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Dean Friedman whose family was in the steel business became attracted to the advertising world (it is magnetic) at age 14 and never looked back. In fact, in his storied career he regularly looked forward. Dean had an innate understanding of the value of consumer research. From that research he gleaned true insights that inspired many iconic brand campaigns. Dean’s first two decades in the business were at W.B. Doner (now Doner and Partners) spanning Detroit to London and a few million miles of travel serving clients. As Doner transitioned into its next generation of leadership, Dean struck out on his own joining Robert Solomon in an agency that was quickly called Solomon, Friedman & Associates (SFA) later rebranding as Real Integrated in the early days of the Internet. Dean talks about pushing and cajoling clients to do bold work that he calls ambitious ideas. I was struck by how Dean’s career journey harnessed his own personal ambitions and how he has passed that drive on to his sons and to his successors at the agency. And it all started in the mailroom. Please take a listen to Dean Friedman, a tenacious competitor in all his pursuits on this 47th episode of GENeration EXcellence.

Jim Gatward is someone I was fortunate to meet recently. Trying to talk over loud music at a beautiful wedding in Jamaica, we discovered we were both part of generational businesses back home in Detroit. I learned that starting in the 1950’s Jim’s father had built a company called LaSalle Electric into a major supplier of electrical and lighting supplies to commercial businesses. As you’ll learn in this episode, Jim joined the business with an idea to enter the aircraft lighting market. Yes, the business “took flight” and enabled a “round-the-world journey.” It also “landed” in a different place than moving into a third generation of family ownership. While this episode is longer than usual, it packs into the time what could be an entire semester course in an MBA program. Jim is a wonderful storyteller and humble leader. Please enjoy and learn from this episode of GENeration EXcellence with Jim Gatward. I hope you find it to be as electric I did.

When I first had the idea of doing a podcast about leaders of unique generational family businesses Dan Musser was gracious enough (crazy enough?) to volunteer to be guest #1. That was in late 2018. Just one year later in fall 2019 he and his family made the decision to sell their business, Grand Hotel to KSL Partners/Davidson Hotels. I thought it would be interesting to do a follow-up episode with Dan about life since that significant event. Again, he said yes. In our conversation Dan reflects on the sale of a business, the new ventures he has become involved with and more. Please enjoy this 45th episode of GENeration EXcellence with my friend Dan Musser.

David Techner represents third generation family leadership of The Ira Kaufman Chapel and brings passion and compassion to funeral arrangements, pre-planning, and after-care. David is a past president of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, he wrote a children's book “A Candle for Grandpa,” and proudly co-produced the Emmy® Award winning documentary “Generation to Generation.” David is leading Kaufman’s into the 4th generation and their spirit of innovation, community connection, and commitment to serving people in times of need embodies GENeration EXcellence. To paraphrase SMZ founder Leonard Simons, please enjoy this pre-posthumous episode of the podcast. “Explaining Death to Kids” https://www.irakaufman.com/explaining-death-to-kids.html

Laura Ries is a marketing strategist, bestselling author and media personality. In 1994, she founded Ries & Ries, a consulting firm with her father and partner Al Ries, the legendary positioning pioneer. I was fortunate to get this sought-after-speaker to speak with me about building a global, generational business. It’s clear that Laura lives by the fundamental and immutable laws of branding that she and her father have taught around the world. Gather ‘round and enjoy this episode of GENeration EXcellence with Laura Ries. Ries & Ries: https://www.ries.com/ Laura's Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laura-Ries/e/B001IGLSWY/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_2

Jason Eddleston is the second-generation leader of Sterling Oil and Sterling Services located in Hamtramck near Detroit. Jason has humbly evolved a unique lubricant and petrochemical business started by his parents in the 1970’s into a diversified, international operation today. Leading a growing business, you’ll learn how Jason is deeply committed to serving multiple communities, celebrating art and artists, and somehow squeezing in becoming the newest owner of a beloved ice-cream shop. This episode wasn’t sterling ... it was gold. I trust you will learn from and enjoy this episode of GENeration EXcellence with Jason Eddleston.

Ellie Frey Zagel is a leadership coach specializing in multi-generational family businesses. She helps next generation leaders thrive in times of uncertainty and crisis. Ellie’s coaching includes management of time and stress. In fact, she provided a Six Step approach right in our conversation. We also talked about “The Ideal Week” and Ellie’s unique journey to now as she did something for herself that led to her doing so much for others. Please breathe in and take in this episode of GENeration EXcellence with Ellie Frey Zagel.

David Libertson leads Ronin Gallery a leading Japanese and East Asian art gallery in New York City. This is a business started by his parents, initiated by his grandfather’s collecting and vision. Whatever type of family enterprise you may be part of David’s eye for Japanese art from the past four centuries combined with his ability to leverage leading-edge digital channels is unique. I’m proud that the GENeration EXcellence podcast can help further Ronin Gallery’s mission to introduce the lure and allure of Japan’s traditional and emerging art talents to a global audience. In our conversation David and I talk about “trust.” Trust me you’ll enjoy this episode.

Jody Lipton of Lipton Law leads, along with her brother Marc a personal injury law firm started by their father William Lipton in suburban Detroit. Jody has an incredible way of tackling what’s in front of her and dropping the baggage of the past. She refers to it as “Over. Done with Gone.” Learn more about that philosophy of management and leadership along with how Jody has embraced the law, her clients and a unique team approach to this second-generation law firm. I greatly respect Jody’s fight and fire. Get ready for a taste of law school on this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

Brian Yessian, Partner & Chief Creative Officer of Yessian Music leads, along with his brother Michael a business started by their father Dan in suburban Detroit. Today’s Yessian is doing music and sound design work in advertising, film, gaming, and attractions ... all over the world. In our conversation we get into the founding of the business and how it has so smartly “traveled” to NY, LA and Hamburg. I love Brian’s passion mixed with a quiet intensity and really had a good time doing this episode of GENeration EXcellence. Please enjoy!

Marc Schechter’s entrepreneurial talents have led him to become CEO of a third generation firm that advises clients around the country on financial matters including investment advisory services, life insurance planning, income and estate taxes, business succession, and charitable planning. Marc started, built and grew numerous businesses after college. You’ll hear about one venture that didn’t quite pan out and that led him to join his family’s business, Schechter Wealth. I really enjoyed this conversation with Marc as he outlines the evolution of his firm and humbly explains the moves they’ve made that have led to profitable growth. The information Marc imparts (especially around their core values) is applicable on so many levels. Please enjoy this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

Michael Simmons of Simmons & Clark Jewelers added some sparkle and bling to the podcast. As a third-generation owner, operator and an attorney Michael brings a refreshing perspective to GENeration EXcellence. This is a special episode in that our agency, when known as Simons-Michelson Co. did advertising work for Simmons & Clark Jewelers. Some of that work from over 60 years ago graces the store today. So much has changed in the world of omni-channel retail. Michael proudly and humbly shares how his family has navigated that change and are prepared to keep evolving Simmons & Clark Jewelers into the 4th generation. Thanks for taking a little (Bulova) time to listen to Episode #36 of GENeration EXcellence.

Joe Kinville of Guernsey Farms Dairy joins the podcast to outline how a third-generation business doesn’t automatically mean maturing or declining. Guernsey is growing by investing in facilities, logistics, and people. In that way their high-quality premium dairy products (e.g. killer coffee ice cream) can be enjoyed by more families. And you can enjoy learning about how a legacy business celebrates it is roots (and rocks) while preparing for the 4th generation. Hint: there are NO shortcuts. It takes a positive attitude and effort.

John Carter is an attorney and experienced M&A advisor. He turned to counseling businesses on succession so that they avoid the drama that is the hit show “Succession” on HBO. He named his firm Absolute Succession. It was an absolute pleasure to speak with John Carter on this episode of GENeration EXcellence. John explains how leaving a business via a sale, transfer, gift or any form of exit is a process, not an event and requires planning. I appreciate business owner/operators taking the time to prepare their business and prepare their teams through the objective guidance of John Carter. Please enjoy.

While skimming through the Food & Wine best ice cream in every state story online I reached out to the winner for Pennsylvania, Bassetts Ice Cream in Philadelphia. Why for this podcast? Because Bassetts has been the best ice cream since ... 1861. In this episode we get “the scoop” on this fascinating business story from Alex Bassett Strange, who represents the 6th generation of his family at Bassetts Ice Cream. Alex proudly and knowledgably walks us through the mark each generation has made (or is making) on the product, manufacturing, operations, packaging, and more. Bassetts Ice Cream talks about being “rich in history, richer in flavor.” Enjoy a taste on this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

I received a store grand opening postcard from Premier Pet Supply. (Yes, snail mail got my attention.) I was intrigued and came to learn that Mike Palmer represented the second generation of this fast-growing pet supply store operator. In this episode Mike talks about his involvement in the business from a young age and how he remains as fired up about the opportunity as when he was a teenager. Premier Pet Supply is billed as “the place pets love.” I think you’ll love how Mike Palmer leads a family-run business to outrageous customer service excellence on this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

Episode #31: Stephanie Stuckey, President and CEO, Stuckey’s Corporation by Jamie Michelson

Ron Chapman II is the Chairperson, White Collar Defense & Government Investigations Practice at Chapman Law Group. Chapman Law Group is a firm solely dedicated to representing licensed healthcare providers. I got to know Ron as we were regular early morning gym goers. I’ve since come to learn about Ron’s unique career path and inspiring leadership principles. This is one of my favorite episodes so far. (I say that often.) Get ready for some surprises and fresh takes from attorney Ron Chapman II in this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

I recognize there’s great admiration for founder/entrepreneurs. Silicon Valley lauds those individuals. I would argue stepping into a very successful family business, earning respect when your name is on the door (and 100’s of trucks), and managing a legacy business through times that threaten the organization’s very existence – that takes a special skill set too! Steve Don has humbly done that and more as Chicago-based Edward Don & Co. forges into their 100th year in business. Don is a leading distributor of foodservice equipment and supplies across the U.S. My conversation with Steve spans the generations of the company, goes big picture, recognizes the critical importance of serving the customer all while never losing sight of attention to detail. Please “eat up” this 29th episode of GENeration EXcellence with my good friend Steve Don.

What are the challenges for someone becoming the CEO of a large family-owned business while representing the fourth generation? For answers I turned to Andrew “Bubba” Berenzweig a business leader and change-maker at Hylant, one of the nation’s largest insurance brokers. Berenzweig explains how Hylant is celebrating their 85th year of operations while recognizing the need to commit to significantly different ways of working in the future. He refers to it as, “breaking barriers and borders.” I’m a big hockey fan and Bubba is a former NHL’er. Surprisingly we spent little time talking hockey while enjoying a lengthy time talking business. Please hop over the boards and take in Bubba Berenzweig’s insightful business lessons in this 28th episode of GENeration EXcellence.