Ever wonder what it takes to turn a political science degree into a multi-million dollar wine empire? Today, we're about to find out! The legendary Gary Fisch of Gary's Wine & Marketplace joins hosts Norman Kallen and Stuart Brown to go behind the scenes of a retail revolution, from navigating unexpected pivots and the challenges of rapid growth, to the surprising impact of a global pandemic on a beloved wine business. If you're an entrepreneur, a wine enthusiast, or just curious about the art of the pivot, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Pull up a chair, and let's pour into Gary's incredible story.

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Money and family – two of life's most powerful, and potentially volatile, forces. What happens when they collide in the high-stakes arena of a family business? That's exactly what we're exploring today. Family business succession planning is a minefield of emotions, expectations, and often, unwritten rules. Our guest, Adam Blecker, has walked that path. From co-founding a top-tier home healthcare agency with his father and siblings, to facing the unimaginable, and ultimately, orchestrating a successful sale, Adam's journey is a masterclass in resilience and strategic foresight. Get ready for candid insights on navigating difficult conversations, the absolute necessity of documentation, and why sometimes, even happy endings can feel a little somber. This isn't just business; it's profoundly personal. Don't miss it.

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People often see retirement as a never-ending vacation, a time to relax, and a special opportunity to pamper yourself. But instead of sitting around the house or wandering aimlessly without actual goals, you can make it more fulfilling with the right preparation and mindset. Norman Kallen and Stuart Brown sit down with Joel Malick, author of Afterwork, to discuss how to prepare yourself emotionally and psychologically for a meaningful retirement. Joel challenges the traditional notions of retiring, emphasizing why it must be spent on intentionality, giving back, and finding purpose beyond leisure. He also explains how to properly integrate play during retirement to strike the right balance in achieving personal growth, finding genuine happiness, and securing your finances.

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One of the absolute truths in running a business is that it will eventually end. Therefore, you must prepare for your business transition as early as you can to lessen the headaches when it finally comes. Laurie Barkman, the Business Transition Sherpa, helps business owners navigate this challenging process. She joins Norman Kallen and Stuart Brown to share valuable advice on preparing for a transition not only financially but also mentally and emotionally. Tune in as Laurie breaks down the benefits of business valuation, the right way to build a transition team, and the different kinds of potential business buyers to keep an eye on.

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The public’s awareness about their role in building a better future has been waning. More and more people are forgetting their civic duty to do something for the greater good despite not wielding political power. Norman Kallen and Stuart Brown sit down with Colonel Jack Jacobs, a Medal of Honor recipient for his service in the Vietnam War, who discusses how to boost public service and encourage people to take action. Breaking down the most important lessons from his storied career, he explains the importance of adhering to the truth despite rampant misinformation and how businesses can balance revenue generation and culture building. Colonel Jacobs also shares insights on resolving the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the best way to improve the US government’s treatment of veterans.

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One of the biggest challenges business leaders face in this modern era is managing multi-generational teams. Bridging the generational gaps is easier said than done, since the Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Alpha have their own passions, interests, and needs. Norman Kallen and Stuart Brown explore how to make this work with Dr. Jeremy Graves, a renowned expert in intergenerational collaboration. He discusses how to shape a multi-generational workforce with a competitive advantage by finding unity in diversity. Dr. Jeremy also explains how such a team should collaborate in the most effective way, as well as how leaders should provide them with a culture where they can thrive despite their long list of differences.

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Managing a business is challenging in itself, but did you ever wonder what running several businesses at the same time looks like? Norman Kallen and Stuart Brown learn exactly that with Multi-business owner Bobby Mascia. In this insightful conversation, he shares his experiences and takeaways as the CEO of Green Ridge Wealth Planning (GRWP) and Mascia Capital Group. Bobby shares his strategies for building a reliable network, sticking to your core values, nurturing a healthy culture, and managing time well. Bobby also opens up on the challenges he faced when he worked in their family business, as well as its valuable lessons that shaped his entrepreneurship success today.

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Welcome to Open For Business, the podcast exploring the unique challenges faced by business owners today – and how to effectively address them. Join business lawyers Stuart Brown and Norman Kallen as they break down crucial topics about business management, market trends, retirement, work-life balance, and more. Hear valuable words of wisdom from experts and professionals from different industries, from successful entrepreneurs to inspiring authors. Whether you are just starting your journey or currently planning to level up your game, this podcast is a must-listen.

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