Luck Companies, a third-generation family business based in Richmond, Va., is celebrating its 100^th anniversary. Luck is the nation’s largest and fastest-growing family-owned and operated producer of crushed stone aggregates and environmental performance products. 

Family Business Magazine had a chance to ask CEO Charlie Luck about the secrets of hitting the 100-year mark. He credits the company’s success and growth to people and values.

“The core values of our company have been a part of our story from the beginning, but they became more formalized when we launched our commitment to values-based leadership in 2003,” Luck explains. “Every associate at Luck Companies is introduced to these core values – leadership, integrity, commitment and creativity – from the time they interview for a role with our company.”

Luck says his focus is on “how we do what we do.” And the company’s values reflect that.

“We are in the crushed stone business — this is the what. Our values are the how. We are constantly working in ways that ensure our values are at the forefront of our decision-making, our interactions, our customer offerings and our relationships with our communities,” he says. “Our values are more than just words — they are the principles of the way we do business. Every associate truly believes in them, and we live them out in our daily lives — both at work and at home.”

Luck’s advice to other family businesses is pretty simple.

“My advice comes from my grandfather, who founded our company. ‘If you take care of people, they will take care of you.’”