Founder & Family Collective

What if the best business to start... already exists?In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Jenna Hill to explore a path that most aspiring founders never seriously consider: acquiring an existing business instead of building one from the ground up.We discuss why buying a business can sometimes be a faster, less risky route into entrepreneurship, how to identify the right opportunities, what makes a business worth acquiring, and the mindset required to take ownership and lead it forward.But this conversation goes far beyond balance sheets and business deals.Jenna shares her perspective on building a life that creates freedom rather than consuming it, setting boundaries, protecting family time, and defining success on your own terms.Whether you're thinking about launching a business, growing an existing one, or simply trying to create more space for the people who matter most, there's plenty in this conversation for you.In this episode:Buying a business vs starting from scratchHow to spot acquisition opportunitiesThe risks and rewards of business ownershipCreating freedom through entrepreneurshipBuilding boundaries around workFamily, ambition and modern successWhat Jenna hopes her children remember about this season of lifeIf you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe and share it with someone who'd get value from the conversation.Founder & Family CollectiveConversations with founders, leaders and creators building meaningful businesses without losing sight of what matters most.Follow / connect:Instagram: @declanholmes08 @founderfamilycollective Find Jenna :Instagram: @jennahilloffical

This week I sit down with Laura Smyth from White Noise for a conversation around business, branding, family and stepping into something you never fully planned for.Laura talks about taking over the family business from her dad, balancing leadership with motherhood, and how the world of branding and design is rapidly evolving in the age of AI.We also get into control, growth, learning to let go as a founder, and the reality of building something meaningful while still protecting flexibility and family life.A thoughtful conversation on legacy, ambition and adapting in a modern world that keeps moving fast.If you enjoy conversations around entrepreneurship, creativity, family and high agency living, make sure to subscribe and follow along.Follow / connect:Instagram: @declanholmes08 @founderfamilycollective Find Whitenoise :Instagram: @wearewhitenoiseWebsite: https://whitenoisestudios.com/

This week on Founder & Family, I’m joined by Sandra Corkin and Scott McCabe of Oasis Travel one of Northern Ireland’s most recognised family businesses.What started over 40 years ago as a passion for travel has grown into a multi-award-winning brand with eight offices, a team of 60, and customers who’ve travelled with them for decades.But this episode goes far beyond holidays and destinations.We talk about the reality of building a long-term business as a family, the pressure of stepping into leadership, how the travel industry has evolved through uncertainty, and what it takes to modernise a legacy brand without losing what made it special in the first place.We also get into:Working with family without damaging relationshipsLetting go of controlNavigating uncertainty in travelLeadership across generationsStandards, reputation and customer trustThe emotional side of succession in businessWhy people still value human connection in an increasingly digital worldA really honest conversation about business, resilience, and what it means to build something that lasts.Follow / connect:Instagram: @declanholmes08 @founderfamilycollective Find Oasis Travel :Instagram: @oasistravelniWebsite: https://www.oasis-travel.co.uk

This week I sat down with Erinn, founder of Ivy & Gold a bespoke jewellery brand she’s built from the ground up while raising two kids. We got into the reality of building a business when your time is pulled in every direction… where boundaries actually matter, and how easy it is to chase a version of “success” that doesn’t fit your life. What stood out most was her clarity family first, business fits around that, not the other way round. A perspective I think more of us are trying to figure out in real time.Follow / connect:Instagram: @declanholmes08 @founderfamilycollective Find Ivy & Gold:Instagram: @ivyandgoldukWebsite: https://www.ivygold.co.uk

What’s it actually like to go from school corridors… to Stormont?In this episode of the Founder & Family Collective, I sit down with Kate Nicholl, someone I’ve known since school, for a conversation that’s equal parts honest, reflective, and (at times) a bit of craic.This isn’t your typical political interview.It’s a look at the person behind the role from early days and shared memories, to stepping into public life in Northern Ireland. We get into the reality of politics the pressure, the responsibility, and what it actually feels like to represent people but also some of the lighter moments along the way…Including a very unexpected perk of being Lord Mayor of Belfast (you’ll want to hear that one 👀).SUBSCRIBE FOR BI WEEKLY CONVERSATIONS WITH HIGH AGENCY PARENTS BALANCING IT ALLGuest: Kate Nicholl MLA Host: Declan HolmesBrought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den Follow & connect:Declan- @declanholmes08Kate- @Kate_nicholl Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollectiveThe Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards Founder & Family Podcast Available now on all major platforms..

This episode is about more than business.Before Pearl Beauty, there was a relationship.Before the growth, the pressure, and the brand there was just two people figuring life out together.In this conversation, Elanna and Paddy open up on:Building a business through uncertaintyNavigating growth while raising a young familyThe realities behind running a successful beauty brandHow their relationship has evolved through it allThe sacrifices, risks, and mindset it takes to keep goingIt’s honest, grounded, and a reminder that behind every brand is a real story and real people.SUBSCRIBE FOR BI WEEKLY CONVERSATIONS WITH HIGH AGENCY PARENTS BALANCING IT ALLGuests: Elanna & Paddy McGowan- Founders Pearl Beauty Host: Declan HolmesBrought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den Follow & connect:Declan- @declanholmes08Elanna- Instagram @ellepearls YouTube  ⁨@elannapecherle⁩  Pearl Beauty- @pearlbeauty www.pearlbeautycosmetics.comFounder & Family- @founderfamilycollectiveThe Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards Founder & Family Podcast Available now on all major platforms..

On this episode of the Founder & Family Collective Podcast, Declan sits down with Gary McIldowney, the founder behind Slim’s Healthy Kitchen.Gary shares the story behind building a food brand ecosystem from the ground up from early days in hospitality to creating something that now has a loyal following.We talk about the reality of growing a business in the food industry, the risks and pressure that come with it, and how family and community play a role in the journey.It’s an honest conversation about backing yourself, staying consistent, and what it really takes to turn an idea into a brand.Subscribe for bi-weekly conversations on business, parenthood, and becoming the best version of yourself.Guest: Gary McIldowney BroadcasterHost: Declan HolmesBrought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den Follow & connect:Declan- @declanholmes08Gary- @garymacbelfast Slims- @slimshealthykitchen www.slimshealthykitchenretail.co.ukFounder & Family- @founderfamilycollectiveThe Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards Founder & Family PodcastAvailable now on all major platforms..

Most people know Pete Snodden as the voice waking the country up each morning on the Cool FM Breakfast Show.But staying at the top for decades doesn’t happen by accident.In this conversation we talk about:Following your passion (even when it’s not the safe option)Building a career that actually lastsStaying relevant in a fast-moving media worldSocial media, parenting and raising kids todayWhy good teams and good people matter more than everPete shares honest lessons from over two decades at the top and why he still genuinely loves what he does.If you’re building something, raising a family, or figuring out how to stay in the game long enough to matter, you’ll get a lot from this one.Subscribe for bi-weekly conversations on business, parenthood, and becoming the best version of yourself.Guest: Pete Snodden- BroadcasterHost: Declan HolmesBrought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den Follow & connect:Declan- @declanholmes08Pete-  ⁨@petesnodden⁩  Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollectiveThe Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards Founder & Family PodcastAvailable now on all major platforms

The Highs made them feel like they were taking over the world. The lows made them question everything.This week Declan sits down with founders of Whytematter staffing solutions Mairead and Kirsty for an honest conversation about growth, resilience, and the reality behind building a business while navigating life’s pressures.From moments of massive momentum to the fear of losing it all this episode is a raw look at what it truly takes to keep showing up.A powerful listen for founders, parents, and anyone building something meaningful.Expect real talk on:-Growth & scaling challenges– The emotional highs and lowest moments– Resilience behind the scenes– Lessons they wish they knew earlierSubscribe for bi-weekly conversations on business, parenthood, and becoming the best version of yourself.Guests: Mairead Moore & Kirsty Ferris founders of WhytematterHost: Declan HolmesBrought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den Follow & connect:Declan- @declanholmes08Whytematter- @whytematterFounder & Family- @founderfamilycollectiveThe Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards Founder & Family PodcastAvailable now on all major platforms

Declan sits down with former Ulster and Ireland international Craig Gilroy for a conversation about gratitude, ambition and life after elite sport.From growing up at the same school to reflecting on a professional rugby career, Craig speaks openly about being thankful for what he achieved while still holding himself to high standards for what comes next.They explore the shift from matchday pressure to family life, how fatherhood changed Craig’s perspective on success, and why being “happy it happened” doesn’t mean settling or standing still.A mix of perspective, humour and honest reflection on what it means to move forward without losing what shaped you.Guest: Craig Gilroy Ex- Ulster & Ireland RugbyHost: Declan HolmesBrought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den Follow & connect:Declan- @declanholmes08Craig- @craiggilroy1Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollectiveThe Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards  Founder & Family PodcastAvailable now on all major platforms

In this episode of the Founder & Family Podcast, Declan sits down with Rebecca Adamson, founder of Bondi Pilates, for an honest conversation about building a wellness brand while navigating motherhood and family life.Rebecca shares how Bondi Pilates began, whether it started as a passion or a business opportunity, and how discipline, consistency and clear boundaries have helped her scale without losing herself along the way. They discuss the realities of ambition after becoming a parent, the mental load of leadership, and why balance isn’t about perfection, but intention.A thoughtful and grounded conversation for founders, parents, and anyone trying to grow something meaningful while staying present at home.Founder & Family PodcastNew episodes fortnightlyGuest: Rebecca Adamson – Founder, Bondi PilatesHost: Declan HolmesBrought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den Follow & connect:Declan- @declanholmes08Rebecca- @rebeccaemmaadamsonFounder & Family- @founderfamilycollectiveBondi- @bondipilatesofficalThe Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards

.From the intensity of matchday to the quiet responsibility of home life.In this episode, Declan sits down with Ulster and Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey for an open conversation about elite sport, fatherhood, and the balance between performance and presence.They talk about the privilege and pressure of professional rugby, how leadership evolves over a career, and how becoming a dad to three boys has reshaped Stuart’s priorities both on and off the pitch. There are honest reflections, a few light stories, and real insight into what it takes to carry responsibility in more than one arena.A relaxed, thoughtful chat about standards, sacrifice, and knowing where your energy matters most. Oh and who the boys think the next Man U boss will be!🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 9Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Stuart McCloskey, Ulster & Ireland RugbyHost- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Stuart- @stuartmc_12Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards

In this Boxing Day special episode Declan sits down with comedian Dave Elliott to talk cycling miles for charity, punchlines and the chaos of Dad life.Find out the graft behind the funny business, striking a balance with those late nights, are the Arsenal going to win the league and how Dave's surviving Christmas.🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 8Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Dave Elliott, Comedian Host- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Dave-  @DaveElliottComedy  Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards

A special episode. A rare conversation.This week Declan sits down with someone who’s shaped his life more than any guest ever could, his dad, Eamonn Holmes.Across five decades in broadcasting, he’s interviewed some of the world’s biggest names… but today the roles are reversed.For the first time, they go behind the curtain of their father–son relationship the early years, the distance, the graft, the sacrifices, the love, and the lessons learned along the way.They talk fatherhood then vs now, ambition, resilience, generational differences, the reality of being away from home, and what legacy really means.🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 7Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Eamonn Holmes, Broadcaster Host- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Eamonn- @eamonnholmes Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards

Chloe joins Declan at the Founders Table. They discuss her buisness, Chloco, and debate self care, what a successful Christmas looks like plus the balance of technology in the modern era.🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 6Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Chloe McAnirn, Owner & Founder Chloco Host- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Chloe- @chloco.co.ukFounder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards

In this weeks episode Declan is joined by Olivia Mulholland, founder of Olivia's Haven, to talk all things business, balance and burnout plus maybe a candle or two.🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 5Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Olivia Mulholland, Founder Olivias Haven Host- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Olivia- @olivias_haven Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards

Chris joins Declan at the Founders Table where they talk tailoring, business pressure, breath work and an exclusive announcement !🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 4Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Chris Suitor, Tailor/DJHost- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Chris- @chrissuitorgggFounder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards

In this first instalment of The Founder’s Table, Declan sits down with his business partner Dean McFarland to explore the realities of entrepreneurship. From maintaining fitness and balance to defining what legacy and lifestyle really mean. Honest, reflective, and packed with real-world insight, this episode sets the tone for a new chapter in the Founder and Family Collective podcast.🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 3Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Dean McFarland, Operations Director Nightcap Event GroupHost- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Dean- @deanmc88 Nightcap- @nightcapeventgroup Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards

In this weeks episode Declan sits down with Caitlyn and Tony. They discuss married life, both being successful entrepreneurs and how they balance it all whilst being parents. We dive into how they remain best friends, tips to switch off, the pressures of social media and goals for the future.🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 2Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuests- Caitlyn & Tony Hegarty, Entrepreneurs Host- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Caitlyn- @caitlynlendrum Tony- @tonyhegarty14By Caitlyn- @bycaitlyn THV Contracts- @thvcontractsFounder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards

In this week’s episode, Declan sits down with his long time friend and business partner, Dean. With 20 years of friendship and over a decade building businesses together in the drinks and events industry, the pair reflect on the highs, the hurdles, and the hilarious moments along the way.From late nights at events to early mornings with the kids, Declan and Dean share an honest conversation about partnership, parenthood, and why mixing friendship with business is a bit like pouring the perfect drink it takes balance, patience, and sometimes a splash of chaos.🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 1Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Dean McFarland, Operations Director Nightcap Event GroupHost- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Dean- @deanmc88 Nightcap- @nightcapeventgroup Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards