In this engaging episode of "Legacy Builders," Cory Gagnon, your host, deepens our understanding of family business legacies with the guidance of the esteemed David Blom from Black Blackwood Family Enterprise Services. Together, they unravel the intricate fabric of generational continuity and the imperative task of defining, protecting, and evolving these unique legacies.

David masterfully illustrates the need for family businesses to stay flexible, adapt to changing times, and spell out their legacy's essence. The story of a family constitution initially centered on entrepreneurship, then embracing excellence and accommodating diverse family visions, serves as a poignant example. Key themes include entrepreneurial spirit, pursuit of excellence, navigating conflicts, ever-evolving family narratives, and the delicate fusion of business and personal relationships. 

Amidst these discussions, David underlines the vital role of nurturing relationships and establishing shared family perspectives, ultimately ensuring the enduring prosperity of family enterprises. This episode is a goldmine of wisdom, offering invaluable insights for anyone interested in securing the future of family businesses across generations.

About David Blom

Passionate about helping enterprise families gain strategic advantages to increase performance. Senior Advisor

Inspired by working in his family’s glass construction company, David obtained a CA designation to help other enterprising families. Specializing in providing tax services, David has over 30 years of experience in providing estate and succession planning to enterprising families. Seeing how families and companies

were negatively impacted by inadequate succession planning motivated David to obtain his FEA designation and develop his own enterprise advisory practice. Competence and caring

A skilled family enterprise advisor, David wants Blackwood’s enterprising families to develop a clear picture of their purpose and long-term vision. 

He is excited by the sense of calm and focus that a family gets when they see clarity in their future direction. Building from the big picture and working on the vital, but sometimes non-urgent matters, David helps families make consistent and better strategic

decisions. His extensive experience in tax planning, governance, and business succession mean David can step back and look at all aspects of a problem or an opportunity and guide a plan that is specific to each family’s unique DNA. Passionate about conservation David is a passionate outdoorsperson and conversationist. Raised with the attitude that we all have a

responsibility to leave the land in a better state than we found it, David has a 30-year volunteer career with Ducks Unlimited Canada working to conserve wetlands and protect clean water. After serving as president, David retired as Chairman of the Board in 2022.

David especially enjoys his time with his wife Joann, children, and grandchildren in Calgary and Nova Scotia.
 

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Blackwood Family Enterprise Services: blackwoodfes.com/
• Grant Thornton: https://www.grantthornton.com/
• Patrick O'Connor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-o-connor-0a23a320/?originalSubdomain=ca
• Joel Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-hunter-0784515b/?originalSubdomain=ca
• Willing Wisdom by Thomas Deanes: https://www.amazon.com/Willing-Wisdom-Thomas-William-Deans/dp/0980891027

Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd. 

• Website: BeaconFamilyOffice.com
• LinkedIn: Cory Gagnon
• Linkedin: Beacon Family Office
• Email: [email protected]

Contact David Blom | Blackwood Family Enterprise Services: 

• Website: blackwoodfes.com/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-blom-66593126
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Phone Number: (587) 229-4476

We're bringing together leading experts to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing family businesses today—from succession planning and governance structures to preparing the next generation for leadership roles. You'll walk away with actionable strategies and fresh perspectives on building resilient family enterprises.

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