The Family Biz Show

Family businesses face unique pressures — leadership misalignment, succession uncertainty, and legal blind spots that can undermine decades of hard work. In this episode of The Family Biz Show, host Michael Palumbos sits down with Mike Hayes, CEO of GLC Business Services, to unpack the strategies that have allowed GLC to thrive across generations. Mike's journey from West Point graduate and Army officer to family business CEO is a case study in resilience, vision, and people-first leadership. He shares how his father co-founded GLC in 1992, pivoting away from a declining printing industry into document outsourcing, and how that foundation of service and relationships carried the company through every transition. From navigating an amicable but high-stakes ownership split with the help of a well-drafted buy-sell agreement, to steering the company through COVID by putting people before profits, Mike reveals the decisions that protected both culture and cash flow. He also explains why legacy should be about giving the next generation options — not obligations — and how mentorship and internal promotion have fueled loyalty in a high-turnover industry. Key Timestamps: 00:08:40 — Leadership alignment & avoiding drift 00:10:33 — People-first strategy in crisis 00:17:31 — The buy-sell agreement that saved GLC 00:27:41 — Mentorship and culture as growth engines 00:35:26 — Legacy by invitation, not expectation 00:52:33 — Redefining leadership legacy Tangible Takeaways for Family Businesses: Plan early, review often: Stress test your buy-sell agreement before conflict arises. Protect culture in crisis: Retention comes from trust, not just contracts. Align leadership vision: A unified direction prevents costly stalls. Build legacy through choice: Give future generations the freedom to decide. Mentor for growth: Invest in people who can lead long after you step back.

What does it take to lead a $1.5 billion dairy cooperative without losing the soul of the family farm? In this episode of The Family Biz Show, Michael Palumbos sits down with Kevin Ellis, CEO of Upstate Niagara Cooperative, to explore the path from third-generation dairy roots to modern-day manufacturing leadership. This isn't just a story about dairy. It's about what happens when a family business mindset meets scale, legacy meets innovation, and community values get tested in a corporate structure. Whether you're navigating your own transition, scaling fast, or wondering how to bring next-gen thinking into a legacy business—this episode delivers powerful, practical insight. From Barn to Boardroom: Kevin's Unlikely Journey [00:45] Kevin's roots run deep in Central New York, where his family expanded from 100 to 300 cows. Initially considering veterinary school, he pivoted into animal science and eventually business, landing at Cornell and later earning his MBA from the University of Rochester. [02:30] His career is marked by reinvention—from nutritionist to banker to co-op founder. When former clients asked him to help start a breakaway processing plant, he said yes. That move eventually led to his role at Upstate Niagara, overseeing more than 260 family farms and 1,800 employees. 🔑 Legacy Lesson: Your roots may shape you, but your willingness to evolve defines your reach. Understanding Cooperatives: Profit with a Purpose [04:40] Kevin calls a cooperative "a socialistic creature in a capitalistic organization." That paradox is intentional. The commercial side runs for profit; the co-op side ensures fairness across farms—big or small. [06:00] Upstate Niagara balances Amish hand-milking with fully robotic operations. What binds them isn't size—it's shared purpose. [11:00] One of the cooperative's core values is ensuring every farmer, from 30-cow dairies to 5,000-cow enterprises, can thrive under the same model. 🔑 Strategic Insight: Equality in economics doesn't mean uniformity in operations. Succession, Liquidity, and the Wealth Trap [15:30] Kevin speaks bluntly about succession: "Succession without liquidity planning is a prison." With farms being capital-rich and cash-poor, transitioning out requires intentional wealth structuring. [16:45] The co-op doesn't offer direct succession services but plays a role when equity must be transferred between generations. [18:30] His advice to young farmers? Leave, learn, and return. The family farm can build generational wealth—but not without a clear exit plan. 🔑 Tangible Takeaway: Build liquidity into your family office strategy—before succession becomes a scramble. From Top-Down to Bottom-Up: A Cultural Overhaul [31:00] When Kevin took over, the co-op operated top-down. Plant managers hadn't even met each other in person. He reversed the culture, introduced a balanced scorecard, and prioritized people and process over pure profit. [35:00] His first major move? Fully staff the plants. Why? "You can't cost-cut your way to prosperity." [36:30] Alignment became the goal—across ERP systems, leadership, and operational metrics. The result? Better morale, higher output, and clearer direction. 🔑 Leadership Insight: Don't mistake legacy for permanence. Culture must evolve to sustain scale. Innovation in Agriculture: AI, Robotics, and Genetics [20:00] From super-ovulated cows to robotic milking parlors, Kevin walks us through how dairy tech is exploding. [23:00] AI is even helping program processing logic and optimize plant production. [27:00] Future vision? Scan a yogurt label and see the farm it came from. [38:00] New shelf-life technology may completely disrupt how milk is processed and distributed. 🔑 Growth Opportunity: Every industry—yes, even agriculture—is now a tech industry. Grounded in Community, Driven by Consumers [24:00] Family farms are deeply embedded in their communities. Kevin ensures the co-op reflects that with product donations, school partnerships, and farmer-led community involvement. [26:00] Meanwhile, consumers want transparency. Gen Z and millennials demand humane treatment, sustainability, and ESG oversight. [28:00] Upstate Niagara is now undergoing a double materiality study—aligning long-term strategy with stakeholder values. 🔑 Market Reality: If your brand isn't aligned with your buyers' values, your story is invisible. Closing Reflection: Boredom, Books, and Breaking What's Working [40:00] "There's no such thing as a typical day," Kevin laughs. He thrives on complexity—and has never been bored as CEO. [44:30] He reads Adam Grant's Think Again, still revisits Good to Great, and plans to start flying again soon. [43:00] His message to the next generation: don't undervalue the family business. Just make sure you've built your way out as well as up. Tangible Takeaways for Family Business Leaders Co-op models may be niche—but fairness as a strategy is universal. Legacy is powerful, but liquidity is non-negotiable. Culture change at scale requires relentless alignment and transparency. Innovation isn't optional. Even the most traditional industries are being reinvented. Your family business's greatest asset might be its adaptability.

In this deeply resonant episode of The Family Biz Show, Michael Palumbos sits down with Mike Young, fourth-generation family business leader and author of The Farmer's Code. From a humble start farming rice in the Californian desert to exiting a vast family farmland portfolio, Mike offers a masterclass on pivoting, stewardship, and enduring family cohesion. Key Themes: Roots in the Soil (00:00–06:30) Mike recounts the origins of Wegis & Young—his great-grandfather's immigration, renaming, and pioneering efforts in California's Central Valley. Their early crops, including rice and sugar beets, were nourished by water captured in sloughs, laying the groundwork for some of the most productive farmland in the world. Scaling Across Generations (06:30–10:00) Each generation innovated: Mike's grandfather focused on water infrastructure and expansion His father and uncle introduced higher-return crops like almonds and grapes Mike's generation added vertical integration with alfalfa cubing and tomato processing before exiting those businesses From Dirt to Data: The Tech Pivot (10:00–13:00) A standout innovation was a water infrastructure monitoring company—proof that the family adapted not only operationally but strategically, leaning into regulatory change as a catalyst for growth. Exit to Endure (13:00–16:00) Selling 85% of their farmland wasn't easy. But with water rights tightening and G5 & G6 in mind, they chose continuity over sentiment. Mike emphasizes that the land still operates—but now from a stewardship mindset. Legacy is Relational (17:00–20:30) The spark for Mike's book The Farmer's Code was his 99-year-old grandmother. The message: Legacy isn't what you leave for people—it's what you leave in them. His book is broken into three parts: Me, Them Now, and Them to Come—mirroring his family's approach to multi-generational values. Governance Done Right (30:00–36:00) With a family board of directors, six trusts, and a family council, Wegis & Young model effective governance. Their structure includes even non-active family members and outlaws—communicating, sharing philanthropic decisions, and guiding distribution policies. Challenges Ahead (41:00–46:00) Mike's top challenge? Maintaining cohesion in a generation that won't work together daily. With 11 next-gen family members ranging from 12 to 24, the family is experimenting with ways to build connection across the branches. Tangible Takeaways Don't fear the exit—it may be your legacy's best move Legacy isn't inheritance—it's influence Strong governance includes everyone Strategic philanthropy is a sandbox for rising leaders Always build with the 7th generation in mind

In this episode of The Family Biz Show, host Michael Palumbos sits down with Scott Saslow—entrepreneur, author, and founder of One World Investments. Together, they explore the overlooked complexities of what comes after the liquidity event. From defining a family office to uncovering its entrepreneurial DNA, this episode is a must-listen for legacy-minded leaders preparing for the next stage. Key Themes: What Is a Family Office, Really? Scott demystifies the term "family office" for founders and next-gen leaders. It's not just an investment vehicle—it's an infrastructure. And it often starts embedded within the family business itself. 📍 [02:00]: From family company to global sale—Scott's personal story of transitioning into the family office world. Treating Wealth Like a Business Saslow challenges the assumption that post-exit wealth "manages itself." In fact, a family office is a new company, with all the complexities of talent, mission, and operations. 📍 [10:00]: "Making money and keeping money are two different things." Talent Management = Risk Management One of the biggest blind spots post-liquidity? Keeping the same advisors you trusted before the wealth explosion. Saslow emphasizes the need to rethink loyalty and performance. 📍 [13:45]: Apply "Good to Great" thinking to your wealth ecosystem. Mission as an Anchor A clear mission not only helps unify the family—it helps attract top-tier talent and service providers. Saslow argues that purpose is a powerful (and often neglected) wealth multiplier. 📍 [26:00]: Examples of impact investing from Saslow's own venture fund. Preparing for Next Gen Involvement Whether or not your children will take the reins, your family office should be built to last—with or without them. 📍 [37:00]: "Hope for the best, plan for independence." Tangible Takeaways: Don't wait for liquidity to plan your structure. Reassess all advisor relationships post-exit. Build your family office with the same rigor as your business. Purpose can (and should) drive strategy. Start the conversation with your heirs—now.

In this episode of The Family Biz Show, host Michael Palumbos welcomes Brent Robertson, founder of Be Generative, to discuss transformative leadership and the power of generative listening. Brent shares how shifting from controlling leadership to generative listening can radically improve communication, foster innovation, and create a future-ready organization. This conversation is especially relevant for family business leaders aiming to empower the next generation and ensure a lasting legacy. The Power of Generative Listening: Generative listening goes beyond active listening by creating a space for innovation and new ideas. Brent describes it as a leadership skill that goes deeper than merely hearing words. Timestamps: 00:00: Introduction and welcoming Brent Robertson 00:51: Changing your mindset to change your future 09:19: The power of generative listening in leadership 19:47: Breaking the habit of repeating old patterns 24:16: Moving from linear to transformative change 38:54: Rethinking succession as a growth strategy 41:13: Moving from control to mentorship 44:42: Building a future-ready organization Takeaways: Transform leadership through generative listening. Shift from reactive succession planning to intentional growth strategies. Foster a culture of open communication to drive innovation. Let go of control and become a mentor for the next generation. Embrace visionary thinking to stay ahead of the curve.

Culture Over Chaos: How Randy Carr Rebuilt World Emblem | The Family Biz Show Ep. 114 In this powerful episode, Michael Palumbos sits down with Randy Carr, second-generation CEO of World Emblem, who shares a brutally honest and insight-packed journey of rebuilding a company from scratch—twice. From failed ERP systems to near fistfights with his brother, Randy takes us behind the scenes of what it really takes to build a legacy business with 1,600+ employees. This episode is a must-listen for leaders facing coordination gaps, stalled growth, or succession uncertainties. Key Insights & Timestamps 💡 Startup Origins & Growing Pains 01:00 – Restarting the business after his father's first company failed 02:30 – Running machines, shipping orders by hand—pure grit 🔧 Lean & Operational Turnaround 06:16 – How a lean intervention saved millions 08:00 – University of Kentucky's game-changing cultural impact 10:00 – Restructuring leadership: the loyalty trap 🧠 Tech + Talent Lessons 22:00 – One bad hire = 10 years of tech debt 24:00 – Why every business is a people business 🏗️ Family Governance & Succession 26:00 – Separating ownership from operations 38:00 – His son joins the company: the emotional legacy moment 🧠 Strategic Planning 33:00 – Competing with China by outmaneuvering, not outpricing 34:30 – Investing 10% of revenue in tech Takeaways Culture eats cost savings for breakfast Don't confuse tenure with leadership fit Clean your data now—before AI accelerates your inefficiencies Separating ownership and management may save the business (and your family) Find mentors. Ask for help. Build your forum

In this episode of the Family Biz Show, host Michael Palumbos is joined by filmmaker and entrepreneur Eriksen Dickens of Platinum Peak and Dickens Brothers to explore the power of legacy documentaries in preserving family stories for future generations. Eriksen shares the inspiring story of building a creative business with his brother—starting with childhood movies on their family ranch to directing legacy films for philanthropists, founders, and family foundations. They discuss the unique dynamics of working with family, the evolution of their business, and the challenges of leadership, delegation, and growth as their team expanded. This heartfelt conversation dives deep into the emotional and strategic value of storytelling for family enterprises. Eriksen explains the Seven Storytelling Pillars his team uses to bring generational narratives to life, and how these documentaries foster connection, healing, and clarity across generations. Michael and Eriksen also reflect on the importance of identity post-succession, what people regret at the end of life, and why every family should consider capturing their story on film—before it's too late. 🎯 Takeaways Legacy documentaries help families preserve stories, values, and identity across generations. Working with family requires communication, trust, and self-awareness. Sales is about understanding people—not pitching. The "Seven Storytelling Pillars" provide a framework for meaningful legacy content. Growth requires delegation, leadership development, and team trust. Storytelling is a powerful tool for founders transitioning out of leadership. Emotional moments in legacy films can lead to healing and deeper connection. Many families regret not capturing stories until it's too late. Legacy storytelling is ideal for family foundations, successful entrepreneurs, and multigenerational families. Story is one of the most powerful tools for business communication and family legacy planning.

How Family Offices Evolve: Strategy, Structure, and Success Across Generations | The Family Biz Show Ep. 112 🎙️ In this episode of the Family Biz Show, host Michael Palumbos sits down with Peter Moustakerski, CEO of the Family Office Exchange (FOX), to explore the evolving landscape of family offices and how multi-generational families can preserve wealth, purpose, and unity across generations. Peter shares his unconventional career journey—from launching businesses in China to helping build Ray Dalio's family office—and the lessons learned from working with ultra-high-net-worth families around the globe. Together, they unpack the real purpose of a family office, when to start one, the difference between single-family and multi-family offices, and why complexity—not just net worth—drives the need for formal structures. The conversation dives deep into how successful families implement governance, succession planning, and human capital strategies that align with their values. Peter emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, collaboration, and peer learning in navigating generational transitions and building a sustainable family enterprise. Whether you're running a thriving family business, managing a liquidity event, or planning for long-term legacy, this episode is packed with practical insights and frameworks to help you make strategic decisions about your family's future. 💡 Key Takeaways Family offices exist to support the long-term goals of the family—not just manage money. You don't need $100M+ to justify a family office. Complexity is a stronger indicator. Governance becomes critical in G3+ families where decision-making is more distributed. Emotional intelligence and collaboration are essential traits for trusted advisors. Peer communities like FOX offer invaluable support, insight, and shared best practices. Multi-family offices emerge through banks, RIAs, or evolved single-family offices. Families should assess their advisors regularly to ensure alignment with evolving needs. Investing in communication and purpose builds generational resilience. Legacy planning requires integration of human, intellectual, and financial capital. Treat your family like the enterprise it is—discipline and structure are essential.

In this episode of The Family Biz Show, host Michael Palumbos welcomes three generations of the Firkins family, owners of Tile Wholesalers, to discuss the evolution of their family business over 52 years. From launching as a one-man tile distributor in the 1970s to becoming one of upstate New York's leading residential and commercial tile providers, the Firkins family shares a powerful story of generational leadership, trust-based succession planning, and strategic growth. Al, Dave, Kathryn, and Conor Firkins reveal how they've handled leadership transitions, embraced new technology, navigated family dynamics, and built a people-first culture that has kept the business thriving across decades. They explore how early trust empowered the next generation to innovate, why working outside the business helped prepare Conor for leadership, and how listening to both employees and customers shaped the future of their showroom and operations. This candid conversation covers everything from generational business handoffs and managing disagreements to outlasting big-box competitors through personalized service and strong values. Whether you're a second- or third-generation leader or preparing for an ownership transition, this episode delivers real-world insight into what makes a family-owned business sustainable and successful. Takeaways Succession planning based on trust can lead to smoother generational transitions. Legacy family values and data-driven decisions can coexist. Outside experience can prepare the next generation for leadership. Open communication is essential for resolving family conflict in business. Strong culture is built through listening and empowering employees. Family dynamics must be navigated intentionally during leadership transitions. Personalized customer service differentiates family businesses from big-box competitors. Strategic growth often requires reinvestment and shared vision. Spousal support plays a vital role in business resilience and decision-making. Legacy isn't just history — it's a tool for future success. Chapters 01:00 Introduction to the Firkins Family Business 02:17 How Al Started Tile Wholesalers 04:14 Dave's Early Exposure & Entry Into the Business 05:07 Kathryn's Role & Perspective as a Spouse in the Business 09:33 Conor's Outside Experience Before Joining 10:53 Al on Trust & Transition to Dave 14:57 From Residential to Commercial Expansion 17:50 Handling Family Dynamics in Decision-Making 20:29 Managing Disagreements Constructively 22:48 Communication as a Competitive Advantage 24:19 Transition from Dave to Conor: What's Next 28:00 The Role of Spousal Support in Business Growth 32:34 Reinvesting in the Business: Building & Expanding 34:14 Conor's Focus on Building the Next Leadership Team 36:52 Competing with Big Box & Online Retail 40:35 Culture Starts with the Right People 41:40 Embracing Technology to Enhance Service 44:49 Understanding the Next Generation's Career Paths 48:19 Using Analytics & Listening to Guide Strategy 52:00 Final Advice from Each Generation on Legacy & Leadership 57:26 Breaking the Shirt Sleeves to Shirt Sleeves Pattern 51:00 Why Independent Businesses Still Have an Edge 51:53 The Firkins Family's Favorite Tradition

In this episode of the Family Biz Show, host Michael Palumbos is joined by executive coach and author Cathy Carroll to explore the emotional and strategic tensions unique to leading a family-owned business. Drawing on personal experience and her new book Hug of War: How to Lead a Family Business with Both Love and Logic, Cathy reveals how families can navigate leadership challenges, intergenerational conflict, and complex relationship dynamics with clarity and compassion. The conversation dives deep into the concept of polarities—opposing truths that both carry value—and how recognizing them can transform everything from governance decisions to estate planning. Cathy and Michael discuss critical tensions like fairness vs. equality, tradition vs. innovation, structure vs. flexibility, and revealing vs. concealing wealth. Through real-life stories, including Cathy's own journey of working with her father, they unpack how forgiveness, intentional leadership development, and healthy conflict can strengthen families and businesses alike. Takeaways Family businesses must manage emotional and operational polarities—there is rarely one right answer. Governance should be structured, but flexible enough to evolve with the family's needs. Fairness doesn't always mean equality—especially when it comes to compensation and ownership. Healthy task conflict can drive innovation, while relationship conflict can destroy trust. Estate planning requires balancing transparency with timing and maturity. Power dynamics, especially between generations, must be managed with awareness and intention. Forgiveness is a leadership tool—starting with yourself and extending to family members. Preparing next-generation leaders requires more than a title—it requires mentorship, coaching, and clarity. Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction 01:25 – Cathy Carroll's Family Business Background 02:20 – The Challenges of Working for Her Father 06:20 – What "Hug of War" Means in Family Business 08:12 – The Concept of Polarities: Business vs. Family Mindset 10:15 – Domain Crossover Power: Business vs. Family Influence 14:45 – Missed Conversations and End-of-Life Regrets 19:50 – Succession Planning: Equal vs. Equitable 21:10 – Estate Planning: Reveal vs. Conceal 23:55 – Cathy's Polarity Mapping Tool Explained 28:12 – Independence vs. Interdependence in Family Roles 32:54 – Balancing Tradition and Innovation 35:07 – In-Laws and Inclusion in Governance 39:24 – The Need for Flexible Governance 42:36 – The Role of Forgiveness in Family Business 44:51 – Cathy's Journey to Self-Compassion and Understanding 47:01 – How to Recognize When You're in a Polarity, Not a Problem 50:00 – Tools for Navigating Difficult Conversations 52:20 – Cathy's Final Advice for Family Business Leaders