The North Group Podcast

Jerry, Brian, and Leron are back for Part 2 of our succession planning podcast series! In Part 1, we discussed the definition of succession planning, timing, and common challenges of the process. In this episode, the team tackles North Group's approach to "quarterbacking" the process to guide business owners through the complexities of ownership and leadership transition. You'll hear Brian and Ler...

In our recent video, Roger North mentioned that the need for succession planning has never been greater as we approach the generational transfer of privately held businesses that make up 90% of the American economy. He also mentioned that mixing business, family, and economics often creates complexity. Join Jerry Murray, Brian Black, and Leron Lehman in this two-part podcast series, where they sha...

A simple question – “How can we help?” – started the journey of The Factory Ministries, where they walk alongside those facing issues of poverty in Eastern Lancaster County. Beginning as a youth center in a converted sewing factory (the story behind the name), their team now offers social services to empower individuals of all ages from the Together Community Center, previously the Paradise Elemen...

If we were to start with just three words - clients for life - how many of you would already know what organization's story we have the privilege of sharing today? For Warfel Construction, that phrase is more than a motto…it's a mission. In addition to sustaining relationships with clients long after construction is completed, Warfel is differentiated by “running toward adversity.” Since 1911, gen...

Today, it is not uncommon for our work and personal lives to feel disconnected. In fact, “work-life balance” (or – as we like to define it – balanced living) is often associated with “leaving work at work.” But what happens when all the pieces of our lives are melded together? Since its inception in 1961, this has been the nature of life at Alderfer Glass Company. Based in Telford, PA, and serving...

From humble beginnings... Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) was founded by a Sunday School class in Hesston, Kansas in 1950. With that modest start, some 70+ years ago, MDS now coordinates thousands of volunteers each year to respond to disasters across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In contrast to some disaster relief organizations, MDS is present in the communities they are restoring for months...

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, another special organization is celebrating their 75th. Paul B. Zimmerman, Inc. seeks to serve their customers, employees, the church and community in humility and with a strong commitment to their faith.  Roger North and Daryl Leisey share the principles learned from this longstanding fourth generation family business in the latest episode of The North Group...

Blending great business practices, tremendous creativity, and living out a mission-based purpose is certainly not easy, but it is possible. Many of us are familiar with the outstanding example of this principle in our community, Sight & Sound Theatres. From humble beginnings with multimedia presentations in the 1970s, to bringing Bible stories to life as one of the top three theater destinations i...

While it is easy to fall into the habit of “keeping your head down and getting work done,” lifting your eyes to focus on investing in a cohesive team makes a difference in the lives of your employees, within your organization, and ultimately in the surrounding community.  Over the course of their 94-year history, Risser’s Poultry has maintained this focus throughout the four generations that have...

25 years. 300 months. 1,304 weeks. 9,131 days. It’s been said that the older you get, the faster time goes. April 1, 1997 was the very humble beginning of North Group Consultants. On day one we had one client. Over the years we have been privileged to serve a few more. In 2022, we will be recognizing 25 clients whose stories should be told. In fact, without these organizations our vibrant communit...

Recently, we’ve shifted our podcast focus to the unique challenges business leaders are facing in the current environment. Episode 17 encouraged leaders to remember and implement the disciplines of a healthy organization. In Episode 18, we focus on the strategy of self-care. Addressing challenging organizational issues with clarity and remaining steadfast in pursuing mission requires that leaders...

Since we launched The North Group Podcast in 2020, we've focused on our theme of "Brought to Light," discussing the degree to which popular phrases are truthful, usable, and applicable to organizational, leadership, and cultural development (Episodes 1-16). In episodes 17 and 18, our focus will be on what we've been hearing in our daily conversations with you, as business leaders seeking the best...

First impressions carry significant weight in how we perceive and relate to others. And yet, as the saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” While a book cover can serve as a telling indicator of the content inside, it does not share the full story. In both reading materials and relationships, Roger and Kent encourage us to open the pages, suspend judgment and pursue curiosity. Enjoy the la...

When we have a goal in mind and want to ensure its accomplishment, we often decide to measure our progress. Is it true that what we measure is truly what “gets done?” In this episode of The North Group Podcast, Roger North and John Zeswitz discuss how to ensure we are measuring the right things while balancing the quantitative and qualitative.

It’s a hot, summer day. Despite the scorching temperatures, you decide to go for a walk. Later, you’re questioning this decision as you look down the shade-less lane and feel beads of sweat forming on your forehead. “Maybe,” you ponder, “I should walk the path along the creek instead.” As you head in that direction, you are unpleasantly surprised to find the entranceway to the shady, cool path blo...

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Perhaps this phrase evokes a positive reaction as you recall compliments you’ve received for taking after your parents, or living out your family’s values. On the other hand, the phrase may be one you would like to forget!  In this episode of The North Group Podcast, Roger North and Josh Keefer discuss (whether the apple has “fallen far” or not): - The imp...

Most of us desire to excel in our work. We focus our attention, energy, and resources on pursuing “greatness.” But with the call to a higher standard coming from countless directions, how can organizational leaders achieve a broader perspective and sustainability? And, is good ever “good enough?”  Roger North and Daryl Leisey consider these questions in their discussion about the phrase, “Good is...

"You can’t teach an old dog new tricks." As we get older, or as we experience a pattern of success, we are susceptible to a diminishing willingness to try new things. How can leaders continue to learn and add value to our businesses, for the benefit of our colleagues, clients, and community? As we continue our series “Brought to Light,” Craig and Roger discuss the degree to which this phrase is tr...

Transitioning successfully from one generation to another is one of the greatest challenges organizational leaders face. In this episode of The North Group Podcast, facilitated by John Zeswitz, Roger North (Founder/CEO) and Jerry Murray (President) discuss how they are "practicing what they are preaching" as they navigate generational transition at North Group.

Generational leadership transition is one of our most common inquiries at North Group – and now, we are in the midst of our own. In December, we announced that Jerry Murray has been named President, and Gina Breslin and Josh Keefer have joined as “Successor Partners.” How did we get to this point? How does an organization ensure they build a “bridge” to the future at the appropriate time, while st...

Slow and steady wins the race. As a leader, you may aspire to bring a steady presence to your business, but should those who want to succeed move slowly? Roger North and Jerry Murray discuss how to balance the tension between speed and steadiness. Additionally, they consider how to sustainably accelerate growth toward your highest potential.

Can you recall the sounds? Children playing, the squeak of swings, a whistle blowing signifying the end of recess. Can you recall the feeling of when your classmate hurled an insult your way? The stinging hurt caused tears to well up until you could blurt out, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” As adults, we recognize that words do indeed hold power - sometimes m...

Don’t sweat the small stuff! In your opinion, what counts as the “small stuff”? We’ve seen this phrase used to assure others we've handled all the details. On the other hand, we’ve seen it used to dismiss things that should hold more value! In Episode 6, Roger and Brian discuss how identifying the “small stuff” in our organizations can actually help us achieve our overarching goals.

You know what they say - “Fake it ‘til you make it!” In this episode, Roger and Gina bring to light the helpful and not-so-helpful aspects of this commonly-used idiom. When we find ourselves in uncomfortable and uncertain situations, can we get better if we “behave our way into believing?"

Is past behavior actually the best indicator of future behavior? Daryl Leisey and Roger North encourage us to be hopeful about the ability of people to change the patterns of their behavior. We can make judgments without being judgmental. Through The North Group Podcast, our team invites you into their discussions on a range of topics including organizational health and leadership development, whi...