Biz and Tech Podcasts > Business > Celebrating Small Family Businesses
We interview small family business owners about their experience of working together in the family business, highlighting what they love about it and sharing challenges they have overcome that other family business owners could learn from. Small Family Businesses range from Mom and Pop's to a few hundred employees, from startups to multigenerational institutions. They are the heart and soul of commerce around the world. Here we celebrate their courage, their persistence, their resilience, and their value in this fast-changing world. They navigate the uncertainty of consumer trends, technology changes, pandemics and more while doing their best to serve the needs and desires of their fellow humans. Join us as we learn from, admire, and celebrate them! Every episode has nuggets of wisdom learned from both previous generation’s experience and plain old trial-and-error. These are the unsung heroes of business, often with everything they own and their family relationships at risk. As members of multi-generation family businesses ourselves, we also discuss our own challenges, failures, and lessons learned. Rather than ask guests to bare their souls, we do it ourselves, so others can avoid or lessen their own experience with similar situations. That’s why we do what we do; so that others can learn from our mistakes and experience. We continue to learn from other family business owners. Join us on this journey.
Last Episode Date: 3 December 2024
Total Episodes: 35
French Florist in Los Angeles is 37 years old and is a family business. If you’re a florist, or you have a friend who is, you’re really going to want to listen to this podcast. You’ll learn just how many florists are family businesses. You’ll also learn how services like 1 800 Flowers hurt the small florists.This episode was full of surprises for us, even though we had a get acquainted call with Michael Jacobson before we booked the recording date.His business partner Angela was the biggest surprise, because we didn’t realize that they were related. Then Angela revealed that she has a computer programming background, which was extremely helpful to their modernization efforts. Then she revealed that she has a strong background in learning management systems and training creation. That’s a big advantage in the franchise portion of the business.Listening to how these two balance their different levels of experience in the industry and leverage their respective strengths is useful to any business owner.We are happy to bring this episode to you.Learn more about this business at https://www.frenchflorist.com/ or learna about their franchising opportunity at https://frenchfloristfranchise.com/00:00 Introduction to French Florist00:30 The Origin Story: From Tiny Shop to LA's Largest Delivery Florist01:03 Michael's Vision: Keeping the Business in the Family01:56 Angela's Role: The Glue of the Organization02:37 Challenges in the Florist Industry04:36 Innovations and Technological Advancements11:29 Family Dynamics in Business15:37 Constructive Disagreements and System Improvements19:18 Expanding Through Franchising26:00 Training and Learning Management Systems27:16 The Ultimate Goal of Training27:40 Transitioning to Electronic Manuals28:35 Joining the Florist Business30:35 Challenges of Running a Small Business31:56 Innovations in Florist Technology37:22 The Importance of Customer Relationships44:53 Franchising Opportunities for Florists47:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Marc-John Brown and Erika Huarcaya share their inspirational journey of creating Native Wisdom Hub, a business that intertwines indigenous wisdom with modern life experiences. The podcast delves into the profound impact of their personal stories, which shaped their mission to celebrate and preserve ancestral knowledge. MJ recounts how a transformative hitchhiking trip in South America introduced him to indigenous cultures, ultimately leading to his meeting with Erika, who comes from a rich lineage of Quechua traditions. Together, they explore themes of spirituality, connection to nature, and the importance of community in their lives and business. Erika's unique perspective as a lineage holder allows her to offer cacao ceremonies that not only serve as a healing practice but also reconnect individuals with their roots and inner selves. The cacao, described as a “heart opener,” plays a vital role in their business and serves as a bridge connecting clients to the rich traditions of South America. MJ expands on the prophecy of the Eagle and Condor, illustrating the balance between intellect and emotional wisdom, which is essential for personal and professional growth. Their discussion highlights the importance of empathy in leadership and the need for modern business practices to integrate emotional intelligence alongside analytical skills.Learn more at https://www.nativewisdomhub.com/
Their mission is to empower women entrepreneurs to be unstoppable through the power of community. Susan and Lindsay Trumpler are mother and daughter co-owners of two businesses.We learn how they came to work together, the difficulties that threatened their relationship, and how their desire to keep working together shaped the design of the current business.Susan and Lindsay are very different people with different strengths, so it seems like they would have naturally leveraged those strengths and designed their roles that way. It didn’t come naturally and they were brave enough to bring in some outside help to help them see those differences and strengths clearly and make them work to their advantage.That was 15 years ago and the work they have done together is now the basis of the skills and services that they bring to She Boss Café members.The value of working with a coach is made clear here. So is the value of using systems to simplify and scale.Watch or listen and see what you can learn from these wise women to become unstoppable your self.Visit She Boss Cafe: https://uwibusiness.co/Unstoppable Women in Business: https://unstoppablewomeninbusiness.com/homeCheck out Beyond ROI if you have a sales team: https://www.getbeyondroi.com/00:00 Introduction to Susan and Lindsay Trumpler00:31 The Genesis of Beyond ROI03:25 Challenges and Growth in Business Partnership07:50 The Role of Coaching in Business Success11:16 Susan's Book and Intentional Thinking14:21 The Birth of Unstoppable Women in Business17:44 Building and Managing a Thriving Community20:46 Exploring One-on-One Coaching21:19 The She Boss Cafe Podcast22:33 Advice for Family Business Owners27:19 Managing Employees and Automation29:46 Future Plans for She Boss Cafe33:42 Words of Wisdom for Entrepreneurs
The Clarks’ story offers a unique perspective on the intersection of family and business, as Mark and Joe Clark discuss their telecommunications venture, ContinuousTouch. Mark’s career at AT&T is a significant focal point, where he gained invaluable experience managing communications for major corporations. His transition from a corporate environment to entrepreneurship highlights the lessons learned in the corporate world that have been instrumental in shaping Continuous Touch's operational success. The company started with a niche market, providing VoIP solutions to John Deere dealers, and has since grown into a prominent service provider across multiple states, showcasing their adaptability and commitment to evolving technologies. The father-son duo delves into the operational aspects that make their business thrive, particularly the significance of compliance and vendor management. Mark shares his philosophy on negotiating contracts, emphasizing the importance of having clear remedies in place to ensure accountability. This principle not only protects their business interests but also fosters strong relationships with their vendors. Joe, on the other hand, focuses on customer support, illustrating how retaining clients is far more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Their strategies for maintaining high customer satisfaction rates and the role of technology in enhancing service delivery are discussed, providing valuable insights for small business owners. The episode further explores the emotional dynamics of working together as family, revealing how their professional relationship has brought them closer. Joe’s reflections on the ease of scheduling and collaboration with his father emphasize the unique advantages of family businesses, where personal connections enhance teamwork. As they look to the future, the Clarks express excitement about incorporating AI into their services, aiming to streamline processes and improve customer experiences. This forward-thinking approach positions Continuous Touch at the forefront of technological advancements in telecommunications, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing market. You can reach them at their company website, https://continuoustouch.com/00:00 Introduction to ContinuousTouch00:36 Mark's Journey from AT&T to ContinuousTouch03:44 Early Days of VOIP and Business Expansion07:13 Family Dynamics in Business08:13 Remote Work and Cloud-Based Operations10:06 Vendor Management and Corporate Lessons14:03 Family Bond and Business Strength18:15 Reflections and Future Plans22:57 Exploring AI and Future Innovations25:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of family-owned businesses, this episode features Sh'nai and Taiwan Simmons, founders of the Collective Wellness Institute in Tampa.The conversation includes the origins of their practice, highlighting Sh'nai's journey as a therapist who aimed to create a welcoming environment within mental health services.The Simmons's share personal insights from their nearly 30 years of working together, discussing how their partnership in business has strengthened their marriage. They reflect on the challenges and rewards of being a family business, offering valuable lessons for other entrepreneurs navigating similar paths.With a blend of humor and sincerity, Sh'nai and Taiwan reveal how their relationship dynamics influence their professional roles, managing the balance between personal and business life.They also touch on the significance of having accountability partners and a supportive community, advocating for the importance of connection and shared experiences among family business owners. Their story serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact of collaboration and mutual respect in both personal and professional realms.The discussion emphasizes the connection between workplace culture and mental health, with the Simmons's advocating for businesses to take an active role in supporting their employees' mental well-being.The Simmonses emphasize that mental wellness should not be viewed solely as an insurance issue but as a collective responsibility that affects everyone, including employers, employees, and the broader community.The episode also highlights the practical aspects of their work, as the Simmons's discuss the tangible benefits that wellness programs can bring to businesses, such as reduced turnover and enhanced employee satisfaction.They detail the staggering costs associated with employee replacement and how investing in mental health can lead to significant savings for companies.Their innovative approach focuses on offering affordable wellness programs that not only enhance employee retention but also promote a healthy workplace atmosphere, ultimately contributing to a thriving business environment. They paint a picture of how mental health is everyone's business and underscore the need for community support and collaboration in fostering a culture of wellness.Their vision for the future includes developing digital products that will allow them to expand their reach and impact.Ultimately, their insights provide a roadmap for integrating mental health into the fabric of workplace culture, offering listeners practical strategies for enhancing both personal and organizational wellness.Learn more about them at https://thecollectivewellnessinstitute.com/00:00 Welcome to Celebrating Small Family Businesses00:23 Introducing the Collective Wellness Institute01:24 Scaling and Workplace Wellness02:33 Insurance Costs and Corporate Wellness Programs03:38 The Importance of Employee Retention05:08 The Journey of Sh'nai and Taiwan Simmons06:20 Balancing Marriage and Business08:16 Appreciating Each Other's Strengths10:35 Challenges and Growth in Marriage12:17 The Role of Emotional Intelligence15:43 Sh'nai's Background and Purpose19:26 Life and Business as a Chess Game22:00 Taking Business Seriously, Not Ourselves23:04 Overcoming Fear and Trusting the Process23:35 Balancing Faith and Practicality25:37 Control vs. Influence26:36 Personal Growth and Business Success27:43 Navigating Family Business Dynamics34:01 The Importance of Community and Accountability38:20 Future Plans and Digital Expansion41:40 Final Thoughts and Farewell
The story behind Spotz Gelato is a remarkable example of how passion and perseverance can lead to entrepreneurial success. Beth Richardson and Philip Enlow embarked on their gelato journey after a memorable vacation introduced them to the rich flavors of authentic Italian gelato.Upon returning to Kentucky, they were inspired to recreate that delicious experience, leading them to experiment with gelato-making in their home kitchen. This initial spark of creativity blossomed into a full-fledged business as they recognized the potential of their unique offerings.Their commitment to sourcing local ingredients not only enhanced their product but also leveraged their network of support among local farmers, reflecting their dedication to community and sustainability.As they share their journey, Beth and Philip delve into the realities of running a small business, including the challenges they faced in transitioning from corporate careers to entrepreneurship.They discuss the importance of adaptability and learning from mistakes, highlighting how they navigated the complexities of food regulations and the management of a predominantly young workforce. Their insights into staffing and training reveal the intricate balance required to maintain quality while fostering a supportive environment for their employees—many of whom are experiencing their first job.From humble beginnings with a food truck to now operating five stores and eight food trucks, Spotz Gelato has made a significant impact on the Louisville community. Beth and Philip's story embodies the essence of small family businesses, illustrating that with hard work, a willingness to learn, and a passion for what you do, it is possible to create something truly special.Their journey is filled with valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs about the importance of community, the art of developing employees, and the joy of following one’s dreams.Takeaways:Beth and Philip transitioned from corporate jobs to owning a gelato business after discovering gelato on vacation.Their journey started with a hobby farm, leading them to integrate local ingredients into their gelato.The couple learned to adapt quickly during the COVID pandemic, making tough decisions about store locations.They emphasize the importance of flexibility in entrepreneurship, often encountering unexpected challenges daily.Beth and Philip developed a comprehensive training program to effectively onboard their teenage staff members.Financial preparedness is crucial, as businesses often take longer to become profitable than anticipated.Visit their website at https://www.spotzgelato.com/ to learn more and find their 5 Scoop Shops in Shelbyville, Versailles, Midway, Georgetown, and LaGrange, KY.00:00 Introduction to Spotz Gelato00:24 From Corporate Life to Farming02:04 Discovering Gelato02:56 Building the Gelato Business03:43 Challenges and Regulations08:04 Expanding to Brick and Mortar10:01 Working Together as a Couple12:56 Staffing and Management19:14 Seasonal Business Insights22:27 The Unique Taste of Gelato23:21 Expanding in Small Towns25:05 Creating a Community Experience26:28 Working Together as a Couple27:54 Advice for Family Businesses30:09 Navigating COVID Challenges35:31 Importance of Data and Numbers39:09 Training and Staff Development42:17 Family Involvement in the Business43:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of Celebrating Small Family Businesses, hosts Connie and John spotlight Hesron and Karla Gomez of AJS Quality Construction. Originating from Mexico and Southern California, respectively, the couple embarked on their entrepreneurial journey in Central Texas in 2018.Hesron, with his trade experience and bilingual skills, and Karla, leveraging her budgeting and legal background, successfully built their construction business focused on the apartment industry.They share insights on managing family life and business, navigating challenges like industry changes and COVID-19, and maintaining a balance between risk and financial caution.The episode delves into their aspirations, including hitting new financial goals and developing leadership within their company while highlighting the vital role of humility and constant learning in their success.You can reach them here:https://www.ajsqualityconstruction.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/hesrongomez/00:00 Welcome to Celebrating Small Family Businesses00:05 Meet Hezron and Karla Gomez of AJS Quality Construction00:38 Starting the Family Business01:22 Challenges and Growth in the Construction Industry03:48 Balancing Family and Business04:20 Financial Strategies and Lessons Learned13:11 Adapting to Industry Changes16:16 Navigating COVID-19 and Its Impact20:20 The Remodeling Challenge20:37 Future Goals and Aspirations21:30 Side Business Ventures22:01 Life Coaching and Personal Growth22:30 The Meaning Behind AJS23:28 Financial Goals and Team Development23:53 Coaching and Risk Management28:31 Faith and Humility in Business32:32 Family and Business Balance39:55 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
David and Ethan Sanborn, a father-son duo, have created Kiid Coffee, a unique beverage designed specifically for children. This episode delves into their entrepreneurial journey, highlighting Ethan's inspiration behind the product and their collaborative efforts in developing a nutritious decaf coffee that caters to kids. Ethan, at just eight years old, expresses his desire to start a business and earn some money, showcasing the innocence and ambition of youth. His father, David, shares insights into the challenges they faced in ensuring the coffee was suitable for children, particularly regarding the caffeine content, taste, and nutritional value. The conversation reveals the importance of understanding children’s needs and preferences in product development, as well as the Sanborns’ commitment to creating a healthy alternative to traditional coffee drinks.Throughout the discussion, David emphasizes how the product emerged from a personal journey of health and wellness. After Ethan experienced two broken legs, the family reassessed their approach to nutrition, leading them to discover gaps in children’s vitamin intake. They realized that many kids lacked essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, prompting them to formulate a drink that not only tastes good but also provides nutritional benefits. This episode serves not only as a celebration of a small family business but also as a lesson in the importance of listening to children and responding to their needs in a thoughtful way.The episode further explores the nature of entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of family-run businesses. David shares candid reflections on the learning process, mistakes made along the way, and the significance of customer feedback in refining their product. Their journey illustrates the power of innovation driven by personal experience, as well as the potential for familial collaboration in navigating the challenges of starting a business. Kiid Coffee stands as a testament to how a simple idea can evolve into a meaningful product that resonates with both children and parents, highlighting the broader theme of nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.Find 3 flavors of Kiid Coffee at their website, https://kiidcoffee.com or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/KiidCoffee/page/55ADAF21-DA53-411C-BB62-DB9B42E0E2F3Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Kiid Coffee00:23 Ethan's Inspiration and Love for Coffee01:27 Creating a Kid-Friendly Coffee02:11 Taste Testing and Family Involvement02:55 Balancing Business and Family Life10:49 Health and Wellness Journey15:18 Developing Nutritional Products21:01 Embracing Sweets in Moderation21:32 The Benefits and Risks of Caffeine21:50 Marketing to Kids: The Colorful Appeal22:20 Addressing Concerns About Kids and Coffee22:49 Health Benefits of Coffee and Caffeine24:51 Personal Stories: Coffee's Impact on Families26:44 Exploring Natural and Synthetic Ingredients31:58 The Journey of Starting Kiid Coffee33:47 The Importance of Customer Feedback38:00 Marketing Strategies and Brand Storytelling41:31 Supporting Small Businesses42:44 Where to Find Kiid Coffee
When the episode starts with four people laughing and wiping tears from their eyes, you know it's going to be a good one.Two first cousins who are both third-generation entrepreneurs, Carrie and Kate have a variety business experience, but their core passion is Early Childhood Education. They have both owned and operated facilities, and they leveraged up to training other people how to run their own. They've been doing that for over 20 years.They're both authors and have both owned businesses in the publishing industry. As we publish this episode, their 6th book together, titled Don't Chase the Monkey, is available on Amazon and will be publicly launched very soon. (Link below)Carrie decided to own a childcare facility when she was in childcare herself. Kate decided to start one after she became a parent. Eventually , they joined forces.There are so many family connections and people in the family working for one another in their extended family that it is a little confusing. What is clear is how much they know about what works and what doesn't when family members work together.Join us in this entertaining and educational discussion and meet these dynamic women.Links to more about Kate and Carrie:Don't Chase The Monkey book - Kate and Carrie's latest book, just published in Sept. 2024Amazon.com: Carrie Casey: books, biography, latest update - Carrie's Amazon author pageAmazon.com: Kate Woodward Young: books, biography, latest updateTexas Director Facebook pageCarrie's LinkedIn profileKate's LinkedIn profileChildCare Conversations with Kate and Carrie Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts - Kate and Carrie's podcastTexas Director website00:00 Introduction to Kate and Carrie00:53 Early Entrepreneurial Ventures02:05 Family Influence and Business Background04:36 Diving into Childcare10:23 Challenges of Working with Family19:16 Expanding Texas Director21:12 Reflecting on Business Success and Future Plans22:31 Advice for Small Family Business Owners24:11 Balancing Family and Business Relationships25:40 The Importance of Delegation and Hiring Experts27:01 Mindset Shifts for Business Growth28:16 Navigating Family Dynamics in Business37:38 The Value of Peer Support and Venting38:46 Planning for Personal and Business Future42:06 Promoting New Books and Final Thoughts
In this episode of Celebrating Small Family Businesses, we welcome the dynamic duo of Nikki Bilou and Theresa Dugwell.We dive deep into their impressive backgrounds—Theresa's clinical psychology expertise, three Guinness World Records, and bestselling fitness books; and Nikki's ten published books, including two New York Times bestsellers, and his extensive podcast history.Together, they share insights from running eCircle Academy, where they train coaches to grow their practices. We explore how Theresa's extensive experience working within Tony Robbins' organization and her world record achievements shape her coaching, alongside Nikki's inspirational journey from immigrant to advocate for entrepreneurs.They also reveal the intricacies of how they balance their business and personal relationships, and share powerful client success stories and wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs.Their website is https://www.ecircleacademy.com/Nicky's podcasts are:The Thought Leader Revolution at https://www.thethoughtleaderrevolution.com/ and The Sovereign Man at https://www.sovereignman.ca/podcastConnect with Theresa through the eCircle Academy website or her LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresadugwell/00:00 Introduction to the Power Couple: Nikki Billou and Theresa Dugwell01:46 Theresa's Journey to Guinness World Records04:21 Nikki's Inspirational Background and Family Legacy05:33 The Importance of Freedom and Entrepreneurship13:12 Theresa's Insights from Tony Robbins Organization20:07 Balancing Business and Personal Life25:47 The Power of Listening26:35 Complementary Strengths in Business28:13 Success Story: Dr. Dia's Transformation30:54 The Importance of Belief and Messaging32:50 Cook vs. Chef: Creating Extraordinary Experiences37:34 Balancing Roles in Business and Life38:42 Success Story: Carl Kramer's Journey44:03 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom
Discover new partners and
collaboration opportunities —right in your inbox.
Get notified about new partnerships