Growing Up B2B

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Dr. Lauri Union about family entrepreneurship, leadership succession, and organizational transformation.

Dr. Lauri shares her remarkable journey of becoming CEO of her family's struggling corrugated steel business at 27, growing it twelvefold over 14 years. She distinguishes family entrepreneurship from traditional family business, emphasizing leveraging broader famil...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Harry Dale, Co-Founder of Cover & Supply Co.

Harry and his brother Nick, raised in an entrepreneurial family, identified a gap in the spa cover market after a local manufacturer closed, causing price spikes. They left their corporate jobs to build a Northeast-based manufacturing business specializing in custom spa covers. Harry shares lessons on customer relations...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Degelis Tufts Pilla and Greg Pilla, co-founders of TribeTokes Inc., a wellness brand specializing in cannabis and plant-based products.

The couple shares their entrepreneurial journey since 2017, discussing how they built the company without outside investment, navigated strict industry regulations, and maintained product quality through transparency. They also explor...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia speaks with Stephen and Randi Goldberg of Sun Business Valuations about the critical role business valuation plays for family-owned B2B companies.

Stephen, with 30+ years of experience valuing over 4,000 companies, and Randi, a former Goldman Sachs executive, share insights on common valuation misconceptions, key value drivers, and value killers like client concentration and owner dep...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with executive coach and author Michèle Hecken about the challenges leaders face when stepping back from their businesses.

Drawing from her own entrepreneurial journey, Michèle discusses her book The Art of Offboarding, exploring how founders can transition out of day-to-day roles through delegation, clear role definition, and overcoming ego and fear. The conversation also...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Sarah Switlik, fourth-generational President of Switlik Survival Products, a century-old manufacturer of life-saving equipment including aviation life vests, life rafts, and military gear.

Sarah shares her journey from Babson College graduate to company president, discussing the intentional, multi-year leadership transition with her father, the importance of open comm...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Katie Rucker, second-generation owner of MacKenzie Corp and founder of NextGen Collaborative.

Katie shares insights on balancing legacy with innovation in family businesses, drawing from personal experience and a 2026 perception study revealing that family businesses are trusted but underestimated for innovation. She emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Jared Kassoff, COO of Resolution Capitol Management and third-generation leader of a New Jersey commercial real estate family. Jared shares how he inherited not a functioning company, but a property portfolio and family reputation, then rebuilt the business from scratch during COVID. He discusses honoring his late grandfather's legacy while modernizing operations, se...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Josh Gould, CEO of thebigword, a global language services company operating in over 80 countries.

As a second-generation leader, Josh shares insights on navigating leadership transitions, building professional management teams, and embracing AI early. He discusses proving himself beyond his family name, conducting annual self-assessments, and balancing private equity ...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Steven Portrude, second-generation President of Harwill Express Press, a family printing business founded in 1973.

Steven shares how he transformed the company from a neighborhood print shop into a print management and event support firm. Key insights include prioritizing cash flow improvements, observing before making changes, and proactively reinventing the business...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia interviews Richard Haig, second-generation CEO of Haig Service Corporation.

Richard shares how his father's side business installing TV antennas evolved into a nationally recognized life safety and security company. He discusses stepping away twice to pursue endurance athletics and fitness ventures, and returning to lead the company's growth through strategic acquisitions. Richar...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Chris Bingaman, third-generation CEO of Bingaman & Son Lumber, an 80-year-old Pennsylvania hardwood manufacturer.

Chris shares lessons learned from his grandfather and father, emphasizing integrity and curiosity. He discusses the deliberate decision to appoint a non-family president, using profiling tools and staged leadership tests to ensure the right fit. Chris ...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Cherie O'Connor, third-generation Manager of Pelican Shops, a family-owned seasonal retail business.

Cherie shares the history behind the iconic Pelican name, the unique dual-season business model spanning winter ski gear and summer outdoor living products, and how four independently operated family-owned locations collaborate under one brand. She discusses her journe...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Doug Hyman, President and CEO of US Supply.

Doug shares his journey from childhood visits to his father's branches to gradually earning leadership through hard work. He discusses navigating family dynamics with his sister, managing a strong founder presence, and balancing legacy relationships with modern demands. The conversation explores how Amazon, e-commerce, and e...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Patrick McDermott, Vice President Business Banking at First Bank.

Patrick shares insights from his decades-long banking career, emphasizing the value of relationship-driven, needs-based banking for entrepreneurial and middle-market businesses. They discuss the importance of proactive strategic planning, responsible growth, and operational discipline for family-owned b...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia speaks with Alexandra Groezinger, President of Groezinger Provisions Inc. and steward of the Alexian brand.

Alexandra shares how her father founded the company in 1982 before passing away unexpectedly, leaving her resilient mother to grow the business. After studying psychology at the University of Vermont and gaining corporate experience, Alexandra returned to lead the company throug...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Boaz Gilad, Founder of Zenith Clubhouse, who shares his journey from building a public real estate company to losing it through a hostile takeover and bankruptcy. Boaz reflects on the psychological toll of business failure, the difference between motivation and discipline, and the importance of goal setting. The conversation also explores challenges in family-governe...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Bernie and Ben Skalny of Willow Group Ltd., a family business founded in 1928 by Polish immigrant Ludwig Skalny. Bernie, Owner & President and the third-generation leader, reflects on the company's evolution from basket weaving to a multi-division operation, emphasizing customer relationships and adaptability. Ben, Project Manager and the fourth generation, discu...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, our host Ed Delia welcomes Ron Senatore, a business performance advisor with over 25 years of experience at Inspire (formerly Administaff).

Ron shares insights from working with entrepreneurial and family-led businesses, discussing the emotional complexity of succession, leadership transitions, and workforce challenges. Drawing from his own family business background, he explores what separates thr...