This case is based on the professionalization and governance challenges faced by Touchdown Footwear Limited (TFL) – an Indian mid-sized footwear manufacturing family business. It was setup in1965 by three brothers, Ramnath, Krishna and Ganesh Pai who had inherited their father’s rubber trading business. Initially, TFL made flip flop slippers and catered to the local market. Over the years, TFL had a larger product portfolio, and by 2013, they had a pan-India presence with some exports to African markets.
In the early years, the three brothers managed all functions. As the next generation grew up, they started joining the firm and took up different roles often based on business exigencies. By 2013, TFL had a turnover of 6.23 INR, but lacked a clear strategy and professional management. In the absence of appropriate structure, systems and processes, decision-making was ad-hoc. Inefficiencies and wastages were evident all across, and working capital was under severe strain.
The firm suffered from governance deficit at both family and business levels. Lack of clear policies and processes delayed many crucial decisions. Earlier attempts to professionalize the business failed to achieve the desired results as family members neither had clear policies nor could change their mindset. Besides, there were questions about the level of commitment and discipline of the next generation. Vivek, the case protagonist, who managed TFL’s finances, realized the need for a transitional change on multiple fronts to sustain the business but was unclear about roadmap.