So I, a 40 something yr old man, moved back to my hometown, Phoenix, Az about 3 years ago. I have engineering and architecture degrees, not professionally licensed, but sufficiently educated to perform my job duties to expectation, as well as, adding more skills to the company prior to my joining.

It’s my father’s business and he expects me to take over as he is retiring age. However, he’s a Trumper and I am far from that, aligned more with Bernie Sanders social democratic values. So there is a wide gap between our political beliefs.

He has expressed concern that my political beliefs will hamper my ability to continue the business. The business concentrates on building luxury custom homes. He has been in business for 45 years, so I take his professional opinion seriously as he has done well for himself. I question why politics is even a factor?

One thing to note, this business has zero marketing budget. Wealthy people select a home builder based off recommendations from other wealthy people. So, there is a significant relationship side of this business.

I guess what it boils down to, should I be concerned? I do not want to discount his professional experience.

I am concerned about the sales channel for this business after he retires. Our clientele are typically his age after all (60+). It seems to me the business may need to pivot once he retires, because I don’t have anyone calling me directly for a home builder yet.

I don’t think politics has anything to do with the fact that I do not yet have a sales channel. But he seems to think I’m throwing my life away due to my political beliefs and my lack of concern regarding not being shy with my public attitude about who I am and what I belief in. Does he have a valid point?

Edit: I get along well with all the clients. I don’t talk politics in person. But who I am outside for work, the way I dress, what I post online would possibly offend any clientele. That said, I only post to instagram, my profile is private…but what he and his second family (all conservatives) freak them out.