Marshall Rabil is the third-generation President and CEO of Hubbard Peanut Company, the country's oldest specialty peanut brand, famously known as "Hubs." Founded by his grandparents in 1954 in Sedley, Virginia, Hubs is a household name celebrated for its super extra-large Virginia peanuts. Before taking the helm, Marshall cultivated a global perspective, working in sustainable development and education in Japan and around the world. He later gained invaluable industry experience as a specialty food buyer at Whole Foods, inspired by the principles of Conscious Capitalism. In 2016, Marshall returned to his roots, bringing a vision to blend the company's rich tradition with modern innovation, community engagement, and long-term growth.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode, host Jonathan Goldhill sits down with Marshall Rabil to explore the journey of leading a 70-year-old family legacy into the future. Marshall shares how his experiences abroad, from Japanese villages to international development projects, shaped his desire to use the family business as a catalyst for positive change in his own rural Virginia community. We dive into the nuts and bolts of this transformation, from turning an old grocery store into a vibrant community hub to competing against private equity-backed giants. Marshall offers a candid look at the delicate balancing act of honoring his grandparents' legacy while implementing new technology, marketing strategies, and, most importantly, navigating the complex dynamics of family ownership and succession.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Business as a Community Catalyst: Marshall is using the business as a force for good, transforming an old grocery store into "The Hubs Vine," a community event space, and forging deep partnerships with the local food bank through initiatives like the "Homegrown Harvest" festival.

The Value of Outside Experience: The Rabil family mantra was to "go and work for someone else first." Marshall’s time in international education and at Whole Foods provided him with a unique perspective that has been crucial for innovating within the family business.

Navigating the Private Equity Wave: Instead of selling to private equity firms that are acquiring competitors, the Rabil family chose to reinvest in their business. Hubs differentiates itself by focusing on its premium quality, its authentic story, and strategic partnerships with brands like Orvis.

The Toughest Challenge is Family Alignment: Marshall reveals that the most critical and time-consuming challenge isn't operations or scaling, but getting the multi-generational family owners aligned on corporate governance, especially the buy-sell agreement.

Modernizing a Legacy Brand: Marshall is spearheading the adoption of new technologies, from a sophisticated Shopify Plus website and data analytics tools to exploring automation on the production line, ensuring the brand remains relevant.

Patience in a Legacy Business: Leading a 70-year-old company requires patience. Marshall emphasizes the need to take a step back, understand different family perspectives, and accept that meaningful change takes time.

QUOTES

"I was really starting to think how can business, um, be a catalyst for change in our community?"

"I was always encouraged to go out and do something before you want to come back here. So that was always kind of our family mantra was, you need to go and work for someone else first."

"I think our value has multiplied because of some of those efforts. But it required a lot of work."

"Of the seven things that you mentioned, that [family alignment on corporate governance] is the one that is taking the most time and attention... because you have to get the family on board."

"I have to remind myself too, you know, take a step back. You'll get there. I like things to happen a little quicker than they do sometimes."

Connect and learn more about Marshall Rabil and Hubbard Peanut Company:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshall-rabil-83a24a15/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hubbard-peanut-company-inc/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Ronald Stein is a professional engineer, energy literacy advocate, and the Pulitzer Prize-nominated co-author of Clean Energy Exploitations. With decades of experience designing and building refineries for major corporations like Bechtel and Fluor, Ron possesses a deep, nuanced understanding of the energy sector. Thirty years ago, he and his wife, June, founded PTS Advance, a staffing and workforce solutions firm specializing in complex industries like energy and life sciences. After successfully growing the company, they transitioned ownership to their two sons 15 years ago. Now, Ron dedicates his time to educating policymakers, business leaders, and the public, serving as a columnist for America Out Loud News and an advisor to the Heartland Institute on energy policy.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this eye-opening episode of the Disruptive Successor Podcast, host Jonathan Goldhill sits down with Ronald Stein to challenge everything you think you know about energy. Ron explains the dangerous lack of "energy literacy" plaguing our leaders and policies. He draws a critical distinction: renewables like wind and solar only generate electricity, whereas fossil fuels are the foundation for the petrochemicals that create over 6,000 essential products, from iPhones and medical devices to the very components of EVs and solar panels. The conversation delves into the successful generational transition of Ron's family business, PTS Advance, and unpacks the severe economic and national security risks of misguided energy policies, revealing the hidden truths behind the global push for a "green" transition.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Energy vs. Electricity: A Critical Misunderstanding: Ron clarifies that "energy" and "electricity" are not interchangeable. Wind and solar generate electricity, but they cannot create the physical products derived from the petrochemicals in fossil fuels that our modern world is built on.
• Everything is Made from Oil: Our materialistic society, including "green" technologies like EVs, wind turbines, and solar panels, is fundamentally dependent on the 6,000+ products derived from oil. Getting rid of oil means getting rid of the building blocks of modern life.
• A Family Business Success Story: Ron shares how he and his wife built PTS Advance from the ground up, successfully transitioned it to their sons, and strategically hired a non-family CEO, leading to massive growth and an eventual acquisition.
• The Perils of Poor Policy: California's push to eliminate in-state oil production has ironically made the state over 70% dependent on foreign oil imports, creating a significant national security risk and driving up costs for consumers.
• The Hidden Costs of EVs: Transitioning to electric vehicles eliminates the gas tax revenue that maintains roads, while the heavier weight of EVs causes more road damage, creating a future funding crisis.
• The Unethical Side of "Clean" Energy: Ron argues that mandating EVs financially incentivizes the exploitation of labor (including child labor) and environmental degradation in countries like China and in Africa, where the raw materials for batteries are mined.
• The Nuclear Resurgence: As a reliable, emissions-free, and continuous power source, nuclear energy is gaining worldwide momentum as a practical solution for our electricity needs, requiring far less land and materials than wind and solar.

QUOTES 

• "Wind and solar only generates electricity. They make no powers, no insulation, no asphalt, et cetera, et cetera. Whereas oil, all the products we have today didn't exist 200 years ago."
• "If you get rid of oil, you get rid of electricity, you get rid of EVs. The EV is a hundred percent made with oil."
• "Instead of being 5% dependent on foreign imports for crude oil, we're now more than 70% dependent... And that is a national security risk for America."
• "My passion is to stimulate conversations about energy literacy because most of our policy makers are misunderstanding the word energy."
• "I think it's unethical and immoral to provide those financial incentives for those countries to continue to [exploit people and the environment]."
• "There's a worldwide movement toward nuclear 'cause we want affordable, reliable, continuous electricity, also emissions free electricity and nuclear is providing that."

Connect and learn more about Ronald Stein and his work:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldstein/
Email: [email protected]
Book: Clean Energy Exploitations on Amazon
Company: PTS Advance: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pts-advance/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Jeff Ustin is the Vice President of Western Bagel, the first bagel shop in Los Angeles. He helps carry on his great-grandfather’s 75-year legacy while leading the brand’s national and international expansion. Under his leadership, Western Bagel has become a West Coast staple, blending New York tradition with LA innovation. Carrying on a rich 75-year legacy, Jeff is the great-grandson of David Ustin, a union bagel baker from New York City who founded Western Bagel in 1947. Jeff grew up immersed in the business, learning every aspect from sweeping floors at 3 AM with his father, Steve, to managing retail stores. Under his leadership, Western Bagel continues to blend New York tradition with LA innovation, expanding its reach nationally and internationally while preserving its strong family values and commitment to employee

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of the Disruptive Successor Podcast, host Jonathan Goldhill talks with Jeff Ustin, Vice President of Western Bagel. Jeff shares the fascinating history of his family's 75-year-old bagel business, from its New York roots to becoming a West Coast staple. The conversation explores the unique challenges and triumphs of generational transitions, maintaining a strong company culture based on loyalty and respect, and the ongoing efforts to modernize and expand the brand in a competitive market. Jeff offers valuable insights into balancing tradition with innovation, adapting to consumer trends, and navigating market shifts like the COVID-19 pandemic, all while staying true to Western Bagel's core values.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A Legacy Built on Hard Work and Family: Jeff highlights how Western Bagel's 75-year success is rooted in the tireless dedication of his great-grandfather and father, who instilled a strong work ethic and passion for the business from a young age.
• The Backbone of Employee Loyalty: The longevity and success of Western Bagel are largely attributed to their deep respect for employees, many of whom have been with the company for decades, fostered by an open-door policy and a family-like culture.
• Balancing Tradition with Innovation: Western Bagel masterfully combines its New York bagel heritage with an LA touch, creating a less dense bagel that appeals to the local market while continuously exploring new products and adapting to modern consumer preferences like high-protein options.
• Modernizing for the Next Generation: The company is actively investing in social media, hiring PR firms, and exploring new concepts to connect with younger customers and expand its brand presence, ensuring relevance in a constantly evolving market.
• Strategic Expansion in a Competitive Landscape: Jeff discusses the deliberate planning behind market expansion, emphasizing the need to "hit hard" when entering new areas and the constant evaluation of opportunities in wholesale, private label, and potential new factory locations.
• Lessons from Adversity: Navigating COVID-19: The pandemic, while challenging, pushed Western Bagel to adapt and grow, particularly in delivery services, leading to valuable operational improvements and a stronger, more resilient business.
• Sticking to Your Core and Giving Back: Jeff emphasizes the importance of focusing on what the company does best – making authentic bagels – and its unwavering commitment to community involvement and stewardship through charitable giving.

QUOTES

• "You're only as good as your employees that you have. You need to be loyal to them. They're the backbone of your company."
• "If you don't change with the times, you're gonna fail."
• "You gotta know what you know and what you don't know... you gotta put that ego aside and, and trust people and learn."
• "We know we have the best bagel out there. We take pride in our bagel. We use the highest quality ingredient. I mean, it's a, it matters to us."
• "There's always something good that comes outta something horrific."
• "You gotta help those that need help... we believe that's our job as a, as a company, is to help those in need."

Connect and learn more about Jeff Ustin and his company:

Jeff Ustin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-ustin-307a1710b/
Western Bagel: https://westernbagel.com/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Jeff Ustin is the Vice President of Western Bagel, the first bagel shop in Los Angeles. He helps carry on his great-grandfather’s 75-year legacy while leading the brand’s national and international expansion. Under his leadership, Western Bagel has become a West Coast staple, blending New York tradition with LA innovation. Carrying on a rich 75-year legacy, Jeff is the great-grandson of David Ustin, a union bagel baker from New York City who founded Western Bagel in 1947. Jeff grew up immersed in the business, learning every aspect from sweeping floors at 3 AM with his father, Steve, to managing retail stores. Under his leadership, Western Bagel continues to blend New York tradition with LA innovation, expanding its reach nationally and internationally while preserving its strong family values and commitment to employee

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of the Disruptive Successor Podcast, host Jonathan Goldhill talks with Jeff Ustin, Vice President of Western Bagel. Jeff shares the fascinating history of his family's 75-year-old bagel business, from its New York roots to becoming a West Coast staple. The conversation explores the unique challenges and triumphs of generational transitions, maintaining a strong company culture based on loyalty and respect, and the ongoing efforts to modernize and expand the brand in a competitive market. Jeff offers valuable insights into balancing tradition with innovation, adapting to consumer trends, and navigating market shifts like the COVID-19 pandemic, all while staying true to Western Bagel's core values.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A Legacy Built on Hard Work and Family: Jeff highlights how Western Bagel's 75-year success is rooted in the tireless dedication of his great-grandfather and father, who instilled a strong work ethic and passion for the business from a young age.
• The Backbone of Employee Loyalty: The longevity and success of Western Bagel are largely attributed to their deep respect for employees, many of whom have been with the company for decades, fostered by an open-door policy and a family-like culture.
• Balancing Tradition with Innovation: Western Bagel masterfully combines its New York bagel heritage with an LA touch, creating a less dense bagel that appeals to the local market while continuously exploring new products and adapting to modern consumer preferences like high-protein options.
• Modernizing for the Next Generation: The company is actively investing in social media, hiring PR firms, and exploring new concepts to connect with younger customers and expand its brand presence, ensuring relevance in a constantly evolving market.
• Strategic Expansion in a Competitive Landscape: Jeff discusses the deliberate planning behind market expansion, emphasizing the need to "hit hard" when entering new areas and the constant evaluation of opportunities in wholesale, private label, and potential new factory locations.
• Lessons from Adversity: Navigating COVID-19: The pandemic, while challenging, pushed Western Bagel to adapt and grow, particularly in delivery services, leading to valuable operational improvements and a stronger, more resilient business.
• Sticking to Your Core and Giving Back: Jeff emphasizes the importance of focusing on what the company does best – making authentic bagels – and its unwavering commitment to community involvement and stewardship through charitable giving.

QUOTES

• "You're only as good as your employees that you have. You need to be loyal to them. They're the backbone of your company."
• "If you don't change with the times, you're gonna fail."
• "You gotta know what you know and what you don't know... you gotta put that ego aside and, and trust people and learn."
• "We know we have the best bagel out there. We take pride in our bagel. We use the highest quality ingredient. I mean, it's a, it matters to us."
• "There's always something good that comes outta something horrific."
• "You gotta help those that need help... we believe that's our job as a, as a company, is to help those in need."

Connect and learn more about Jeff Ustin and his company:

Jeff Ustin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-ustin-307a1710b/
Western Bagel: https://westernbagel.com/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Adam Frederico grew up in Utah, surrounded by entrepreneurial family members, including his father, Russell Frederico, the founder of what is now Frederico Outdoor Living. A BYU graduate from the Marriott School, Adam spent 8 years in Chicago working in corporate America, startups, and consulting. He later pursued an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. It was during this experience that Adam decided to buy the family business and grow within the green industry. Adam aims to expand upon the 40-year legacy his father started. The company has been named to Lawn and Landscape Magazine’s “Best Places to Work” list multiple times, had projects featured in the Utah Valley Parade of Homes, and has won four “Best Landscaping Awards.”

SHOW SUMMARY 

In this episode of the Disruptive Successor Podcast, host Jonathan Goldhill talks with Adam Frederico, a next-generation leader who took over his family's landscape business, Frederico Outdoor Living. Adam shares his journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, his experience implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and the challenges and successes in transitioning and growing the family business. With insights on leadership, culture, and maintaining family harmony, this episode provides valuable lessons for anyone involved in a family business or considering a significant business transformation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Transitioning from Corporate to Family Business: Adam shares his personal journey from working in corporate America to taking over his family’s landscape business, Frederico Outdoor Living.
• Implementing EOS for Growth: Adam discusses how he successfully implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to streamline operations, align his team, and drive business growth.
• Leadership and Family Harmony: Key insights into the challenges of leading a family business, maintaining family harmony, and creating a balanced leadership culture that fosters success.
• Overcoming Challenges in Business Succession: Adam highlights the unique obstacles of transitioning leadership in a family business, and how he navigated those challenges to ensure continuity and growth.
• Lessons for Next-Gen Leaders: Valuable advice for the next generation of leaders in family businesses, emphasizing the importance of leadership, culture, and strategic vision.
• Creating a Strong Company Culture: Adam explains how fostering a positive company culture has been instrumental in driving both employee satisfaction and business success.
• Advice for Family Business Owners: Practical lessons on how to sustain and grow a family business while preserving the legacy of previous generations.

QUOTES

• "Entrepreneurship for me was taking something that was existing and making it better."
• "What differentiates a company is the process... It's how we deliver that client experience."
• "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
• "It's not just about catching a vision and talking about growth, it needs to be a co-created vision."
• "When those [one-on-ones] are consistent and really thoughtful, we are doing very well because the team feels aligned."
• "The green industry is a bit slow to adopt newer management practices... but it’s important to connect with employees on a personal level."

Connect and learn more about Adam Frederico and his company:

Adam's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamfrederico/
Adam's Company: Frederico Outdoor Living: 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/frederico-outdoor-living/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at
 www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Joe Olwig and Shaun Lee are the co-founders of 6 Levers – an organizational consulting firm known for their 6 Levers framework. They are also co-authors of  the best-selling book, "At the Heart of Work: Rethinking what it takes to build organizational health with the 6 Levers Framework."

Prior to co-founding 6 Levers, Joe served as the VP of Organizational Solutions at Mission Matters Group. He holds dual master’s degrees in business administration and education leadership from Saint Louis University.

Shaun previously served as COO of Haven for Hope, the largest homeless services campus in the U.S. He earned an MBA from the University of Texas, San Antonio.

SHOW SUMMARY 

In this episode of the Disruptive Successor Show, host Jonathan Goldhill welcomes Joe Olwig and Shaun Lee, founders of 6 Levers, to discuss their innovative framework outlined in their book, "At the Heart of Work: Rethinking What It Takes to Build a Healthy Organization." The conversation delves into the six essential levers—Identity, Leadership, Focus, Rhythm, Cohesion, and Momentum—that form a comprehensive system for improving organizational health and performance. Highlighting case studies and practical steps, this episode offers invaluable insights for leaders in family businesses, startups, and rapidly growing companies looking to create more engaged, resilient, and profitable organizations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Six Essential Levers for Organizational Health: Joe Olwig and Shaun Lee discuss their framework from the book At the Heart of Work, which focuses on six key levers:
  • Identity
  • Leadership
  • Focus
  • Rhythm
  • Cohesion
  • Momentum
• Comprehensive System for Improvement: These six levers form a holistic approach to enhancing organizational health and performance, providing leaders with a structured way to address key challenges.
• Practical Insights for Leaders: The episode includes practical steps and case studies to demonstrate how these levers can be applied to improve engagement, resilience, and profitability in organizations.
• Target Audience: The framework is especially valuable for leaders in family businesses, startups, and rapidly growing companies aiming to create a more engaged and successful workplace.
• Focus on Organizational Health: The conversation emphasizes the importance of building a healthy organization, not just focusing on profits, but also fostering an environment where employees are motivated and cohesive.

QUOTES

• "They just felt like they had a framework for growth for the first time. A framework to consider different strategic opportunities as a team, whereas that might have sat with just the CEO for a while."
• "Anyone can pick up this recipe, but you don’t have to start from the beginning... you can pick up any particular lever and start working with that and then add another lever."
• "There’s really three core ways... first is focusing with the senior leadership team, we have a six-month journey we call leading together... to help them become a cohesive, high-performing leadership team."
• "Leading with Intention is designed for individual leaders who want to work on sharpening and improving their relational side of leadership... how to show up more like a coach, lead with more vulnerability, and develop more self-awareness."

Connect and learn more about Joe Olwig and Shaun Lee.
Joe Olwig’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-olwig-757755139/
Shaun Lee’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-lee-1122a131/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at  www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Andrew Morris, the founder of Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace, a business that has become a cultural landmark since its humble beginnings in 1993. Andrew’s journey is a true testament to perseverance, innovation, and the power of dreaming big.

In 1979, Andrew arrived in New York from Jamaica with just $50 and a vision for a better life. After building a career in publishing and earning an MBA from Columbia, he took a bold leap of faith—leaving a stable job to venture into an industry he knew nothing about. What started as a small family-run grocery store named in honor of his late father-in-law, has now grown into a thriving business that serves customers across 100 miles with same-day delivery of Caribbean groceries and meals powered by cutting-edge AI technology.

From baking 70,000 patties a year in a $200 oven to revolutionizing delivery services, Andrew and his family have created something truly special. Tune in to hear his incredible story of entrepreneurship, community-building, and embracing the future while staying rooted in culture.

SHOW SUMMARY 

In this episode of Disruptive Successor, host Jonathan Goldhill interviews Andrew Morris, the founder of Sam's Caribbean Marketplace. Andrew shares the inspiring story of how he emigrated from Jamaica to New York with just $50 and built a successful Caribbean food superstore and cultural landmark. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of running a family business, from overcoming initial skepticism to leveraging technology for growth. The conversation delves into the importance of community support, cultural preservation, and adapting to market changes. Andrew also touches on the significance of family involvement in the business and his vision for future growth through online sales and innovative delivery services. The episode provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs, especially those looking to build and sustain a legacy in the family business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Entrepreneurial Journey: Andrew Morris emigrated from Jamaica to New York with just $50 and built Sam's Caribbean Marketplace into a successful cultural and business landmark.
• Family Business Challenges & Triumphs: He shares lessons learned from navigating skepticism and growing a family-run business.
• Leveraging Technology: Andrew highlights how adopting technology has played a key role in scaling the business.
• Community & Cultural Impact: The importance of community support and preserving Caribbean culture has been central to the marketplace's success.
• Adapting to Market Changes: Andrew discusses how staying agile and adapting to evolving market demands has sustained the business over time.
• Future Growth Vision: He outlines plans to expand through online sales and innovative delivery services.
• Insights for Entrepreneurs: The episode offers practical advice for entrepreneurs aiming to build and sustain a family legacy in business.

QUOTES

• "We couldn't have done it without wonderful employees... we've had some really good people and some terrific customers."
• "We’re really community-oriented... we just love our customers. We love our employees and we thank them all.
• "We’ve been around for 31, going on 32 years... we’ve experienced setbacks along the way, but we’ve never looked back."
• "I probably could have done without the MBA, but it helped with the mindset."

Connect and learn more about Andrew Morris.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Ryan Chute is an award-winning creative strategist and the driving force behind Wizard of Ads. Specializing in helping small businesses transform into big brands, Ryan delivers divergent sales and marketing solutions that accelerate profitable growth without the typical friction. With a background in retail and automotive industries, Ryan has become a secret weapon for businesses aiming to punch above their weight and dominate their market. His unique approach focuses on reducing friction and creating value-driven customer experiences, making him a sought-after expert in strategic marketing.

SHOW SUMMARY 

In this episode of Disruptive Successor, host Jonathan Goldhill is joined by Ryan Chute, an award-winning creative strategist and key figure behind Wizard of Ads. Known for his ability to aid small businesses in becoming dominant market players, Ryan discusses his unique approach to sales and marketing that focuses on reducing friction and emphasizing unique value propositions. He shares valuable insights from his challenging early experiences in high-friction industries like retail and automotive, and his pivotal educational journey at the Wizard Academy under Roy Williams. Ryan offers practical advice on brand messaging, curating inventory, and the importance of building strong customer relationships. The episode also touches on different business models and how small businesses can leverage their unique strengths to compete effectively. Whether you're a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode provides actionable strategies to help you differentiate and grow your business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Value Over Transaction: The true differentiator for businesses is the value they provide beyond basic services. It's essential to identify what makes your business unique.
• Empathy and Connection: Successful marketing isn't just about getting attention; it's about connecting emotionally with customers and building long-term relationships.
• Curated Offerings: Simplifying offerings and curating inventory can significantly increase sales efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Customer Expectations: Modern consumers expect convenience, speed, and empathy in their interactions. Meeting these expectations can set a business apart from its competitors.

QUOTES

• "Beliefs are worthless, but values shape how we show up in the world."
• "Do the right thing always and forever, and then charge appropriately for it."
• "The stories that stand 600 feet above the competition are the ones that hold value."
• "The biggest problem in the arena of selling and growing businesses is doing something that gets noticed but holds their interest."
• "Less is actually going to sell you more stuff."

Connect and learn more about Ryan Chute
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wizardryanchute/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Dan Frosh is the director at the Merrill Center for Family Wealth. He works with enterprising families to navigate the complexities of wealth and family dynamics, aiming for multigenerational success. A trained attorney, Dan has previously served as a senior advisor at Cambridge Family Enterprise Group and writes and speaks internationally on family enterprises and family wealth. He is the co-author of an upcoming handbook for advisors on business families and family businesses.

SHOW SUMMARY 

In this episode of Disruptive Successor, host Jonathan Goldhill is joined by Dan Frosh, Director at the Merrill Center for Family Wealth. The discussion focuses on preparing for the transfer of ownership to the rising generation in family businesses. Topics include the importance of aligning on a family vision, developing the necessary skills and knowledge for future owners, and navigating governance structures. Dan shares insights from his experience and co-authored book, providing valuable advice for family business leaders. The episode concludes with the significance of collaboration and holistic planning to ensure smooth ownership transitions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Family Business Succession Planning: Importance of preparing both ownership and leadership succession in family businesses.
• Role of Next Generation: The Significance of the rising generation in creating and driving the vision for the future of the family business.
• Governance Essentials: The need for appropriate governance structures that evolve with the business through different generations.
• Core Skills and Education: Developing financial literacy, understanding business operations, and governance knowledge are crucial skills for the next generation.
• Collaboration and Communication: Vital role of clear communication and collaborative decision-making between generations in ensuring smooth transitions.

QUOTES

• "What hat are you wearing in each meeting as a board? You know, when the board meets, you put on your board hat and you think of it as a board member on a day-to-day basis. You're thinking of it as a family, a family employee. You're both a family member and an employee."
• "Make sure that the agenda is clear. What hat you're wearing and what type of topics and issues you are talking about during that meeting."
• "Both generations need to be moving together in this process... If one runner is just standing still waiting for the baton to come, they're going to get passed immediately."
• "Collaboration is super key for smooth ownership transition."
• "Where you see senior generation family members who are reluctant to bring the next generation into the discussions... adopting this mentality of, 'I'm the owner, they're not an owner yet, so I will decide and I will tell them what will happen.'"
• "You need each one of them—business coach, wealth manager, family wealth manager, lawyers, and accountants—to really be successful."
• "Aligning on the vision becomes really important as well... they're inheriting or they're being gifted an enterprise that they might not totally agree with."

Connect and learn more about Dan Frosh.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-frosh-92759b9/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Dann Van Der Vliet is the John and Dyan Smith Executive Director of the Smith Family Business Initiative (SFBI) at Cornell University. Cornell has been named as one of the “25 best schools for family business” by Family Capital in 2015. As the founding director, Dan guided the launch and growth of one of the leading educational centers for family business. He designed and developed the Leaders in Family Enterprise course, and he also teaches executives and next-generation leaders through the Cornell’s external education and eCornell programs.

Under his tenure, the Smith Family Business Initiative has developed the Cornell Case Competition for Family Ownership, the Mentors Forum, and the Family Innovations Summit.

SHOW SUMMARY 

In this episode of Disruptive Successor, host Jonathan Goldhill is joined by Dann Van Der Vliet, the Executive Director of the Smith Family Business Initiative at Cornell University, to discuss the Rising Gen Survey. This survey provides unique insights from over 200 college students about their perceptions, challenges, and aspirations regarding family businesses. Key topics include the importance of communication, succession planning, and the qualifications necessary for the next generation to take over family enterprises. The episode also explores the survey's demographics, the cultural impacts on family business continuity among international students, and the evolving role of technology. Dan shares surprising findings and emphasizes the need for effective governance and addressing generational concerns to ensure smooth transitions in family businesses.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Communication is a top concern among next-gen family business leaders.
• There is a need for next-gen leaders to feel qualified and credible when returning to the family business.
• Cultural differences significantly impact family business dynamics and the likelihood of next-gen participation.
• Technology brings new opportunities for growth and scalability but also challenges for traditional family business structures.
• Educational programs play a crucial role in bridging gaps and preparing the next generation for leadership in family businesses.

QUOTES

• “Legacy can be a bit of a burden for the next generation.”
• “15% of next-gen leaders cited communication as their number one concern.”
• “Technology has allowed us to be much more remote with what we do, but not all businesses can be run remotely.”
• "One disruptor is when an unexpected sibling returns to join the family business."
• “How do you even attract next-gen leaders? Sometimes it’s really about letting them come to you.”

Connect and learn more about Dann Van Der Vliet.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannvdv/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you’re interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill’s book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com