56 - From Tradition to Transformation: The Digital Evolution of a Family Business

Ed Delia

Published on: 27/10/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Marcy Hoffer, third-generation leader of Harry Hoffer Advertising Specialties. Marcy shares the company’s nearly 80-year journey, beginning with her grandfather’s founding in 1946, through family transitions, and her own leadership. They discuss the evolution of the promotional products industry, the importance of legacy, and the challenges and rewards of running a family business.

Family business leadershipLegacy branding strategyPromotional products industry insightsBuilding long-term client relationshipsAdapting tradition to innovation

51 - Hitting Home Runs in Business: Lessons from a Former Professional Baseball Player

Ed Delia

Published on: 08/10/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Al Striano, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Preferred Plastics & Packaging Co. Al shares his unique journey from working in his family’s Bronx steel business, to playing professional baseball, to holding senior roles at major corporations. He discusses lessons learned from his upbringing, the importance of hard work, accountability, and open debate, and how these values shaped his leadership style.

Family business leadershipB2B executive growthLeadership accountabilityStrategic business innovationPackaging industry insights

50 - Thriving as the Next Generation: Leadership in Family Businesses

Ed Delia

Published on: 06/10/2025

In this special 50th episode of "Growing Up B2B," guest host Richard Palatini interviews regular host Ed Delia, the second-generation President of Delia Associates. The conversation explores Ed’s journey joining and leading his family’s branding firm, lessons learned from his father, and the evolving challenges of B2B marketing. Ed reflects on the unique dynamics of family businesses, the importance of brand strategy, and insights gained from interviewing other multigenerational leaders. The episode celebrates the podcast’s milestone while offering advice and inspiration for next-generation family business leaders.

Family business leadershipNext-generation succession planningB2B marketing strategyMultigenerational business growthLeadership development for executives

49 - Overcoming Communication Breakdowns: Keys to Family Business Harmony

Ed Delia

Published on: 01/10/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Dr. Christiane Schroeter, a Business Coach, Professor, and Speaker. They explore the unique challenges of family businesses, focusing on leadership, legacy, communication, and emotional intelligence. Dr. Schroeter shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, embracing wellness, and fostering innovation while honoring tradition. She highlights the importance of self-awareness, confidence-building, and adaptive communication for sustainable growth.

Family business leadershipSuccession planning strategiesEmotional intelligence in businessLeadership development for family enterprisesWomen in family business management

48 - Her Journey, Her Power: Thriving in a Male-Dominated Industry

Ed Delia

Published on: 29/09/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Kristy Knichel, CEO and President of Knichel Logistics. Kristy shares her journey from joining the family business at 19 to leading it as a certified women-owned logistics provider. She discusses overcoming early challenges, working with family, and transforming the company into an industry leader specializing in intermodal shipping.

Family business leadershipWomen-owned logistics companyIntermodal shipping strategiesB2B logistics growthSuccession planning in family businesses

46 - Mentorship and Legacy: Transitioning from CEO to Vistage Chair in Business Leadership

Ed Delia

Published on: 22/09/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Adam Blecker, CEO Mentor and Strategist at Vistage Worldwide Inc. 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.

Family business leadershipSuccession planning for family businessesCEO mentorship and strategyScaling family-owned businessesExit planning for business owners

45 - Humility and Growth: Lessons from a Third-Generation Family Business Leader

Ed Delia

Published on: 17/09/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Joey Gamer, Director of Strategic Growth and a third-generation leader at Gamer Packaging Inc. 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.

Family business leadershipB2B business growth strategiesSuccession planning for family businessesScaling operations in manufacturingNext-generation business leaders

44 - From Kitchen Counter to Corporate Strategy: A Family Legacy in Refractories

$44 - From Kitchen Counter to Corporate Strategy: A Family Legacy in Refractories$ Ed Delia

Published on: 15/09/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Dianne Detwiler, Product Manager & Ceramic Engineer at FRC Global. 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. The conversation explores FRC Global’s growth, leadership transition, family dynamics, and the company’s evolution into a global supplier.

Family business leadershipB2B business growth strategiesSuccession planning for family businessesScaling operations in manufacturingSecond-generation business leaders

43 - Generations of Wisdom: Business Lessons from a Family in Packaging

Ed Delia

Published on: 10/09/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," Ed Delia interviews Joe Carolan, Vice President of Sales at Carolan Packaging, a third-generation family business. 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.

Family business leadershipContract packaging solutionsMulti-generational business strategiesLeadership in family-owned companiesScaling B2B operations

42 - Navigating Leadership Transitions in Family Businesses: Strategies That Work

Ed Delia

Published on: 08/09/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia speaks with Sara Stern, an EOS Implementer at EOS Worldwide and family business expert. They discuss 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.

Family business leadershipEOS implementation for businessesLeadership transitions in family businessesThree-Circle Model family businessImproving family business accountability

39 - The Greatest Challenges and Triumphs of a Family Business in Recycling

Ed Delia

Published on: 27/08/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," Ed Delia interviews Sam Shine, Director of Sales at Utility Recyclers International and fifth-generation leader of the Shine family business. 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.

Family business leadershipB2B sales strategiesRecycling industry insightsMulti-generational business growthSustainable business practices

37 - Succession Planning and Leadership Alignment: Keys to Thriving in Family Businesses

Ed Delia

Published on: 11/08/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews John Basil, founder of Basil Advisory Group, about the unique challenges and opportunities non-family executives face when leading family businesses. The conversation covers 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.

Family business leadershipSuccession planning in family businessesNon-family executive leadershipLeadership transitions in family businessesFamily business growth strategies

36 - Building a Future: How Larson Tool Embraces Change While Honoring Its Past

Ed Delia

Published on: 06/08/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia speaks with Andrew Larson, Production Manager, and Kyle Cederberg, System and Specials Project Engineer, at Larson Tool & Stamping Company. They discuss the company’s 100-year legacy in deep draw metal stamping, the dynamics of working with family, and balancing tradition with innovation. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of multi-generational leadership, the importance of relationships, and adapting to industry changes while honoring the company’s heritage.

Family business leadershipMulti-generational business successManufacturing innovationPeople-first company cultureReshoring trends in manufacturing

35 - The Three-Tier Franchise Model: Revolutionizing Commercial Cleaning Operations

Ed Delia

Published on: 04/08/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Adam Povlitz, CEO and President of Anago Cleaning Systems. He discusses Anago’s unique three-tier franchise model, the company’s agile pivot during COVID-19, and the ambitious $100 Million Challenge. Adam emphasizes servant leadership, the importance of technology, and preserving company culture while scaling. He also reflects on honoring his father’s legacy and advises future family business leaders to gain outside experience before joining the family enterprise.

Franchisee supportFamily business leadershipCommercial cleaning franchise modelB2B business growth strategiesLeadership and innovation

13 - Legacy and Leadership: Lessons from a Third-Generation Beauty Industry CEO

Ed Delia

Published on: 28/04/2025

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews Samantha Burd, Co-owner of Lady Burd Cosmetics, about her journey as a third-generation leader of the company founded by her grandmother. Samantha shares her experience balancing tradition with modernization and the challenges of returning to the family business after a career at Deloitte. She emphasizes the importance of humility, mutual respect, and continuous learning in leading a legacy brand forward.

Family business leadershipModernizing legacy brandsB2B marketing in cosmeticsBeauty industry insightsTrust and respect in family businesses