A Seat at the Table

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Join us on this fascinating journey through the history and heart of Bogle Family Vineyards, as our guest Jody Bogle takes us back to her family's roots in the Sacramento River Delta. Discover how six generations of farming evolved into a renowned winemaking legacy, beginning with a serendipitous pivot from potatoes to Petite Sirah and Chenin Blanc grapes. Jody recounts the Bogle family's resilience through the Great Depression, their strategic foray into viticulture, and the birth of their own wine label, illustrating the powerful blend of luck, strategic shifts, and familial collaboration that has crafted the Bogle success story.

Listen in as we traverse the intimate path of Bogle Vineyards, from Jodi's nostalgic childhood in the rural serenity of Clarksburg to the vineyard's expansion and commitment to sustainability. This conversation celebrates the lessons of hard work, the influence of matriarchal leadership, and the role of family dynamics in the business. Hear about the inception of new wine brands that cater to modern tastes and sustainability, including the innovative 'Elemental Wines' with its eco-friendly aluminum bottles, all while maintaining the ethos of quality and value cherished by the Bogle family.

Wrapping up our discussion, we candidly address the intricacies of being a female leader in the wine industry. Jody shares her experiences balancing career and home life, the importance of a family-first culture within the workplace, and the unique perspectives women bring to leadership. Her insights offer guidance and inspiration to women navigating their professional journeys, emphasizing the enriching nature of integrating personal and professional roles. Listen for a heartening blend of storytelling, family heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit that has defined the Bogle family's enduring legacy. And of course, enjoy the story with a nice glass of wine.

To learn more visit: Bogle Family Vineyards.

For more information about the Family Business Center visit:  Capital Region Family Business Center website

To learn more about how our sponsor, River City Bank may help your family business, visit their website: River City Bank

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

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

Growing up with the backdrop of a small Japanese village, Taro's yearning for freedom and acceptance was a seed that would eventually blossom into an American dream. Alongside his son Koki, Taro shares how he saved enough money from a paper route to fly his whole family to America as a teenager. He talks about how his father had a dream they should open a restaurant and how a chance encounter with a Japanese businessman landed them investment money which allowed them to fulfill that dream.

With no experience running a restaurant and nearly no research into location, food costs, equipment costs or restaurant management, the family launched Mikuni 36 years ago. Even while plagued by debt and mistakes, Taro’s infectious energy and his commitment to make customers feel welcome and satisfied helped Mikuni to grow into one of the best known and loved restaurants in northern California.

This is a story of family dynamics, demonstrating how personal growth and business acumen can harmonize beautifully and how to balance work with the joys of familial connection. Taro recounts the family's expansion, the trials of partnership and ownership, and the resilience instilled by his father. As we look toward the family's aspiration of reaching 50 locations by their 50th anniversary, the sense of optimism is palpable. This episode isn't just about growth; it's homage to the relentless pursuit of big dreams and the community spirit that turns them into reality.

For more details about Mikuni Sushi visit http://www.mikunisushi.com

For more information about the Family Business Center visit:  Capital Region Family Business Center website

To learn more about how our sponsor, River City Bank may help your family business, visit their website: River City Bank

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

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

Discover the incredible transformation of Roy and Ryan Hill, the sibling duo behind Elite Service Experts, as they share their tale of turning a period of near hopelessness into a flourishing family legacy. Their father's daring decision to purchase his former employer's equipment and transition to serving an established customer base set the groundwork for what would become a testament to entrepreneurial resilience. This episode peels back the layers of their journey, from facing the hardships of leadership within a family to the powerful words of encouragement that shifted a moment of grief into a drive for success.

The delicate balance of personal and professional roles that Roy and Ryan have developed came at a cost. Hear Roy's experience when a higher-paying job opportunity tested familial loyalty, and how the challenges of managing expectations within a family business become a daily reality. This candid conversation also addresses the growth born from tough love, as we learn how earning respect and experience in the workplace is non-negotiable, even for family members.

Finally,  it's the intricacies of family business succession and the fortitude to face financial adversity head-on that bring the story home. Roy and Ryan's story is not just about the survival of a business but also about the strength of relationships that carry a company through its darkest hours. As they share how a banking relationship and debt relief was a cornerstone in their rebound, this episode exemplifies hope for family businesses navigating their paths through uncertainty, all while holding onto the values that define and drive them towards a future built on solid ground, trust and faith.

You can find Elite Service Experts on line by visiting: https://elite.gs/

For more information about the Family Business Center visit:  Capital Region Family Business Center website

To learn more about how our sponsor, River City Bank may help your family business, visit their website: River City Bank

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

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

One would not suspect a young newspaper carrier to redefine the process from sidewalk or porch drop to in-home delivery, as it was self defined.  Now would one expect that to turn into his first positive business exit.  But that's what you'll hear on today's episode with Mark Haney. Inspiring, educational and not without the highs and lows of taking the family business into a creative growth cycle only to find a highly leveraged situation that went from optmistic to nearly broke.

A testament to the power of dreaming big, adapting to change, and seizing opportunities came from unexpected challenges. Then there's the critical role of building a strong team and fostering commitment within a business. Mark shares the essential elements that bind a team together: a compelling vision, strategic resource allocation, and an unyielding dedication to the shared goal. As a leader, he also emphasizes the contagious nature of commitment and the significance of understanding the founder's 'why'. You'll hear valuable insights into the dynamics of family businesses, the joy of shared success, and the profound impact of love and potential in creating unity.

Finally, Natalie and Mark candidly discuss the balance between investor involvement and executive freedom, stressing the benefits of trust and personal investment in a company's success. Through his narrative, we see how entrepreneurs can craft a business that operates independently, enabling a life that harmonizes with their deepest values. Whether a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode offers wisdom on leadership, resilience, and the pursuit of a fulfilled life.

To learn more about The Growth Factory visit https://growthfactory.us/

For more information about the Family Business Center visit:  Capital Region Family Business Center website

To learn more about how our sponsor, River City Bank may help your family business, visit their website: River City Bank

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

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

What a wonderful story this episodes displays of a family that has come together in the interest of not only continuing a legacy but also for sharing a passion of the very thing that kept them together.  Honey.  Josh and Shoshana Zeldner have a unique story to tell about how their interest in continuing the education about honey that their father started with his wife, their mother Amina, was brought to life after he had passed.  Amina Zeldner reflects on the origin of the business, the intense desire Ishai had to spread the word of the new varietals in honey and how the children literally returned to the business after leaving for careers of their own.  Listen as you discover the bond this family has and how it came to support the creation of something their father had only dreamt of.

Learn more about The Hive by visiting https://zspecialtyfood.com/meet-the-team/

For more information about the Family Business Center visit:  Capital Region Family Business Center website

To learn more about how our sponsor, River City Bank may help your family business, visit their website: River City Bank

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

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

Natalie talks with Jennifer Carriere-LaDuke, who is a 4th generation owner, board member, and marketing wiz for her 133 year old family farming business, Carriere Family Farms. 

The business started with her great grandfather coming to the Sacramento area from Canada where he worked for a farmer clearing thick vegetation from the land surrounding the Sacramento River and helped planting row crops. Before long he fell in love with the farmer's daughter and became part of a family farm that has passed from generation to generation since the 1890's. 

Jennifer shares the importance of true authenticity in the boardroom and in a marketing strategy, what it’s like being managed by a younger cousin that she used to take to the movies, and why they started a family summer camp to introduce city kids in the family to farm life. 

Visit Carriere Family Farms website

Visit the Capital Region Family Business Center website

Sponsor: 

River City Bank

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

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

Join the conversation as your host,  Natalie Mariani-Kling delves into Sacramento history by talking with Kevin Fat, a 3rd generation member of the Frank Fat’s Restaurant Group family. Frank Fat’s in downtown Sacramento stands as the oldest family owned restaurant in the city, having opened in 1939 and still being owned and run by members of the Fat family. 

Kevin talks about the history of Fat’s, how his grandfather first came to America from China at age 16 and even with a language barrier, his personality, integrity and love of people helped him forge relationships that would help him open his namesake restaurant. Little did he know his restaurant, which opened in a neighborhood akin to skid row, would become populated by all the politicians and movers and shakers in Sacramento decade after decade. 

Kevin also shares the role his mother, Lina, had in growing the family business into multiple restaurants and becoming the Executive Chef of Fat City Bar and Cafe and China Camp.  The latter helping to revitalize Old Sacramento.  Her self-taught culinary skills left an indelible mark on the menus.

Today Kevin oversees Fat’s three current restaurants, Frank Fat’s and two locations of Fat’s Asian Bistro and Dim Sum Bar in Folsom and Roseville. 

Visit Frank Fat’s website

Visit Fat’s Asian Bistro website

Visit the Capital Region Family Business Center website

Sponsor: 

River City Bank

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

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

Alan Turanski grew up in the beekeeping world and started to keep his own hive by age 10. His father Dick Turanski started a honey and beekeeping accessory company in the 1970’s after trying some poison oak honey at a friend's house. Soon Glory Bee honey was being sold in large quantities to natural food stores and bakeries for use in healthy breads. 

Alan took over as President of the company several years ago and has led the company forward with an eye of sustainability, philanthropy and honing in on the long standing values of the company, which led him to turn Glory Bee into an official B Corporation. 

Alan talks about navigating the difficult transition from father to son, how his faith guides the principles of the business, and what Glory Bee is doing to ensure the health and survival of the honey bee. 

Visit the Glory Bee website

Visit the Capital Region Family Business Center website

Sponsor: 

River City Bank

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

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

Sub Sea Systems started with the dream of making underwater adventure in the ocean accessible to more people than just trained scuba divers and those in the Navy. Jim Mayfield first dreamed of submarines for tourists in the mid 80’s but soon pivoted to semi-submersible vehicles. 

With the sale of nearly 30 of these commercial vehicles Sub Sea Systems was born and it has continued to grow it’s product line to solar powered catamarans, to Sea Trek, which are underwater walking tours in the ocean with specially designed helmets that keep your head dry and need no special training, underwater oxygen bars, virtual reality experiences in resort pools, and soon the world’s first underwater adventure ride in an amphibious vehicle at a theme park in Saudi Arabia. 

Natalie talks with Jim and his three children Hannah, Kyle and Keenan who also have integral roles in the business about the impact their amazing products are having around the world, keeping good lines of communication always open to staff and family and how it’s all rooted in a healthy sense of wonder and humor. 

Visit the Sub Sea Systems website to see their incredible products

Visit the Capital Region Family Business Center website

Sponsor: 

River City Bank

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

Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.

Today's episode is a unique story for A Seat at the Table.  Typically we interview single family businesses, but Holt of California would never have become as mighty as it is today, employing 900 people brokering deals for Caterpillar equipment. It was the joining of three separate family businesses that allowed Holt of California to be a mainstay in the California agriculture business. 

Your host, Natalie Mariani-Kling talks with Ken Monroe, President and Ryan Beatie, Senior Vice President about the history of the company, how they handled the merging of multiple businesses and multiple families to create the powerhouse Holt of California is today, navigating the exit of family members who were working in the business before the merger, and why Ryan refers to Ken as his “work dad.”  It is truly an amazing story.  

Visit Holt of California website

Learn more about the  Capital Region Family Business Center 

Sponsor:  River City Bank

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