Growing Up B2B

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the EOS Implementer, Marc Dispensa. Marc discusses his journey founding and exiting tech companies, and his current work coaching family businesses using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Marc shares insights on navigating family dynamics, the importance of clear roles, and the impact of AI and robotics on business. He emphasizes ope...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President and CEO at The Carby Corporation, Ken Ruh. Ken shares his journey from large multinational corporations to leading Carby, focusing on the cultural and strategic shifts he implemented. He discusses the importance of data-driven decision-making, robust financial planning, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. Ken highlights the...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the COO of Impact Growth Capital, Jesse Sells. Jesse shares his journey from military intelligence to family entrepreneurship, focusing on real estate investing and affordable housing. He discusses the dynamics of working in a family business, balancing financial returns with social impact, and the importance of transparency and communication....

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO of T.H.E.M., Neil Kozarsky. Neil shares his journey as a second-generation leader in the family business, highlighting his early career outside the company and the pivotal moments that shaped T.H.E.M.'s direction. Neil covers the introduction of single-serve stick packaging to North America, the importance of family values, and the bal...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO of Mid Atlantic Packaging, Julie Rotuno. Julie discusses her journey into the family business. Julie shares her experiences growing up in an entrepreneurial household, her initial career in education, and her eventual transition to the family business. She highlights the company's shift from stock to custom packaging solutions and the...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews Founder and CEO, Erin Marcus. Erin delves into the complexities of family-run businesses, especially during generational transitions. Erin shares her journey from corporate mentoring to business coaching, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and prioritizing impact over complexity. She discusses challenges like underperforming fam...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Vice President and Estimator of Contemporary Plumbing & Heating, Nick Galizia. Nick discusses his journey in the family business, from childhood involvement to stepping into a leadership role. Key topics include the challenges of transitioning from college to full-time work, the importance of hiring the right people, and maintaining he...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Co-Founder of Wealthrive, Peter Culver. Peter discusses the intersection of family dynamics and wealth management in high-net-worth family businesses. Peter shares insights from his 25 years of experience, emphasizing the importance of communication, family governance, and aligning financial strategies with family values. He discusses comm...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President of Albert Paper Products, Mark Kenah. Celebrating its 80th anniversary, the company specializes in custom folding cartons and packaging for the beauty, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Mark, who has been with the business for nearly 28 years, shares insights on its legacy, lessons from his grandfather and father, and the uniq...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President of Exothermic Molding, Paul Steck. Paul shares his journey growing up in a family business, starting with early hands-on experiences in manufacturing. He discusses the transition of leadership within Exothermic, the influence of family dynamics, and the challenges of managing a family-owned company. He highlights the importance o...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President of L-E-M Plastics & Supply, Ellen Pietrowitz-Phillips. Ellen shares her journey from the restaurant industry to leading her family’s high-performance plastic fabrication business. She reflects on her childhood experiences, the challenges of transitioning into manufacturing, and the importance of customer service and family le...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President of Sheldon Gross Realty, Marcy Gross. Marcy shares her journey from initially avoiding the family business to embracing a leadership role in commercial real estate. She discusses the evolving work culture, the importance of technology and customer service, and the challenges of managing a family business. Marcy emphasizes the val...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Co-Owner of Lady Burd Cosmetics, Samantha Burd. Samantha shares her unique journey growing up in the family business, founded by her grandmother, Roberta Byrd, in 1972. She reflects on her childhood experiences, the influence of her grandmother, and the lessons learned about business and life. Samantha discusses the pressures of taking ove...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the AI -powered character of Sesame AI, Maya. Maya explores the unique challenges and opportunities faced by family-owned businesses, particularly during generational transitions. Maya highlights the importance of balancing tradition with innovation, open communication, and core values. She also discusses effective succession planning and the...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President of The Knotts Company, Mark Howe. Mark, a second-generation leader, recounts his lifelong involvement in the family business, from childhood memories of accompanying his father to work to his education in mechanical engineering. He discusses the challenges and lessons of transitioning into leadership, emphasizing the importance o...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President and CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center, Richard Blank. Richard shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting his call center during the 2008 recession, and the influence of his family's entrepreneurial background. He discusses the dynamics of working with family, including his wife and nephew, and the importance of open communication...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Managing Director of PMCF Investment Banking, John Hart. John discusses his journey from a family business to investment banking, focusing on his specialization in the plastics and packaging industry. John shares insights on advising family-owned businesses during mergers and acquisitions, emphasizing the emotional and financial complexiti...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the COO of Rodman Media, James Zilenziger. James shares his journey from sales representative to COO, emphasizing the importance of trust, empathy, and understanding different company roles. He discusses the challenges of working in a family business, maintaining a family-oriented culture, and balancing personal and professional relationships....

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Director Of Marketing And Business Development at CMG Plastics, Jens Duerr. Jens recounts his childhood experiences in the family business, originally Duerr Tool and Die, and its transformation into CMG Plastics through a merger with Custom Molders Corporation. He discusses his journey into the plastics industry, the challenges faced durin...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Founder and Principal Consultant of Tight Lines Advisors, John Abplanalp. John explores family business dynamics, leadership transitions, and manufacturing challenges. John shares his early exposure to the family business, his journey in leadership, and pivotal moments like managing financial obligations during the 2008 downturn. He emphas...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Vice President of Marketing and Strategy at Gleicher Manufacturing Corp, Lisa Sanderson. Lisa shares her experiences growing up in the business, her journey back into the company, and insights into its history and values. As Gleicher Manufacturing Corp approaches its 75th anniversary in 2024, they discuss family business dynamics, successi...

In this episode of  Growing Up B2B , Ed Delia interviews the CEO and Owner of Gehtsoft, Ivan Gekht. Ivan shares his 25-year journey, discussing the origins of Gehtsoft USA, the challenges and rewards of working with family, and the importance of trust and communication. He reflects on lessons from his upbringing, overcoming doubts, and the significance of treating family members as business p...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO and President of O.Berk Company, Marc Gaelen. Marc shares his journey from childhood memories of the family business to his career in law and eventual return to lead Berk Company. He discusses the challenges of working with family, the importance of adaptability, and the need for conflict resolution. Marc emphasizes the value of mainta...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President of E&J Parts Cleaning, John Clark. John shares his journey growing up in a family business specializing in precision cleaning services. He reflects on the company's history, founded by his father, Jack Clark, and his own experiences working from a young age. John discusses the challenges of earning respect from employees, the...

In the inaugural episode of Growing Up B2B, Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence interviews the creator and host of the show, Ed Delia. Ed is a second-generation business leader and president of Delia Associates. Ed shares his journey of joining and leading his family business, emphasizing the unique dynamics and challenges of family-run businesses in the B2B sector. The podcast aims to provide insights...