What happens when a family business faces a turning point no one saw coming? In this episode of Family Business Breakthroughs, host Jim Berner sits down with Gary Flynn, CEO and co-owner of M. Dumas & Sons—an iconic Charleston retailer with roots dating back to 1917.
When third-generation owner David Dumas developed a degenerative eye disease that left him blind, he was faced with a heart-wrenching decision: close the doors on his grandfather’s store or trust someone outside the family to carry the legacy forward. Enter Gary Flynn, whose experience at Nordstrom, Hugo Boss, and beyond prepared him to step into a family business with a last name that wasn’t his own.
Together, David and Gary forged a partnership built on trust, curiosity, and a relentless focus on customers. In this episode, Gary shares how he honored tradition while helping the business evolve, scaled operations beyond a single storefront, and stayed true to the family’s vision through every challenge.
Listeners will gain timeless lessons on:
- Building trust when leadership extends beyond bloodlines
- Balancing legacy with innovation
- The power of listening, learning, and staying curious
If you’ve ever wondered how to protect and grow a family legacy when circumstances force change, this conversation is filled with insights you won’t want to miss.
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