Growing Up B2B

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...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia speaks with Khoa Duy Tran, second-generation leader of Duytan Recycling, a nearly 40-year-old plastic manufacturing and recycling company.

Khoa shares how his father's dream of succeeding in the American market inspired him to leave his legal career and join the family business. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from founder-led, intuitive decision-making to scalable, team-...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with David Nassief, founder of One-page PDF Wealth Compass, about his unexpected corporate layoff at 63 after 18 years.

Facing near financial collapse, David reinvented himself as an independent sales agent, endured rejection, and built a seven-figure portfolio through disciplined investing. He shares his one-page Wealth Compass framework, emphasizing that making money and...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia speaks with Michael Keller, Founder of MK Roofing Company.

Michael shares his journey growing up in his father's roofing company, George Keller and Sons, where he learned the trade from age 11. After two decades as a partner, a shift in business dynamics led him to launch MK Roofing Company ten years ago. Michael discusses his focus on commercial roofing, integrity-driven client rela...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews Patrick McGovern, fourth-generation President of Mack Boring & Parts Co., a family business founded in 1922.

Patrick shares how the company evolved from a small machine shop into a leading diesel engine and electric propulsion distributor. He discusses navigating complex family dynamics, including a challenging leadership transition and buyout of his uncle, and how outs...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews Audra Giese, second-generation President of MSI Plumbing and Remodeling.

Audra shares how her father founded the company in 1979, evolving it from condo management into plumbing and remodeling by listening to customer needs. She discusses growing up in the business, her transition into leadership in 2021, and her efforts to modernize operations through technology and employ...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia speaks with Matt Cohen, President of Replenex, an 80-year-old industrial supply and distribution company.

Matt shares the business's origins after World War II, the challenges of generational transitions, and his journey from general counsel to president. He reflects on leading through the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing adaptability and strong leadership team...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews Lisa Chowansky, President of HC Constructors, a New Jersey-based family construction company.

Lisa shares how she left a decade-long career at Johnson & Johnson to join her husband Harry's family business in 1997. Together, they grew the company from $400,000 to $20 million in annual sales by leveraging complementary skills, defined leadership roles, and disciplined gro...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, your host Ed Delia speaks with Nancy Emiliani-Daugenti, Owner of Emiliani Metro, about her family's legacy in the beauty distribution industry.

Nancy shares what it was like growing up immersed in the family business, the emotional toll of its 2012 acquisition by L'Oréal, and how she and her cousins rebuilt under the Emiliani name. They discuss balancing tradition with innovation, navigating family...

In this special 100th episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews his brother Gary Delia, whose career spans decades of sales mastery, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Gary shares his journey from top sales performer to president of Appleby Window Systems, where he led as an outside executive in a family-owned business. He later founded Home Performance Alliance in Florida, navigating the 2008 recession, personal challenges...

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia interviews Humberto Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of Supplysoft, a company helping small and mid-sized businesses implement warehouse management systems.

Humberto shares his journey from an early fascination with computers to founding Supplysoft as a family business alongside his wife and extended family. The conversation explores the challenges of blending family and business, the impor...