Keeping a business going takes more than doing good work or bringing in the next customer. Payroll still has to be met. Problems come up without warning, and some decisions have no clear answer. In a family business, there is another layer to all of it. You are trying to move forward while protecting the name, the sacrifices, and the years of work that came before you. Today’s guest knows about keeping a family business together and creating a lasting legacy. 

I’m excited to introduce Laura Bailey, president and owner of Bibey Machine & Fabrication Co. Her parents founded the company in 1978 to provide precision machining, fabrication, welding, and mobile services throughout North Carolina’s Triad region. Laura joined the business in 1999 after working for UPS and Ralph Lauren. She began in an administrative role and gradually took on more responsibility before moving into leadership. Laura also holds a master’s degree in World War II studies, serves with Triad Honor Flight, and helped write A Hero and Advocate for All Others.

On today’s show, we talk about Laura’s path into the family business and the lessons she learned from watching her parents build it. She shares her approach to cash flow, spending, mentorship, and taking care of the people who depend on the company. We also discuss earning respect in a male-dominated industry, making decisions based on reality instead of emotion, and knowing when to ask trusted experts for help. We also learn about her work with veterans and the personal connection behind her military research. 

Episode Highlights: 

[03:55] Laura explains how Bibey Machine & Fabrication Co. handles everything from small repairs to large production projects.

[06:16] A typical day involves solving problems, planning for growth, and supporting employees throughout the company.

[07:31] Laura shares how working for UPS and Ralph Lauren prepared her to join the family business in 1999.

[10:36] The Triad Business Journal’s Family Business Award became a meaningful moment for the family and the entire team.

[12:44] Good work can speak louder than labels, assumptions, or the feeling of being underestimated.

[15:01] The conversation turns to authenticity, unexpected career paths, and accepting where life leads.

[17:17] Her parents’ financial struggles shaped a careful approach to cash flow and business responsibility.

[20:40] A major turning point came when her father stepped away and trusted the next generation to keep the company running.

[23:33] Avoiding overspending starts with buying only what the business or household can realistically support.

[25:09] Trusted experts can help answer the questions a business owner may not even know to ask.

[28:32] A strong personal and professional support system helps ease the pressure that comes with leadership.

[30:16] Small-business owners benefit from realistic plans and stronger connections to community resources.

[32:35] The discussion shifts to Triad Honor Flight and the experiences that deepened her connection to veterans.

[35:20] A grandfather’s World War II service inspired further study and a commitment to preserving veterans’ stories.

[38:00] A class project led to meeting veteran Vernon Schmidt and co-writing *A Hero and Advocate for All Others*.

[41:59] Two Vietnam veterans’ very different reactions to helicopters reveal how deeply wartime memories can remain.

[45:25] Every Honor Flight brings a different experience and can be healing for veterans, families, and volunteers.

[48:24] The lightning round includes an unforgettable emergency repair for a crematorium.

[50:08] A reminder not to become so focused on money that you forget to live your life.

Resources & Links: 

• Acclaim Federal Credit Union
• Bibey Machine & Fabrication Co. 
• Laura Bailey - Bibey Machine
• Laura Bailey - LinkedIn
• Triad Honor Flight
• A Hero and Advocate for All Others: WWII as Remembered by Vernon N. Schmidt
• Greensboro History Museum