Growing Up B2B

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Cindi Heyen, President and CEO of Jed Pool Tools and Northeastern Plastics.

Cindi shares how her father built a small injection molding company after losing his job, and how she and her husband Alan took over in 1989, eventually acquiring the business in 2005. The conversation covers their engineering backgrounds, the acquisition of Northeastern Plastics, managing sea...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Casey Bickhardt, fourth-generation President and CEO of GEMCO and Advanced Powder Solutions (APS).

Casey shares how she unexpectedly stepped into leadership just one year after college following the passing of a key operator at APS. She discusses growing up immersed in the family business, establishing credibility with veteran teams, and how operating APS gave her inv...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia interviews Michael Rose, co-founder of Cane Garden Rum Punch.

Michael shares how a cherished Caribbean family recipe evolved into a ready-to-drink cocktail brand, highlighting the journey from family gatherings to commercial success. He discusses challenges like licensing, distribution, and managing family dynamics, emphasizing the importance of clear roles and the Entrepreneuria...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia interviews Steve Holand, President of MyCaseBuilder, a family business specializing in custom protective cases.

Steve shares his journey from helping his father in the factory to leading the company through pivotal acquisitions, operational challenges, and geographic expansion. The discussion highlights the evolution of their product offerings, the complexities of managing growth...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia interviews Elisa Mula, Founder of EMD, a consulting firm specializing in physical security and business continuity.

Elisa discusses her journey, the importance of proactive security strategies, and how her team helps organizations secure funding for security improvements. She emphasizes that effective security goes beyond technology, requiring leadership, training, and strong pol...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia interviews Samara Ronkowitz, Executive Vice President and fourth-generation leader at Accurate Box Company, Inc., a family-owned packaging manufacturer nearing 83 years in business.

Samara discusses the company’s evolution, the importance of family culture, and lessons learned from working outside the business. She shares insights on leadership transitions, maintaining strong emp...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia talks with Tom Garrity of Compass Point about the unique challenges and opportunities facing family-owned B2B businesses.

Drawing on Tom’s experience at Larsen Manufacturing and as a consultant, they discuss leadership transitions, succession planning, and the importance of aligning people, strategy, and family dynamics. Tom emphasizes clear communication, developing next-generat...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia interviews Dhruv Pandit, Executive Chairman of Hodari Advisory Services.

Dhruv shares his family’s multi-generational business journey, from humble beginnings in the 1950s to strategic exits from regulated industries and a shift toward real estate and advisory services. The conversation explores the challenges of generational transition, the importance of governance, balancing le...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia interviews Michelle Renda Gill, Owner and Stylist of Social The Salon, who transformed her father’s salon, Act Two, into her own brand, Social.

Michelle shares her journey from growing up in the salon to rebranding and expanding the business, navigating family dynamics, and fostering a supportive, creative culture. She discusses the challenges of honoring legacy while innovating,...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia interviews Cherie Walters and Nicole Juarez, who run Twins Realty in Central Texas.

They discuss how their complementary skills in mortgages and real estate, clear role definitions, and strong faith-based values have shaped their successful family business. Cherie and Nicole share insights on maintaining harmony, involving family members, and building trust with clients. They als...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia speaks with Mitchell and Jenny Sharpe of The Sharpe Group about the complexities of transitioning family businesses to the next generation.

They discuss maintaining trust, culture, and reputation during leadership changes, the importance of high-touch client service, and strategies for sustainable growth and succession planning. Mitchell and Jenny share personal stories and practical ...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Steve Schneider and Todd Leonardis, co-founders of The Partnership Guys.

Drawing from decades of experience and their book The Partnership Playbook, Steve and Todd discuss the importance of clear roles, intentional communication, and aligning personal and business goals in partnerships. They share lessons from past failures, strategies for navigating crises, and advi...

In this episode of "Growing Up B2B," host Ed Delia interviews Paul Morris, Business Development Advisor at Cadre Associates.

Paul is an experienced executive who has led and advised numerous family-owned and B2B companies. He shares insights on the unique challenges faced by outside leaders in family businesses, including navigating family dynamics, maintaining company culture through transitions, and the importance of empathy and c...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia talks with Carl Gould, Founder and Chief Discovery Strategist of 7 Stage Advisors, about the unique challenges family-run B2B businesses face as they grow.

They discuss how family dynamics complicate accountability, leadership roles, and succession planning. Carl shares strategies for overcoming growth plateaus, placing family members in roles aligned with their strengths, and prepari...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews John E. Ursin, Managing Partner at Schenck, Price, Smith & King, LLP. They explore the unique legal and governance challenges facing family businesses, emphasizing the importance of early succession planning, proactive risk management, and building long-term relationships with trusted advisors.

John shares insights from his litigation experience, discusses the impact of...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia interviews Mitchell Kaneff, third-generation CEO of Arkay Packaging.

Mitchell shares candid insights on leading a century-old family business, discussing the challenges of succession, balancing legacy with innovation, and preparing his sons for future leadership. The conversation covers emotional and cultural dynamics of generational transition, the importance of vision, and prac...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia interviews David Indursky, President of ENCON, a New Jersey family business founded by his father in 1968.

David shares his journey from working in the company as a youth to leading its generational transition, including a strategic shift from public to private markets. The discussion covers balancing legacy with innovation, managing technological and generational change, fosteri...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews Samuel Crane, Co-Owner of Cinch I.T., a family-run managed IT and cybersecurity franchise.

Samuel shares how he, his brothers, and their partner’s family built the business, blending personalized local service with enterprise-level support. They discuss the benefits of the franchise model, the importance of clear roles, proactive client relationships, and a strong, people-c...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews Mark Wilson, President and Founder of Natural Repellents. Mark shares his journey from a 25-year corporate career to launching an all-natural tick and mosquito control business.

He discusses the challenges of entering a chemical-dominated industry, the importance of family involvement, and how transparency, quality, and safety set their products apart. Mark offers advice fo...