Family Business/Business Family

In this episode, Kala Tuohey-McDonald, Sean Tuohey and Mary Tuohey-Fahy discuss the next-generation leadership transition at The Collins Companies, a family-owned industrial distributor of pipe, valves and fittings and engineered specialties with more than a century of history. The siblings reflect on the 15-year succession planning process that culminated in them taking over for their father, how they divided leadership responsibilities based on their strengths and what it means to step into executive roles together after initially resisting the idea of joining the family business. This episode also features more of our conversation with Mitchell Kaneff and his sons Josh and Max of fourth-generation luxury packaging company Arkay, who talk more about their own succession plan. We also continue our conversation with Heath Ochroch, president of Werner Bus Lines, who discusses modernizing the transportation business while honoring his dad's legacy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danni Dikes, daughter helping run Weston Jewelers who preserves personal customer ties while scaling. Mitchell Kaneff, third-generation CEO of RK, who steered global packaging growth through a tough succession. They discuss maintaining a family feel during expansion, leading through sudden loss, long succession struggles, governance and mentoring the next generation.

In this episode, father and daughter Ed and Danni Dikes, of Florida-based Weston Jewelers, discuss growing their second-generation company from a 1,000-square-foot store in 2001 to a multi-location luxury brand preparing to open a 40,000-square-foot flagship on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. This episode also features part 2 of our conversation with Clarissa Surianello, third-generation president of Surianello Concrete, who reflects on stepping into ownership without a formal roadmap, modernizing operations while honoring craftsmanship and defining success. Also in this episode, we hear more from Kristin Anthony and her father, M. Pope Anthony Jr., of Anthony’s Ladies Apparel, who discuss a culture built on one simple principle: “It’s nice to be nice.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Kristin Anthony and her father, M. Pope Anthony Jr., of Anthony’s Ladies Apparel trace their family’s retail roots to 1895 and discuss balancing a brick-and-mortar legacy with a growing e-commerce business. Clarissa Surianello, third-generation president of construction company Surianello Concrete, shares how hands-on experience shaped her leadership as she modernizes operations while protecting the company’s legacy. And in part 2 of our discussion with Michael LaVecchia and Danielle Rauso of LaMonica Fine Foods, they discuss how transparency, strong supplier relationships and generational adaptability help sustain one of the country’s last independent clam processors for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael LaVecchia, vice president, operations at fourth-generation LaMonica Fine Foods, and Danielle Rauso, his niece and sales manager at LaMonica, trace their family seafood business from a Brooklyn fish store founded in 1923 to a multigenerational operation in New Jersey that remains one of the last independent clam processors in the country. They also discuss how they’re preparing both family and non-family stakeholders for the future.This episode also features part 2 of our conversation with John and Joe Gaither, brothers and co-leaders of second-generation performance sock brand Feetures. They discuss how their family’s entrepreneurial roots, as well as community roots, have shaped the brand.In addition, we continue our conversation with Matthew Powell, fourth-generation CEO of safety and security service provider Century Companies. Matthew explains how the principles of stewardship, humanity and compounding have guided his family enterprise. To hear more from Matthew on these topics, subscribe to his free newsetter, "The Steward's Journal."  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.