Beyond The Family Business

In this episode, the tables are turned on host Luke Hansen-MacDonald as his cousin, Colin Michael MacDonald (COO of Micco Group of Companies), takes over as the interviewer. They dig into the history of Luke's family business Clearwater Seafoods and what it was like to sell this legacy business in 2021. Luke discusses his early entrepreneurial venture in the music video industry and why he decided to join Clearwater Seafoods. He delves into his biggest challenges and what is most exciting on the horizon for his family business. 

In this episode, Michael Cooke—second-generation owner of Westcoast Gems—takes us inside the high-risk, little-known world of offshore diamond diving along South Africa’s rugged coastline. He shares how his father entered the industry and forged an unlikely partnership with a biracial diver during apartheid-era South Africa, defying social norms of the time. Michael reflects on stepping into the family business, learning tough lessons firsthand beneath the ocean’s surface, and navigating the realities of a changing industry. As synthetic diamonds disrupt the market, he explains how Westcoast Gems is leaning into its authentic, family-driven story to stand apart in an increasingly competitive landscape.

In this episode, Tareq Hadhad, CEO of Peace by Chocolate, shares the extraordinary story of his family business, from surviving the Syrian war to rebuilding their lives and company in rural Nova Scotia. He reflects on his role as a storyteller, the power of resilience, and how purpose helped transform hardship into hope. Tareq also offers practical advice for other immigrant entrepreneurs looking to build something meaningful in a new country.beyondthefamilybusiness.com

Mack Csaszar is the 3rd generation CEO of UCEL Inc. They are a family business based in Toronto that focuses on industrial elevators and construction lift systems. Mack has grown the family business across Canada and into the USA. In this episode, we dive into the story of taking over the family business as a young man. Mack shares what was the most valuable experience and where he spent his time in the early days of succession. Lastly, we discuss his strategy for diversifying away from UCEL with a family bank.beyondthefamilybusiness.com

My cousin Colin Michael MacDonald is the COO of his family business, Micco Group of Companies. Much like my family business, they are invested in private businesses, real estate and marketable securities. Today we debate the pros and cons of our two distinct approaches to an investment company. Micco is much more hands on with their operations, whereas my business uses distributed leadership. beyondthefamilybusiness.com

Chris Ritchie is the former President of SilverCrest, a mining firm that sold for $2.5B CAD in 2024. In today’s episode, we discuss the fundamentals of the precious metals market. Chris explains the major differences between investing in a mining business and precious metals. He shares tips on how to buy gold or silver. Lastly, we discuss the outlook for precious metals given the recent market correction.beyondthefamilybusiness.com

In this episode, I provide a clear, plain-English summary of J.P. Morgan’s 2026 Outlook—“Promise and Pressure.” We walk through the major themes shaping markets, including AI’s investment boom, global fragmentation, and a shifting inflation regime. Along the way, I add my own commentary throughout from a family office perspective, focusing on what these trends could mean in real-world decision-making. This conversation is for educational purposes only and reflects my personal views. It is not investment advice, and nothing discussed should be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security.beyondthefamilybusiness.com

What does it really take for the next generation to find their own voice in a family business?In this episode, I speak with Danielle Saputo, third generation of the Saputo family and author of I Am Enough, about identity, expectations, and engagement across generations. We discuss why some next-gen family members choose a different path, how families can better support those decisions, and the lessons Danielle has learned as an advisor, mother, and sister working with family enterprises.beyondthefamilybusiness.com

In this episode, Lee Bragg, Vice Chair of Eastlink and member of the Bragg Business Family, shares how a Nova Scotian family business grew from its rural roots into a diversified enterprise spanning telecom, frozen foods, and airport services. Lee explains the group’s disciplined approach to risk, return, and diversification—and why capital allocation, not just entrepreneurship, sits at the heart of their long-term success. He also discusses why the Braggs prioritize meritocracy over nepotism, and how strong governance and clear expectations help protect both the family and the business across generations.beyondthefamilybusiness.com/

 Ben Hertzman is the 2nd Gen President of Progress Luv2Pak and Gather Packaging. They specialise in premium retail packaging for customers across North America. We discuss Ben’s offshore supply chain and how he has become an expert in navigating tariffs. He also shares how his team has recently reshored part of their manufacturing to Toronto. We discuss the ingredients that have made his succession work for him and his father. As well, we delve into the history of his family business and how his Dad’s first big break was producing the boxes for Trivial Pursuit in the 1980s.

Pierre Somers is the founder of Montreal-based Walter Group and the third generation of his entrepreneurial family. Their story begins in Germany in the early 1900s with the building of locomotives. We delve into the complex journey of his family and how they had to reinvent themselves many times. We discuss the Walter Group’s investment strategy and how Pierre has attracted top talent. Lastly, we discuss his children and their unique paths.

Derrick Hunter is the 2nd-generation CEO of Calgary-based Bluesky Equities. In this episode, we discuss how Derrick pivoted his family business from a concentrated to a diversified model. Starting in the Alberta oil patch, the business has now become a diversified portfolio of alternative investments, including private equity and venture capital.

KC Daya is the CEO and founder of Clifton Blake, a vertically integrated builder, lender, and operator of Multi-Family assets. We discuss the impact of his immigrant entrepreneurial parents and how this spills over into his parenting. We discuss how his first fund failed and the valuable lessons this taught him. As well, we discuss the transformational mergers that have made his business vertically integrated.

Jeffrey McCain is the 3rd generation of the McCain family and the President of Woodword Capital. In this episode, we discuss working outside the business on Wall Street and his motivations for returning to work with his family. Jeffrey shares his latest investment strategy and how family offices stand apart from traditional private equity. We discuss how his family onboards new family members and the role they are expected to play. Lastly, he shares salient advice from his grandfather, Wallace McCain, on charitable giving.

 Ian Wilson is the 8th-generation President and co-owner of Wilsons. They are an Atlantic Canadian family with investments in the fuel industry, home security, and quick-serve restaurants. Ian shares the incredible history of their family business and how his own journey wove into the family story. As well, we dive into the sales of their retail fuel business and the motivation behind it. Lastly, we discuss what is next for the Wilson family as they chart a new direction.

Adrian Rocca is the CEO and founder of Fitzrovia. In this interview, he shares how being fired from Tricon set him on a path to build Canada’s largest purpose built rental business. Adrian delves into the latest innovations of his portfolio and how to develop affordable housing in Canada.

Andrew Oland is the CEO and co-owner of Moosehead Brewery. He shares the incredible 6-generation family story of how the Oland family built a beer empire. He discusses how the family split into two branches and why his family did not sell their brewery. As well, he discusses how he and his brother work together every day as CEO and CFO without family dynamics becoming an issue.

Tony and Peter Nahas are the co-owners of Mezza Lebanese Kitchen. Their parents started the business shortly after immigrating from Lebanon. The brothers discuss how they streamlined their family business and unlocked huge growth through franchising. They also share their own struggles as leaders and what is next on their growth horizon. 

Artificial Intelligence is dramatically changing the threat landscape for cybercrime.  Generative AI is making hackers more efficient and giving them new capabilities that make their attacks harder to detect. In this episode, we discuss types of threats, why family business is at risk and tips to defend.

Matthew Cassidy is the President of Coach Atlantic, Maritime Bus and Ambassatours. Over the last 20 years, Matthew and his family have consolidated the bus industry in Atlantic Canada. We discuss his biggest challenges as a new leader. As well, Matthew tells all about their recent acquisition of Ambassatours.

Tony Falbo, an 81-year-old Italian immigrant, chronicles his entrepreneurial journey of building Mircom Technologies and successfully transitioning the business to his three sons. Through strategic focus and family collaboration, he transformed a small fire alarm systems company into an international enterprise. The interview offers a compelling blueprint for family business succession and entrepreneurial resilience.

Aakash Shah is the former CEO and owner of Vivify Specialty Ingredients. He shares how his father convinced him to join the struggling family business and turn it around. Aakash shares how we found balance with his brother and father. As well, how he brought in private equity to buy his family out. Lastly, he shares his plans for his newly minted family office.

Tammy Buss is a family business advisor and family business owner. Over her 30 year career, she has helped family businesses with estate planning, financial planning and succession. This has been informed by her own entrepreneurial journey as she sold her own business and currently works with her son. 

Daniel Foch is the co-host of the Canadian Real Estate Investor podcast and Chief Real Estate Officer for Valery Real Estate. Daniel shares his view of where there are opportunities and risks in the Canadian real estate market. He discusses how he believes the government can incentivize home building. Lastly, he shares his experience working in his family business and the lessons he learned from his parents.

Ron Diamond is the founder of Diamond Wealth, a syndicate of 100 family offices. He shares his perspective of why many family offices should not exist, common risks they fall into, and how the transition of wealth from Baby Boomers is disrupting the capital markets. Ron delves into his entrepreneurial journey and how he built trust with family offices over time. As well, he discusses Tiger 21 and Chicago Booth’s new family office initiative. https://lnk.to/fambiz

Glen Creaser is a serial entrepreneur who sold his first tech company 2 years out of university. His new venture, Larry’s Catch, mixes his experience in tech with his family’s legacy in seafood to create a disruptive direct-to-consumer model. Glen shares his strategy and how his family’s history in the fishing industry influenced his approach.https://lnk.to/fambiz

Ferrero created some of the world's most beloved brands, including Nutella, Kinder Eggs, and Tic Tacs. In this episode, we explore how 2nd gen leader Michele Ferrero’s visionary leadership transformed Ferrero into a global powerhouse. Professor and author Luca Cottini joins us to discuss the unique culture and entrepreneurial genius that defined Ferrero’s success.https://lnk.to/fambiz

Mary Asante-Asamoah is the 2nd generation leader of Barbex Africa. They are a Ghana owned mining services and agriculture business. Mary shares the entrepreneurial story of her father who started as a mining employee and branched out on his own. She discusses the mindset required to be successful in Ghana. As well, she delves into her own journey from Canada to Washington, DC and eventually back home.https://lnk.to/fambiz

 Brian Adams is a Family Office executive recruiter and podcast host. He explains what is a family office and how each one is slightly different. Brian explains the key positions and what makes an ideal candidate for a leadership role in a family office. Lastly, he shares some common mistakes and new trends that he sees with family office structures.https://lnk.to/fambiz

 Luke Leon is the 4th generation of the Leon’s Furniture family. He shares their 115-year history and how each generation contributes to the next. Luke delves into the transformative acquisition of The Brick which was 2x the size of Leon’s at the time. He also shares his own story about the family business and the importance of a meritocracy.https://lnk.to/fambiz

Luke shares his perspective and experience on why the next generation struggles to find purpose in the family business. His theory is that the next-gen must be allowed to make their own mark on the business to be successful. They need to contribute to the strategy meaningfully and find a role that fits their own strengths and interests. This short episode is perfect for family business members worried about succession.https://lnk.to/fambiz

Anthony Broccolini, CEO of Broccolini, shares how his family's real estate and construction business has successfully transitioned through three generations, evolving from a small home-building company to a diversified real estate developer. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining family values, embracing challenges, and providing early exposure to the next generation. Looking ahead, Broccolini is exploring strategic expansions into new asset classes like self-storage and multi-family rentals, while also closely monitoring emerging technologies like AI and robotics to identify opportunities to innovate and stay ahead of industry trends.https://lnk.to/fambiz

Jim Spatz, Owner of SouthWest Properties, shares the story of how his parents narrowly escaped the holocaust in Poland. He delves into his father’s entrepreneurial journey and lessons about business. As well, he shares his own journey as an ER doctor and what led him to rejoin the family business. Finally, Jim shares his vision of how he wants to differentiate his real estate.https://lnk.to/fambiz

Scott McCain is the 2nd generation of the legendary McCain Foods family. He grew up working in the family business and now holds the role of Chairman. Scott shares his extensive experience in family office strategy. We discuss how he is working with his children on succession, investment, and philanthropy.https://lnk.to/fambiz

In part 2 of our interview, Chandler discusses how he evaluates land banking opportunities that have multi-residential development potential. He discusses the importance of zoning, density and offsetting carrying costs. Chandler also shares his recent land bank success that netted him a 6.5x return in 6 years.https://lnk.to/fambiz

 In this episode, we discuss the best tips for assessing a potential residential real estate investment. Our guest, Chandler Haliburton, is an expert with 10+ years as a real estate broker and investor. Luke and Chandler discuss cap rates, net operating income, financing and property management. This is part 1 of a 2 part interview focused on residential real estate investment. https://lnk.to/fambiz

Andrew Donaldson is the CEO of Donaldson Group. They are one of the UK’s oldest and largest timber companies. Andrew shares the 160 year legacy of their family including what it was like during WW1. He explains his experience growing up in the business and what roles led him to take the CEO role. Andrew also dives into the outlook of the UK housing market.

Luke draws on his experience in the private equity space to share 5 ways to prepare your business for sale. These areas of focus will help improve the value and likelihood of a sale. https://lnk.to/fambiz

This episode is perfect for listeners wanting to learn the differences between private equity and public equity investing. Luke covers a brief history of each investment type and delves into the expected returns, liquidity, diversification, control and fees for these two asset classes. The data referenced can be seen in the YouTube version of this video including citations.https://lnk.to/fambiz

Martin Roll is an experienced global business strategist, senior advisor and facilitator to Fortune 500 companies, Asian firms, family-owned businesses, and family offices. He has mentored more than 650 individual next-generation leaders from global business families and family offices in private, confidential 1:1 conversations.https://lnk.to/fambiz

Rebecca Kacaba is the CEO and Co-Founder of Dealmaker, one of Canada’s fastest growing companies. She discusses her entrepreneurial journey and the impact Dealmaker is having on the world of capital fundraising. Rebecca also shares her family business roots and what she hopes for her children.https://lnk.to/fambiz

Michael Peters, CEO of Glooscap Ventures, leads the economic development arm of Glooscap First Nations. He leverages his family business background to grow and diversify the investments of his community. Their investments include renewable energy, defence shipbuilding and seafood.https://lnk.to/fambiz

Juan Lopez, Founder of Atomic Cartoons discusses their family-owned media company's global expansion, his personal journey of migration and cultural identity and the challenges of navigating complex cultural contexts, emphasizing the importance of values, personal growth, and respect for creative values in business and personal life. https://lnk.to/fambiz

CEO & Owner of Duggers Menswear explains the origins, defining moment and success of his business. This episode touches on father & son dynamics and customer service.https://lnk.to/fambiz

Luke discusses his vetting process for not-for-profits. He discusses common risks and how to make the biggest impact with your donations.https://lnk.to/fambiz

Luke explains his philosophy on directly managed and indirectly managed investments. He contrasts the benefits and risks of each. These are Luke’s opinions and do not reflect the opinions of his businesses.https://lnk.to/fambiz

Juno Award Winning Rapper Classified explains the unique benefits and challenges that come from 20 years of working with family. He dives into the dynamic with his brother. He shares his hopes for future collaborations with his daughters. Class finishes with a bombshell that this may be his last album ever...https://youtu.be/C6SWKDxzDGI

Luke “Classified” Boyd explains learning the hiphop business, how he created a defensive moat by starting out independent and how AI and social media are affecting music.https://lnk.to/fambiz

The back bone of conflict mitigation for Luke has been communication and transparency between family members. Luke explains what this looks like in practice and shares some tips that can help other family’s reduce friction between members.https://lnk.to/fambiz

Connie McInnes, CEO & Founder of R Studios, discusses how she built her fitness brand and a team that keeps customers coming back for more.https://lnk.to/fambiz