In Business For 1428 Years

The world’s oldest continuously operating family business ended its impressive run last year. Japanese temple builder Kongo Gumi, in operation under the founders’ descendants since 578, succumbed to excess debt and an unfavorable business climate in 2006.

1400 plus years, people! The United States has only been a country for close to 231 years. Just can’t bend my wee brain around that kind of time. But lessons abound. If you would like to keep your business around for a good run like these fine folk then grab pen and paper and READ.

Also, wow, BEAUTIFUL.