The Business of Family

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦  Is “fair” always “equal” in a family business?  Not quite. We’re joined once again by  Dr. Sarah Burrows , professor of Entrepreneurship at Queen’s University, to unpack the often-misunderstood  fair vs. equitable  debate through the lens of the  Three-Circle Model . Together, we explore: 🔸 How your perspective (owner, family, or business) can shape your definition of fairness 🔸 Why...

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Andrea Henry, business lawyer and intellectual property strategist who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and family businesses safeguard what they’ve built. From trademarks and branding to proprietary systems and family legacy, Andrea shares real-life cautionary tales and smart legal strategies for protecting your intellectual property—before conflict ar...

In this episode, we welcome  Doug Noll —lawyer turned peacemaker, mediator of over 2000 disputes, and conflict resolution expert trusted by everyone from Fortune 500 family businesses to maximum-security prisons. Doug shares: ✅ The surprising emotional skill that instantly defuses tension ✅ How to navigate conflict in family businesses with empathy and validation ✅ Practical tools like affect l...

In this episode, we sit down with Mitchell J. Panter, Managing Partner of Panter, Panter & Sampedro, to hear how he and his brother turned their different legal beginnings—defense vs. plaintiff—into the foundation of one of Miami’s most respected personal injury law firms. Mitch opens up about: ✅ The challenges and rewards of working with family ✅ How they balance brotherhood with business...

What does it take to build a business that lasts generations — and keeps its people for decades? On this episode, we sit down with Derek Volk, third-generation owner of Volk Packaging Corporation, to hear how his family grew a thriving packaging business rooted in loyalty, purpose, and service. With nearly half of his team staying 10+ years (and some over 20!), Derek shares lessons on leadership,...

Succession planning is one of the most critical—and complex—challenges facing family businesses today. How do you prepare the next generation while honoring the past? How early should you start? What pitfalls must you avoid? In this insightful conversation with John Ursin, the Managing Partner of Schenck Price, we explore: ✅ Why succession planning is essential for survival and growth ✅ The most...

We’re joined by powerhouse sisters Dominique Waples-Trefil, JD and Dr. Flora Waples — the dynamic duo behind  RESTOR Medical Spa , one of Denver’s top medical aesthetics and functional medicine practices. From walking away from law and medicine to build a brand that’s redefining aging, to navigating the challenges (and joys) of working with family, Dominique and Flora share the real story behind t...

This week on the podcast, I sit down with  Dr. Sarah Burrows , professor of Entrepreneurship at Smith School of Business, to explore the unique dynamics of family businesses. We dig into: 💬 Why family communication is the biggest success—or failure—factor  🧠 The shift from entrepreneurial illbeing to wellbeing 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Succession vs. continuity: what's the real difference?  🔍 Why underst...

Jane Antoniak , Strategic Communication Consultant, sits down with podcast host, author and advisor Tammy Buss to talk about her powerful new book: Dream it, Build it, Pass it on: How to Align Values, Vision, Mission. They discuss: - Why don’t more first-generation businesses stay in the family?- Are we avoiding the hard conversations?- How can values-based vision—and some honest planning—change t...

What does it take to steward a 114-year-old family business through change while staying true to your values? In this powerful episode, we sit down with  Amy Stein —former executive and fourth-generation family member of  Henry’s , Canada’s largest independent imaging retailer. Amy shares her journey of growing up in a multi-generational business, leading through transformation, and ultimately gui...

🎙️ New Podcast Alert:  In this episode, we chat again with Wendy MacIntyre, Founder of Resolve HR. Running a family business comes with unique challenges — and having the right policies in place can make all the difference. In this episode, we dive into the essential procedures every family business should consider, from conflict resolution and succession planning to confidentiality, employment st...

What happens when burnout leads to breakthrough? 💧✨ In this episode, we chat with the inspiring founder of Voda Retreats, Rebekah Streeter Rad about her powerful journey from running a family-owned bed and breakfast to building a wellness brand with purpose. She opens up about how personal experiences with burnout shaped the mission behind Voda Retreats, and how her background in her family'...

Ever wondered what it’s like to build a business — and a legacy — with your family? 🍇 Join Greg and Yannick Wertsch of  Between the Lines Winery  as they share the story of their family’s journey from their winemaking roots to creating one of Ontario’s leading wineries! 🍷 In this episode, we dive into the challenges and rewards of running a business as brothers, how they manage family dynamics,...

What if your family business could change lives and give back to your community? Join me as I sit down with Jody Steinhauer, Chief Bargain Officer of the Bargains Group and founder of Engage and Change, where she shares her journey from entrepreneur to social advocate. Discover how Jodi’s initiatives—like survival kits for the homeless and employee-led charitable programs—show the power of busines...

How do you keep the peace in succession planning to avoid family disputes? Join me as I sit down with estate litigation lawyer Kimberly Cura, a partner at Lerners LLP, where she pulls back the curtain on the complex world of family estate disputes. We dive deep into the potential landmines of estate planning, family business succession, and the critical importance of communication. Learn how well-...

What is the point of gaining outside business experience before entering your family business? How do you navigate generational transitions in a family enterprise without stepping on toes? Join me as I sit down with Ben Hertzman, President of Progress Luv2Pak, to explore a remarkable century-old family business transformation. Discover how a small hat box factory founded by Morris Lukovsky in 1917...

Have you ever wondered how to clean up the HR of your family business?  How do you use HR policies to prevent workplace conflicts with your family? Join me as I welcome Wendy McIntyre, founder of Resolve HR, a family business specializing in tailored HR solutions. Wendy shares her journey of integrating family into her business and dives into the unique HR challenges that family businesses face....

How do you balance family life and business ownership? What is it like as a female entrepreneur to prove yourself in a male-dominated field? How do you overcome the stigma to succeed? Join me as we sit down with Jen Kielczewski, the dynamic president and CEO of Complete Converting, a woman-owned manufacturing business. Jen shares her inspiring journey from investment banking to acquiring a niche m...

Do you struggle to balance the demands of family business with your own entrepreneurial pursuits?   How do you overcome the entrepreneurial burn out? Join me as we explore this challenge with Rebekah Streeter Rad, founder of Voda Retreats and leader in a multigenerational family daycare business. Rebekah shares her insights on navigating leadership, teamwork, and personal well-being in both her...

What is your post estate plan, plan? How do you use insurance as a efficient tool when planning for your business and family's future? Join me as I chat with Erin Prohaska,  Partner at Continuum Legacy Partners, where we explore how to use insurance strategically and look at how to use tools and tactics to ensure longevity of family business assets. Thank you to Barb Muma, of Muma Manufacturing, f...

How do you understand the changing employment legislation and policy needs? Is your Family Business big enough to need these? What can you do to protect your family business as your need for more employees grows? Join me as I chat with Yola Ventresca, Managing Partner at Lerners LLP, where we explore tips to developing employment policies and complying with employment legislation to protect your f...

How do you take over the business when there no plan? What if there is no documentation? No processes and procedures, no job descriptions, no manuals to guide you. Join me as a I chat with Marty Britton, President & CEO of Britton Management Profile Inc. about her journey and struggles of jumping feet first into running her family business she wasn't working in. Thank you to Kimberly Cura of L...

How does the next gen forge their own path in the family business? How do they follow their passions back to the family business?  Join me as I chat with Luke Hansen-MacDonald, President of HanMac Capital, about their family business journey through their entrepreneurial passions. Dive into all the dynamics that make up a successful family business succession.  Thank you to Charlie Smith of t...

Marketing. Its a huge cost. How does a family business use marketing to build profit?  Join me as a I chat with Marcia Barnes, Founder and CEO of Valve+Meter Performance Marketing, where we explore the benefits and strategies to use marketing effectively in a family business.  Thank you to Steve Beauchesne, of Family Enterprise Canada, for this episode's outro.

How do Family Businesses evolve? What options are there for Family Businesses besides succession?  Dive into the history of a family business as I chat with Steve Beauchesne, former owner of Beau's Brewery, where we explore the ups & downs, the growth & evolution that lead to business sale.  Thank you to Kyle Larkin from Grain Growers of Canada for this episode's outro.