So my family owns a concrete company...

[DrewDevil]

One issue that you should also consider is the emotional component of you deciding to leave the company in a few years. Would it cause heartburn among your family if you decided to sell the family business (or step down as the man in charge)?

Certainly, it would be a great opportunity for you now, and you could easily walk away down the road, but you should consider more than just the financial impact. Family businesses can be a little delicate.

[RobertHunter]

I would definately give it a try. Here are some random thoughts: I would think that having your uncle mentor you would be a perfect way to learn the business. Typically, nobody is going to look out for you like family. Who says you have to just do this? After a few years in the field if you find it is not stimulating you enough go start another business. George Maloof doesn't own just 1 business. I personally would also have to put some intangible value on being given the opportunity to run and grow the business that has been in my family for 10 decades. I am sure that after you have been in the business for a few years, have gotten some great employees and systems in place, that you will not have to "be there" every day. When I first started my business I typically worked 6-7 days a week probably 60 hours a week. Eleven years later I work half that much and make 6X what I did when I started. Good luck with your decision.

[mindflayer]

If you are serious, try your absolute best to get a job in another town working for a competing concrete company for at least a year or two. (ANY operations/office position) It will help you get a feel if this is something you would like to do in the future.
It will be a HUGE + to have an outside view of how things work once your uncle tells you how it is done in HIS company.

[Statutory]

Your family not discussing the finances of the business with you is absolutely not acceptable IMO.

They expect you to make a huge life decision with incomplete information? I would really press the issue.