A Seat at the Table

Hosted by Capital Region Family Business Center

Business Management

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to A Seat at the Table, Trials and Triumphs of Family Business, hosted by Natalie Mariani Kling, a 4th generation family business owner. This program is a creation of The Capital Region Family Business Center, a non-profit agency whose purpose is to help family businesses grow and prosper.One thing about being a part of a family business, is that it’s unique. Family businesses often began very simply, with a person who had an idea. Rarely were these people educated in business or finance, they usually didn’t have big investors, sometimes, they didn’t even speak English. But they saw an opportunity that could support their family, and so they started.Once these family businesses grow and are handed to 2nd, 3rd, 4th generations, there are not only the complexities of any growing business, but also the dynamics of family and relationships and navigating things like, which family member will be CEO, should this year's profits be reinvested or distributed? Differences in opinions can complicate Sunday night dinners, estate planning, who wants to keep running this business, preserving a legacy, entitlement, privilege, imposter syndrome…but there can also be magic.In a time where we want to KNOW the people behind a brand, and where authenticity and trust play a big part in our purchases as consumers, having a family that runs and operates a business over generations can create a very special culture where its success is built on relationships from vendors to employees to customers.On this podcast, expect real conversations with real family business members about what it’s like to be in a family business, run a family business, and the trials and triumphs of taking it into the next generation.

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June 4, 202646 min

Episode 43: Founder to Future - Navigating Growth in Family Business

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have. What happens when a family business advisor is also navigating the realities of family business at home?In this episode, host Natalie Kling sits down with Craig and Joyce Hettrich of The Hettrich Group to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that family-owned businesses face as they grow.Drawing from decades of leadership experience and years spent helping entrepreneurs scale their companies, Craig and Joyce share practical insights into one of the most difficult aspects of family business: separating emotion from facts while preserving the passion that makes family companies special.The conversation explores succession planning, accountability, leadership development, bringing in outside talent, and the delicate balance between family relationships and business performance. They also discuss their own journey as spouses, business partners, and parents working alongside the next generation.Whether you're a founder struggling to let go, a next-generation leader looking for greater responsibility, or a family business owner navigating growth, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, trust, and building a legacy that lasts. You can learn more at Hettrich Group EOS.Chapter List00:00 Family Business and Leadership Foundations 04:04 Launching The Hettrich Group 07:09 Working Successfully as Spouses 11:12 Bringing the Next Generation into the Business 14:06 Separating Emotion from Facts 17:16 Letting Go and Scaling a Company 20:52 When Leaders Are in the Wrong Seat 25:15 Accountability, Ownership, and Family Dynamics 33:47 Building Trust and Bringing in Outside Talent 39:10 Creating a Family Legacy for Future Generations 43:17 Understanding EOS and Growing with Intention 45:02 Hard Work, Luck, and Building SuccessTo learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE. To learn more about River City Bank and how they can benefit your family business, visit www.rivercitybank.com

May 12, 202657 min

Episode 42: More Than a Winery. Creating a Multi-Generational Family Business at Sean Minor Wines

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have. Sean and Nicole Minor didn’t just build a successful winery — they built a family business grounded in relationships, resilience, and long-term thinking. In this episode of Capital Region Family Business Center’s A Seat at the Table, the founders of Sean Minor Wines reflect on their journey from meeting at Arizona State University in the 1980s to launching their winery in 2005 while raising four young children.Sean shares how years of experience in the wine industry — from Napa to Oregon — gave him the confidence to create something from the ground up, while Nicole explains what it meant to support that leap with unwavering belief and a growing family at home. Together, they discuss the intentional choices that shaped the company: avoiding unnecessary debt, building through relationships instead of heavy assets, and focusing on long-term sustainability over rapid growth.The conversation also explores the next generation of leadership as their daughter Elle steps into the role of head winemaker, the realities of succession planning, and the evolving challenges facing today’s wine industry. Thoughtful, honest, and deeply personal, this episode is a masterclass in balancing entrepreneurship, marriage, family, and purpose.To learn more about Sean Minor Wines, visit: https://www.seanminorwines.com/Chapter Overview00:00 – Introduction and the founding story of Sean Minor Wines02:00 – Meeting at Arizona State and the values that shaped their relationship08:45 – Sean’s wine industry journey and the decision to start their own winery12:00 – Launching the business with four young children and a leap of faith16:00 – Building a winery through relationships instead of heavy assets19:00 – Breaking through during the economic downturn and rapid growth22:30 – Nicole joins the business and helps lead the digital transformation27:00 – Raising children around the business and Elle’s path to head winemaker32:00 – Succession planning, family dynamics, and building a real business42:00 – The changing wine industry, future growth, and defining successTo learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE. To learn more about River City Bank and how they can benefit your family business, visit www.rivercitybank.com

April 1, 202654 min

Episode 41: From Two Trucks to Three Generations: The Kludt Oil Story

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have. In this episode, host Natalie Kling speaks with the Kludt family—three generations behind Kludt Oil, a Northern California fuel delivery company that started with a small gas station and two trucks in 1962 and has grown into a trusted provider serving farms, ranches, and businesses across the region.What makes this conversation powerful isn’t just the longevity—it’s how each generation has shaped the business in its own way. From a matriarch who built the financial systems by hand, to a second generation that bet everything on growth, to brothers now navigating leadership together in a volatile and evolving industry.We talk about what it really looks like to grow up inside a family business, how roles evolve over time, and the constant tension between working in the business and working on it.This is a story about legacy, adaptability, and the reality of running a business where family, employees, and customers are all deeply connected.Why It MattersFamily businesses are the backbone of local economies—but sustaining them across generations is anything but simple.This episode highlights the real challenges: succession, sibling dynamics, hiring the right people, and navigating industry disruption. It also reinforces something deeper—values, culture, and trust are often the true drivers of long-term success.There’s a lot to learn here about stewardship, resilience, and building something that lasts. Not to mention how the family is dealing with an oil shortage/crisis at the time of the recording. Chapters00:00 – Introduction & the Kludt Oil origin story01:00 – From a small gas station to a growing fuel delivery business03:00 – Early risks, reinvestment, and building infrastructure07:00 – The matriarch behind the systems and profitability10:00 – Growing up in the business across generations16:00 – Expanding services and driving revenue growth21:00 – Brother dynamics and leadership evolution31:00 – Culture, employees, and treating people like family35:00 – Industry volatility and fuel market challenges43:00 – Working on vs in the business50:00 – Hard work vs luck—and what really drives successYou can find more about Kludt Oil by visiting their website: https://kludtoil.com/To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE. To learn more about River City Bank and how they can benefit your family business, visit www.rivercitybank.com

March 16, 202649 min

Episode 40: From Orchards to Opportunity: Reinventing a Silicon Valley Family Business.

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have. Family businesses often begin with a simple goal: build something strong enough to support the family and pass it forward. But what happens when the next generation inherits not just the opportunity — but also the complexity that comes with it?In this episode, Natalie Kling sits down with Keyston Smith, a third-generation leader of the Cilker family enterprise, to explore the journey of a Silicon Valley family business that began with orchards and evolved into a real estate investment company spanning generations.The story begins with Keyston’s grandfather, William (Bill) Cilker Sr., who grew up during the Great Depression in what was once known as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight,” when Silicon Valley was still dominated by agriculture. Armed with a Stanford engineering education and a relentless work ethic, Bill began acquiring farmland and eventually transitioning into commercial real estate development.Over time, that determination built a significant portfolio of agricultural and commercial properties.But like many founder-led businesses, the real challenge came with succession.Bill remained deeply involved in the company well into his 90s, maintaining tight control of the organization and leaving little room for the second generation to shape its strategic direction. When leadership and ownership finally transitioned, the next generation inherited a complex set of assets — but without a clear roadmap for the future.Keyston shares candidly, from his perspective, how that transition created difficult conversations, complex asset distribution, and years of navigating family dynamics while working to preserve relationships.Yet from those challenges came an opportunity.After returning to the family company in 2013, Keyston began learning the business from the inside out and eventually stepped into leadership. With fresh perspective and experience outside the family firm, he began assembling a professional team, introducing governance structures, and asking an important question:What does this business want to become next?That reflection led to a powerful realization. For decades, the family had been managing and growing their own real estate assets with a long-term, generational mindset. What if that expertise could help other families do the same?Today, the company is evolving into a real-estate focused multiple family office, helping families manage, grow, and steward their real estate wealth across generations.It’s a powerful reminder that family businesses are not just about assets or balance sheets — they’re about relationships, values, and the willingness to evolve over time.Find Cilker on line @ https://www.cilker.com/To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE. To learn more about River City Bank and how they can benefit your family business, visit www.rivercitybank.com

December 18, 20251 hr 4 min

Episode 39: Love Her Shop - From Side Hustle to Million Dollar Venture.

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have. In this episode, I sit down with Adreana Alvarez, founder of Love Her Shop, and her son Adrian, founder of Eras Shorts—their story is the kind that reminds you why family businesses really are unique.Adreana started with a problem every active mom recognizes: leggings that were overpriced, see-through, or constantly sliding down mid-workout. With encouragement (and engineering-minded problem-solving) from her husband, she built a better option—then built a movement around it. What began as pop-ups at gyms and farmers markets became an online explosion during COVID… and before she fully realized it, she’d sold over $1M out of her garage.But this isn’t just a “quick growth” story. It’s a community-first story—rooted in her dad’s journey from a third-grade education to building restaurants that became gathering places, and carried forward through Adreana’s decision to create a brand that is high quality, affordable, and purpose-driven. The name Love Her came from a moment outside an ER that reframed everything: this business wasn’t just a brand—it was a mission to give back to women.Then there’s Adrian—watching his mom print labels, pack orders, and make post office runs—and realizing, “If she can do it, I can learn it.” He takes what he learned in the warehouse and on sourcing trips and applies it to his own niche: affordable team shorts that help underfunded teams look and feel unified. And yes—he shares how Eras Shorts has been successful enough to help him pay for college while he still pursues broader business experience.We also get real about what it’s like to work with family: the code-switching, the boundaries, the respect, the conflict, and the pride. Three generations deep, the common threads are clear: fearlessness, values, and the decision to put people at the center—without losing the business fundamentals.You can find Love Her Shop on line by visiting the website, www.lovehershop.com00:00 – The garage-to-growth moment Orders explode overnight, and Adriana realizes the side hustle is turning into something real.02:05 – Meet Adreana + Adrian: three generations of entrepreneurship Introductions, family-business roots, and how entrepreneurship was “normal” in their household.10:05 – The origin stories: restaurants → promo business → Coca-Cola lessons Adriana’s dad builds community through restaurants, Adriana builds and sells her first business, then learns distribution and operations at Coca-Cola.28:25 – The COVID pivot: severance gamble → online launch → $1M wake-up call Bootstrapping the website, community activation, and the surprise discovery that sales crossed a million.40:20 – Purpose + product: engineered leggings, accessible pricing, giving back Stitching-as-contour, high-quality/low-price commitment, tariff transparency, and the “Love Her” mission moment.54:10 – Eras Shorts + working with family: building a brand, boundaries, values Adrian’s team-short niche, funding and growth, paying for college, and how they code-switch between family and business.To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE. To learn more about River City Bank and how they can benefit your family business, visit www.rivercitybank.com

November 13, 202545 min

Episode 38: Craftsmanship, Connection and Community Keep Balanced Body the Leader in Pilates Equipment.

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have. This episode I'm speaking with Roz Van Auker, wife of Ken Endelman, the founder of Balanced Body. The story begins with an unexpected twist of fate and the touch of skilled craftsmanship. Imagine Ken with hands expertly shaping the first Pilates machine, with Roz, his wife, orchestrating logistics while nurturing a young family. This episode invites you to witness the evolution of a humble family business into a global leader, with over 400 employees championing Pilates education worldwide through initiatives like Pilates on Tour. Roz and Ken embody the harmonious blend of family and business, weaving a tapestry of support and inclusivity that extends beyond blood relations to a vibrant community of Pilates professionals.Community is the heart that beats within Balanced Body, and this episode uncovers how the company stands as a connector in both personal and professional spheres. We explore the value of instilling generosity and community service in younger generations, fostering a culture where giving back becomes second nature. Discover how Balanced Body's dedication to building a supportive network has created unexpected avenues for growth, transforming the simple act of connecting studio owners and teachers into a business philosophy steeped in meaningful relationships and shared success.You're invited to a nostalgic journey through the joys of hospitality, where simple gestures like hosting a dinner can spark genuine connections. Reflecting on the enduring marriage of Roz and Ken, the episode shares insights into the magic of understanding and mutual support that fuels family unity and business success. With laughter, shared experiences, and a supportive community, we reveal how these elements intertwine to craft a fulfilling life and a resilient family business. Join us in celebrating the power of family, community, and the joy of giving back, as we share stories that inspire and unite.To learn more about Balanced Body, visit the website: https://www.pilates.com/To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE. To learn more about River City Bank and how they can benefit your family business, visit www.rivercitybank.com

October 30, 202549 min

Episode 37: How Co-Owners, Allie and Andrew Taylor, Navigate the Personal and Professional Relationship Within Orange Kiwi.

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have. In this episode your host Natalie Kling sits down with Andrew and Allie Taylor—spouses, co-CEOs, and founders behind Conveyance Solutions (ERP implementations for industrial distributors) and Orange Kiwi (family-business consulting). They unpack Andrew’s shift from sole CEO to sharing the reins with Allie—what it cost in control and “relational equity,” and what it unlocked in scale and systems. You’ll hear their simple but powerful shorthand—“squiggly line vs. straight line”—for balancing entrepreneurial improvisation with operational discipline, and how a family “safe word” (“albatross”) protects home life from shop talk. Allie frames why emotional intelligence (self-awareness, other-awareness, self-regulation) is a core performance driver in family firms, while Andrew illustrates how “rational” debates (like upgrading an ERP) often mask identity and control concerns. They share candid lessons on working with three of their six kids in the business, the dangers of enablement and artificial harmony, and why embracing community and grace—for yourself and each other—keeps a multigenerational enterprise healthy. Yes, you'll recognize the practiced sense of "therapy" in their personal and professional structure and that's no wonder. It's quite intentional, actually. "Allie" is Dr. Allie Taylor and holds a PhD in psychology. Enjoy the episode.To learn more about Orange Kiwi, you can visit the website: www.ockiwi.comIf you would like more information about Conveyance Soutions, visit: www.conveyance365.comChapter Summaries(00:00) Navigating Challenges in Family BusinessesAndrew and Allie share their experience as co-CEOs of their family business, discussing the challenges of scaling and balancing spontaneity with necessary systems.(10:03) Navigating Emotions in Family BusinessesBalancing family dynamics and business operations in family-run enterprises, using "albatross" as a safe word, and the importance of emotional intelligence.(18:25) Navigating Family Business DynamicsFamily businesses face challenges blending dynamics, navigating conflict, and adapting to generational resistance.(28:32) Balancing Family Dynamics in BusinessFamily businesses led by first-generation founders struggle with transitioning to modern systems and balancing family involvement with individual aspirations.(38:45) Family Business Challenges With GraceEntrepreneurial families face mental health challenges, coping behaviors, and the role of luck in achieving success.To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE. To learn more about River City Bank and how they can benefit your family business, visit www.rivercitybank.com

August 7, 202554 min

Episode 36: How Bozzuto Insurance Continues to Build a Family Legacy.

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have. What if you could transform a fledgling family venture into a thriving business legacy? Join us for an engaging conversation with the Bozzuto brothers—Tony, Allen, and Bryan—as they recount their individual and collective journeys in growing Bozzuto Insurance from their father’s solo endeavor into a successful brokerage. Tony, the CEO, Allen, the Chief Business Development Officer, and Bryan, the CFO, share their unique paths and pivotal experiences that led them to embrace the family legacy, highlighting the importance of retention and sales in cementing the agency's foundation.What role does family dynamics play in business success, and how does one balance personal and professional relationships? These are the questions we tackle with the brothers as they navigate the nuances of working alongside family. Candid conversations bring to light both the perks and challenges of blending familial bonds with business, offering insight into maintaining harmony amid disagreements. Discover how they keep the business talk in check during family gatherings and how the strength of their relationships helps sustain their business growth.In the final segment, we focus on the future, reflecting on the hurdles of expanding a family business and the strategies for building a lasting legacy. The Bozzuto brothers discuss the importance of nurturing a strong company culture and recruiting new talent to fill the shoes of the retiring generation. They share their aspirations for the next wave of family members, underscoring the need for passion and dedication to carry the torch forward. Through their experiences, they provide valuable lessons for other family-run businesses looking to leave a meaningful impact.To learn more about Bozzuto Insurance Services, visit the website HERE.Chapter Summaries: (00:00) Three Bozzuto Brothers Discuss Family BusinessThe Bozzuto brothers share their journey in managing Bizzuto Insurance, specializing in commercial insurance and expanding into personal lines and group health.(13:54) Journey of Family Members in BusinessGrowing up in a family business, siblings share memories and paths to eventually embracing the insurance industry.(27:40) Balancing Family and Business RelationshipsFamily-run businesses have benefits and challenges, including candid communication and balancing work and personal relationships.(36:21) Challenges in Family Business GrowthFamily-owned insurance business faces growth challenges, recruitment struggles, and the need to educate about insurance as a career.(42:53) Building a Family Business LegacyCulture's role in retaining employees in family businesses, emphasizing values, maintaining a family-like atmosphere, planning for the future, and acknowledging previous generation's support.(48:54) Lessons Learned From Family Business LegacyGrowing up in a resilient family, acknowledging unique contributions, and the success of Bozzuto Insurance through hard work and dedication.To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE. To learn more about River City Bank and how they can benefit your family business, visit www.rivercitybank.com

July 12, 2025Episode 351 hr 0 min

Episode 35: With Dignity and Respect - The Impact of the Padilla Family on the Bail Bonds Profession

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have. Picture this: a family business spanning three generations, rooted in the heart of Sacramento, where empathy and integrity have been the guiding lights since 1979. That's the Padilla family for you, as we sit down with three generations of service to our community. Greg, Topo, and Brandon Padilla unravel the rich tapestry of their bail bond legacy. Topo sheds light on a misunderstood profession, correcting the myths and underscoring that bail bonds function as insurance policies designed to ensure court appearances. The Padillas' steadfast adherence to integrity and regulatory compliance shines through, creating a legacy built on trust and respect.Our conversation takes a journey through time, tracing the evolution of a customer-centric business in an era before digital convenience. Discover how operating 24/7 in downtown Sacramento became a hallmark of their success, and hear personal reflections on connecting with clients and the unexpected familiarity of bailing out peers. Brandon shares poignant family values that infuse their work, emphasizing empathy at times when people need it the most. We explore the intricacies of their profession, including the important roles of indemnitors and the delicate balance of ensuring public safety while holding onto humanity.As the episode unfolds, we navigate the challenges and triumphs of a generational transition in the business. From resisting a corporate takeover to rekindling their roots and embracing radio advertising, the Padillas' resilience stands out. Greg, Topo, and Brandon illuminate the strengths and challenges inherent in a family-run enterprise, reflecting on the power of legacy and the indelible imprint of compassion on their journey. Through their insights, we see a portrait of a family committed to building a legacy of empathy and respect, challenging misconceptions and fostering a deeper understanding of their profession.To learn more about Greg Padilla Bail Bonds visit their website HERE.To learn more about The Capital Region Family Business Center, click on their website HERE.To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE. To learn more about River City Bank and how they can benefit your family business, visit www.rivercitybank.com

June 20, 20251 hr 7 min

Episode 34: Encore Episode - Faith, Family, and Ice Cream: The Legacy of Leatherby's Family Creamery

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have. Family Business Tour + Ice Cream Social Leatherby’s Family Creamery, 2455 Iron Point Road, Folsom 95630 Wednesday, July 23 | 3:00–5:00 PMSpace is limited, so be sure to sign up soon and bring the whole family! Visit the website to register HERE. Join your host, Natalie Mariani-Kling, for an inspiring journey as she recounts the remarkable transformation of Dave Leatherby Sr. and his wife Sally, who transitioned from a small farming town in Iowa to a life of profound faith and generosity on the West Coast. She'll explore how Dave Sr.'s career with Safeway, and his mentorship under Bert Bride, led to a life-altering experience through the reading of Catholic saints' lives and his eventual baptism into Catholicism. This newfound faith not only redefined their personal lives but also reshaped their family dynamics and charitable endeavors. As the eldest of ten children, Dave Leatherby Jr. shares his unique perspective on how his parents' commitment to their faith influenced their family and community, despite facing challenges and anti-Catholic sentiment in their Midwest roots.In the conversation, Natalie delves into the establishment of Leatherby's Family Creamery, a family business built on the solid foundation of faith and values. Dave Sr.'s unwavering commitment to his Catholic faith permeated every aspect of their lives, from never missing daily Mass to integrating these values into their business. Listen in as they explore how this faith-driven optimism and joy laid the groundwork for a successful and joyful family enterprise, creating a legacy that continues to inspire and connect people through shared experiences and service.The journey wasn't without its trials, however. You'll hear stories of overcoming financial struggles, skepticism from banks, and the pivotal moments of support from unexpected places, such as the generous loan from Mr. Ratterman and the transformative feature by the Sacramento Bee. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the importance of community, perseverance, and divine providence in building and sustaining Leatherby's Family Creamery is clear. This episode is a testament to the power of faith, family, and the enduring impact of generosity and kindness in both personal and business life.To learn more about Leatherby's Family Creamery visit: https://leatherbys.net/To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit:https://capfamilybus.org/To learn more about our sponsor, River City Bank, visit: https://rivercitybank.com/Episode Highlights(01:56 - 03:19) Life-Changing Encounter With Catholic Faith(12:13 - 13:18) Impact of Positive Spirit and Joy(15:57 - 17:12) From Salesman to Ice Cream Entrepreneur(20:14 - 21:05) Legacy of Longstanding Ice Cream Parlor(22:58 - 24:40) Ice Cream Parlor Business Development(33:05 - 34:20) Leatherby Family Creamy Business Success(41:36 - 42:52) Family's Contribution to Business Franchise(47:27 - 48:55) Family Business Struggles and Resilience(51:51 - 53:05) Importance of Family Business Communication(01:04:44 - 01:05:50) Act of Kindness in CommunityChapter Summaries(00:00) Family Embraces Faith and GenerosityDave Sr. and Sally's transformative journey to Catholicism reshapes their family dynamics and charitable endeavors.(09:28) Family Business Built on FaithMy father's unwavering Catholic faith shaped our family and business, inspiring a legacy of joy, service, and connection.(18:21) Creating a Family Ice Cream LegacySuccessful retail business journey from microwaves to ice cream, with mentorship from Foremost Dairy.(25:05) Family Ice Cream Business Overcomes AdversityFamily support, faith, and unexpected kindness To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE. To learn more about River City Bank and how they can benefit your family business, visit www.rivercitybank.com