Growing Up B2B

Growing Up B2B

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Growing Up B2B episodes

  • 76 - The Family Business Playbook for Smart Financial Management and Long-Term Wealth with Joseph Dispenza

    In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews Joseph Dispenza, President and Founder of Dispenza Financial and author of "Freedom is the Goal." They discuss key wealth-building strategies for family and B2B businesses, including the importance of financial planning, managing debt, maintaining cash reserves, and diversifying investments.

    Joseph shares insights from his four decades in finance, highlights common financial blind spots, and emphasizes the link between personal health and business success. The episode offers practical advice for business owners and second-generation leaders navigating financial decisions and long-term growth.

    Learn more about Joseph's work HERE.

    Connect with Joseph on LinkedIn HERE.

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

    36 min
  • 75 - Mastering LinkedIn and AI: Essential Tips for Family-Governed B2B Success with Al Kushner

    In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews LinkedIn expert and author Al Kushner about leveraging LinkedIn and AI for business growth, especially in family-run B2B companies.

    Al shares strategies for optimizing LinkedIn profiles, creating authentic content, and using AI tools to boost efficiency without sacrificing personal touch. The conversation covers newsletters, groups, and advanced features like Sales Navigator, emphasizing the importance of digital presence and adapting to new technologies to maintain a competitive edge. Al also highlights resources for further learning and offers practical tips for building authority on LinkedIn.

    Learn more about Al's work HERE.

    Connect with Al on LinkedIn HERE.

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

    28 min
  • 74 - Work-Life Balance: Is It Possible When Your Family Business is Your Life? with Akshay Shah

    In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews Akshay Shah, Group Executive Director of Silafrica. Akshay shares his journey from childhood in his family’s Tanzanian factory to leading a sustainable plastics packaging enterprise across Africa.

    He discusses blending family legacy with professional management, the challenges of scaling and unifying operations, and the personal costs of work-life imbalance. Akshay reflects on embracing innovation, sustainability, and peer learning, while preparing for Silafrica’s next phase with new investors. The episode offers candid insights on leadership, legacy, and balancing tradition with growth.

    Learn more about Akshay's work HERE.

    Connect with Akshay on LinkedIn HERE.

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

    51 min
  • 73 - Breaking the Bottleneck: How to Empower the Next Generation in Family Businesses with Michael Palumbos

    In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews Michael Palumbos, Founder of Family Wealth and Legacy and a leading advisor to family businesses.

    Michael shares insights from his personal and professional journey, discussing the unique challenges of multigenerational family enterprises. He introduces his frameworks—the Family Business Family Office and Flywheel—for integrating business, wealth, and family legacy. The conversation explores the importance of peer support, open communication, and external coaching, emphasizing that every family business is unique. Michael and Ed highlight how thoughtful planning and honest dialogue help families navigate complexity and sustain success across generations.

    Learn more about Michael's work HERE.

    Connect with Michael on LinkedIn HERE.

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

    43 min
  • 72 - Safety First: How AI is Transforming the Aluminum Extrusion Process  with Jason Markijohn

    In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews Jason Markijohn, President of Dunaway, a family-owned engineering company specializing in extrusion press technology.

    Jason shares Dunaway’s history, his transition into leadership, and the company’s evolution through family involvement. The discussion highlights Dunaway’s recent innovations, especially the integration of AI-driven visual intelligence to improve safety and efficiency in aluminum extrusion manufacturing, and emphasizes the company’s commitment to personalized service, hands-on learning, and continuous growth in a competitive industry.

    Learn more about Jason's work HERE.

    Connect with Jason on LinkedIn HERE.

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

    34 min
  • 71 - Make the Shift: How to Transition from Working in Your Business to Earning Passive Income with Ian Noble

    In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews Ian Noble, founder of RunSteady Investments. Ian shares his journey from growing up in his father’s Austin dry cleaning business to turning it around, buying it, and eventually selling it in 2023.

    He discusses the challenges of family business succession, leadership, and building company culture. Ian also explains his transition to real estate investing, focusing on passive income and financial freedom. The conversation offers practical insights on entrepreneurship, business operations, and creating lasting wealth beyond the family business.

    Learn more about Ian's work HERE.

    Connect with Ian on LinkedIn HERE.

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

    41 min
  • 70 - Authentic Leadership Uncovered: Why Leading with Heart Matters Most with Jay Suggs

    In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews Jay Suggs, Founder of Success Consultings. Jay shares his journey from corporate leadership to coaching, emphasizing authentic leadership, self-awareness, and the influence of his grandmother’s wisdom. The conversation explores the challenges of personal growth, the importance of serving others, and leading with conviction. Jay discusses his upcoming book, "Relentless Conviction," and his work with Children’s Aid and Family Services, highlighting how purpose and resilience shape true leadership and legacy.

    Learn more about Jay's work HERE.

    Connect with Jay on LinkedIn HERE.

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

    36 min
  • 69 - Legacy Leadership: A Purpose-Driven Journey in Pharma with Cheri Wilczek

    In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia talks with Cheri Wilczek, Founder and President of ClinAudits. Cheri shares her journey from corporate downsizing to building a successful business in the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting the support of her late husband and business partner. The conversation explores balancing marriage and entrepreneurship, overcoming personal loss, and leading with empathy. Cheri offers advice for couples in business, discusses industry innovations, and reflects on her company’s legacy of integrity and quality. The episode is a testament to resilience, partnership, and purpose-driven leadership.

    Learn more about Cheri's work HERE.

    Connect with Cheri on LinkedIn HERE.

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

    33 min
  • 68 - Navigating the Challenges of Succession Planning in a Multi-Generational Business with Kohler Coating's Mike Kohler

    In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Kohler Coating, Mike Kohler. Mike shares insights on sustaining legacy through innovation, overcoming economic hardships, and the importance of disciplined growth and succession planning.

    He discusses navigating family dynamics, learning from past generations, and the vital role of supportive relationships. Mike highlights the resilience, adaptability, and strong values that have enabled Kohler Coating to thrive across generations, offering practical advice for leaders in multi-generational family businesses.

    Learn more about Mike's work HERE.

    Connect with Mike on LinkedIn HERE.

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

    46 min
  • 67 - Keeping It in the Family: Strategies for Successful Business Succession and Growth with Andrew and James Baumgardner

    In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews The Baumgardner Group's CFO, James Baumgardner, and Operations Manager, Andrew Baumgardner. Andrew and James discuss growing up with entrepreneurial parents, the evolution of their family’s construction business, and their approach to acquiring and integrating other trade companies.

    The brothers share insights on balancing family and business, maintaining strong sibling relationships, and honoring their mother’s pioneering legacy. They highlight the challenges and rewards of succession, leadership, and sustaining a multi-generational family business in a changing industry.

    Learn more about Andrew and James' work HERE.

    Connect with Andrew and James on LinkedIn HERE and HERE.

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

    43 min

About Growing Up B2B

From the publisher's feed

Running a business is one thing—running a business with family is another. Growing Up B2B is dedicated to telling the stories of leaders who are building, growing, and sustaining successful family-run businesses in the B2B world. We explore the real challenges and triumphs of working with family, from navigating leadership transitions to managing business dynamics and preserving relationships along the way. If you've faced the highs and lows of growing a business alongside family and have valuable insights to share, we'd love to feature your journey on the podcast.