Generation Excellence Podcast

Jody Lipton of Lipton Law leads, along with her brother Marc a personal injury law firm started by their father William Lipton in suburban Detroit. Jody has an incredible way of tackling what’s in front of her and dropping the baggage of the past. She refers to it as “Over. Done with Gone.” Learn more about that philosophy of management and leadership along with how Jody has embraced the law, her clients and a unique team approach to this second-generation law firm. I greatly respect Jody’s fight and fire. Get ready for a taste of law school on this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

Brian Yessian, Partner & Chief Creative Officer of Yessian Music leads, along with his brother Michael a business started by their father Dan in suburban Detroit. Today’s Yessian is doing music and sound design work in advertising, film, gaming, and attractions ... all over the world. In our conversation we get into the founding of the business and how it has so smartly “traveled” to NY, LA and Hamburg. I love Brian’s passion mixed with a quiet intensity and really had a good time doing this episode of GENeration EXcellence. Please enjoy!

Marc Schechter’s entrepreneurial talents have led him to become CEO of a third generation firm that advises clients around the country on financial matters including investment advisory services, life insurance planning, income and estate taxes, business succession, and charitable planning. Marc started, built and grew numerous businesses after college. You’ll hear about one venture that didn’t quite pan out and that led him to join his family’s business, Schechter Wealth. I really enjoyed this conversation with Marc as he outlines the evolution of his firm and humbly explains the moves they’ve made that have led to profitable growth. The information Marc imparts (especially around their core values) is applicable on so many levels. Please enjoy this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

Michael Simmons of Simmons & Clark Jewelers added some sparkle and bling to the podcast. As a third-generation owner, operator and an attorney Michael brings a refreshing perspective to GENeration EXcellence. This is a special episode in that our agency, when known as Simons-Michelson Co. did advertising work for Simmons & Clark Jewelers. Some of that work from over 60 years ago graces the store today. So much has changed in the world of omni-channel retail. Michael proudly and humbly shares how his family has navigated that change and are prepared to keep evolving Simmons & Clark Jewelers into the 4th generation. Thanks for taking a little (Bulova) time to listen to Episode #36 of GENeration EXcellence.

Joe Kinville of Guernsey Farms Dairy joins the podcast to outline how a third-generation business doesn’t automatically mean maturing or declining. Guernsey is growing by investing in facilities, logistics, and people. In that way their high-quality premium dairy products (e.g. killer coffee ice cream) can be enjoyed by more families. And you can enjoy learning about how a legacy business celebrates it is roots (and rocks) while preparing for the 4th generation. Hint: there are NO shortcuts. It takes a positive attitude and effort.

John Carter is an attorney and experienced M&A advisor. He turned to counseling businesses on succession so that they avoid the drama that is the hit show “Succession” on HBO. He named his firm Absolute Succession. It was an absolute pleasure to speak with John Carter on this episode of GENeration EXcellence. John explains how leaving a business via a sale, transfer, gift or any form of exit is a process, not an event and requires planning. I appreciate business owner/operators taking the time to prepare their business and prepare their teams through the objective guidance of John Carter. Please enjoy.

While skimming through the Food & Wine best ice cream in every state story online I reached out to the winner for Pennsylvania, Bassetts Ice Cream in Philadelphia. Why for this podcast? Because Bassetts has been the best ice cream since ... 1861. In this episode we get “the scoop” on this fascinating business story from Alex Bassett Strange, who represents the 6th generation of his family at Bassetts Ice Cream. Alex proudly and knowledgably walks us through the mark each generation has made (or is making) on the product, manufacturing, operations, packaging, and more. Bassetts Ice Cream talks about being “rich in history, richer in flavor.” Enjoy a taste on this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

I received a store grand opening postcard from Premier Pet Supply. (Yes, snail mail got my attention.) I was intrigued and came to learn that Mike Palmer represented the second generation of this fast-growing pet supply store operator. In this episode Mike talks about his involvement in the business from a young age and how he remains as fired up about the opportunity as when he was a teenager. Premier Pet Supply is billed as “the place pets love.” I think you’ll love how Mike Palmer leads a family-run business to outrageous customer service excellence on this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

Episode #31: Stephanie Stuckey, President and CEO, Stuckey’s Corporation by Jamie Michelson

Ron Chapman II is the Chairperson, White Collar Defense & Government Investigations Practice at Chapman Law Group. Chapman Law Group is a firm solely dedicated to representing licensed healthcare providers. I got to know Ron as we were regular early morning gym goers. I’ve since come to learn about Ron’s unique career path and inspiring leadership principles. This is one of my favorite episodes so far. (I say that often.) Get ready for some surprises and fresh takes from attorney Ron Chapman II in this episode of GENeration EXcellence.