Navigating Family Business Dynamics and Innovation: Insights from Lisa Sanderson of Gleicher Manufacturing

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia sits down with Lisa Sanderson, Vice President of Marketing and Strategy at Gleicher Manufacturing, a family-owned company specializing in high-quality custom and stock packaging solutions. With a rich history spanning over 75 years, Lisa shares her experiences of working in a family business, offering insights into the challenges of leadership transitions, succession planning, and the importance of maintaining core values while embracing innovation. This episode provides valuable lessons for family-run businesses in navigating the complexities of leadership, succession, and growth.

Embracing the Legacy While Planning for the Future

Lisa’s journey into the family business began with early exposure to the operations of Gleicher Manufacturing. From a young age, Lisa was surrounded by the business, observing the day-to-day operations and learning the company’s core values. As she reflects on her childhood, Lisa recalls spending time at the factory, where she learned firsthand about the family’s commitment to quality and service. These early experiences laid the foundation for her eventual leadership role within the company, where she now works alongside her husband, Doug, the CEO, and her father. Despite the occasional challenges of working with family members, Lisa believes that mutual respect and open communication are key to maintaining both family and business harmony.

Before returning to Gleicher Manufacturing in 2018, Lisa explored other industries, including consumer packaged goods, and took time off to raise her children. Her external experience brought a fresh perspective to the business, especially in terms of growth strategies and formalizing processes. Lisa emphasizes the importance of introducing structure to a family-run business to ensure that it not only survives but thrives for generations to come. By applying her business education and strategic mindset, she has worked to create more streamlined operations while preserving the family’s traditional values.

Looking ahead, Lisa is excited about the future of Gleicher Manufacturing as they continue to adapt to market changes and embrace new technologies. She highlights the importance of succession planning, particularly in preserving the knowledge and skills of long-term employees who have been with the company for decades. By documenting this expertise and implementing new systems like HubSpot for operational efficiency, Lisa ensures that the company remains competitive while staying true to the values that have sustained it for over 75 years.

About Lisa Sanderson

Lisa Sanderson is the Vice President of Marketing and Strategy at Gleicher Manufacturing, a family-owned company that has been a leader in custom and stock packaging solutions for over 75 years. With a background in business strategy and marketing, Lisa brings fresh insights and a structured approach to the family business. She is committed to honoring the company’s legacy while driving innovation and ensuring the company’s continued growth and success for future generations.

About Gleicher Manufacturing

Gleicher Manufacturing is a third-generation, family-owned business that specializes in providing high-quality custom and stock packaging solutions. With over 75 years of experience, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering reliable and innovative packaging services to a wide range of industries. Gleicher Manufacturing’s commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and sustainability has helped it remain a leader in the packaging industry for decades.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Gleicher Manufacturing Website

• Lisa Sanderson on LinkedIn

Key Episode Highlights

• Lisa’s journey of returning to the family business and bringing a fresh perspective

• The importance of introducing structured growth strategies in a family-run business

• How Gleicher Manufacturing embraces both tradition and innovation to stay competitive

• The role of succession planning and preserving employee knowledge for long-term success

• Lisa’s approach to balancing family dynamics with professional leadership responsibilities

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