The Family Biz Show

What does it really take to build a family business that lasts over 130 years—and keeps growing? "I don't know how to scale without losing control…" "What happens when family and business collide?" "How do we stay relevant in a changing industry?" "Can this business survive the next generation?" This conversation gives you the answer. Scaling a family business isn't just about growth—it's about na...

The CADLIFE of Family Business Listen in as we talk with the DiLaura family of CADimensions about their long history of "pivoting" well before COVID-19, the risks of trying to reinvent the wheel when difficulty strikes and their unique company (and family) mission statement they affectionately named CADLIFE. If   you're   a family business or a family business consultant and want to be on the show...

You've built a successful family business… But why doesn't it feel like wealth? "Why do I still feel like I'm just getting by?" "Am I missing something everyone else knows?" "Are my advisors really helping me—or just managing pieces?" "Why does this all feel more complicated the more we grow?" "Did I build something valuable… or just bigger problems?" This conversation gives you the answer. In thi...

You don't stay in the same family business for decades by accident. You earn it—day by day. "Can I really work with my family long-term?" "Is staying… the right choice—or just the expected one?" "What does it take to build something that actually lasts?" This conversation gives you the answer. In this episode, Bill Rott and Steve Rott of William C. Rott & Son share what it looks like to build—and...

Listen into this exciting new episode with guests Yale Levey*, Ryan Ponsford* and Scott Farnsworth* as we discuss the world-saving power of family philanthropy!   The beauty of philanthropy is that there's no financial skill you can't learn through it.   We will cover how philanthropy can look very different between families & how the grandparents handle the public image of it (positive or negativ...

You're working hard to grow the business… but quietly wondering if it will hold together for the next generation. "Can we keep this going without losing what built it?" "How do we grow… without breaking the family?" "What happens when conflict shows up inside the business?" "Are we actually prepared for what comes next?" This conversation gives you the answer. In this episode, you'll hear how a th...

What happens when your family business outgrows your ability to stay connected? When ownership expands… alignment becomes the real challenge. "I don't even know who all the owners are anymore." "How do we keep everyone informed without overwhelming them?" "What happens when the next generation doesn't feel connected to the business?" "Are we setting ourselves up for conflict down the road?" This c...

What if the real problem in your family business… isn't strategy—but something much deeper? "Why does this keep coming up?" "Why can't we get on the same page?" "Why does it feel like we're stuck… no matter what we try?" "What happens if this never gets resolved?" This conversation gives you the answer. In this episode, you'll uncover why family business conflict isn't usually about roles, titles,...

What happens to everything you've built… when you're no longer here to explain it? "Will they understand why I made those decisions?" "Will they carry the same values forward?" "Will they even know the real story behind this business?" "What questions will they wish they had asked me?" "Will our legacy fade over time?" This conversation gives you the answer. In this episode, you discover how AI-po...

What if your family business can't support the next generation… but you still expect it to? "Can this business really support all of us?" "Are we growing… or just stretching things too thin?" "Who's actually in charge here?" "What happens when the next generation steps in?" "Are we building something sustainable—or heading for conflict?" This conversation gives you the answer. Growing a family bus...

Ep 48 – Family Succession in Industrial Distribution Listen in as we talk to Jennifer Murphy (5th generation) and her father Dan Judge (4th generation) from NetPlus Alliance, a leader in industrial distribution and a multi-generational family business in Lockport, NY about family succession, what the road into the family business looks like (or doesn't look like) and more! If   you're   a family b...

Ep 47 – When She Has The Money; Exploring the unique experiences of financially diverse couples in family enterprises Listen in as we talk to Dr. Jamie & Evan Traeger-Muney about the variety of values and approaches when it comes to money in family enterprises and the "Three C's" to live by to navigate the territory with love & compassion: The First C: Courage-being courageous in discussing the ta...

Ep 46: The Angels & Demons of Business Transfer Agreements   We had an absolute blast talking about business transfer agreements with lawyers Michael Robinson* and Michael Paiva* and the utter nightmares that can occur when business owners are lulled into complacency and don't prepare one. We had both lawyers discuss valuations, valuations and oh yes, valuations! (But really, so much more).    Lis...

Ep 45: 8 Mistakes Family Businesses Make When It's Time to Sell and Why it Matters In this episode, we talk to the author of the "One Way Out" Dan Prisciotta* and discover when selling may or may not make sense to an outside party and how to prepare your business to maximize it's value. We'll also cover: How does the "One Way Out" process work? Obviously, there are many ways to transfer a family b...

Ep 44: 831(b)/Captive Insurance Plans: Love & Scrutiny   During this episode, we'll discuss the 831(b) plans with expert Van Carlson* of Strategic Risk Alternatives, including:   Why the IRS recently sent out a "soft warning" letter to 831(b) plans and   what it means for Captives.   Risk Management utilizing tax code 831(b).   How an 831(b) can help businesses weather economic downturns.   When a...

Ep 43: Family Relationships & Succession Planning   One of Buffalo's Most Powerful Women joins us on this episode of The Family Biz Show. Listen in as we talk to the owner of *Chiavetta Catering, Kathleen Chiavetta about Family Relationships & Succession Planning.   If you're a family business or a family business consultant and want to be on the show, share your story and help other family busine...

Ep 42: How Conflict Can Become a Catalyst For Good Within The Family Enterprise   Listen in on another Family Biz Show as we talk all things conflict! Kathy Holub* & Greg McCann* join us as we discuss how it can actually become a catalyst for good within the family enterprise.   During this live episode, you'll learn:   The three components of a thriving family enterprise.   The cost of not dealin...

Ep 41. Recycling & Reinventing in the Family Business   On this episode of The Family Biz Show, listen as we talk to three members of the Shine Family* of Manitoba Corp about the various ways a family business can re-invent itself over the generations to stay fresh and on top.   If you're a family business or a family business consultant and want to be on the show, share your story and help other...

Ep 40 – ESOP's & The Family Business   During this episode, we talk to Rob Brown* & Tracy Till* about exiting your business on your terms and the advantages of an ESOP.    You'll learn:   What an ESOP is and why is it like blowing up a balloon   What the advantages & disadvantages of an ESOP are   What the family business needs to have in place prior to exit     If you're a family business or a fa...

Ep 39 - Coasters & COVID: The Ups & Downs of Family Business   Listen in as we talk to Seabreeze Amusement Park owners Rob Norris & Genevieve Brown about the challenges of managing a season-focused entertainment company throughout the duration of the pandemic (the 2 nd one in their family history!) – and the new things they learned along the way.   You'll learn:   How the Norris family successfull...

  Ep 38 – Psychological and Practical Pitfalls in Family Business Transitions. During Episode 38 of The Family Biz Show, we talk to Dr. Steven Rolfe* & Renee Fellman* about business problems & family dynamics.   Major challenges that can occur in transition of the family business   Chicken or the egg? What the symptoms of those challenges could look like   How to create a family game plan to manag...

Ep 36 -  Navigating Change Within the Family Enterprise   Listen in as we talk to Nike Anani and Tsitsi Mutendi about the intricacies of navigating change within the family enterprise, specifically the unique challenges that come with building the "generational bridge".    During this episode, we will be focused on the following:   Succession - building a generational bridge to connect the generat...

Ep 37 -  Securing the Future of Your Family Business   L isten as we talk to Jack & John Doyle of Doyle Security Systems, Inc.* , about securing the future of your family business by building a strong family culture that lasts.   We will cover the following during this latest episode:   How to build and maintain family harmony.   How to keep both your family strong and your business strong without...

Ep 35   Baseball, Hotdogs & Family Business     Listen in for this all-American episode as we talk to the CEO of Zweigle's Inc. Julie Camardo and CEO and COO of the Rochester Red Wings Naomi Silver multi-generational family business success and succession planning.   During the episode, we'll cover:   How Zweigle's has successfully transitioned into the fifth generation.     How Morrie Silver mana...

Ep 34 – Advanced Exit Planning for the Family Business   We've got another great show for you! Listen as Josh Patrick & John Brown discuss advanced exit planning for the family business.   Josh and John will be focused on the following:   What is business exit planning anyway and why does it matter?   How John Brown identified exit planning as a need for family business and what's changed over the...