Generation Excellence Podcast

Hosted by Jamie Michelson

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Jun 2026

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About the show

In each episode of GENeration EXcellence I talk with other leaders of unique generational family businesses - about their past/future/present. Enjoy.

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60 recent

June 9, 20261 hr 3 min

Episode #76 – Alvey Thompson Jr.: Founder, Dynamic Living Coaching & Consulting

My guest, Alvey Thompson Jr., is a dynamo: part performance coach, part advisor, and fully committed to helping leaders expand their capacity to lead, not just at work, but in life. In our conversation, Alvey takes us well beyond the surface of health and wellness and into the deeper reality of what sustains high-performing individuals over time. He shares candidly about the moments in his own life that forced a change in direction. What stands out is his perspective on the patterns leaders build across families, teams, and generations. It’s a thoughtful look at what he calls “generational health,” and why true wealth requires more than financial success. On the field, Alvey Thompson Jr. wore number 90. Today, we welcome him as guest number 76 on GENeration EXcellence. Settle in for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, capacity, and what it really means to play the long game. LINK TO ALVEY’S BUSINESS AND THE SYNERGISTIC EDGE PODCAST https://media.dynamicelevation.co/

April 13, 20261 hr 10 min

Episode #75 – Derek & Evan Freed, Fourth‑Generation Leaders at FREEDS of Windsor

In this episode of GENeration EXcellence, we crossed the border again to sit down with Derek and Evan Freed, fourth‑generation brothers helping guide FREEDS of Windsor, Canada’s largest independent clothing store and a nearly century‑old family enterprise. Derek and Evan gained meaningful experience outside the family business (interestingly, both in Southern California) before returning with greater perspective, confidence, and credibility. That preparation shows up clearly in the conversation, as does a shared passion for a business that has dressed generations for life’s most important moments. This enjoyable episode offers insight into sibling leadership, earned trust, and what it looks like to step forward together while honoring what came before. If you appreciate family business stories with heart, humility, and forward momentum, please try this one on for size. And as GENeration EXcellence quietly marks its 75th conversation, thank you for listening, supporting, and sharing along the way.

March 17, 202659 min

Episode #74 – Craig Beam, Digging In: The Craft, the Calling, and the Comeback with Master Distiller Craig Beam

Episode #74 – Craig Beam, Digging In: The Craft, the Calling, and the Comeback with Master Distiller Craig Beam by Jamie Michelson

January 14, 20261 hr 31 min

Episode #73 – Doug Pollard, Co-CEO of Pollard Banknote, Ltd.

In this episode of GENeration EXcellence, we head north to Canada to hear the remarkable story of Pollard Banknote Ltd. - a family business that has grown into a global leader in the lottery and gaming industry. Doug Pollard, Co-CEO, takes us on a journey through his family’s history and the evolution of their business. With humility and candor, Doug shares how Pollard Banknote has navigated pivotal moments, embraced innovation, and leaned on a dedicated team who have been instrumental in shaping its success. This conversation is about more than growth—it’s about resilience, collaboration, and finding the right answer to “what’s next?” at nearly every turn. Tune in for an inspiring look at a family-led business that continues to honor its roots while boldly moving forward.

January 7, 202656 min

Episode #72 - Rostyslav Vovk, CEO of Kormotech

Exceptional leaders can be found around the world, and I was fortunate to meet one: Rostyslav Vovk, the CEO and co-owner of Kormotech, a leading Ukrainian pet food manufacturer with a growing international presence. In this conversation, Rostyslav takes us from his student days to the bold moves that launched premium and super-premium pet food lines, built state-of-the-art facilities, and shaped a corporate culture centered on responsibility and care—for both pets and people. He also shares how his family is preparing the next generation to lead a business that’s expanding far beyond its original borders. Enjoy this inspiring 72nd episode of GENeration EXcellence.

September 26, 202557 min

Episode #71 - Nate Forbes, Managing Partner, The Forbes Company

Nate Forbes is the Managing Partner and second-generation leader of The Forbes Company, a nationally recognized developer, owner, and manager of luxury shopping destinations. In this episode, Nate shares stories that span from getting his driver’s license to guiding the company into its third generation. Cue “The Victors” and hear from one of “the leaders and best” as Nate brings insight, energy, and a relentless pursuit of excellence to this 71st episode of GENeration EXcellence.

September 4, 202550 min

Episode #70 – John & Joe Gaither, CEO & CMO of Feetures

John and Joe Gaither are two of four siblings representing the second generation (with excellence) of Feetures, a business at the forefront of performance sock innovation. In this episode of GENeration EXcellence, we hear from John and Joe Gaither, sons of founder Hugh Gaither, who was inspired in a specialty running store to get back into the sock business—but this time with a focus on performance and purpose around his passion for running. Now, nearly 25 years later, John and Joe are running Feetures into new territory—from golf to direct-to-consumer success—while honoring the legacy that shaped their journey. Please enjoy this conversation with two brothers who demonstrate how a family-led business can successfully blend entrepreneurship, an intense competitive drive, and service to others.

July 28, 202554 min

Episode #69 – Marshall Rabil, Leading with Legacy at Hubbard Peanut Company

In this episode of GENeration EXcellence, I sit down with Marshall Rabil, President and CEO of Hubbard Peanut Company, a family business rooted in tradition and flavor since 1954. Marshall’s path to representing the third generation in this special family business is anything but linear. A true global citizen and servant leader, he’s taught school in Japan, led study abroad programs, worked at a startup in Tennessee, and served as a specialty food buyer for Whole Foods. Each chapter of his journey has shaped the thoughtful, humble, and forward-looking leader he is today. Now at the helm of Hubbard Peanut Company, Marshall is blending innovation with heritage, ensuring that the company’s values—and its tasty peanuts—continue to thrive for generations to come. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed the conversation.

June 24, 202557 min

Episode #68 – Matt Stirn, 4th Generation Owner/Operator, R Lazy S Ranch, Jackson, WY

In this episode of GENeration Excellence, we head west to the wide-open spaces of Jackson, Wyoming, where Matt Stirn and his brother represent the fourth generation of family ownership, operation, and stewardship at the R Lazy S Ranch. Matt grew up immersed in ranch life—learning its rhythms, values, and stories around the dinner table and campfire. His grandparents journeyed from Cleveland to the rugged West, and a bold real estate purchase laid the foundation for what would become a beloved dude ranch and family legacy. Today, Matt shares that rich history with guests from the front porch—complete with a clever name he reveals in the episode. But Matt is more than a rancher. He’s also a writer, photojournalist, and paleoecologist, bringing a unique perspective to the land he calls home. Where else are you going to hear from someone who blends sporting a cowboy hat with scientific fieldwork? Only here, on this memorable 68th episode of GENeration Excellence.

May 22, 202546 min

Episode #67 - Michael Wolk, Vice President of Growth and Partnerships, Goodway

Mike Wolk grew up around the family business, then known as Goodway Group. He wasn’t pushed into the business, nor was he steered away from it. Instead, he forged his own path. In this episode of GENeration EXcellence, we explore Mike’s journey into cutting-edge digital marketing, his time working in New York, and the thoughtful way he transitioned to Goodway from The Trade Desk. (Fun fact: Mike’s father, David Wolk, was our guest on Episode #2 of the podcast.) During our conversation, I also learned about a new management framework called SBAR—Situation, Background, Analysis, and Recommendation—which Mike uses in his leadership approach. You’ll hear about that and much more in this 67th episode of GENeration EXcellence.