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When it comes to managing their business, Paul Lewan and his brother, Lloyd, profit from their differences. "My brother and I have completely different personalities and skills," said Lloyd Lewan, the genial and articulate chairman of Lewan & Associates. "But we are ideologically identical. To avoid bureaucracy, we have always defined the art of leadership as being separate from the science of management. All of our employees who are in leadership positions share the same commitment to upholding the company's attitude of entrepreneurial excellence." And it is precisely Lewan & Associates' internal congruence that has led to its selection as recipient of The Denver Business Journal's First-Generation Family Business Award. Operating primarily in Colorado and Wyoming since 1972, the value-added office technology dealership boasts more than 100,000 customers, most of whom are small- to medium-sized businesses. "The most important aspect of running a business is valuing our customers and employees," said President Paul Lewan, 66, who founded the Denver-based company with just five employees selling calculators and typewriters. "That's why our name is Lewan & Associates. We believe that our customers and employees are all part of an extended family, and we foster the same standard of commitment in every level of the organization." Living proof of the brothers' family-oriented business philosophy is Senior Account Executive Ann Brecke, a salesperson for Lewan & Associates since 1987. "Paul and Lloyd truly care about us," she said, referring to the company's nearly 500 employees. "They consistently show their appreciation, they never leave you hanging and the quality of their services and products makes me proud to represent them." Lloyd Lewan, former dean of the college-level Semester at Sea program and author of three books, put his doctoral study of complex organizations to practical use when he joined Lewan & Associates 10 years ago. "One challenge for family-owned businesses is making the transition from a paternal organization to a professional organization," said Lloyd Lewan, 59. "You have to find a balance in maintaining a personal and intimate company culture within the framework of being professional and competitive." Indeed, competition in the computer industry - which includes players such as Office Depot Inc. and giants Ikon and Xerox Corp. - is increasingly aggressive for the $125 million reseller. "It's a very tough market," said Terry Timm, customer support services supervisor in the information services department of Saint Joseph Hospital. "The reason why we've kept Lewan as our primary vendor over the years is the family atmosphere of the company and their good attention to us. They are always telling us that they are pleased to have our business and that they care about their customers. And when there's a problem of any kind, they are quick with a solution." Saint Joseph Hospital has been a Lewan & Associates customer since 1989. Other local customers include First Bank, Holland & Hart, J.D. Edwards & Co. and Children's World. "We bend over backwards to get the job done," Paul Lewan said. "We are more flexible than many of our competitors and we find ways to accommodate customers' special needs. Our focus is more on retaining customers than it is on recruiting customers, and our strength lies in providing services and solutions - not just products." Another successful strategy of Lewan & Associates is its long-term development plan. "Family-owned businesses must develop a responsible exit strategy," Lloyd Lewan said. "You have to present employees with challenging career opportunities, and then let the people who have learned the business run the company. Entrepreneurs must be able to relinquish their personal stake in a business ... they should never let the business own them." His tall and soft-spoken brother is also a firm believer in leading a balanced life. "We never work on evenings or weekends," said Paul Lewan, who has been forced to limit his working hours due to his ongoing battle with prostate cancer. "My wife and three children are first in my life, and then comes the business. And my spiritual faith is centrally motivating to how I live my life and run the business." The Lewan brothers also are actively and consistently involved in their immediate community. Lloyd Lewan is a frequent speaker at seminars focusing on such issues as volunteerism, fund-raising and gender diversity. He also makes a regular holiday appearance at The Children's Hospital dressed as Santa Claus. And the company sponsors such events as composer Ludwig von Beethoven's birthday celebration. "Contributing to society is extremely important to us," Paul Lewan said. "Doing something you believe in and enjoy is key to success. I found something to do that fits my personality."