

The Business of Family
Tammy Buss
Welcome to The Business of Family PodCast - unhinged, unfiltered and unscripted with Tammy Buss!
Are you a family business?
Do you work with family businesses?
You’ve come to the right place!
Tammy will explore the difficulties of owning a family business, working with family and help listeners plan for the future of their business and its succession.
Tammy welcomes expert guests to answer many of the questions 1st and 2nd generation family business owners have.
For more information on Tammy Buss & her business advising firm, BlueRoots Inc, please email info@blueroots.ca.
Are you a family business?
Do you work with family businesses?
You’ve come to the right place!
Tammy will explore the difficulties of owning a family business, working with family and help listeners plan for the future of their business and its succession.
Tammy welcomes expert guests to answer many of the questions 1st and 2nd generation family business owners have.
For more information on Tammy Buss & her business advising firm, BlueRoots Inc, please email info@blueroots.ca.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 1, 2025 • 26min
Shut up, Listen and Compromise: From Opposite Sides to One Powerful Team
In this episode, we sit down with Mitchell J. Panter, Managing Partner of Panter, Panter & Sampedro, to hear how he and his brother turned their different legal beginnings—defense vs. plaintiff—into the foundation of one of Miami’s most respected personal injury law firms.Mitch opens up about:✅ The challenges and rewards of working with family✅ How they balance brotherhood with business✅ Succession planning and preparing the next generation✅ His top 3 tips for family-run companiesIf you’re part of a family business—or thinking about starting one—this conversation is packed with hard-won wisdom and real-world lessons.Catch the vodcast version on YouTube @BlueRootsinc#FamilyBusiness #LawFirmLeadership #SuccessionPlanning #BrothersInBusiness #PersonalInjuryLaw #Podcast

Jun 24, 2025 • 30min
building boxes and a legacy: family business, loyalty & leadership
What does it take to build a business that lasts generations — and keeps its people for decades?On this episode, we sit down with Derek Volk, third-generation owner of Volk Packaging Corporation, to hear how his family grew a thriving packaging business rooted in loyalty, purpose, and service. With nearly half of his team staying 10+ years (and some over 20!), Derek shares lessons on leadership, family dynamics in business, and why their company culture keeps both customers and employees coming back.Plus: how a humble box business became a leading economic indicator in the region — and what every family business should know about succession and legacy planning.Tune in to hear:✔️ The origin story of Volk Packaging✔️ Secrets to long-term team loyalty✔️ Derek’s top 3 tips for family business successThank you to Rachel Muma of Muma Manufacturing for providing this episodes outro.Catch the vodcast version on YouTube @BlueRootsinc#FamilyBusiness #Leadership #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessLegacy #ManufacturingExcellence #VolkPackaging #Podcast

Jun 17, 2025 • 32min
not planning is a mistake: start planning and start planning early
Succession planning is one of the most critical—and complex—challenges facing family businesses today. How do you prepare the next generation while honoring the past? How early should you start? What pitfalls must you avoid?In this insightful conversation with John Ursin, the Managing Partner of Schenck Price, we explore:✅ Why succession planning is essential for survival and growth✅ The most common mistakes businesses make (and how to avoid them)✅ How family dynamics impact leadership transitions✅ The future of succession planning in a changing business landscape✅ Practical first steps every business owner should considerWhether you're leading a legacy company or building one for the future, this episode is packed with wisdom you can't afford to miss.#FamilyBusiness #SuccessionPlanning #NextGenLeadership #LegacyBuilding #BusinessContinuity #Podcast

50 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 27min
sister act: growing a family empire in medical aesthetics
Dominique Waples-Trefil, JD, and Dr. Flora Waples are the powerhouse sisters behind RESTOR Medical Spa in Denver. They discuss their bold transition from law and emergency medicine to redefine aging in aesthetics. The duo shares insights on successfully navigating family dynamics while running a business, emphasizing the importance of clear roles and communication. They reveal their ambitious plans to expand to 20 locations and blend aesthetics with health. Their top tips for family-run businesses offer invaluable wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs.

9 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 25min
from living room to boardroom: navigating family business
Dr. Sarah Burrows, a Professor of Entrepreneurship at Queen's University, dives into the intricate world of family businesses. She discusses why effective family communication can make or break these enterprises. Sarah shares insights on the shift from entrepreneurial ill-being to well-being and the crucial distinction between succession and continuity. She also emphasizes the role of childhood chores in fostering future CEOs and sheds light on the differences between accidental and intentional entrepreneurs. Packed with wisdom, this conversation is a must-listen for family business leaders!

13 snips
May 27, 2025 • 25min
dream it. build it. pass it on.
Jane Antoniak, a Strategic Communication Consultant, interviews Tammy Buss, an author and advisor focused on family business dynamics. They delve into why so many first-generation businesses falter in family succession and the importance of having tough conversations. Tammy shares insights from her workbook-style book that helps families clarify their values and vision to prevent regrets about legacy. With practical tools and a heartfelt approach, they emphasize the need for honest planning to ensure a lasting family legacy.

15 snips
May 20, 2025 • 28min
legacy, leadership & letting go
In this engaging discussion, Amy Stein, a fourth-generation family member of Canada’s largest independent imaging retailer, shares her remarkable insights as she steered her family's 114-year-old business through transformative change. She reflects on the emotional intricacies of legacy and the challenges of family dynamics at work. Amy emphasizes the critical role of purpose in philanthropy with the Pixel Foundation, offering tips on communication and governance for family businesses. Her journey blends strategic insight with heartfelt leadership, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in values-driven success.

11 snips
May 13, 2025 • 27min
policies with purpose: strengthening the family business
Wendy MacIntyre, founder of Resolve HR, specializes in HR solutions for family businesses. She shares valuable insights on why formal policies are essential in family enterprises, particularly for succession planning and conflict resolution. Wendy discusses navigating complex family dynamics with clear decision-making and the importance of consistent employee policies. She also tackles pay equity challenges and how to create fair family employment policies, offering practical tips to enhance communication and governance in family-run ventures.

15 snips
May 6, 2025 • 32min
wellness, family and finding your flow
Join Rebekah Streeter Rad, founder of Voda Retreats and a pro in corporate wellness, as she opens up about her journey from family-run daycare to wellness entrepreneurship. She shares how burnout became her catalyst for a healthier life path. Discover practical tips for self-care without guilt, and learn how to weave wellness into corporate culture. Rebekah emphasizes leading with authenticity and balancing family dynamics in business, making this conversation a treasure trove for anyone seeking inspiration in life and work.

14 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 29min
wine, wisdom and working together
Ever wondered what it’s like to build a business — and a legacy — with your family? 🍇Join Greg and Yannick Wertsch of Between the Lines Winery as they share the story of their family’s journey from their winemaking roots to creating one of Ontario’s leading wineries! 🍷In this episode, we dive into the challenges and rewards of running a business as brothers, how they manage family dynamics, and their vision for the future, including succession planning for the next generation.Whether you’re part of a family business, an entrepreneur, or just love a good success story, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. ✨Find the vodcast version on YouTube @Bluerootsinc 🎥#FamilyBusiness #WineryLife #BusinessSuccess #PodcastNewEpisode 🎧


