Our guest today is John Shuman. John is the President andCEO of Shuman Farms, a leading grower and shipper of sweet onions based in Reidsville, Georgia. Raised in a farming family, John left college in 1993, just two classes shy of completing his business degree at Georgia Southern University, to assist with the family farm during a challenging period. The farm was struggling due to the lingering effects of the 1980s Farm Crisis, which had caused high interest rates and significant debt for many farmers, including the Shuman family. 

In the late 1990s, John Shuman revitalized the family farm, establishing Shuman Farms, which has grown into one of the largest growers and shippers of sweet onions in North America. The company is renowned for its RealSweet® brand, introduced in 2001, which has become widely recognized in the produce industry. 

Under John's leadership, Shuman Farms has emphasized community involvement and philanthropy. In 2002, he founded the Healthy Family Project®, a cause-marketing organization dedicated to creating a healthier generation and giving back to families across the country. Since its inception, the project has raised more than $7.5 million for families and children in need. 

John's contributions to the agricultural industry have been widely recognized. In 2020, he was named Grower of the Year by the Vidalia Onion Committee, honoring his more than 25 years of service to the industry. 

Through his commitment to quality, innovation, and community, John Shuman has significantly impacted the sweet onion industry and continues to lead Shuman Farms with a focus on excellence and social responsibility. 

In this episode of Family Business Today, you will learn:

• Lessons John learned from his dad, Buck, by watching how he handled adversity
• How his leadership style has evolved as the company has grown from a regional to an international enterprise
• The importance of education initiatives and the family’s sister company Healthy Family Project in being a positive part of the community
• How Shuman Farms operates as a “service-first” organization in the day-to-day
• How the Shuman family is bringing in the next generation and getting them “into the front seat” of the family business
• And more…

To learn more about John or his family business Shuman Farms, visit their website at https://www.shumanfarmsga.com/.  

At the Tennessee Center for Family Business our passionis to help business owners create a positive environment in which their family THRIVES, their business performs and working together they create a lasting family legacy. To learn more about the Tennessee Center for Family Business visit www.tncfb.com.

If you are considering a transition in your family business contact us today for a FREE  Transition Assessment (follow link) and receive a one-on-one review of your business transition preparedness with a family business consultant.

Until next time, There’s No Business Like a Family Business…. We Know!

Our guest today is Jaime White. Jaime is a strategist,speaker, and co-founder of Believe Crew, where she’s pioneering a model called SoulCare for Visionaries™—designed to help entrepreneurs and family business leaders expand without burnout.

After two decades working inside her family business andraising six children, Jaime stepped into a new chapter—moving her family to Mexico, co-creating a healing and advisory collective, and redefining success on her own terms.

Jaime is known for asking the questions that shift everything, blending deep clarity with spiritual and strategic alignment in every conversation.

In this episode of Family Business Today, you will learn:

• How Jaime knew it was time to exit her family business

• How her perspective was changed with her family’s bold move to Mexico
• How she and her husband help family business visionaries break free from fear
• Common challenges when the next-gen is ready to grow, but the founder is holding tight to the reins
• The evolving role of women in family businesses
• And more…

To learn more about Jaime White or Believe Crew, visit https://www.believecrew.com/.

At the Tennessee Center for Family Business our passionis to help business owners create a positive environment in which their family THRIVES, their business performs and working together they create a lasting family legacy. To learn more about the Tennessee Center for Family Business visit www.tncfb.com.

If you are considering a transition in your family business contact us today for a FREE  Transition Assessment (follow link) and receive a one-on-one review of your business transition preparedness with a family business consultant.

Until next time, There’s No Business Like a Family Business…. We Know!

Our guest today is Rick Calabrese. Rick is a licensedattorney and CPA in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and also has a Masters of Law in Taxation from Villanova University, School of Law. Prior to law school, Rick obtained a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. After graduating, Rick worked at “Big 4” accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP prior to engaging in the active practice of law primarily in the fields of tax, corporate-business, M&A and commercial realestate at suburban Philadelphia based law firms.

During his time practicing law (which he still does part-time), Rick handled multi-million dollar transactions for small to medium sized businesses. While many other clients may have to use multiple advisors on a given transaction, Rick used his unique and specialized tax, business, M&A and CPA background to assist clients through the entire process, frominitial planning, structuring, drafting purchase agreements, and closing.

• In this episode of Family Business Today, you will learn:How experience in his family’s businessshaped Rick’s decision to pursue law
• Updated M&A strategies that could helpfamily business owners
• The most common mistakes for family businessowners when exploring a sale or transition
• What family business owners can do if theydon’t have a ready successor
• What makes family business attractive topotential buyers in today’s business climate
• And more…

To learn more about Rick and his company CommonwealthM&A, visit https://commonwealthmna.com/ .

At the Tennessee Center for Family Business our passionis to help business owners create a positive environment in which their family THRIVES, their business performs and working together they create a lasting family legacy. To learn more about the Tennessee Center for Family Business visit www.tncfb.com.

If you are considering a transition in your familybusiness contact us today for a FREE  Transition Assessment (follow link) and receive a one-on-one review of your business transition preparedness with a family business consultant.

Until next time, There’s No Business Like a Family Business…. We Know!

Our guest today is Kelly O. Finnell, J.D., CLU, AIF®. Kelly is one of the nation’s premier ESOP consultants, having spent more than 40 years helping business owners design and execute ESOPs. Kelly is one of the most sought-after speakers about ESOPs, with experience presenting at more than 300 conferences and meetings throughout the U.S. and abroad in London and Sydney.  

An accomplished writer, Kelly wrote the preeminent ESOP book, The ESOP Coach: Using ESOPS in Ownership Succession Planning in 2010 and this work remains the most comprehensive guide to ESOPs today. Kelly has also published dozens of articles on the use of ESOPs in Ownership Succession Planning,  

An active member of the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) and The ESOP Association, Kelly is a consistent pillar of leadership in the ESOP community. Kelly has also served in leadership roles in numerous professional and community activities, including President of the Memphis Chapter of the Society of Financial Services Professionals, Vestry Member and Treasurer of his church, President of Family Services of Memphis, as a member of the Board of Directors of Renasant Bank and the Economic Club of Memphis and on the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Christian Brothers University School of Business.  

Kelly graduated magna cum laude from the University of Memphis and from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. He earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary- professional designation, awarded by the Center for Fiduciary Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. 

In this episode of Family Business Today, you will learn:  

• Why an ESOP is an important option for family businesses 

• Insights into the pros and cons of developing an ESOP for your family business 

• The misconceptions surrounding ESOPs and the family’s ownership of their business 

• How ESOPs impact key employees and company culture 

• The factors that contribute to the long-term success of an ESOP for a family business 

• And more…  

To learn more about Kelly, his book, or his company Execfin, visit https://execfin.com/.   

At the Tennessee Center for Family Business our passion is to help business owners create a positive environment in which their family THRIVES, their business performs and working together they create a lasting family legacy. To learn more about the Tennessee Center for Family Business visit www.tncfb.com. 

If you are considering a transition in your family business contact us today for a FREE  Transition Assessment (follow link) and receive a one-on-one review of your business transition preparedness with a family business consultant.  

Until next time, There’s No Business Like a Family Business…. We Know! 

Our guest today is Ben Hertzman. Ben is the president ofProgress Luv 2 Pak, a family-led packaging company with over a century of history.

Founded in 1917, the company has grown from manufacturing hat boxes in Toronto, Canada to becoming a global leader in custom sustainable packaging solutions. Under Ben's leadership, Progress Luv 2 Pak partners with iconic brands like Canada Goose and Williams Sonoma, combining innovation with a deep commitment to sustainability. A graduate of Queen's University with a bachelor of commerce, Ben began his career at Procter and Gamble, managing major consumer brands and working with retailers like Walmart and Target. Since returning to Progress Luv 2 Pak in 2017, Ben has driven the company's digital transformation and sustainability efforts, becoming president in 2021. Ben is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization, YPO, and is passionate about transforming legacy business and creating meaningful customer experience. He lives in Toronto with his wife and two young children.

In this episode of Family Business Today, you will learn:

• How a family business that started making hat boxes in 1917 evolved into a global leader in sustainable packaging
• Insights on navigating leadership succession andearning your place in a multigenerational business
• How a family business adapts to market changesthrough innovation and global partnerships
• The value of humility, mentorship, and learning from those who came before you
• Lessons learned from importing and manufacturing, including the decision to return to in-house production as the global landscape changes
• And more…

To learn more about Ben and Progress Luv 2 Pak, visit www.luv2pak.com.

At the Tennessee Center for Family Business our passion isto help business owners create a positive environment in which their family THRIVES, their business performs and working together they create a lasting family legacy. To learn more about the Tennessee Center for Family Business visit www.tncfb.com.

If you are considering a transition in your family businesscontact us today for a FREE  Transition Assessment(follow link) and receive a one-on-one review of your business transition preparedness with a family business consultant.

Until next time, There’s No Business Like a FamilyBusiness…. We Know!

Our guest today is Richard Perko, President and CEO of theLee Company in Franklin, Tennessee.

Richard joined Lee Company as a project engineer right out of college in 1996. Twenty years later, he was named CEO of the company, adding that title and responsibilities to his role as president – a position he has held since 2009.

As President and CEO, Richard is responsible for all companysales, operations, and strategic planning. His current focus is on guiding Lee Company’s ongoing, successful evolution from a traditional mechanical contractor and residential HVAC provider to a comprehensive Facilities Solutions, Home Services, and Construction Services provider.

Richard’s journey to the top leadership position speaks to Lee Company’s mission to create a workplace where employees can thrive.

In this episode of Family Business Today, you will learn:

• What are some of the key benefits of hiring non-family leaders in a family business?
• What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of hiring from outside the company vs promoting from within?
• What questions should family business leadership ask themselves before searching for their first non-family executive?
• What questions should a non-family executive ask the family business leadership during the interview process?
• How can non-family executives in a family business nurture and mentor the next generation of family leaders?
• And more….

To learn more about Richard Perko and the lee company visit their website at https://www.leecompany.com.

At the Tennessee Center for Family Business our passion is to help business owners create a positive environment in which their family THRIVES, their business performs and working together they create a lasting family legacy. To learn more about the Tennessee Center for Family Business visit www.tncfb.com.

If you are considering a transition in your family business contact us today for a FREE  Transition Assessment (follow link) and receive a one-on-one review of your business transition preparedness with a family business consultant.

Until next time, There’s No Business Like a Family Business…. We Know!

Our guest today is Peter Demos, 2nd generation restaurateur at Demos’ Restaurant in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Peter’s vision for Demos’ is clear and simple. “We want thecustomer to leave in a better mood than when he or she came in.”

In 1999, Peter returned to his parents’ family restaurant,Demos’ Restaurant, with the single goal of growing the organization. His experience as a restauranteur grew, and he was given the position of chairman on the Board of Directors for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce andpresident of the Tennessee Hospitality Association. Currently, he is the president and CEO of Demos’ Brands and Demos Family Kitchen, owning six restaurant locations across middle Tennessee, including PDK Southern Kitchenand Pantry, and multiple other businesses.

Peter is a highly sought-after leadership expert and speakeron business, leadership and faith. His latest professional pursuit is the release of his compelling debut book detailing his journey from fear-filled to fearless, “Afraid to Trust.” He has been featured in numerous mainstream andfaith-based publications.

Today, Peter and his wife Kristin work closely together inboth business and ministry. They are now teaching their two children to also serve God with their lives.

In this episode of Family Business Today, you will learn:

• How he developed a clear vision for his restaurants and uses his vision to continually guide both short-term and long-term growth
• What it means for a business to have “true value
• How to incorporate sustainability and responsible stewards into his restaurant’s operations as a Christian business leader
• How to ensure your restaurants are successful financially while staying true to your values
• How he creates a workplace culture that reflects his values and supports his employees beyond just a paycheck
• What kind of legacy he hopes to leave through his restaurants
• And more…

To learn more about Peter Demos and Demos Restaurants visit their website at https://www.peterdemos.org/

At the Tennessee Center for Family Business our passion is to help business owners create a positive environment in which their family THRIVES, their business performs and working together they create a lasting family legacy. To learn more about the Tennessee Center for Family Business visit www.tncfb.com.

If you are considering a transition in your family business contact us today for a FREE Transition Assessment (follow link) and receive a one-on-one review of your business transition preparedness with a family business consultant.

Until next time, There’s No Business Like a Family Business…. We Know!

Our guests today are Bill and Jim Stranberg. Jim is the founder of Stranberg Resource Group in Lake Forest, Illinois. His son, Bill, is a partner in the family firm. As a second generation, family-owned firm focused on CEO succession planning, search and selection business, they support family business leadership in their recruitment efforts.

In this episode of Family Business Today, you will learn:

• How Jim planned for his children to join their family business
• Should children get experience working somewhere else before joining the family business
• Three most critical factors family businesses overlook when planning for outside executive succession
• The most challenging conversation that family members undertake during the succession planning process
• And more…

To learn more about Stranberg Resource Group, visit their website at www.stranberg.com.

At the Tennessee Center for Family Business our passion is to help business owners create a positive environment in which their family THRIVES, their business performs and working together they create a lasting family legacy. To learn more about the Tennessee Center for Family Business visit www.tncfb.com.

If you are considering a transition in your family business contact us today for a FREE  Transition Assessment (follow link) and receive a one-on-one review of your business transition preparedness with a family business consultant.

Until next time, There’s No Business Like a Family Business…. We Know!

Our guests today are Mallie Campbell and Sam Campbell V, Cousins and 5th Generation Owners of Chattanooga Bakery, makers of the iconic 108-year-old MoonPie.

Mallie Campbell is a 5th generation owner and Purchasing Manager for Chattanooga Bakery Inc., makers of the iconic, 108-year-old MoonPie. Mallie was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tn with a passion for baking from a young age innately around the bakery or at home decorating cookies and cakes for family and friends. She graduated in 2019 from Samford University with majors in Management and Entrepreneurship while spending summers working at the Tennessee Bun Company and Chattanooga Bakery. Mallie worked at ALDI as a District Manager before joining her family at Chattanooga Bakery as a Purchasing Manager just over a year ago.

Sam Campbell V is a 5th generation owner and VP of Manufacturing for Chattanooga Bakery Inc., makers of the iconic, 108-year-old MoonPie. Sam grew up in Chattanooga, TN and spent his high school summers working in the factory. He attended Washington and Lee University where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Following college, Sam gained valuable food industry experience with Snyder’s-Lance (now Campbell Soup) in their Research & Development department. Prior to joining Chattanooga Bakery in 2021, Sam was an Assistant Vice President with Colliers International’s Food Advisory Services Group, representing buyers and sellers of food related industrial buildings nationwide. He currently leads Chattanooga Bakery’s Lean Manufacturing efforts as the company remains focused on baking memories for generations to come.

In this episode of Family Business Today, you will learn:

• The different routes each one took to become involved in the family business
• The importance of family values to create a family legacy that has lasted over 100 years
• Secrets to success keeping the business in the family and successfully transitioning to the fifth generation
• How siblings and/or cousins can successfully work together in a family business
• And more…

To learn more about Chattanooga Bakery, visit their website at www.moonpie.com.

At the Tennessee Center for Family Business our passion is to help business owners create a positive environment in which their family THRIVES, their business performs and working together they create a lasting family legacy. To learn more about the Tennessee Center for Family Business visit www.tncfb.com.

If you are considering a transition in your family business contact us today for a FREE  Transition Assessment(follow link) and receive a one-on-one review of your business transition preparedness with a family business consultant.

Until next time, There’s No Business Like a Family Business…. We Know!

Our guest today is Jeff Hopmayer who founded the Brindiamo Group in 2012. Jeff’s name is synonymous with excellence and innovation in the beverage alcohol industry.

The Brindiamo Group is one of the premier providers of bulk

Hopmayer's dedication to whiskey education and community involvement is showcased through various initiatives, notably the Brindiamo Penthouse established in Bardstown, KY, in 2022. In partnership with the Bourbon Capital Academy and Kentucky Bourbon Festival, it serves as a hub for bourbon tastings and industry networking events. Furthermore, Brindiamo's principal sponsorship of the World Whiskies Awards underscores its commitment to promoting excellence within the industry.

In this episode of Family Business Today, you will learn:

To learn more about Jeff Hopmayer and The Brindiamo Group, visit their website at www.brindiamogroup.com.

At the Tennessee Center for Family Business our passion is to help business owners create a positive environment in which their family THRIVES, their business performs and working together they create a lasting family legacy. To learn more about the Tennessee Center for Family Business visit www.tncfb.com.

If you are considering a transition in your family business contact us today for a FREE Transition Assessment (follow link) and receive a one-on-one review of your business transition preparedness with a family business consultant.

Until next time, There’s No Business Like a Family Business…. We Know!