

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

6 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 32min
championing change: from vision to value
Jody Steinhauer, Chief Bargain Officer of the Bargains Group and founder of Engage and Change, shares her inspiring journey from fashion to social entrepreneurship. She discusses her impactful initiatives, like survival kits for the homeless, igniting a passion for corporate social responsibility. Jody emphasizes the importance of empathy and innovative models in charitable work, while also addressing the complexities of corporate volunteerism. Her insights on family business succession highlight the balance between legacy and innovation, encouraging future generations to make meaningful contributions.

Apr 15, 2025 • 23min
passing the torch: keeping the peace in succession planning.
In this engaging discussion, Kimberly Cura, an estate litigation lawyer and partner at Lerners LLP, sheds light on the often-overlooked world of family estate disputes. She emphasizes proactive planning to prevent misunderstandings that lead to costly legal battles. Kimberly shares insights on the importance of communication in navigating familial dynamics, the challenges of disproportionate asset distribution, and the benefits of mediation over litigation to preserve relationships. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone involved in family businesses or estate planning.

Apr 8, 2025 • 31min
the legacy effect : balancing tradition with innovation.
What is the point of gaining outside business experience before entering your family business?How do you navigate generational transitions in a family enterprise without stepping on toes?Join me as I sit down with Ben Hertzman, President of Progress Luv2Pak, to explore a remarkable century-old family business transformation. Discover how a small hat box factory founded by Morris Lukovsky in 1917 evolved into a sophisticated global packaging enterprise under the Herzman family's leadership.Learn how Ben successfully integrated modern business practices while honoring his father's entrepreneurial legacy, and gain valuable lessons about succession, leadership, and family business dynamics.A must-listen for entrepreneurs, family business successors, and anyone interested in the intricate world of generational business leadership.Thank you to Danielle Edgar of Mobile Services Inc for this episode's outro.

Apr 1, 2025 • 32min
from family feuds to fair play.
Have you ever wondered how to clean up the HR of your family business?How do you use HR policies to prevent workplace conflicts with your family?Join me as I welcome Wendy McIntyre, founder of Resolve HR, a family business specializing in tailored HR solutions. Wendy shares her journey of integrating family into her business and dives into the unique HR challenges that family businesses face. Learn practical strategies for addressing workplace conflicts involving family members, the importance of clear HR policies, and how to create a healthy, productive work environment. Whether you're a founder, successor, or simply curious about family businesses, Wendy's insights will help you navigate the complexities of HR within a family enterprise.Thank you to Greg Coyne of Lion's Keep Consulting for this episode's outro.

14 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 27min
the "Get Sh*t Done" culture - a family business journey.
Jen Kielczewski, President and CEO of Complete Converting, shares her inspiring shift from investment banking to female-led manufacturing. She discusses the challenges of proving herself in a male-dominated field and the support systems essential for overcoming stereotypes. Jen highlights the importance of maintaining strong family dynamics within her business and offers valuable tips for family business success, emphasizing honesty and team camaraderie. Her journey showcases the power of resilience and passion in achieving both personal and professional goals.

Mar 18, 2025 • 35min
from burnout to balance - a family business journey.
Do you struggle to balance the demands of family business with your own entrepreneurial pursuits? How do you overcome the entrepreneurial burn out?Join me as we explore this challenge with Rebekah Streeter Rad, founder of Voda Retreats and leader in a multigenerational family daycare business. Rebekah shares her insights on navigating leadership, teamwork, and personal well-being in both her wellness brand and family business. Tune in for practical advice on integrating self-care into your busy life and building sustainable success in family entrepreneurship.Thank you to Thersea Van Ess of Ladder HR Solutions for this episode's outro.

Mar 11, 2025 • 34min
strategic use of insurance in Succession Planning for Family Businesses.
What is your post estate plan, plan?How do you use insurance as a efficient tool when planning for your business and family's future?Join me as I chat with Erin Prohaska, Partner at Continuum Legacy Partners, where we explore how to use insurance strategically and look at how to use tools and tactics to ensure longevity of family business assets.Thank you to Barb Muma, of Muma Manufacturing, for this episode's outro.

Mar 4, 2025 • 35min
employment law & workplace policy in a family business.
How do you understand the changing employment legislation and policy needs? Is your Family Business big enough to need these?
What can you do to protect your family business as your need for more employees grows?
Join me as I chat with Yola Ventresca, Managing Partner at Lerners LLP, where we explore tips to developing employment policies and complying with employment legislation to protect your family business.
Thank you to Marty Britton of Britton Management Profile Inc, for this episode's outro.

Feb 25, 2025 • 35min
taking over a family business without a plan.
How do you take over the business when there no plan?
What if there is no documentation? No processes and procedures, no job descriptions, no manuals to guide you.
Join me as a I chat with Marty Britton, President & CEO of Britton Management Profile Inc. about her journey and struggles of jumping feet first into running her family business she wasn't working in.Thank you to Kimberly Cura of Lerners LLP for this episode's outro.

Feb 18, 2025 • 35min
the journey of the next-gen.
In this engaging discussion, Luke Hansen-MacDonald, President of HanMac Capital and an AI trainer, explores the path of the next generation in family businesses. He shares his journey from summer jobs to leading a family office, emphasizing the importance of foundational experiences. Luke highlights the need for succession planning and the evolution of family enterprises, along with the impact of AI on operations. He also addresses the vital role of governance and strong family dynamics in navigating challenges and ensuring successful transitions.


