For Brittney Ray, leadership is about curiosity, inclusivity, and purpose. In this episode, she shares how the Ritter family navigated a major liquidity event that shifted their identity from owner-operators to owner-investors, sparking Project Ernest—an 18-month initiative to redefine the family’s mission, vision, and values.
As a “married-in” family member, Brittney offers a unique perspective on building engagement, fostering open dialogue, and preparing future generations to lead with intention. She also reflects on how increased investment in governance, next-gen education programs, and philanthropy have strengthened family unity and set a strategic foundation for generations to come.
Overall Summary
The E. Ritter & Company episode powerfully illustrates that performance through culture begins with internal commitment. The core message is that a resilient and impactful family enterprise is built upon intentional investment in its people, culture, and governance. By proactively addressing challenges like identity shifts and generational engagement, and by fostering an environment of psychological safety and shared purpose, the Ritter family ensures their continued unity and ability to make a positive impact on their lives, their portfolio, and society. This approach directly aligns with The Third Layer’s focus on how strong internal foundations drive external success and sustained legacy.
About Brittney Ray
Brittney Ray, the full-time Family Council Chair for E. Ritter & Company, provides a compelling look into stewarding a 136-year-old family enterprise. As a “married-in,” or “outlaw” as they humorously refer to them, Brittney’s journey into family leadership underscores the importance of curiosity and inclusivity in family businesses. A pivotal moment for the Ritter family came in 2019 with a significant liquidity event, which prompted an identity shift from owner-operators to owner-investors. This change spurred “Project Ernest,” an 18-month initiative to revamp the family’s mission, vision, and values, engaging professional consultants for broad family input. The project resulted in a renewed commitment to investing in the family, doubling the family governance budget, and shifting towards proactive, intentional planning. Brittney’s role focuses on fostering family unity and engagement, developing future leaders—including a unique educational program for 8-18 year olds—and creating a culture where diverse perspectives and open dialogue are not just tolerated but celebrated, ensuring the family remains bonded beyond shared ownership.
Insights From The Conversation
“So much of it has been shared with me, in part because of my role now in the family. I’m a bit of the family historian and the keeper of that knowledge.”
“Our job is to keep the family swimming in the same direction. We don’t need to keep everybody agreeing 100%, but we need to directionally be going forward together.”
“What a unique opportunity to be a part of a community that is invested in you developing as a person… a community of people who want to see you grow and thrive, not just related to how your skills and abilities can advance the business.”
Big Ideas & Takeaways
Evolution of Family Governance: The episode details the transition from traditional ownership to a more formalized and proactive family council, highlighted by “Project Ernest”.
Inclusive Family Definition & Engagement: E. Ritter & Company employs a broad definition of family, including married-ins and adopted children, fostering widespread engagement among its 86 members across multiple generations.
Intentional Investment in Family Unity: A significant commitment to increasing the budget and creating a full-time Family Council Chair role demonstrates a strategic shift towards proactive family development.
Multi-Generational Leadership Development: Focus on cultivating future leaders through tailored educational programs, even for young family members (8-18 years old), emphasizing personal growth applicable to future ownership.
Culture of Openness and Productive Dialogue: Strategies for creating a psychologically safe environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and difficult conversations can occur productively, enhancing family bonds.
Philanthropy as a Unifier: The family’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy serves as a key element for connection, with new initiatives to engage younger generations in giving back to communities.
