The Art of Quality What Can the World’s Oldest Companies Teach Us About Longevity? Notes from the Field with Eric Markowitz
Aug 29, 2025
Eric Markowitz, a Partner at Nightview Capital and former investigative journalist, shares insights from his globe-trotting quest studying multigenerational businesses for his book, Outlast. He discusses how his near-death experience sparked a fascination with endurance in cultures and companies. Eric highlights the importance of deep customer relationships over quick gains and the employee-first cultures seen in Italian firms. He also explores Japan's many long-lived companies and the role of respectful traditions in maintaining quality and longevity.
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Trust Outlasts Transactions
- Long-term customer relationships build resilience through cycles of boom and bust.
- John Deere forgave debts during the Dust Bowl, creating lasting trust that sustained the company.
Prioritize Slow Compounding
- Slow down product development and prioritize durability over speed and being first.
- Resist 'move fast and break things' when you want compounding, long-term value.
Employees Are The Engine Of Longevity
- Multi-generational owners prioritize employees as a core of durability, not just customers.
- Long-tenured workers drive innovation from deep process knowledge and loyalty.
