Growing Up B2B

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Kohler Coating, Mike Kohler. Mike shares insights on sustaining legacy through innovation, overcoming economic hardships, and the importance of disciplined growth and succession planning. He discusses navigating family dynamics, learning from past generations, and the vital role of supp...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews The Baumgardner Group's CFO, James Baumgardner, and Operations Manager, Andrew Baumgardner. Andrew and James discuss growing up with entrepreneurial parents, the evolution of their family’s construction business, and their approach to acquiring and integrating other trade companies. The brothers share insights on balancing family and business,...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Owners at Shovlin Mattress Factory, Ron and Kara. Ron and Kara discuss the company’s evolution from a traditional family business to a modern brand, balancing innovation with craftsmanship. They share insights on clear communication, defining roles, and maintaining work-life boundaries as partners. They also touch on their new wellness ven...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO at GIS Companies, Eugene Gershman. Eugene shares his journey from resisting his father's construction business to leading a multi-generational family real estate firm with his sister and brother-in-law. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from construction to development, the importance of marketing, navigating economic downtu...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President at GetPayroll, Charles Read. Charles shares insights from his upbringing in a family business, his military service, and his journey into entrepreneurship. He explores leadership lessons, the importance of loyalty, empathy, and family-first values in business, as well as succession planning and navigating IRS challenges. Charles...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Founder, Business Troubleshooter and Fixer, Family Business Therapist, and Executive and Life Advisor at Gingold Advisors, Scott Gingold. Scott shares lessons from his four-decade career, emphasizing the importance of communication, clear succession planning, and understanding one’s true motivations for joining or growing a family business...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Sales Executive at Flooring Foundation, Brian Knaub. Brian shares his journey growing up in a family flooring business, from early hands-on experiences to preparing for ownership alongside his brother. He discusses the challenges of succession, blending science and craftsmanship, evolving company culture, and maintaining integrity and fait...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President and CEO at Meyer & Depew Co., Bobby Ring. Bobby shares his journey from childhood memories in the family business to leadership, discussing lessons from his father, technological advancements, and industry changes. He highlights the importance of core values, adapting to innovation, and balancing family dynamics. Bobby discus...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews JAKTOOL's Chairman, COO, and Founder, Jeff Kinsberg, and President and CEO, Cristy Richards. Cristy and Jeff discuss JAKTOOL’s 25-year journey, the evolution of its values-driven culture, and the challenges of scaling a family business. They explore their complementary leadership roles, the integration of AI in manufacturing, and the importanc...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Performance Development Expert for Sales, Management, and Leadership Training at Sandler Solutions, Cal Thomas. Cal discusses the reliance on relationships over structured processes, resistance to change, and the complexities of generational transitions. Cal shares practical advice on building consensus, coaching versus managing, and the i...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President at Concourse Land Transfer, Scott Rutkay. Scott shares his journey from working in his father’s garment business to founding his own title insurance company. He discusses the challenges of the title industry, the importance of trust and personalized service, navigating family and friend partnerships, and the impact of technology...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO of EPIC Results, Ed Dolan. Ed discusses his extensive experience in helping family-governed businesses navigate challenges such as succession planning, emotional dynamics, and adapting to change. Ed shares insights on balancing family relationships with business strategy, the impact of major events such as 9/11 and COVID-19, and the im...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President of Promotional Products at Harry Hoffer Advertising Specialties, Marcy Hoffer. Marcy shares the company’s nearly 80-year journey, beginning with her grandfather’s founding in 1946, through family transitions, and her own leadership. She discusses the evolution of the promotional products industry, the importance of legacy, and th...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Leader of Top-Performing CEO Groups at Vistage, Jerry Cahn. Jerry shares his journey from psychology and law to entrepreneurship and mentoring, offering insights on leadership, legacy, and adapting to generational change. He emphasizes challenges unique to family businesses, the impact of technology and evolving work cultures, and the impo...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the COO at Mica Corporation, Jaclyn Epstein. Jaclyn shares her journey from early exposure to the family business, her career at GE, and her return to Mica in 2016. She discusses leadership dynamics in a family business, integrating professional management, industry association involvement, and Mica’s focus on sustainability and innovation in...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President at More Than Money 360, Shawn Barberis. Shawn shares his journey from estate planning lawyer to innovator in family wealth strategy, focusing on the qualitative side of wealth—values, unity, and legacy. He explains how MTM360’s digital platform helps families communicate, resolve conflicts, and foster gratitude across generations...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Account Executive at Lamar Advertising Company, Conor Keough. Conor discusses his journey into out-of-home advertising, the evolving mix of digital and traditional billboards, and the unique culture at Lamar. He shares insights on balancing family ties with professional growth, the importance of mentorship, and adapting to industry innovat...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Preferred Plastics & Packaging Co., Al Striano. Al shares his unique journey from working in his family’s Bronx steel business to playing professional baseball to holding senior roles at major corporations. He discusses the lessons learned from his upbringing, the importance of hard wo...

In this special 50th episode of Growing Up B2B, Richard Palatini interviews the President of Delia Associates Branding & Marketing, Ed Delia. Ed discusses his journey joining and leading his family’s branding firm, lessons learned from his father, and the evolving challenges of B2B marketing. Ed reflects on the unique dynamics of family businesses, the importance of brand strategy, and insight...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Business Coach, Author, Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, and Speaker, Dr. Christiane Schroeter. Christiane explores the unique challenges of family businesses, focusing on leadership, legacy, communication, and emotional intelligence. She shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, embracing wellness, and fostering inno...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO and President at Knichel Logistics, Kristy Knichel. Kristy shares her journey from joining the family business at 19 to leading it as a certified women-owned logistics provider. She discusses overcoming early challenges, working with family, and transforming the company into an industry leader specializing in intermodal shipping. Krist...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO at World Wide Metric, George Contos. George shares his journey as a second-generation leader, discussing the company’s evolution from a family-run marine supplier to a diversified, resilient B2B business. He reflects on lessons learned from his parents, overcoming setbacks, modernizing operations, and navigating challenges like the COV...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO Mentor and Strategist, and Vistage Chair at Vistage Worldwide, Adam Blecker. Adam shares his journey growing and exiting a family-run healthcare business, highlighting the importance of clear roles, formal agreements, and honest communication in family enterprises. He discusses the challenges of scaling while preserving company culture...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Director of Strategic Growth at Gamer Packaging, Joey Gamer. Joey shares insights on joining the family business, working alongside his mother, brother, and cousin, and balancing tradition with innovation. He discusses the company’s growth, focus on personalized service, and adapting to industry trends like canned beverages and cannabis pa...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Director of Electrode Sales and Product Manager for Alumina Graphit at FRC Global, Dianne Detwiler. Dianne shares her journey from early exposure to her father's international business trips, through her education and career at Corning, to joining the family business alongside her sisters. She explores FRC Global’s growth, leadership trans...