In a story that feels more like a script from a crime drama than a business journal, Evan Glusman—the son of the owner of Piero’s Italian Cuisine, a longtime Las Vegas institution—was arrested after allegedly threatening to “shoot up” the restaurant and taking out a $1.5 million unauthorized loan against it.
Let that sink in.
A son.
A business that’s part of the family’s legacy.
A threat that could have turned deadly.
And it didn’t have to get there.
As a capital strategist and mediator, I see the warning signs in stories like this. The tragedy isn’t just the arrest or media fallout—it’s the missed opportunity to address conflict before it spirals.
Where Was the Plan?
Most business owners will agree they should have a transition strategy. According to the Exit Planning Institute, 99% say it’s important. And yet, 79% have no written exit plan, and 94% haven’t even mapped out what comes next for them personally.
What happens when conflict or crisis hits and you’re part of that 79%? The “5 D’s” take over: Death, Disability, Divorce, Distress, and Disagreement.
At Piero’s, it was a blend of distress and disagreement—fueled by what appears to be a breakdown in trust and communication.
This could have been a mediated succession conversation. Instead, it became a headline.
Family Doesn’t Mean Conflict-Free
Too often, family businesses make a dangerous assumption: that personal bonds will keep things stable. But real strength comes from intentional planning, boundaries, and third-party facilitation.
That’s why I created the Family Business Resilience Package through my mediation practice, Dispute Doctor. It includes:
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Mediation Services for succession, finances, or clarity of roles
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Facilitated Family Meetings to talk through sensitive issues
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Coaching for Family Leaders to preserve relationships while staying effective
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Advocacy Support to help every voice be heard
You don’t wait for the house to burn down before installing a smoke detector. So why wait until conflict explodes before building your strategy?
Exit Planning Is Business Strategy
Exit planning focuses on growing transferable business value, preparing the owner financially, and mapping out their “next act.” Done right, this process doesn’t just create a graceful exit—it strengthens the business now and reduces risk for everyone involved.
Mediation plays a central role in that process—especially for family businesses where emotions and power dynamics are complex.
What’s the Real Takeaway?
The Piero’s story isn’t just about one man’s actions. It’s a public case study of what can go wrong when legacy, family, and ownership collide without a clear plan.
If you own a business—especially a family-run one—ask yourself:
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Do we have a documented exit strategy?
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Have we talked honestly about roles, money, and succession?
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What happens if a family member wants out… or takes a destructive turn?
If those questions feel heavy, you’re not alone. But there’s help. You don’t need to navigate this alone, and you don’t need to wait until a crisis forces your hand.
Want to talk exit strategy or family business conflict before it becomes a legal or emotional firestorm?
I work with families, business owners, and partners to bring clarity where there’s confusion and resolution before regret.
Source:
“Arrest report: Son of Piero’s owner threatened to shoot up restaurant,” Las Vegas Review-Journal, April 26, 2025. Read the full article
