44 - From Kitchen Counter to Corporate Strategy: A Family Legacy in Refractories
Growing Up B2B: Leadership Lessons from Dianne Detwiler of FRC Global
In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia sits down with Dianne Detwiler, Director of Electrode Sales and Product Manager for Alumina Graphit at FRC Global. Dianne shares her journey as a second-generation leader in a family business that has grown into a global supplier of refractory and high-temperature solutions. Listeners will gain insights on succession planning, operational growth, and balancing legacy with innovation—essential lessons for leaders navigating family business challenges and scaling B2B enterprises.
Navigating Family Business Leadership and Growth
Dianne emphasizes the importance of early exposure to the family business. Accompanying her father on international trips and observing operations firsthand gave her practical knowledge beyond formal education. These experiences cultivated curiosity, mentorship, and hands-on learning that prepared her to take on leadership responsibilities confidently.
She also highlights the value of gaining outside experience before joining the family enterprise. Her time at Corning introduced structured operational processes and corporate best practices, which she applied to streamline FRC Global’s operations, manage rapid growth, and support strategic diversification. Blending external insights with the company’s culture strengthened both efficiency and innovation.
Equally important, Dianne discusses navigating family dynamics while scaling a business. Clear role definitions among her sisters, fostering trust, and aligning on big-picture decisions helped the company evolve without compromising its values. She shares how initiatives like rebranding, expanding consulting services, and exploring AI technologies position FRC Global for future growth while honoring its legacy.
About Dianne Detwiler
Dianne Detwiler is Director of Electrode Sales and Product Manager for Alumina Graphit at FRC Global. As a second-generation leader, she brings a unique perspective on succession, operational efficiency, and family business strategy, blending technical expertise with leadership insight to drive growth and innovation. Connect with Dianne on LinkedIn.
About FRC Global
FRC Global is a leading global supplier of refractory, electrode, and high-temperature combustion solutions for steel, ceramics, and industrial applications. Founded over 35 years ago, FRC Global combines legacy expertise with innovation, offering engineering consulting, technical support, and a broad product portfolio to serve clients worldwide.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Key Episode Highlights
Early exposure and hands-on learning are essential for developing future leaders in family businesses.
Gaining outside experience introduces operational best practices that strengthen growth and efficiency.
Clear role definitions reduce conflict and promote collaboration among family members.
Strategic diversification and scaling operations increase resilience in volatile markets.
Balancing legacy with innovation ensures continued relevance and prepares the business for the future.
Conclusion
This episode demonstrates how second-generation leaders like Dianne Detwiler can successfully navigate the challenges of family business leadership while driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence. Her experiences provide valuable guidance for anyone balancing legacy with the need to adapt, scale, and lead with confidence in a B2B environment.
Ready to take your family business to the next level? Visit Delianet to learn more about how we can help.
Think you’d be a great fit for Growing Up B2B? Apply to be a guest and share your story with a business audience that values leadership, growth, and legacy. Apply here: Podcast Guest Application.
