Date: 28 September 2026
As an advisor, one of the most rewarding parts of my role is helping families make decisions that benefit not only their business today, but future generations as well.
For farming families, succession is rarely a single event. It’s an ongoing process that involves balancing family, business, tax, ownership and long-term goals. Getting that balance right can be challenging, particularly when there are multiple generations involved and important decisions to make along the way.
Over many years, I’ve worked closely with the Quast family from Tintinhull, NSW, owners of Quast Turkeys, a fully integrated turkey enterprise with a strong reputation across the region. Throughout that time, I’ve seen firsthand their commitment to building a business that not only supports the current generation, but creates opportunities for generations to come.
The Challenge of Succession
Like many family businesses, the Quast family faced the complexities that come with transitioning a business between generations. As the business evolved, decisions around structure, investment and ownership became increasingly important. At the same time, they were navigating many of the challenges facing regional businesses today, including rising costs, workforce pressures and changing market conditions.
Without the right framework, businesses can easily find themselves making reactive decisions. While that can solve an immediate issue, it doesn’t always support the long-term objectives of either the business or the family behind it.
Moving Beyond Compliance
One of the biggest shifts we made together was moving beyond a traditional compliance-focused relationship and adopting a more strategic advisory approach.
Rather than considering tax, ownership and financial implications after decisions had already been made, we began incorporating those conversations into the planning process from the outset. This enabled the family to make better-informed decisions with a clearer understanding of how each decision would impact the future of the business.
I’ve always believed that good advice isn’t simply about getting the numbers right at year end. It’s about understanding where a business is headed and helping clients make confident decisions along the way. That requires more than technical expertise. It means understanding the people behind the business, their goals and what they’re trying to achieve for the next generation.
Why Structure Matters
In my experience, structure and tax planning sit behind almost every significant business decision. Whether it’s succession planning, investing in growth, purchasing assets or managing ownership transitions, having the right structures in place can create opportunities and remove obstacles.
For the Quast family, that meant establishing frameworks that support both the day-to-day operation of the business and their long-term succession goals. Rather than focusing solely on year-to-year performance, the conversation shifted towards long-term planning, timing and sustainability.
The result has been greater clarity around decision-making and a stronger foundation for future growth.
The Value of Trusted Advice
One thing I’ve learnt over the years is that business owners value confidence just as much as technical advice.
When clients know they have a trusted team around them, they can focus on running and growing the business instead of carrying the weight of every major decision alone. Through ongoing conversations and proactive planning, the Quast family has been able to approach growth, change and succession with greater certainty and peace of mind.
That’s ultimately what advisory work should achieve. It’s not about creating dependence. It’s about giving clients the confidence to move forward knowing they have the right information and support when they need it.
Looking Ahead
Today, the Quast family continues to operate a strong multi-generational business underpinned by clear structures, long-term planning and a commitment to the future. Their journey highlights something I see time and again: successful succession isn’t about handing over ownership. It’s about building a business that can continue to grow and evolve across generations.
For me, that’s what great advisory relationships are all about. Helping families gain clarity, create structure and make confident decisions that position their business for long-term success. When those foundations are in place, businesses are far better equipped to embrace opportunities, navigate challenges and build a lasting legacy.
By Joel Weier, Partner, Business Services, Armidale
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