For many family businesses, being mindful of one's roots and staying true to family values inevitably become valuable assets. That's because nostalgia is a coveted commodity these days, said Vice President (Business Development and External Relations), and Academic Director of the Business Families Institute at SMU, Associate Professor Annie Koh. She commented that ultimately, everyone wants to have a point of reference, an anchor, and something that gives comfort. She highlighted three other key traits of such successful businesses. First, family cohesiveness. “Resilient business families put family relationships first. They would rather be able to sit down and continue to have meals and gatherings with one another and business is secondary.” Second, ownership mentality. This means that "the members may not all be working in the business, but they are conscious that they carry the name". Third: Family values will dictate business values. Hence, even as family businesses expand, in terms of revenue and geography, they do not shed the past completely. In fact, the successful ones treasure it.