For the Driggs brothers running a business with relatives is not only a family affair, it’s something in their blood.
In 2002, Scott and Kevin Driggs decided to start Driggs Search International, a business that aids companies in attracting top talent. In the 1920s, their grandfather started Western Savings and Loan in Arizona with family members; in the 1970s and 1980s it was the largest banking institution in the state.
People warned Scott and Kevin about the risks of going into business with family members, but Kevin said he drew from his grandfather’s experiences at the Western Savings and Loan.
“I’ve researched how they worked together. I tried to understand and learn from them,” said Kevin, a BYU MAcc graduate. “They were very open with one another—at times they would even offend one another. We’ve tried to be open, but not offensive. We don’t want to harbor negative feelings for one another.”
Scott, a BYU political science and Spanish graduate, believes their family’s closeness has helped their company get off to a great start. “Being in business together is great—the communication and trust is wonderful. Our ability to work well together might come from growing up playing together,” he says.
Kevin also credits his Marriott School education as beneficial teamwork training. “While earning my degree I did a lot of work with teams and learned how to be in a team environment. That has probably been the biggest assistance in my career,” he said.
Before starting Driggs Search International, Scott was a senior account manager at an international search firm in Salt Lake City. Kevin has worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers, Honeywell, and Phelps Dodge. He has hired, trained, and mentored employees throughout his career. Another brother, Ryan, went to Arizona State University and works at Driggs Search International as a vice president; he previously worked in sales and marketing at IBM, Toshiba, and Compaq.
Despite their extensive professional experience, Kevin says it was a little scary starting a new business. “Taking risks is not typically part of accountants’ nature, but this was something I’ve wanted to do. The timing was right.”
“I’m glad we took the steps to start this company as brothers; I wouldn’t want to do it any other way,” Kevin says.
