prior to being named successor in 2006, warehousing was his area of expertise, starting with his first job as a delivery truck driver when Dad, Neil, opened Dine in 1982. From there, he worked in the service and installation department for 15 years before eventually transitioning to operations manager. Brother, Richard, preferred life in the field and gravitated toward a career in sales. Today, he serves as Dine's vice president of sales and marketing and co-owns the company with Darryl. Twelve years prior to 2006, Neil decided to turn the business over to his sons, initiating the process of succession. "At the time, none of us were getting total satisfaction out of the business," says Darryl. "So my brother and I went to my dad and asked, 'Is this all there is? We're selling stuff, we're running service calls, but surely there's more.' "That's when my dad was faced with the reality that if we wanted the business to succeed and remain in the family, it would have to change to edify everyone." Repositioning the company for longterm gains called for shedding lines that were limited in scope and shifting the focus to becoming a full-fledged traditional dealer. They enhanced Dine's offerings by expanding its design services with an emphasis on full kitchen and restaurant packages. Joined a buying group to buy better and moved the business to a more central location. Well into his 50's, Neil also seriously began to think about retirement. "We started reaching out to various people