Lessons in Leadership, Legacy, and Growth: Insights from Al Striano

In a recent episode of the Growing Up B2B Podcast, host Ed Delia sat down with Al Striano, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Preferred Plastics & Packaging Co.. Al’s story highlights the intersection of family legacy, personal ambition, and professional growth. From his formative years in a Bronx steel business to his baseball career with the Detroit Tigers and executive roles in global corporations, Al shares actionable lessons for family business leaders and B2B executives seeking to balance tradition, leadership, and innovation.

Building Leadership Through Experience, Discipline, and Accountability

Al emphasizes the importance of early exposure to the family business. Observing his parents’ decision-making and absorbing company culture provided him with a strong foundation, while hands-on roles in every department instilled humility and credibility. He notes that legacy comes with responsibility, and real leadership is earned through experience, not inheritance.

Drawing from his sports background, Al demonstrates how discipline, preparation, and resilience translate into business success. Lessons from competitive baseball—performance under pressure, teamwork, and consistency—shaped his leadership philosophy, emphasizing that effort and execution matter as much as strategy.

Finally, Al stresses the power of open communication and accountability. Encouraging spirited debate, clearly defining roles, and fostering transparent dialogue are crucial for maintaining trust and driving performance in both family-run and corporate environments. These principles ensure that business decisions are thoughtful, inclusive, and aligned with long-term goals.

About Al Striano

Al Striano is the Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Preferred Plastics & Packaging Co. and a seasoned leader with a career spanning family business, professional sports, and corporate strategy. He specializes in driving growth, mentoring emerging leaders, and bridging legacy with innovation in complex B2B industries.

About Preferred Plastics & Packaging Co.

Preferred Plastics & Packaging Co. provides advanced packaging solutions with a focus on quality, performance, and customer-centric service. The company delivers turnkey solutions, combining product expertise, logistics support, and flexible offerings for a broad range of industrial and consumer markets.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Preferred Plastics & Packaging Co.

• Al Striano on LinkedIn

Key Episode Highlights

• Early Exposure Matters: Observing family business operations builds insight and credibility.

• Translating Sports Discipline: Preparation, resilience, and teamwork fuel long-term success.

• Earned Respect: Leadership requires humility and starting from the ground up.

• Open Dialogue: Encouraging debate and clear communication drives better decision-making.

• Adaptability and Innovation: Pivoting during crises and embracing change ensures sustainable growth.

Conclusion

Al Striano’s journey on Growing Up B2B illustrates that leadership in family businesses and B2B industries is cultivated through experience, discipline, and intentional communication. By blending legacy with innovation, fostering accountability, and learning from every arena—whether on the baseball field or in the boardroom—leaders can build enduring businesses and lasting impact.

Explore Ed Delia’s website to learn more about leadership strategies for family businesses and B2B growth. If you’re a B2B leader with insights to share, apply to be a guest on the Growing Up B2B Podcast here.