Growing Up B2B

Growing Up B2B

Running a business is one thing—running a business with family is another. Growing Up B2B is dedicated to telling the stories of leaders who are building, growing, and sustaining successful family-run businesses in the B2B world. We explore the real challenges and triumphs of working with family, from navigating leadership transitions to managing business dynamics and preserving relationships along the way. If you've faced the highs and lows of growing a business alongside family and have valuable insights to share, we'd love to feature your journey on the podcast. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.delianet.com/podcast-guest.

Episodes

December 8, 2025 45 mins

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Kohler Coating, Mike Kohler. Mike shares insights on sustaining legacy through innovation, overcoming economic hardships, and the importance of disciplined growth and succession planning.

He discusses navigating family dynamics, learning from past generations, and the vital role of supportive relationships. Mike highligh...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews The Baumgardner Group's CFO, James Baumgardner, and Operations Manager, Andrew Baumgardner. Andrew and James discuss growing up with entrepreneurial parents, the evolution of their family’s construction business, and their approach to acquiring and integrating other trade companies.

The brothers share insights on balancing family and business, maintaining strong sibling relatio...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Owners at Shovlin Mattress Factory, Ron and Kara. Ron and Kara discuss the company’s evolution from a traditional family business to a modern brand, balancing innovation with craftsmanship.

They share insights on clear communication, defining roles, and maintaining work-life boundaries as partners. They also touch on their new wellness venture, Beam Light Sauna, and the pos...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO at GIS Companies, Eugene Gershman. Eugene shares his journey from resisting his father's construction business to leading a multi-generational family real estate firm with his sister and brother-in-law.

He discusses the challenges of transitioning from construction to development, the importance of marketing, navigating economic downturns, and managing family dynamics. ...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President at GetPayroll, Charles Read. Charles shares insights from his upbringing in a family business, his military service, and his journey into entrepreneurship. He explores leadership lessons, the importance of loyalty, empathy, and family-first values in business, as well as succession planning and navigating IRS challenges.

Charles also offers practical advice for fa...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Founder, Business Troubleshooter and Fixer, Family Business Therapist, and Executive and Life Advisor at Gingold Advisors, Scott Gingold. Scott shares lessons from his four-decade career, emphasizing the importance of communication, clear succession planning, and understanding one’s true motivations for joining or growing a family business.

He discusses leadership transiti...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Sales Executive at Flooring Foundation, Brian Knaub. Brian shares his journey growing up in a family flooring business, from early hands-on experiences to preparing for ownership alongside his brother.

He discusses the challenges of succession, blending science and craftsmanship, evolving company culture, and maintaining integrity and faith-based values. Brian discusses ada...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President and CEO at Meyer & Depew Co., Bobby Ring. Bobby shares his journey from childhood memories in the family business to leadership, discussing lessons from his father, technological advancements, and industry changes.

He highlights the importance of core values, adapting to innovation, and balancing family dynamics. Bobby discusses talent recruitment, AI integrat...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews JAKTOOL's Chairman, COO, and Founder, Jeff Kinsberg, and President and CEO, Cristy Richards. Cristy and Jeff discuss JAKTOOL’s 25-year journey, the evolution of its values-driven culture, and the challenges of scaling a family business.

They explore their complementary leadership roles, the integration of AI in manufacturing, and the importance of communication, trust, and adap...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Performance Development Expert for Sales, Management, and Leadership Training at Sandler Solutions, Cal Thomas. Cal discusses the reliance on relationships over structured processes, resistance to change, and the complexities of generational transitions.

Cal shares practical advice on building consensus, coaching versus managing, and the importance of leadership involvement...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President at Concourse Land Transfer, Scott Rutkay. Scott shares his journey from working in his father’s garment business to founding his own title insurance company.

He discusses the challenges of the title industry, the importance of trust and personalized service, navigating family and friend partnerships, and the impact of technology and AI. Scott also offers advice fo...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO of EPIC Results, Ed Dolan. Ed discusses his extensive experience in helping family-governed businesses navigate challenges such as succession planning, emotional dynamics, and adapting to change.

Ed shares insights on balancing family relationships with business strategy, the impact of major events such as 9/11 and COVID-19, and the importance of structure, accountabili...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President of Promotional Products at Harry Hoffer Advertising Specialties, Marcy Hoffer. Marcy shares the company’s nearly 80-year journey, beginning with her grandfather’s founding in 1946, through family transitions, and her own leadership.

She discusses the evolution of the promotional products industry, the importance of legacy, and the challenges and rewards of running...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Leader of Top-Performing CEO Groups at Vistage, Jerry Cahn. Jerry shares his journey from psychology and law to entrepreneurship and mentoring, offering insights on leadership, legacy, and adapting to generational change.

He emphasizes challenges unique to family businesses, the impact of technology and evolving work cultures, and the importance of open communication, value...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the COO at Mica Corporation, Jaclyn Epstein. Jaclyn shares her journey from early exposure to the family business, her career at GE, and her return to Mica in 2016.

She discusses leadership dynamics in a family business, integrating professional management, industry association involvement, and Mica’s focus on sustainability and innovation in flexible packaging. Jaclyn highligh...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President at More Than Money 360, Shawn Barberis. Shawn shares his journey from estate planning lawyer to innovator in family wealth strategy, focusing on the qualitative side of wealth—values, unity, and legacy.

He explains how MTM360’s digital platform helps families communicate, resolve conflicts, and foster gratitude across generations. Shawn covers overcoming entitleme...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Account Executive at Lamar Advertising Company, Conor Keough. Conor discusses his journey into out-of-home advertising, the evolving mix of digital and traditional billboards, and the unique culture at Lamar.

He shares insights on balancing family ties with professional growth, the importance of mentorship, and adapting to industry innovations, offering listeners a candid l...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Preferred Plastics & Packaging Co., Al Striano. Al shares his unique journey from working in his family’s Bronx steel business to playing professional baseball to holding senior roles at major corporations.

He discusses the lessons learned from his upbringing, the importance of hard work, accountability, and open debate...

Mark as Played

In this special 50th episode of Growing Up B2B, Richard Palatini interviews the President of Delia Associates Branding & Marketing, Ed Delia. Ed discusses his journey joining and leading his family’s branding firm, lessons learned from his father, and the evolving challenges of B2B marketing.

Ed reflects on the unique dynamics of family businesses, the importance of brand strategy, and insights gained from interviewing other mu...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Business Coach, Author, Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, and Speaker, Dr. Christiane Schroeter. Christiane explores the unique challenges of family businesses, focusing on leadership, legacy, communication, and emotional intelligence.

She shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, embracing wellness, and fostering innovation while honoring tradition. Ch...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

    My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.