Growing Up B2B
Business & Finance
About
Running a business is one thing—running a business with family is another. Growing Up B2B is dedicated to telling the stories of leaders who are building, growing, and sustaining successful family-run businesses in the B2B world. We explore the real challenges and triumphs of working with family, from navigating leadership transitions to managing business dynamics and preserving relationships along the way. If you've faced the highs and lows of growing a business alongside family and have valuable insights to share, we'd love to feature your journey on the podcast. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.delianet.com/podcast-guest.
Episodes
- 104 - From Craftsmanship to Legacy: Shaping the Future of Plumbing and Remodeling with Audra Giese
Audra Giese, President of MSI Plumbing and Remodeling, shares her journey in the family business, its evolution since 1979, and her strategies for modernizing operations through technology and employee engagement, while maintaining a commu…
- 103 - Grinding Grit and Family Heart: Navigating Crisis in a Fourth-Generation Business with Matt Cohen
Matt Cohen, President of Replenex, joins host Ed Delia on Growing Up B2B. He discusses his journey from general counsel to president, challenges of generational transitions, and navigating crises in a fourth-generation business. Cohen also…
- 102 - Blueprint for Change: A Woman’s Impact in Heavy Civil Construction with Lisa Chowansky
In this episode, Lisa Chowansky, President of HC Constructors, joins Ed Delia on Growing Up B2B. She shares her journey of growing a family construction business and discusses the unique challenges faced by women in the construction indust…
- 101 - Honoring Legacy: Rebuilding and Reviving a Family Business with Nancy Emiliani-Daugenti
Nancy Emiliani-Daugenti, owner of Emiliani Metro, discusses rebuilding her family's beauty distribution business after its acquisition. She shares insights on balancing tradition with innovation and managing family dynamics in business.
- 100 - The Greatest Lessons in Sales, Leadership, and Resilience with Gary Delia
In this episode, Gary Delia shares his journey through sales, leadership, and entrepreneurship, including leading Appleby Window Systems and founding Home Performance Alliance. He discusses resilience, company culture, and evolving definit…
- 99 - Why Blending Human Workers with Smart Warehouse Tech Is the Future of Family Businesses with Humberto Rodriguez
In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews Humberto Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of Supplysoft. They discuss blending human workers with smart warehouse technology in family businesses, Supplysoft's role in helping businesses wit…
- 98 - Balancing Tradition and Innovation: The Story of a Family Business Growing Beyond Pool Products with Cindi Heyen
Cindi Heyen, President and CEO of Jed Pool Tools and Northeastern Plastics, shares the story of her family's business, discussing its growth beyond pool products. She covers topics such as managing seasonality, implementing ERP systems, an…
- 97 - Customer-Driven Innovation: How GEMCO and APS Are Transforming Industrial Mixing Equipment with Casey Bickhardt
In this episode, Casey Bickhardt, CEO of GEMCO and Advanced Powder Solutions (APS), discusses her experience leading the family business. She shares insights on customer-driven innovation, managing generational differences, and leveraging…
- 96 - Shaking Up Tradition: Transforming Into a Family-Owned Brand with Michael Rose
Michael Rose discusses the transformation of a family recipe into a commercial brand. He shares insights on challenges including licensing, distribution, and managing family dynamics in business.
- 95 - Strategic Acquisitions: Expanding Reach in a Highly Competitive Market with Steve Holand
This episode of Growing Up B2B features an interview with Steve Holand, President of MyCaseBuilder. He discusses the company's journey through acquisitions, operational challenges, and expansion, as well as navigating generational transiti…
- 94 - The Human Element: Why Leadership and Training Are Key to Effective Security Solutions with Elisa Mula
Elisa Mula, Founder of EMD, discusses the importance of leadership and training in effective security solutions. She emphasizes integrating human factors with technology and shares insights on proactive security strategies and her nonprofi…
- 93 - How Outside Experience Shapes Next-Generation Leaders in Family Businesses with Samara Ronkowitz
Samara Ronkowitz, Executive Vice President at Accurate Box Company, Inc., discusses how outside experience shapes next-generation leaders in family businesses. She shares insights on leadership transitions, innovation, and maintaining stro…
- 92 - Cultivating Future Leaders: Preparing the Next Generation for Family Business Success with Tom Garrity
This episode of Growing Up B2B features Tom Garrity discussing challenges and opportunities in family-owned B2B businesses. The conversation covers leadership transitions, succession planning, and aligning people, strategy, and family dyna…
- 91 - Beyond Inheritance: Rethinking Leadership in Family Businesses with Dhruv Pandit
In this episode, Dhruv Pandit, Executive Chairman of Hodari Advisory Services, discusses his family's multi-generational business journey. The conversation covers generational transition, governance, balancing legacy with innovation, and p…
- 90 - From Legacy to Innovation: The Journey in Reimagining a Family Salon with Michelle Renda Gill
Michelle Renda Gill shares her journey of rebranding her family's salon, navigating family dynamics, and fostering a creative culture. She discusses honoring legacy while innovating and the complexities of second-generation business owners…
- 89 - Double the Expertise: How Twins Realty Redefines Real Estate with Cherie Walters & Nicole Juarez
Cherie Walters and Nicole Juarez of Twins Realty discuss their business, their complementary skills in mortgages and real estate, and their approach to client trust. They also highlight their podcast, The Twin Cast.
- 88 - Protecting the Legacy: Leading Family Businesses Through Critical Transitions with Mitchell Sharpe & Jenny Sharpe
Mitchell and Jenny Sharpe of The Sharpe Group are guests on Growing Up B2B. They discuss the complexities of transitioning family businesses to the next generation, focusing on maintaining trust, culture, and reputation during leadership c…
- 87 - The Partnership Advantage: How Openness and Growth Create Long-Term Success with Steve Schneider and Todd Leonardis
Steve Schneider and Todd Leonardis, co-founders of The Partnership Guys, discuss how to create successful and resilient business partnerships. They cover clear roles, intentional communication, aligning personal and business goals, and nav…
- 86 - Trust, Culture, and Succession: Key Elements for Success in Family Enterprises with Paul Morris
In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," Paul Morris discusses key elements for success in family enterprises. He shares insights on challenges for outside leaders, including family dynamics, culture, and succession.
- 85 - Succession Planning in Family Firms: Preparing the Next Generation for Leadership with Carl Gould
Carl Gould, founder of 7 Stage Advisors, discusses the challenges and strategies for succession planning in family-run B2B businesses. The conversation covers family dynamics, leadership roles, and preparing for leadership transitions.
- 84 - Avoiding Legal Landmines: Proactive Strategies for Family Business Success with John E. Ursin
This episode of Growing Up B2B features an interview with John E. Ursin. He discusses legal and governance challenges faced by family businesses, offering strategies for succession planning, risk management, and leadership transitions.
- 83 - Balancing Legacy and Change: Insights on Leading a Century-Old Family Business with Mitchell Kaneff
In this episode, Mitchell Kaneff, CEO of Arkay Packaging, discusses leading a century-old family business. He shares insights on succession, balancing legacy and innovation, and preparing his sons for future leadership, also highlighting h…
- 82 - Mentorship and Modernization: The Key Ingredients for Thriving in a Family Business with David Indursky
In this episode, David Indursky shares his experience leading ENCON, a family business, through generational transition and market shifts. He discusses balancing legacy with innovation, managing change, and building company culture.
- 81 - Building a Family-Run IT Business: Strategies for Success and Client Loyalty with Samuel Crane
In this episode, Samuel Crane, co-owner of Cinch I.T., discusses building a family-run managed IT and cybersecurity franchise. He shares insights on blending local service with enterprise-level support, the benefits of the franchise model,…
- 80 - Overcoming Skepticism: A Journey to Prove the Effectiveness of Natural Alternatives with Mark Wilson
Mark Wilson, President and Founder of Natural Repellents, shares his transition from a 25-year corporate career to an all-natural tick and mosquito control business. He discusses challenges in a chemical-dominated industry and the importan…
- 79 - A Vision for Growth and Innovation in the Future of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning with Priscilla Worthing
In this episode, Priscilla Worthing, President of Worthing Air, shares her experiences in leading an HVAC company. She discusses her journey, leadership transition, and focus on workforce development, technology, and strategies for growth…
- 78 - From Bagels to Business: The Unconventional Journey of a Family Business Entrepreneur with Scott Weintraub
Scott Weintraub discusses his experiences in family businesses, including early ventures, running a franchise, and founding a pharmaceutical marketing firm. He shares insights on roles, succession, work-life balance, and the challenges of…
- 77 - Passing the Torch: Creating a Lasting Legacy in Multigenerational Engineering Leadership with Chuck Becht IV and and Chuck Becht V
In this episode, Chuck Becht IV and Chuck Becht V of Becht Engineering discuss their company's multi-generational history, leadership transitions, and growth strategies. They highlight their culture of trust, technical excellence, and clie…
- 76 - The Family Business Playbook for Smart Financial Management and Long-Term Wealth with Joseph Dispenza
Joseph Dispenza, President and Founder of Dispenza Financial, discusses financial management and wealth building for family and B2B businesses. He provides insights on financial planning, debt management, cash reserves, and diversifying in…
- 75 - Mastering LinkedIn and AI: Essential Tips for Family-Governed B2B Success with Al Kushner
In this episode, Al Kushner discusses leveraging LinkedIn and AI for business growth in family-governed B2B companies. He shares strategies for optimizing LinkedIn profiles, creating content, and using AI tools to boost efficiency and main…
- 74 - Work-Life Balance: Is It Possible When Your Family Business is Your Life? with Akshay Shah
In this episode, Akshay Shah, Group Executive Director of Silafrica, discusses his journey in his family's business, from childhood to leading a sustainable plastics packaging enterprise. He shares insights on blending family legacy with p…
- 73 - Breaking the Bottleneck: How to Empower the Next Generation in Family Businesses with Michael Palumbos
In this episode, Michael Palumbos, founder of Family Wealth and Legacy, discusses empowering the next generation in family businesses. He shares his frameworks, the Family Business Family Office and Flywheel, for integrating business, weal…
- 72 - Safety First: How AI is Transforming the Aluminum Extrusion Process with Jason Markijohn
This episode features an interview with Jason Markijohn, President of Dunaway. The discussion covers Dunaway's history, leadership transition, and the integration of AI in aluminum extrusion for improved safety and efficiency.
- 71 - Make the Shift: How to Transition from Working in Your Business to Earning Passive Income with Ian Noble
Ian Noble, founder of RunSteady Investments, discusses his journey from managing his family's dry cleaning business to focusing on passive income through real estate investing. He shares insights on business succession, leadership, and wea…
- 70 - Authentic Leadership Uncovered: Why Leading with Heart Matters Most with Jay Suggs
Jay Suggs, founder of Success Consultings, joins host Ed Delia on Growing Up B2B to discuss authentic leadership. He shares his journey, emphasizing self-awareness, serving others, and leading with conviction.
- 69 - Legacy Leadership: A Purpose-Driven Journey in Pharma with Cheri Wilczek
In this episode, Cheri Wilczek shares her journey of building ClinAudits in the pharmaceutical industry, discussing balancing marriage and entrepreneurship, overcoming personal loss, and leading with empathy. She reflects on her company's…
- 68 - Navigating the Challenges of Succession Planning in a Multi-Generational Business with Kohler Coating's Mike Kohler
In this episode, Mike Kohler, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Kohler Coating, discusses navigating succession planning in a multi-generational business. He shares insights on sustaining legacy through innovation, over…
- 67 - Keeping It in the Family: Strategies for Successful Business Succession and Growth with Andrew and James Baumgardner
Andrew and James Baumgardner of The Baumgardner Group discuss growing up in an entrepreneurial family, the evolution of their family's construction business, and their approach to acquiring and integrating other trade companies. They share…
- 66 - Building a Mattress Empire: Lessons in Leadership and Partnership with Shovlin Mattress Factory's Ron and Kara
Ron and Kara of Shovlin Mattress Factory discuss the evolution of their family business, balancing innovation with craftsmanship, and their experiences as entrepreneurial partners. They also mention their new wellness venture, Beam Light S…
- 65 - Marketing Matters: Why Family Businesses Must Adapt to Survive Economic Cycles with GIS Companies' Eugene Gershman
Eugene Gershman, CEO at GIS Companies, discusses his journey from resisting his father's construction business to leading a multi-generational family real estate firm. He shares insights on adapting to change, the importance of marketing,…
- 64 - Balancing Family and Business: Insights from a Marine Veteran’s Entrepreneurial Journey with GetPayroll's Charles Read
In this episode, Charles Read discusses balancing family and business, leadership lessons, and navigating IRS challenges. He also offers advice for family business owners and announces a free book offer.
- 63 - Family Business Drama: How to Avoid the "Who Gets the Keys?" Showdown with Gingold Advisors' Scott Gingold
Scott Gingold shares insights on family business challenges, focusing on communication, succession planning, and balancing tradition with innovation. He also addresses the decisions faced by younger generations regarding joining a family b…
- 62 - Crafting a Future: Blending Tradition and Innovation in a Family Flooring Business with Flooring Foundation's Brian Knaub
Brian Knaub, Sales Executive at Flooring Foundation, discusses his experiences growing up in a family flooring business. He shares insights on succession planning, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovation, and adapting leadership…
- 61 - The Evolution of HVAC: How Technology and Family Values Shape the Future with Meyer & Depew Co's Bobby Ring
In this episode, Bobby Ring, President and CEO of Meyer & Depew Co., shares his journey in the family business. He discusses leadership, technological advancements, industry changes, and the importance of core values and adapting to innova…
- 60 - From Garage to Greatness: The Dynamic Duo Transforming Engineering Solutions with Jeff Kinsberg and Cristy Richards
Ed Delia interviews JAKTOOL's Jeff Kinsberg and Cristy Richards. They discuss their company's 25-year journey, the evolution of its values-driven culture, and the challenges of scaling a family business, including the integration of AI in…
- 59 - Sustaining Growth: Smart Sales Strategies for Family Businesses in Transition with Sandler Solutions's Cal Thomas
Cal Thomas, a sales expert from Sandler Solutions, joins Ed Delia on Growing Up B2B to discuss sales strategies for family businesses. He addresses the challenges of transitioning businesses, emphasizing relationships, structured processes…
- 58 - From the Family Shop Floor to the Boardroom: Lessons in Growth and Grit with Concourse Land Transfer's Scott Rutkay
In this episode, Scott Rutkay, President of Concourse Land Transfer, shares his journey from his father's garment business to founding his own title insurance company. He discusses challenges in the title industry, family and friend partne…
- 57 - Succession Planning in Family Businesses: Learning to Let Go and Grow with EPIC Results' Ed Dolan
Ed Dolan, CEO of EPIC Results, discusses navigating challenges in family businesses such as succession planning and adapting to change. He shares insights on balancing family relationships with business strategy and the importance of struc…
- 56 - From Tradition to Transformation: The Digital Evolution of a Family Business with Harry Hoffer Advertising Specialties' Marcy Hoffer
In this episode, Marcy Hoffer, President of Promotional Products at Harry Hoffer Advertising Specialties, discusses the company's 80-year journey, its digital transformation, and the dynamics of leading a family business. She shares insigh…
- 55 - Aging Brilliantly: Redefining Work and Legacy in Family Enterprises with Vistage's Jerry Cahn
Jerry Cahn, Leader of Top-Performing CEO Groups at Vistage, is interviewed on Growing Up B2B. He shares insights on leadership, legacy, and adapting to generational change in family enterprises.