Claim OwnershipGeneration Excellence Podcast
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In each episode of GENeration EXcellence I talk with other leaders of unique generational family businesses - about their past/future/present. Enjoy.
71 Episodes
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Nate Forbes is the Managing Partner and second-generation leader of The Forbes Company, a nationally recognized developer, owner, and manager of luxury shopping destinations. In this episode, Nate shares stories that span from getting his driver’s license to guiding the company into its third generation. Cue “The Victors” and hear from one of “the leaders and best” as Nate brings insight, energy, and a relentless pursuit of excellence to this 71st episode of GENeration EXcellence.
John and Joe Gaither are two of four siblings representing the second generation (with excellence) of Feetures, a business at the forefront of performance sock innovation.
In this episode of GENeration EXcellence, we hear from John and Joe Gaither, sons of founder Hugh Gaither, who was inspired in a specialty running store to get back into the sock business—but this time with a focus on performance and purpose around his passion for running.
Now, nearly 25 years later, John and Joe are running Feetures into new territory—from golf to direct-to-consumer success—while honoring the legacy that shaped their journey.
Please enjoy this conversation with two brothers who demonstrate how a family-led business can successfully blend entrepreneurship, an intense competitive drive, and service to others.
In this episode of GENeration EXcellence, I sit down with Marshall Rabil, President and CEO of Hubbard Peanut Company, a family business rooted in tradition and flavor since 1954.
Marshall’s path to representing the third generation in this special family business is anything but linear. A true global citizen and servant leader, he’s taught school in Japan, led study abroad programs, worked at a startup in Tennessee, and served as a specialty food buyer for Whole Foods. Each chapter of his journey has shaped the thoughtful, humble, and forward-looking leader he is today.
Now at the helm of Hubbard Peanut Company, Marshall is blending innovation with heritage, ensuring that the company’s values—and its tasty peanuts—continue to thrive for generations to come. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed the conversation.
In this episode of GENeration Excellence, we head west to the wide-open spaces of Jackson, Wyoming, where Matt Stirn and his brother represent the fourth generation of family ownership, operation, and stewardship at the R Lazy S Ranch.
Matt grew up immersed in ranch life—learning its rhythms, values, and stories around the dinner table and campfire. His grandparents journeyed from Cleveland to the rugged West, and a bold real estate purchase laid the foundation for what would become a beloved dude ranch and family legacy.
Today, Matt shares that rich history with guests from the front porch—complete with a clever name he reveals in the episode. But Matt is more than a rancher. He’s also a writer, photojournalist, and paleoecologist, bringing a unique perspective to the land he calls home.
Where else are you going to hear from someone who blends sporting a cowboy hat with scientific fieldwork? Only here, on this memorable 68th episode of GENeration Excellence.
Mike Wolk grew up around the family business, then known as Goodway Group. He wasn’t pushed into the business, nor was he steered away from it. Instead, he forged his own path. In this episode of GENeration EXcellence, we explore Mike’s journey into cutting-edge digital marketing, his time working in New York, and the thoughtful way he transitioned to Goodway from The Trade Desk.
(Fun fact: Mike’s father, David Wolk, was our guest on Episode #2 of the podcast.)
During our conversation, I also learned about a new management framework called SBAR—Situation, Background, Analysis, and Recommendation—which Mike uses in his leadership approach. You’ll hear about that and much more in this 67th episode of GENeration EXcellence.
Chris Yonker is wildly interesting and deeply interested into how family organizations work and achieve harmony. Chris has been a guest on many podcasts and hosts his own podcast called Secret Thoughts of CEO’s. No secret here, Chris addresses how his team helps guide generational organizations through transition with a keen eye and ear to well-being, peace, and joy. I am eager for guest reaction to this 66th episode of GENeration EXcellence with Chris Yonker of The Center for Conscious Living & Fulfillment.
Resources Chris Introduced
Free Survey on Succession Readiness - https://www.chrisyonker.com/succession-readiness
FamBizForum – expert led free webinars on challenges for family businesses - https://forum.chrisyonker.com/next-gen-readiness
Podcast Secret Thoughts of CEO’s - https://open.spotify.com/show/5rllVRuZKCexjBBLr8ranu?si=4ee51bcb2b0d4c37
Dr. Zachary (Zach) Linhart is a third-generation dentist, continuing a proud family tradition of excellence in dental care. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Dr. Ernest Linhart, and his father, Dr. Jan Linhart, Zach has carved out his own niche in the world of cosmetic and restorative dentistry. With a passion for innovation and patient care, Dr. Linhart specializes in advanced implant and cosmetic cases, ensuring his patients receive the highest quality treatment. So, get ready to "sink your teeth" into this episode!
As I’ve had in common with past guests, Dr. Zach is an avid athlete, enjoying sports like squash, skiing, tennis, hockey, and paddle tennis. Join us for episode #65 of GENeration EXcellence as we delve into Dr. Linhart's journey, his insights on the latest advancements in dentistry, and his commitment to creating beautiful, healthy smiles.
In this episode of GENeration EXcellence, we sit down with Alex Saroki, a second-generation partner at Saroki Architecture, the world-class firm his parents founded over 40 years ago in Detroit. Alex shares his journey from schooling to becoming a key player in the family design and architecture business. We explore how he brings process to an art, seamlessly blending classic techniques with modern technology to drive the firm forward. Click to hear Alex's insights on maintaining the legacy while embracing innovation, and how he's excited to help shape and “build” the future of the industry on episode #64 of GENeration EXcellence.
Brian Baum is the president & CEO of Interchange Capital Partners a family business advisory firm in Pittsburgh, PA. Brian is himself the second-generation in a business his father founded and where they work closely together. That means he’s seen and addressed firsthand the uniqueness of guiding family business owners and operators on their path to the future. We talked business, we talked family, we talked sports, and we talked about thoughtful disagreement and healthy conflict within family business. (We did ALL that without conflict ourselves.) I trust you will enjoy Brian’s wisdom and drive. If this is a good listen while all on a drive, all the better. Wherever and whenever you listen, please enjoy episode #63 of GENeration EXcellence with Brian Baum.
Interchange Capital Partners website
https://www.interchangecp.com/
Indianapolis is famous for the Indy 500 and cars reaching speeds over 200 mph. Yet the shutter of a camera can race at 1/500th of a second or faster to capture quick-moving action. In this episode I moved quickly to capture the unique generational story of Lesle Lane, CEO of Studio 13 in metro Indianapolis. Lesle comes from a long line of award-winning photographers, each of whom made their mark with their images and vision for the business. Lesle shares her lifelong involvement in the business and is candid about the rational and emotional happenings along the way. Merge into the fast lane for this 62nd episode of GENeration EXcellence with Lesle Lane.
We headed virtually to Boise, Idaho, to chat with Jaime Ekman, President & CEO of The Stoltz Group. Jaime’s journey started in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) world, where she gained invaluable experience in sales, marketing, and operations. In this episode, she shares how she purchased the agency from her father, lessons learned along the way, and her vision for creating even more magic in the future. And yes, for Episode 61 of GENeration EXcellence the guest and host share the same name—but don’t let that confuse you. You’re in for a treat. Thank you for listening.
We did it—60 episodes of GENeration EXcellence! But this time, the script flips. Instead of hosting, I’m in the hot seat, interviewed by my two daughters, Rebecca and Brooke. They came prepared, firing off alternating questions like a tennis match. Some were gentle lobs; others were well-placed body serves that kept me on my toes.
I appreciate your listening to this special milestone episode filled with stories, surprises, and a lot of fun. Please provide your feedback. We are eager to understand how this episode was received.
I’ll be back in my other seat for Episode #61 real soon.
Scott Brandon, CEO of The Brandon Agency in Charleston, shares a captivating business journey rooted in the early days of Myrtle Beach and pioneering golf marketing—GENeration EXcellence in full swing (pun intended!). A lawyer by training, Scott reveals how the agency's rich history informs its future, blending strategy, technology, and hospitality with a dose of humanity and humility. His storytelling touches on everything from photography to leading a collection of specialist firms, leaving us eager for a part two.
Enjoy this insightful conversation with Scott Brandon!
We are thrilled to welcome David Maricich, President and Chief Creative Officer of Maricich Health, to the latest episode of the GENeration EXcellence podcast. 🌟
In this insightful conversation David shares his unique journey into Maricich from an early career in the music business. In a fast=moving hour David demonstrates how he blends strategy and creativity. He also does a wonderful job detailing how he teaches and instructs the next generation at Maricich Health, now proudly including his daughter. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.
Listen now and please take a minute to subscribe to the GENeration EXcellence podcast for more episodes featuring leaders and innovators in unique family-led businesses.
Jodie Kaufman Davis is the Executive Vice President of H.W. Kaufman Group, a global network of companies dedicated to shaping the future of insurance. With a career that spans nearly two decades, Jodie has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation within the organization. Jodie talks about loving to juggle multiple balls including work, family, working out, mentoring the next generation of industry leaders, and championing initiatives that foster diversity and inclusion.
In this episode, Jodie shared her insights on the importance of adaptive leadership, and how to cultivate a culture that values relationships while embracing new technologies. Get ready to be inspired by Jodie’s story of excellence, her strategic vision for the future, and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the business world.
Please enjoy this 57th episode of GENeration EXcellence with Jodie Kaufman Davis.
Matt Rossetti is a third-generation architect and President/CEO of Detroit-based Rossetti, an architecture, interior design and urban planning organization that blends the rigor of analytics with the ability to imagine what’s never been done before. Matt sat down to talk about his unique path into the business and how Rossetti has evolved as a global leader in the design of sports complexes along with projects that have contributed mightily to Detroit’s resurgence. If you like sports, business, art, design ... even oceanography, this episode of GENeration EXcellence with Matt Rossetti is for you and is serious fun. Please enjoy, comment and share.
Andrew (Andy) Goldberg is an experienced attorney and voracious consumer of books and podcasts. Only fitting he joins this podcast to take us through the highlights of his first book, The Big Deal: A Practical Guide to Selling Your Business with Confidence and Clarity. Andy is focused on bringing a well-informed and approachable perspective to this important subject for business owners. One that is especially relevant to leaders of generational businesses. It’s no big deal to listen to episode 55 of GENeration EXcellence. Just push play and enjoy!
Emily Korotkin can trace back five generations to founding roots of her family’s insurance agency operation. We met at the Korotkin Insurance Group (KIG) offices where the main boardroom has portraits back to 1913. I hope listeners appreciate how Emily gained experience in every aspect of the insurance operation and can bring that first-hand perspective to helping KIG evolve into the ever-changing future. Emily shares timeless and timely thoughts in this our 54th episode of GENeration EXcellence.
Tricia Ruby is president and CEO of Ruby + Associates a renowned steel construction and engineering firm based in the Detroit area. Ruby + Associates is staffed with engineers, designers, and planners who are instrumental in the building of some of the most complex steel structures in North America. Ruby + Associates was founded by Tricia’s father and over 40 years grew as a family enterprise based on the classic components of hard work, hustle, experience, and excellence. In our wide-ranging conversation Tricia talks about the Ruby + Associates roots, her unique path into the business, and the moves they’ve made to set the business up for a long road ahead. Please enjoy our 53rd episode of GENeration EXcellence with Tricia Ruby.
Laurie Mikes (pronounced mike-us) is the Chief Operating Officer of Second Wind, a unique Wyomissing, PA headquartered consultancy serving the marketing communications industry. Second Wind is a distinguished second-generation, family-led organization and SMZ is proud to be associated as a Second Wind member. In this longer-form conversation format, Laurie talks about how Second Wind brings a high-touch attitude to an ever more high-tech world. For 35 years, Second Wind has helped business leaders tap into the power of shared thinking and information. That "collective" power is available here for GENeration EXcellence listeners in this 52nd episode with Laurie Mikes.
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