The Family Business Experience

In this episode, we sit down with James Bly, Managing Director of Family Enterprise Business Services at EY, to talk about what the next 40–50 years will look like for family business heirs. James explains why the post‑World War II era of globalization and efficiency effectively ended early with COVID‑19 and how we’ve entered a new “S‑curve” defined by de‑globalization, geopolitical fragmentation, rapid digital change, and demographic shifts.We dig into what he calls a NAVI world, nonlinear, accelerated, volatile, and interconnected and why owners can’t simply train the next generation for the business as it exists today. James walks through his “four quadrants” of positioning, 11 core performance factors, and the 10 exponential technologies (from AI and quantum computing to biotech, robotics, and renewables) that will reshape business models in the coming decades.If you’re thinking about long‑term succession, board and owner governance, or how to give heirs the strategic literacy to steward your enterprise into the next S‑curve, this conversation is a roadmap for where to start.

In this episode, we sit down with Steve and Nate Jones of Ron Jones Hardwood, a multi‑generation hardwood lumber company rooted in northwestern Pennsylvania. Steve shares how his father Ron launched the business in 1983, built a reputation strong enough to put his own name on the door, and gradually transitioned ownership to Steve over many years as the industry, product mix, and markets shifted again and again.Nate joins to tell the third‑generation story: from childhood trips to the yard, to a formative journey to China at 18 where a customer pulled him aside and sold him on the future of hardwoods, to graduating into COVID, going through lumber‑grading school in Memphis, and being pulled into sales when demand exploded. Along the way, we talk about what it means to grow up watching your dad sell, work side‑by‑side in the office, and still have a grandfather who calls regularly just to ask, “What’s going on in the industry today?”If you’re in a family business, this conversation is a great window into generational mirroring—how Ron mentored Steve, how Steve now mentors Nate and his brother Isaac, and how each generation is trying to honor the name on the sign without locking the next one into something they don’t love.

When Tom Tredway moved back to Erie to join his family’s plastics company, he walked straight into a crisis: the bank dropped them, 60% of their business had disappeared offshore, and his dad was asking if it was time to shut the doors.Instead of liquidating, they doubled down on a new niche, stock threaded caps for the packaging industry and spent the next decade grinding through a complete rebuild of Erie Molded Packaging.In this episode, Tom shares:How his dad went from Montreal banking to San Diego sandwich shops to buying distressed plastics equipment in Erie.The brutal five‑year stretch where globalization wiped out most of their contract manufacturing work.The “Night Flights” beer conversation where father and son chose to risk retirement savings to pursue a new vision.How landing Utz Quality Foods became the launchpad for a focused packaging strategy.Why simplifying products, joining peer groups, and open‑book management became their levers for survival and growth.If you’re in a family business facing headwinds, Tom’s story is a masterclass in pivoting, communicating with your team, and rebuilding trust, from the shop floor to the bank.

What if Erie could keep more of its own tax dollars working here at home?In this episode, host Jacob Jones sits down with Brian Polito, Executive Director of the Erie CRIZ Authority, to unpack how the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) works, why Erie fought to secure it, and what it means for local and family‑owned businesses.Brian explains:What the CRIZ is and how it captures state and local taxes for reinvestment in ErieWhere Erie’s CRIZ zones are located and the kinds of projects they can supportHow the program helps close funding gaps on projects that “almost” pencil outWhat business owners need to do (and not do) to participateEarly projects already moving forward—and what they signal about Erie’s futureIf you’re a business owner, developer, or community member who cares about Erie’s next 30 years, this conversation will help you see where the opportunities are and how to get to the table early.Erie CRIZ AuthorityAddress: 100 State Street, Suite 700, Erie, PA 16507Phone: (814) 679‑CRIZ (2749)Email (general): [email protected]: https://eriecriz.orgExecutive Director – Brian PolitoEmail: [email protected]: (814) 679‑2749This podcast is sponsored by Zac Wild CFP, CEPA financial advisor with Edward Jones. Zac works for business owners who are interested in maximizing their investments in tandem with efficient tax strategies. this includes fully leveraging the benefits of 401k's, SIMPLE IRA, and other more unique tax advantaged accounts. Learn more about Zac by clicking here.

In this episode, host Jacob sits down with Casey Lucas Szumigala, founder and owner of Click Pragmatics, to dive into the messy, emotional, and absolutely necessary communication that keeps family businesses alive. Casey unpacks how families can talk about the hardest topics: death, money, responsibilities, succession, and transitions.Drawing on real scenarios, Jacob and Casey explore what happens when a family member dies and someone outside the business is suddenly asked to “come run it,” how to plan for succession before a crisis, and how to navigate grief while still keeping the business afloat. They also dig into money conversations (who gets paid what and why), how to address feeling undervalued in a family role, and why clarity around pay structure matters so much in a family context.The conversation then shifts to communication styles and generations how to speak to different personalities (direct, diplomatic, deliberate, dynamic), why knowing your audience matters, and how to approach pay and responsibility conversations depending on who you’re talking to. How emotional and social intelligence can help keep relationships healthy on and off the clock.Finally, Jacob and Casey look at multi‑generational family businesses: older and younger family members working side by side, the temptation to stereotype generations, and how to replace “you don’t get it” with curiosity, respect, and shared values. Casey argues that every generation has faced its own hard things—and that leveraging each group’s strengths can create something no single generation could build alone.About the Guest – Casey Lucas SzumigalaCasey Lucas Szumigala is the founder and owner of Click Pragmatics, a communication consulting practice focused on helping people communicate more clearly, compassionately, and effectively at work and in life. She specializes in social‑emotional intelligence, communication styles, and practical tools for navigating difficult conversations—especially in complex environments like family businesses.In her work, Casey helps individuals and teams understand their own communication style, recognize others’ styles, and build strategies to better connect across differences in personality, generation, and role. Her approach is grounded, pragmatic, and deeply human, with a focus on getting through the “ick” of hard conversations so people can move forward together.​Connect with CaseyWebsite: https://www.clickpragmatics.com​Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casie-lucas-szumigala-75a98795/This podcast is sponsored by Zac Wild CFP, CEPA financial advisor with Edward Jones. Zac works for business owners who are interested in maximizing their investments in tandem with efficient tax strategies. this includes fully leveraging the benefits of 401k's, SIMPLE IRA, and other more unique tax advantaged accounts.

Strategic investment is turning Erie from a legacy manufacturing town into a modern innovation hub, and this episode dives into the people and partnerships making it happen.​Today’s conversation spotlights the Erie Revitalization Investment Fund, a 500,000 dollar evergreen fund launched by Ben Franklin Technology Partners and Erie Insurance to back early-stage tech companies and small manufacturers in Erie County. Host Jacob Jones sits down with Ben Franklin’s Brian Slawin, along with entrepreneurs Desiree and Bob Troutner of FIXED HHS and Alan Tate of Intag Systems, to explore how this fund helps founders cross the “valley of death” between idea and sustainable growth. They discuss why capital alone isn’t enough, how wraparound mentorship, expert teams, and regional partnerships de-risk innovation, and what it means when startups choose to headquarter and scale in Erie instead of leaving for bigger cities.​You’ll hear real stories of moving from cramped spaces to larger facilities, building new greenhouses at Savocchio Opportunity Park, and creating family-sustaining jobs in both tech-enabled services and agricultural technology. The group also unpacks how Erie’s collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystem Ben Franklin, Erie Insurance, the Beehive, Radius CoWork, the EDDC food hall, the Center for Family Business, and more is shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset where “no wrong door” means every connection can lead to the right support. If you’re an entrepreneur wondering how to fund and scale your next step, this episode offers a candid look at what resources are available, who to call, and why Erie might be the right place to grow your business.ERIF Information: https://cnp.benfranklin.org/funding/erie-revitalization-investment-fund/This podcast is sponsored by Zac Wild CFP, CEPA financial advisor with Edward Jones. Zac works for business owners who are interested in maximizing their investments in tandem with efficient tax strategies. this includes fully leveraging the benefits of 401k's, SIMPLE IRA, and other more unique tax advantaged accounts.

Fourth‑generation owner Shane Reese joins Zach and Jacob to share the nearly 100‑year story of General Exterminating, an Erie‑based pest control company that began with his great‑grandfather’s Depression‑era decision to find a “recession‑proof” business. From shooting rats in basements with a .22 in the 1930s to today’s regulated, highly professional structural pest control operation, Shane traces how each generation has adapted while serving some of the same accounts for more than nine decades.​Shane talks about growing up in the business (born on a Friday, in the office by Monday), learning the trade from an employee with 50+ years of experience, and modernizing operations with new technology while respecting his parents’ “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset. He opens up about working side‑by‑side with his dad, navigating loud but productive disagreements, keeping family and business separate, and planning a thoughtful transition so the fifth generation won’t face the same sudden hand‑offs his father did.​Along the way, he shares wild on‑the‑job moments—from hazmat‑suit cleanups to bedbug‑ and roach‑infested homes—plus the quieter realities of ownership: 2 a.m. worries, long days, and the pride of maintaining a 94‑year reputation for “great service at a decent price.” If you’re interested in multigenerational succession, small‑business resilience, or what it really takes to carry a family company to 100 years and beyond, this episode offers a candid, down‑to‑earth look inside a legacy pest control business.​This podcast is sponsored by Zac Wild CFP, CEPA financial advisor with Edward Jones. Zac works for business owners who are interested in maximizing their investments in tandem with efficient tax strategies. this includes fully leveraging the benefits of 401k's, SIMPLE IRA, and other more unique tax advantaged accounts.

A 21-year-old buying a family machine shop sounds like a movie plot—but for Andrew “Andy” Reinwald, it was real life. In this episode, Andy shares how he purchased Ripley Machine from his grandfather and then led it through the hardest year in company history, a full modernization, and a deep cultural shift toward continuous improvement. He talks candidly about stepping into leadership young, navigating layoffs and financial stress, and learning to lead with humility, transparency, and faith.We dig into how Ripley Machine implemented ISO standards, built a daily “drum beat” around continuous improvement, and now tracks hundreds of improvements per year across the team. Andy also reflects on honoring his grandfather’s legacy, treating long‑time employees like family, and building a business that supports both high-quality manufacturing and the families behind it. If you’re in a family business, manufacturing, or thinking about buying a company that needs change, this conversation is for you.Connect with Andy and Ripley Machine:Ripley Machine & Tool Company – ISO‑certified CNC turning and grinding shop in Ripley, NYWebsite: https://www.ripley-machine.comLinkedIn (Andy)Email: [email protected] podcast is sponsored by Zac Wild CFP, CEPA financial advisor with Edward Jones. Zac works for business owners who are interested in maximizing their investments in tandem with efficient tax strategies. this includes fully leveraging the benefits of 401k's, SIMPLE IRA, and other more unique tax advantaged accounts.

In this episode, Jacob sits down with Ryan Parker from Penn State Behrend’s Office of Community and Workforce Programs to talk about how local and family-owned businesses can tap into powerful training and talent resources right in their backyard. Ryan explains how his team partners with companies to design trainings that fit their schedules, budgets, and goals—from highly targeted technical skills like GD&T, Six Sigma, and plastics processing to leadership development, project management, and more.Jacob and Ryan also dig into how Penn State Behrend helps businesses recruit talent through career services, open community career fairs, and on-campus engagement, as well as how the Plastics Training Academy and Innovation Commons support both established manufacturers and entrepreneurs bringing new products to market. If you’re trying to up skill your team, fill key roles, or simply figure out where to start with training, this conversation will give you concrete ideas and a clear first step.Connect with Ryan Parker: [email protected]’s office phone: 814-898-6515Community & Workforce Programs: Office phone (Community & Workforce Programs): 814-898-6103This podcast is sponsored by Zac Wild CFP, CEPA financial advisor with Edward Jones. Zac works for business owners who are interested in maximizing their investments in tandem with efficient tax strategies. this includes fully leveraging the benefits of 401k's, SIMPLE IRA, and other more unique tax advantaged accounts.

Ben Davis, co‑owner of Gene Davis Sales and Service in Erie, Pennsylvania, joins Zach and Jacob to share how a small regional steel supplier transformed into a vertically integrated fabrication “powerhouse” while staying firmly rooted as a family business. From his great‑grandfather’s scrap operation to his grandfather’s risky restart at age 65 and his father’s hard‑won decades of week‑to‑week survival, Ben traces four generations of grit, loyalty, and reinvention that built the foundation he works on today.In this episode we discuss: How Ben went from planning a career elsewhere to being drawn back into the shop by a post‑college “ultimatum” and a summer working alongside his dad, shifting his view of the family business.​The step‑by‑step modernization of a pen‑and‑paper steel supplier into a tech‑enabled, vertically integrated job shop serving everyone from local contractors to Fortune 500 clients.​Why he embraces calculated risk, including large equipment investments, when the payoff is better quality, speed, and control instead of chasing growth for its own sake.​How he defines “growth” in terms of safety, efficiency, long‑term employee opportunity, and positive impact on Erie’s East 12th Street corridor rather than just top‑line revenue.If you’re interested in multigenerational family business, modern manufacturing, or how to grow without losing your values, this conversation with Ben Davis delivers a grounded, honest look at what it really takes to sustain and scale a family‑owned company over 40 years and beyond.This podcast is sponsored by Zac Wild CFP, CEPA financial advisor with Edward Jones. Zac works for business owners who are interested in maximizing their investments in tandem with efficient tax strategies. this includes fully leveraging the benefits of 401k's, SIMPLE IRA, and other more unique tax advantaged accounts.

What happens when a dental hygienist with a knack for conversation follows her heart and builds a real estate powerhouse with her family? Join Zach and Jacob as they sit down with Marsha Marsh of Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services for an inspiring look into the roots, risks, and rewards of a thriving family-run business.In this episode, discover:How Marsha's career leap turned into a multi-generational legacy, with each family member bringing their own strengths—from entrepreneurial drive to people skills and financial know-how.The challenges and joys of working side-by-side with children and a spouse, including Sunday family dinners, business meetings, and the occasional disagreement over major moves.Why the Marsh family values trust, communication, and mentorship just as much as business success, and how community involvement and giving back shape their mission.The unique strategies (like Thanksgiving pie giveaways!) that set their customer experience apart and foster lifelong relationships.Candid reflections on overcoming market downturns, adapting to change, and why family freedom and supporting each other come before everything else.If you’re passionate about business, value personal storytelling, or want to learn how authenticity and teamwork can turn a local company into a community staple, this episode will encourage and entertain. Press play and enjoy the Marsh family’s story!This podcast is sponsored by Zac Wild CFP, CEPA financial advisor with Edward Jones. Zac works for business owners who are interested in maximizing their investments in tandem with efficient tax strategies. this includes fully leveraging the benefits of 401k's, SIMPLE IRA, and other more unique tax advantaged accounts.

Join Zach and Jacob as they sit down with Brian Rubin, third-generation president of Erie Cotton, a pioneering textile recycling company with roots dating back to 1946. In this episode, Brian shares the fascinating history of his family’s business — from its origins in scrap metal and wiping cloths, through decades of industry shifts, to its innovative role in sustainability today. Listen as Brian discusses how Erie Cotton transforms used textiles into valuable wiping cloths for industries across the country, navigates the complexities of global supply chains, and embraces partnerships with refugees and immigrants in Erie. Discover the challenges and triumphs of succession in a family business, the importance of relationships and reliability, and what it means to be “green before green was cool.”Tune in for a candid, conversational look at the intersection of tradition, innovation, and social impact in the textile recycling industry.This podcast is sponsored by Zac Wild CFP, CEPA financial advisor with Edward Jones. Zac works for business owners who are interested in maximizing their investments in tandem with efficient tax strategies. this includes fully leveraging the benefits of 401k's, SIMPLE IRA, and other more unique tax advantaged accounts.

Step inside the century-old legacy of Erie’s Waldameer Park as Zach and Jacob sit down with Brian Gorman, Chief Operating Officer and fourth-generation family member. From its origins as a trolley company picnic spot in 1896 to the bustling amusement and water park it is today, Brian shares the family journey—complete with paper adoptions, bold investments, generational shifts, and a deep commitment to community values.In this episode, you’ll discover:The unique origins of Waldameer and how the Gorman family came to lead itBehind-the-scenes stories—from auctioning historic carousels to modernizing the park experienceInsights on evolving leadership styles, family succession, and keeping tradition alive in a changing worldHow Waldameer balances fun, affordability, and local connection amidst amusement park industry changesUpcoming park projects and why Erie remains at the heart of everything they doWhether you’re passionate about family businesses, love amusement park history, or just want to hear how a local treasure thrives across generations, this candid conversation will inspire and entertain. Press play and enjoy the ride!This podcast is sponsored by Zac Wild CFP, CEPA financial advisor with Edward Jones. Zac works for business owners who are interested in maximizing their investments in tandem with efficient tax strategies. this includes fully leveraging the benefits of 401k's, SIMPLE IRA, and other more unique tax advantaged accounts.

In this episode, we welcome Matt Totzke, CEO of Big Ideas Learning, a leading K-12 mathematics publisher based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Matt shares his journey from starting as an intern at Larson Texts to leading one of the nation’s top math curriculum companies, now serving millions of students and educators across the country.Listeners will learn about:The Story Behind Big Ideas Learning: How the company evolved from its roots in Larson Texts, founded by renowned math author Dr. Ron Larson, to become the third-largest publisher of core K-12 math curriculum in the U.S..Innovation in Math Education: Matt discusses the vision behind their newest program, Math & YOU, designed to make math relevant and engaging by connecting classroom concepts to real-world applications and careersLeadership and Impact: Drawing on his own experience Matt reflects on the importance of curiosity, courage, and seizing opportunities to make a lasting impact in education and beyond.Commitment to Community: Matt highlights the company’s ongoing support for educators, its partnerships with organizations like National Geographic Learning, and initiatives such as scholarships and professional development for teachers and students.This episode offers an inspiring look at how family business, innovation, and a passion for learning can come together to shape the future of education. Whether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner, Matt’s insights provide valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of big ideas.

In this episode we talk with Katherine Dahlkemper about the history of her families business and what it is like to be a new owner in the business. Katherine is the third-generation jeweler and co-owner of Dahlkemper Jewelry Connection in Erie, Pennsylvania. Katherine shares the remarkable story of her family's business, which spans nearly seven decades, evolving from her grandfather's humble beginnings starting a small wholesale business in 1956 to the thriving jewelry store it is today—located on their original family farmland.Listeners will hear about:The History of Dahlkemper Jewelry Connection: From catalog showrooms with 14 locations to overcoming bankruptcy and pivoting into a successful jewelry business in 1995.The Evolution of Jewelry: How trends, technology (like lab-grown diamonds), and customer preferences have shaped the industry over the years.The Power of Family Legacy: Katherine reflects on the deep connection between her family history and the business, including how their farmland became the foundation for their store.Transitioning Leadership: Katherine discusses her journey from part-time work as a teenager to becoming vice president and co-owner alongside her mother, Christine, after her father’s retirement.The Meaning Behind Jewelry: More than selling products, Katherine emphasizes how Dahlkemper Jewelry creates lasting memories through custom designs, sentimental pieces, and personal connections with customers.This episode is an exploration of the challenges and rewards of running a family business while staying true to its legacy. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, jewelry, or family dynamics, Katherine’s insights will inspire you.

In this episode we talk with Doug and Andrea Bierer about their journey of starting DBC Remodeling. Doug grew up doing construction & remodeling with his family his whole life. He loves seeing existing structures renewed and given revitalized purpose and function and always dreamed of owning his own business. Running DBC and working with such an incredible and talented group of people brings him incredible joy and satisfaction.Doug values being a lifelong learner and is passionate about reading, studying, and improving continually.  He takes the responsibility of guiding this company thoughtfully. He strives to grow as an individual so that he develops and serves people well with integrity and excellence. Andrea has been working in the communications and marketing field for over 20 years. Her passion is telling DBC’s unique story. She loves to let the amazing people who work here and the incredible skills they possess shine for themselves.She has been helping from the wings since Doug founded the company; wearing a variety of hats around the office be it photography, marketing, advertising, storytelling, video taking and making, and a large amount of IT and tech work to keep the company running smoothly behind the scenes.This podcast is possible thanks to the support and sponsorship of Zac Wild of Edward Jones.