Chapter 14 - The Blackwood Name Changed Hands
Caroline turned seventy-five and announced she wanted no remaining authority.
The licensing trust already held the brand name. The family trust still held large voting interest.
Caroline proposed reducing family control below thirty percent through employee ownership.
Several relatives revolted.
Evelyn supported her.
“Grandmother would haunt us.”
Caroline laughed.
“She already does.”
The vote passed.
Blackwood Hospitality became less dynasty, more company.
Evelyn stepped down as CEO at forty-nine.
Not because of scandal.
Not health.
Choice.
Denise became CEO.
Evelyn remained chair of the foundation and Margaret House network.
The media called it the end of the Blackwood era.
Evelyn disagreed.
“The era continues. The ownership model changed.”
Names could survive without crowns.
At a celebration, Julian raised a glass.
“To retiring before seventy.”
“I’m not retired.”
“You have six jobs.”
“Exactly.”
May you like
They laughed.
Evelyn had finally learned identity did not require the corner office either.
