Family Business/Business Family

In this episode, brothers John and Joe Gaither, second-generation leaders of premium performance sock maker Feetures, reflect on building a brand out of a legacy of family entrepreneurship. This episode also features part 2 of our conversation with Port Blakely’s newly installed CEO Mike Warjone and his cousin, Chairman and outgoing CEO René Ancinas, who delve deeper into their succession process and their vision for the future of the company. We’re also joined by returning guest Jamie Shah, second-generation president of Chem-Impex and a Polsky Center entrepreneur in residence at the University of Chicago. She joins us to discuss an exciting new advice column she’s launching here at Family Business Magazine. Need some guidance on a family business issue? You can anonymously submit a question to Jamie right here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Soldano, an advocate for family businesses, highlights the importance of political engagement among owners, offering practical tips for connecting with lawmakers. Jeannie Cullen Schultz and George Cullen delve into the 'field-first' mindset that keeps their construction firm’s culture thriving while scaling. René Ancinas discusses the planned leadership transition at Port Blakely, detailing the significance of family governance evolution. Together, these insights underscore the unique challenges and strategies within family enterprises.

In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Powell, fourth-generation CEO of safety and security service provider Century Companies. Matthew talks about what stewardship means to him, navigating succession at every level and why, even after more than century in business, leadership still requires a day-one mindset. Check out Matthew's newsletter, Steward's Journal, on his website. This episode also features part 2 of our conversation with Dana Gruber, third-generation president of Actco Tool & Manufacturing Company, who discusses leading the manufacturing business with empathy, building an emotionally safe workplace and balancing innovation with a deeply rooted family legacy. We also chat with Brad Bestgen of Bestgen Wealth Management, who shares what he’s learned from advising families through ownership transitions — and from living through one himself.Support for this episode comes from Bestgen Wealth Management, a second-generation, family-owned and -operated boutique wealth management firm. Visit bestgenwealthmanagement.com to schedule your complimentary initial consultation. Bestgen Wealth Management: let our family advise your family.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dennis Jaffe, a family business expert and co-author of a book on values, shares insights on making values actionable within organizations. Dana Gruber, third-generation leader of Actco Tool, discusses her journey of stepping away from and returning to the family business, highlighting lessons in leadership and resilience. Siblings George and Jeannie Cullen, co-presidents of the historic 133-year-old J.P. Cullen, reflect on their thoughtful approach to succession and the importance of separating family dynamics from business governance.

In this episode, we sit down with Corinne Burton, G2 president of Teacher Created Materials, who shares how her family built a global company rooted in a love of learning, balancing innovation with tradition through a flexible and age-inclusive governance model. We also chat with Transformational Women in Family Business 2025 honoree Karen Alko, fourth-generation steward of ABC Recycling, who reflects on her path through the business, her leadership in governance and how formalizing philanthropy and NextGen engagement has helped preserve her family’s legacy. And, in part 2 of our interview, Michael Kaplan, whose family founded Lane Bryant, discusses why choosing purpose over fear is essential to long-term continuity — and how clarity around mission and values guides the companies he builds, the partners he selects and the leaders he empowers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Jessica Johnson-Cope, CEO of Johnson Security Bureau, who transformed family tragedy into leadership, guiding her business beyond its 50th year. Ryan Berg, co-president of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, shares insights on growing a luxury brand with a focus on community and people-first values. Alex Loewenstein from Lowy Foods discusses the challenges and rewards of co-leading a legacy business while balancing innovation and family trust. Their conversations are filled with inspiration around leadership, philanthropy, and preparing future generations.

Join Judi Sheppard Missett, founder of Jazzercise, as she shares the journey of building a dance-fitness empire that thrives on joy and community. Michael Kaplan, from the Lane Bryant legacy, reflects on his family's revolutionary impact on maternity wear and the heartache of failed business attempts. Jon Vaughan reveals the freedom gained after selling his family's lumber company, highlighting richer family interactions and a passion for supporting blue-collar businesses. This riveting discussion dives deep into family dynamics, entrepreneurship, and life after business.

In this episode, cousins Judd and Alex Loewenstein of Loewy Foods share how they’re ushering their fifth-generation company into a new era — blending gratitude, modernization and the enduring spirit of Thanksgiving to honor their family’s humble poultry-shop roots. Also, Michael Horn, former fourth-generation president and CEO of A.C. Horn Manufacturing, reflects on taking over his family’s struggling machinery business, leading its turnaround, and ultimately making peace with the decision to sell. And Pat Soldano, president of Family Enterprise USA, explains how tariffs, policy uncertainty and global trade shifts are reshaping the landscape for family-owned companies — and why advocacy on Capitol Hill matters more than ever.Michael Horn will also be joining us as a panelist at the Transitions Fall 2025 conference, November 5-7 at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa in San Diego. Learn more about the conference and register here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raffi Amit, a renowned Wharton professor, shares insights on the keys to prosperous families, emphasizing shared values and effective governance. Deborah Jacob, from the fifth-generation MJS Packaging, discusses vital lessons on succession and the importance of philanthropy in family businesses. John Vaughn reflects on the emotional journey of selling his third-generation company, balancing stewardship and identity. Their collective wisdom reveals how communication, resilience, and learning from peers can shape successful family enterprises.

In this episode of the Family Business/Business Family podcast, Bret Snyder, CEO of W.L. Gore & Associates, a global materials science company best known for its GORE-TEX products, talks building credibility within the business, balancing legacy with innovation and preparing the next generation of his 80-plus-member family to steward the enterprise. Also in this episode, Deborah Jacob, owner and chairman emeritus of fifth-generation MJS Packaging, recounts her journey from reluctant recruit to family business leader, the mentors who helped her gain footing and the stark contrasts between public companies and family-owned enterprises. And Family Business Magazine Contributing Editor Dennis Jaffe explains why families must establish clear structures for decision-making, how to avoid the dangers of conflict avoidance and practical ways to create governance that balances fairness with effectiveness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.