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.

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.

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.

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.

Chris Yonker is wildly interesting and deeply interested into how family organizations work and achieve harmony. Chris has been a guest on many podcasts and hosts his own podcast called Secret Thoughts of CEO’s. No secret here, Chris addresses how his team helps guide generational organizations through transition with a keen eye and ear to well-being, peace, and joy. I am eager for guest reaction to this 66th episode of GENeration EXcellence with Chris Yonker of The Center for Conscious Living & Fulfillment.

Resources Chris Introduced

Free Survey on Succession Readiness - https://www.chrisyonker.com/succession-readiness

FamBizForum – expert led free webinars on challenges for family businesses - https://forum.chrisyonker.com/next-gen-readiness

Podcast Secret Thoughts of CEO’s - https://open.spotify.com/show/5rllVRuZKCexjBBLr8ranu?si=4ee51bcb2b0d4c37

Dr. Zachary (Zach) Linhart is a third-generation dentist, continuing a proud family tradition of excellence in dental care. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Dr. Ernest Linhart, and his father, Dr. Jan Linhart, Zach has carved out his own niche in the world of cosmetic and restorative dentistry. With a passion for innovation and patient care, Dr. Linhart specializes in advanced implant and cosmetic cases, ensuring his patients receive the highest quality treatment. So, get ready to "sink your teeth" into this episode!

As I’ve had in common with past guests, Dr. Zach is an avid athlete, enjoying sports like squash, skiing, tennis, hockey, and paddle tennis. Join us for episode #65 of GENeration EXcellence as we delve into Dr. Linhart's journey, his insights on the latest advancements in dentistry, and his commitment to creating beautiful, healthy smiles.

In this episode of GENeration EXcellence, we sit down with Alex Saroki, a second-generation partner at Saroki Architecture, the world-class firm his parents founded over 40 years ago in Detroit. Alex shares his journey from schooling to becoming a key player in the family design and architecture business. We explore how he brings process to an art, seamlessly blending classic techniques with modern technology to drive the firm forward. Click to hear Alex's insights on maintaining the legacy while embracing innovation, and how he's excited to help shape and “build” the future of the industry on episode #64 of GENeration EXcellence.

Brian Baum is the president & CEO of Interchange Capital Partners a family business advisory firm in Pittsburgh, PA. Brian is himself the second-generation in a business his father founded and where they work closely together. That means he’s seen and addressed firsthand the uniqueness of guiding family business owners and operators on their path to the future. We talked business, we talked family, we talked sports, and we talked about thoughtful disagreement and healthy conflict within family business. (We did ALL that without conflict ourselves.) I trust you will enjoy Brian’s wisdom and drive. If this is a good listen while all on a drive, all the better. Wherever and whenever you listen, please enjoy episode #63 of GENeration EXcellence with Brian Baum.

Interchange Capital Partners website

https://www.interchangecp.com/

Indianapolis is famous for the Indy 500 and cars reaching speeds over 200 mph. Yet the shutter of a camera can race at 1/500th of a second or faster to capture quick-moving action. In this episode I moved quickly to capture the unique generational story of Lesle Lane, CEO of Studio 13 in metro Indianapolis. Lesle comes from a long line of award-winning photographers, each of whom made their mark with their images and vision for the business. Lesle shares her lifelong involvement in the business and is candid about the rational and emotional happenings along the way. Merge into the fast lane for this 62nd episode of GENeration EXcellence with Lesle Lane.

We headed virtually to Boise, Idaho, to chat with Jaime Ekman, President & CEO of The Stoltz Group. Jaime’s journey started in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) world, where she gained invaluable experience in sales, marketing, and operations. In this episode, she shares how she purchased the agency from her father, lessons learned along the way, and her vision for creating even more magic in the future. And yes, for Episode 61 of GENeration EXcellence the guest and host share the same name—but don’t let that confuse you. You’re in for a treat. Thank you for listening.