Most farriers know that if you work in the hoof-care business, your clients are not just horses but the people who own, ride and care for them. For as much work as you do on equine feet, your people skills will be where the rubber hits the road. If all things are equal, the better a farrier can understand clients (and employees) the more successful a farrier’s business will be

The differences come out in the individuality of a practice. Not everyone works with the same types of horses. Some farriers may have more trims than shoeings — maybe no shoeings at all. Your location will greatly influence what you can charge clients, as well as many of your expenses. There are several more variables that differentiate farrier income and expenses.

Through my work as an attorney, I’ve identified what I believe to be one of the biggest challenges facing business owners, particularly in service industries — we are living in a multigenerational world. Currently, seven generations of humans are alive and contributing to our population. Taking a one-size-fits-all approach to clients (and employees) will likely leave you frustrated and those you work with will be dissatisfied. This article will help you better understand the differences between the generations you serve — and employ — why they matter, and how you can use that information to build a better business.