Growing Up B2B

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO Mentor and Strategist, and Vistage Chair at Vistage Worldwide, Adam Blecker. Adam shares his journey growing and exiting a family-run healthcare business, highlighting the importance of clear roles, formal agreements, and honest communication in family enterprises.

He discusses the challenges of scaling while preserving company culture, the emotional impact of selling the business, and his transition to mentoring business leaders. Adam offers practical advice on risk, leadership, and the value of peer support, providing candid insights for entrepreneurs navigating family business dynamics and personal growth.

Learn more about Adam's work HERE.

Connect with Adam on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Director of Strategic Growth at Gamer Packaging, Joey Gamer. Joey shares insights on joining the family business, working alongside his mother, brother, and cousin, and balancing tradition with innovation.

He discusses the company’s growth, focus on personalized service, and adapting to industry trends like canned beverages and cannabis packaging. Joey emphasizes humility, collaboration, and the importance of adding value, while also reflecting on leadership transitions and the future role of technology.

Learn more about Joey's work HERE.

Connect with Joey on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Director of Electrode Sales and Product Manager for Alumina Graphit at FRC Global, Dianne Detwiler. Dianne shares her journey from early exposure to her father's international business trips, through her education and career at Corning, to joining the family business alongside her sisters.

She explores FRC Global’s growth, leadership transition, family dynamics, and the company’s evolution into a global supplier. Dianne also discusses the challenges and rewards of working with family, their focus on engineering consulting, and the impact of emerging technologies like AI in their industry.

Learn more about Dianne's work HERE.

Connect with Dianne on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Vice President of Sales at Carolan Packaging, Joe Carolan. Joe shares the company’s history, the challenges of running a contract packaging firm, and deeply personal stories of family resilience through tragedy and illness.

He discusses lessons learned from growing up in the business, the importance of adaptability, and the value of treating customers’ products as their own. Joe also reflects on leadership, his firefighting experience, and the evolving future of Carolan Packaging.

Learn more about Joe's work HERE.

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Expert EOS Implementer at EOS Worldwide, Sara Stern. Sara discusses the unique challenges of family businesses, the importance of separating family and business roles, and practical tools like the Three Circle Model and Family Business Office Hour.

Sara shares insights on leadership transitions, fostering healthy team dynamics, and the value of clarity and communication. She offers actionable advice and personal stories to help family business owners navigate succession, vision, and emotional dynamics for long-term success.

Learn more about Sara's work HERE.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Sales and Marketing Manager at Bihler of America, Adam Nordmeyer. Adam shares his journey into the family business, the challenges and rewards of working with relatives, and how Bihler delivers advanced automated manufacturing solutions for industries like automotive and medical.

He covers Bihler’s technological innovations, expansion into new markets, workforce development, and the importance of balancing legacy with growth. Adam also discusses the company’s future ambitions and offers advice for those considering joining a family business.

Learn more about Adam's work HERE.

Connect with Adam on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President at Montrose Molders Corporation, Brendan Wilson. Brendan discusses the company’s 60-year history, the upcoming generational transition as his father retires and his brother becomes operations manager, and their commitment to innovation and core values.

He covers Montrose’s technological advancements, plans for automation and growth, and the importance of trust, culture, and sustainability as the company prepares for its next chapter.

Learn more about Brendan's work HERE.

Connect with Brendan on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Director of Sales and Business Development at Utility Recyclers International, Sam Shine. Sam shares his journey from working outside the family business to leading its environmentally responsible recycling operations across North America.

He discusses the challenges and rewards of joining a century-old enterprise, the importance of reputation, adapting to industry changes like smart metering and EV recycling, and his recognition as a Next Gem to Watch. The conversation highlights family dynamics, innovation, and the evolving landscape of utility recycling.

Learn more about Sam's work HERE.

Connect with Sam on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Managing Partner at Delaware Valley Family Business Center, Sally Derstine. Sally shares insights from over 30 years advising multigenerational family businesses, discussing the complexities of leadership, governance, and succession. The conversation explores family dynamics, the importance of communication, integrating non-family executives, and preparing the rising generations for leadership.

Sally emphasizes education, peer support, and proactive planning to ensure both business success and family harmony. She offers practical strategies and heartfelt advice for families navigating the challenges of business transitions across generations.

Learn more about Sally's work HERE.

Connect with Sally on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President of Basil Advisory Group, John Basil. John shares insights from his experience in companies like Bakkt and Philco, discussing family culture, succession planning, leadership alignment, and strategies for building trust.

He discusses how non-family leaders can navigate family dynamics, manage change, and drive growth, while also addressing the importance of clear communication, value alignment, and proactive succession planning in ensuring long-term business success.

Learn more about John's work HERE.

Connect with John on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.