Artificial Intelligence

130 - When Brothers Battle and AI Saves the Day: Reinventing Oilfield Logistics

Ed Delia

Published on: 31/08/2026

Ed Delia interviews Del Ornelas III of I Am Trucking on rebuilding after family business disputes, modernizing oilfield logistics with AI, developing future leaders, and creating a sustainable company while staying present for family.

family business governance and succession planningprofessionalizing mid-market logistics operationsAI technology integration in B2B truckingfounder dependency reduction strategiesstrategic freight and logistics diversification

128 - Cold Calls and Coffee: How to Stop Chasing Leads and Start Opening Doors

Ed Delia

Published on: 19/08/2026

Ed Delia interviews Caryn Kopp of Kopp Consulting on opening doors with top executives, precise targeting, tailored messaging, objection handling, and responsible AI use. She explains how human outreach and sales discipline build stronger pipelines.

B2B business development strategiespredictable sales pipeline growthprofessionalizing sales team operationsexecutive door opening tacticstargeted B2B sales messaging frameworks

126 - Built on Bubbles: The Startup Journey Behind a Hot Tub Cover Business

Ed Delia

Published on: 12/08/2026

Ed Delia interviews Harry Dale of Cover & Supply Co. on building a custom spa cover business from a market gap, embracing domestic sourcing, AI, customer relationships, family entrepreneurship, and resilience.

domestic B2B manufacturing growth strategiesregional supply chain optimization for retailerscustom AI workflow automation for small businessfamily business co-leadership governancemodernizing light manufacturing operations

125 - From Clean Vapes to AI Sales Bots: Playbook for Innovation and Resilience in Cannabis

Ed Delia

Published on: 09/08/2026

Ed Delia interviews Degelis Tufts Pilla and Greg Pilla of TribeTokes on building a cannabis wellness brand, navigating regulations, embracing AI, and scaling a values-driven business through innovation and resilience.

bootstrapped B2B brand growth strategiesvalues-driven wellness brand marketingAI automation for B2B sales pipelinesprofessionalizing multi-channel supply chain operationsco-leadership governance in family-owned businesses

121 - Legacy Reloaded: Reinventing Family Business Leadership in an AI-Driven World

Ed Delia

Published on: 27/07/2026

Ed Delia interviews Katie Rucker of MacKenzie Corp and NextGen Collaborative on modernizing family business leadership, embracing AI, authentic storytelling, and empowering next-generation leaders to honor legacy while driving innovation.

next-generation family business leadershipB2B family enterprise succession planningprofessionalizing family business operationsstrategic foresight for mid-market businessescustomer experience data analytics for B2B

120 - Modernizing a Family Legacy: How Resolution Capitol Management Is Evolving Under Third-Generation Leadership

Ed Delia

Published on: 22/07/2026

Ed Delia interviews Jared Kassoff of Resolution Capitol Management on rebuilding a family real estate business, modernizing operations, leveraging AI, and balancing legacy with entrepreneurial growth.

family business real estate modernizationmid-market real estate asset managementprofessionalizing family business operationsAI integration in real estate managementmulti-generational business succession planning

119 - Leading Through Change: Why Belief and Brutal Self-Assessment Matter in Family Business

Ed Delia

Published on: 15/07/2026

Ed Delia interviews Josh Gould of thebigword on leading family-business change through self-assessment, professional management, and early AI adoption while preserving values and empowering people.

family business multi-generational succession planningglobal language service provider growthprofessionalizing legacy business corporate governanceAI integration in B2B service sectorsstrategic capital allocation for entrepreneurs

116 - The Tough Talk: Overcoming Fear and Complexity in Family Business Succession Planning

Ed Delia

Published on: 16/06/2026

Ed Delia interviews Chris Bingaman on family business leadership, succession, and innovation. Chris shares lessons on integrity, appointing a non-family CEO, cancer survival, ESOP implementation, and AI-driven lumber grading.

family business multi-generational succession planningindustrial manufacturing digital transformationprofessionalizing legacy manufacturing operationsdata-driven supply chain managementemployee stock ownership plan advantages

97 - Customer-Driven Innovation: How GEMCO and APS Are Transforming Industrial Mixing Equipment

Ed Delia

Published on: 13/04/2026

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia speaks with Casey Bickhardt, fourth-generation President and CEO of GEMCO and Advanced Powder Solutions (APS). Casey shares how she unexpectedly stepped into leadership just one year after college following the passing of a key operator at APS. She discusses growing up immersed in the family business, establishing credibility with veteran teams, and how operating APS gave her invaluable customer insight that transformed GEMCO's engineering approach.

Family business leadership transitionIndustrial manufacturing innovation strategiesTumble blending and vacuum drying specializationB2B smart manufacturing adoptionFourth-generation business success stories

81 - Building a Family-Run IT Business: Strategies for Success and Client Loyalty

Ed Delia

Published on: 21/01/2026

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Samuel Crane, Co-Owner of Cinch I.T., a family-run managed IT and cybersecurity franchise. Samuel shares how he, his brothers, and their partner’s family built the business, blending personalized local service with enterprise-level support. They discuss the benefits of the franchise model, the importance of clear roles, proactive client relationships, and a strong, people-centered company culture.

Managed IT franchise successFamily business role definitionB2B cybersecurity compliance strategiesScaling a managed service providerEntrepreneurial leadership mindset

75 - Mastering LinkedIn and AI: Essential Tips for Family-Governed B2B Success

Ed Delia

Published on: 31/12/2025

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.

LinkedIn strategy for B2B companiesAI-driven LinkedIn marketingfamily-owned business digital marketingLinkedIn thought leadership for executivesB2B authority building on LinkedIn

72 - Safety First: How AI is Transforming the Aluminum Extrusion Process

Ed Delia

Published on: 22/12/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," the 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.

manufacturing leadership successionfamily-owned manufacturing businessAI in manufacturing operationsB2B manufacturing leadershiplegacy business modernization

12 - The Family Business Tightrope: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Ed Delia

Published on: 23/04/2025

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia speaks with Maya, the first AI-powered character from Sesame Workshop, about the dynamics of family-owned businesses. They discuss navigating generational transitions, balancing tradition with innovation, and the value of clear communication and strong core values. Maya also shares how AI can support succession planning and improve customer engagement in evolving business environments.

Family business succession planningAI in family-owned businessesCommunication in family businessesBalancing tradition and innovationFamily-owned business leadership