62 - Crafting a Future: Blending Tradition and Innovation in a Family Flooring Business

Ed Delia

Published on: 17/11/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Brian Knaub, a second-generation leader of Flooring Foundation. Brian shares his journey growing up in a family flooring business, from early hands-on experiences to preparing for ownership alongside his brother. The conversation explores the challenges of succession, blending science and craftsmanship, evolving company culture, and maintaining integrity and faith-based values. Brian discusses adapting leadership styles, embracing technology, and the importance of strong family relationships in business.

family business leadershipgenerational business successionB2B growth strategiesflooring contractor innovationcompany culture in family businesses

61 - The Evolution of HVAC: How Technology and Family Values Shape the Future

Ed Delia

Published on: 11/11/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Bobby Ring, second-generation President and CEO of Meyer & Depew Company, a leading New Jersey HVAC company. Bobby shares his journey from childhood memories in the family business to leadership, discussing lessons from his father, technological advancements, and industry changes. He highlights the importance of core values, adapting to innovation, and balancing family dynamics.

family business leadershipHVAC industry innovationB2B legacy brand growthsuccession planning in family businessesemployee retention strategies

60 - The Evolution of HVAC: How Technology and Family Values Shape the Future

Ed Delia

Published on: 10/11/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Jeff Kinsberg and Cristy Richards, the husband-and-wife team behind JAKTOOL, a leading engineering product development firm. They discuss JAKTOOL’s 25-year journey, the evolution of its values-driven culture, and the challenges of scaling a family business. The conversation explores their complementary leadership roles, the integration of AI in manufacturing, and the importance of communication, trust, and adaptability.

B2B innovation strategyfamily business leadershipprecision prototyping companymanufacturing process improvementvisionary and integrator leadership

55 - Aging Brilliantly: Redefining Work and Legacy in Family Enterprises

Ed Delia

Published on: 22/10/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Jerry Cahn, Vistage Chair, Strategist, and Mentor at Vistage Worldwide, Inc. Jerry shares his journey from psychology and law to entrepreneurship and mentoring, offering insights on leadership, legacy, and adapting to generational change. The discussion covers challenges unique to family businesses, the impact of technology and evolving work cultures, and the importance of open communication, values, and succession planning.

family business leadershipCEO peer advisory groupssuccession planning for family businessesredefining retirement for leadersB2B leadership insights

54 - Generational Wisdom: Lessons from a Family Business Leader on Embracing Change

Ed Delia

Published on: 17/10/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Jaclyn Epstein, Chief Operating Officer of Mica Corporation and third-generation family leader. Jaclyn shares her journey from early exposure to the family business, her career at GE, and her return to Mica in 2016. They discuss leadership dynamics in a family business, integrating professional management, industry association involvement, and Mica’s focus on sustainability and innovation in flexible packaging. Jaclyn highlights the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility, the adoption of AI, and her advice for next-generation leaders considering joining their family business.

family business leadershipB2B manufacturing innovationsustainable packaging solutionsnext-generation leadershipMica Corporation

32 - The Evolution of IT Retail: From Local Grocers to a National Tech Solution

Ed Delia

Published on: 23/07/2025

In this episode of *Growing Up B2B*, host Ed Delia speaks with Luke Henry of IT Retail, a family-owned tech company specializing in POS solutions for grocery stores. Luke shares his journey from tech support to leading the development of a cloud-based POS system, navigating family dynamics, and the emotional process of selling to Quilt Software. The episode explores lessons on innovation, leadership, and the complexities of scaling and succession in a family business.

family business leadershipcloud-based POS solutionsgrocery store technologyB2B growth strategiesinnovation in family businesses

31 - From Printing to Packaging: Navigating the Future of Family Business

Ed Delia

Published on: 07/07/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Kyle Tenney, Executive Vice President of The Mid-York Press, Inc. and a seventh-generation family business leader. The conversation covers the impact of AI, sustainability trends in packaging, and the importance of hands-on experience. The episode provides insights into adapting legacy businesses for the future while maintaining strong values and culture.

family business leadershipemployee empowerment in family businesssustainability in packagingAI and automation in businesslabor market shifts in family businesses

28 - The Best Strategies for Navigating Federal Procurement in Defense Contracting

Ed Delia

Published on: 25/06/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Nicholas D'Ambrosio, CEO and Founder of NOMADICS, a technology company specializing in advanced sensing solutions for defense and critical infrastructure. The episode highlights perseverance, adaptability, and the unique dynamics of running a family business in a technical sector.

federal procurement strategiesfamily business leadershipadvanced sensing solutionsbusiness adaptability in defensetechnology integration in business

25 - Family Business Unlocked: Thriving with the Entrepreneurial Operating System

Ed Delia

Published on: 16/06/2025

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews entrepreneur Marc Dispensa about his journey founding and exiting tech companies, and his current work coaching family businesses using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). He emphasizes open communication, balancing tradition with innovation, and the value of structured systems like EOS to help family businesses grow, adapt, and thrive in a changing landscape.

family business leadershipentrepreneurial operating systemsuccession planningfamily business growthleadership development

24 - Timeless to Trailblazing: How One Family Business Rewrote Its Future

Ed Delia

Published on: 11/06/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Ken Ruh, President and CEO of Carby Corporation, a 75-year-old family-owned precision manufacturing business. Ken shares his journey from large multinational corporations to leading Carby. The episode underscores leadership, adaptability, and a positive work environment as keys to driving growth and success.

family business leadershipprecision manufacturingdata-driven decision-makingbusiness growth strategiesfamily-owned manufacturing business

19 - Pipe Dreams and Family Schemes: The Hilarious Truth About Working with Relatives

Ed Delia

Published on: 19/05/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia converses with Nick Galizia, a second-generation leader at Contemporary Plumbing & Heating Inc of Pine Brook, NJ. Key topics include the challenges of transitioning from college to full-time work, the importance of hiring the right people, and maintaining healthy family dynamics. Nick also discusses the adoption of new technologies in the plumbing industry and shares his leadership philosophy, emphasizing humility, hard work, and effective communication. The episode offers valuable insights into family business dynamics and industry trends.

family business leadershipplumbing and heating industry careersskilled trades job opportunitiesleadership in family-owned businessespromoting trade careers to younger generations

15 - Shaping the Future: A Legacy in High-Performance Plastic Fabrication

Ed Delia

Published on: 05/05/2025

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia talks with Ellen Pietrowitz-Phillips, President of L-E-M Plastics, about her shift from the restaurant industry to leading her family’s manufacturing business. Ellen shares the challenges of stepping into leadership, the importance of hard work and customer service, and the evolving landscape of the manufacturing industry. She also offers advice for those joining family businesses and expresses optimism about the future of American manufacturing driven by innovation and technology.

family business leadershipmanufacturing industry insightssecond-generation business ownerhigh-performance plastic fabricationAmerican-made manufacturing

14 - Networking and Mentorship: Keys to Success in the Family Business Arena

Ed Delia

Published on: 30/04/2025

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, second-generation leader Marcy Gross of Sheldon Gross Realty shares her journey from resisting to embracing a leadership role in the family business. She reflects on lessons from her father, the company’s founder, and discusses the evolving work culture, technology, and customer service in a post-pandemic world. Marcy also offers valuable advice for those considering joining their own family enterprises.

family business leadershipcommercial real estate strategysecond-generation business owneradapting real estate to hybrid worklegacy leadership in B2B companies

11 - Balancing Tradition and Innovation: A CEO’s Perspective on Family Business Dynamics

Ed Delia

Published on: 21/04/2025

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia speaks with Mark Howe, President of The Knotts Company, a family-run business with a 72-year legacy. Mark reflects on his journey from childhood visits to the shop floor to leading the company, shaped by mentorship from his father and years of hands-on experience. Together, they explore how automation, AI, and leadership evolution are reshaping the future of manufacturing and multigenerational business.

family business leadershipnavigating generational successionB2B manufacturing innovationleading a legacy business

8 - Navigating Family Dynamics and Professional Roles in Business

Ed Delia

Published on: 10/04/2025

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia of Delia Associates interviews James Zilenziger, COO of Rodman Media and a third-generation leader in his family business. James shares his journey from sales rep to COO, highlighting the importance of empathy, trust, and understanding in leadership, especially within a family business. He discusses the value of external resources like executive coaching and provides insights on balancing personal and professional life while listening to employees.

family business leadershipbuilding trust in leadershipnavigating family dynamics in businessleadership in B2B companiessales to COO career path

7 - From Tool and Die to Plastics Powerhouse: A Family Business Transformation

Ed Delia

Published on: 07/04/2025

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia, the second-generation president of Delia Associates, converses with Jens Duerr, the Director of Marketing and Business Development for CMG Plastics. The episode emphasizes the importance of collaboration, communication, and resilience in family businesses, offering valuable insights into navigating and succeeding in a family-run enterprise.

family business leadershipstrategic partnerships in businessbusiness mergers and acquisitionsinnovation in manufacturingspecialized packaging industry

5 - How Family Businesses Successfully Navigate Generational Change

Ed Delia

Published on: 24/03/2025

In this episode of the "Growing Up B2B" podcast, host Ed Delia interviews Lisa Sanderson, Vice President of Marketing Strategy at Glacier Manufacturing, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024. Lisa, representing the third generation in her family business, shares her experiences growing up in the company, her return to it, and insights into its history and values.

family business leadershipsuccession planning in family businessesmanufacturing business innovationemployee loyalty in family businessesstrategic growth for family-owned companies

4 - The Importance of Integrity: Lessons from a Family Business Leader

Ed Delia

Published on: 17/03/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia, a second-generation leader at Delia Associates, converses with Ivan Gekht, founder and CEO of Gehtsoft USA. They explore the challenges and advantages of running a family-owned B2B company. Ivan shares his 25-year journey, emphasizing the importance of passion, integrity, and trust in business.

family business leadershipfamily-owned business growthtechnology innovation in businessleadership in family-run companiesadapting to market changes in B2B business

3 - Building Relationships Over Transactions: Ensuring Family Values in a Modern Business

Ed Delia

Published on: 12/03/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Dalia, interviews Marc Gaelen, the fourth-generation CEO of Oberk, a family-owned packaging solutions company. Marc shares his journey from law to leading the family business, discussing early memories, the transition into his role, and the challenges of managing family dynamics.

family business leadershipfamily-owned business growthtechnology innovation in businessleadership in family-run companiesadapting to market changes in B2B business

2 - The Family Business Dilemma: Earning Respect While Working with Dad

Ed Delia

Published on: 11/03/2025

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," the host, Ed Delia interviews Jon Clark, president of E&J Parts Cleaning. John shares his journey in the family business, E&J Parts, founded by his father. He reflects on his early exposure to the business, the challenges of stepping into a leadership role, and the dynamics of working with his father. Jon discusses the importance of hard work, respect, and innovation.

family business leadershipinnovation in manufacturingsustainability in businesstechnology in industrial cleaningleadership transitions in family businesses

1 - How Can Family Dynamics Shape the Success of B2B Businesses?

Ed Delia

Published on: 14/02/2025

In the inaugural episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia, President of Delia Associates, shares his unexpected journey into the family business and his mission to empower family-run businesses.

family business leadershipsuccession planning in family-run businessesfamily business dynamicsB2B family business successopen communication in family business