The Business of Family

🎙️The Business of Family Podcast ⚖️ Family Matters – Legal EditionWe’ve all heard the saying: don’t wait until there’s a fire to buy insurance. The same rule applies to legal planning in family businesses. In this Family Matters – Legal Edition episode, hosts Tammy & Yola unpack why reactive legal decisions (made during conflict, crisis, or transition) often cost family enterprises far more than money. From shareholder disputes and succession surprises to outdated agreements and silent partners, we explore the warning signs families too often ignore.This conversation covers:• Why waiting for a legal “emergency” damages both businesses and relationships• The core legal foundations every family enterprise should have in place• Practical steps to start fireproofing your family business todayLegal planning isn’t about expecting the worst, it’s about protecting what matters most: the business and the family behind it.#TheBusinessOfFamily #FamilyMattersLegalEdition #FamilyBusiness #LegalPlanning #SuccessionPlanning #Governance #BuiltToLast #BusinessPodcast #Podcast #LegalPodcast #BlueRoots #LernersLLP

In every family enterprise, there are three circles: Family. Business. Ownership.They overlap, and where you sit shapes how you see the business and the family. But what does it mean to belong in the family circle while choosing not to be part of the business?In this Legacy on Repeat episode, I revisit a conversation with Caverleigh Tuer, my daughter-in-law, who grew up surrounded by family business and brings a thoughtful, grounded perspective on supporting a family enterprise without working inside it. We talk about boundaries, identity, and the often-overlooked role of family members who support the legacy from the sidelines.A must-listen for families navigating roles, expectations, and generational legacy.#TheBusinessOfFamily #LegacyOnRepeat #FamilyBusiness #FamilyAndBusiness #GenerationalLegacy #FamilyEnterprise #ThreeCircleModel #BlueRoots 

What does it take to steward a legacy across generations, while staying true to the relationships that matter most?In this episode, Tammy sits down with Howie Grossinger, Camp Owner and Director of Camp Robin Hood and Camp Walden, to explore a family business story more than six decades in the making. In this conversation, Howie shares how he and his wife, Sari, stepped into leadership, carrying forward her parents’ vision while shaping the camp for the next generation.Together, they discuss:• Growing into a legacy rather than inheriting it overnight• Lessons passed down from Sari’s parents that still guide leadership today• Navigating blurred lines between family and business• Welcoming their daughter, Jordanna, into the camp and what that transition has meant• Creating space for the next generation, without pressure• Building a future-focused vision rooted in traditionThis episode is a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t just about longevity, it’s about intention, trust, and thoughtful transition.#TheBusinessOfFamily #FamilyBusiness #GenerationalLegacy #CampRobinHood #LeadershipAcrossGenerations #SuccessionPlanning #FamilyEnterprise #Podcast #BuinessPodcast #Camp #CampPodcast #BlueRoots #CampWalden

What happens when you build a business together, as partners in life and in work?In this episode, we sit down with Grant and Erin Stahla, the husband-and-wife team behind Stahla Services, a company redefining the portable restroom and shower trailer industry with a focus on quality, values, and an exceptional customer experience.Grant and Erin share:• The realities of running a business as a married couple• How they divide responsibilities and protect family time• The core values guiding their decisions• Their vision for legacy, both in business and at home• Advice for the next generation of family business leadersWe also explore their unique path, both coming from family business backgrounds, yet choosing to build something entirely their own, and how that experience shapes the way they lead today.If you’re navigating family, ownership, partnership, or legacy, this conversation is full of honest insights and practical wisdom.🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.#TheBusinessOfFamily #FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #HusbandAndWifeTeam #ValuesBasedLeadership #LegacyBuilding #FamilyEnterprise #PodcastEpisode #BusinessPodcast #Podcast #BlueRoots 

Farming is more than a business. It’s land, legacy, and generations working side by side. And that makes the legal side of farm family businesses uniquely complex.In this episode of The Business of Family Podcast  - Family Matters: Legal Edition, Tammy Buss and Yola Ventresca are joined by Joseph Hentz of Lerners LLP to explore the intersection of farming, family, and the law.Together, they unpack:• What makes farm family businesses different from other enterprises• Common legal structures and ownership challenges• Why succession planning is often delayed — and the risks of waiting• How proactive legal planning can protect both relationships and the farm itselfIf your family business is rooted in the land, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.🎧 Family Matters: Legal Edition — available wherever you listen to podcasts.#BusinessOfFamilyPodcast #FamilyBusiness #FamilyEnterprise #FamilyMatters#FarmFamily  #FamilyFarm #Agribusiness #FarmingLife#FarmSuccession #FarmLegacy #SuccessionPlanning#EstatePlanning #BusinessLaw #FamilyBusinessAdvisors#Governance #FamilyAndBusiness #LegacyPlanning#NextGeneration #IntergenerationalBusiness #BlueRoots #LernersLLP

Great family businesses don’t fail because they lack vision — they struggle when communication breaks down. In this Legacy on Repeat episode of The Business of Family Podcast, Tammy Buss revisits her conversation with communication expert Brett Thompson to unpack the tools that help families stay aligned, reduce conflict, and keep both relationships and the business healthy.Because when family and business overlap, how you communicate matters just as much as what you say.🎧 Tune in to revisit the tools that stand the test of time.#thebusinessoffamily #LegacyOnRepeat #FamilyBusiness #CommunicationTools #FamilyDynamics #Leadership #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessAndFamily #Kolbe #Print #Communication #blueroots #podcast #businesspodcast

What happens when family, creativity, and legacy come together?In this episode of The Business of Family Podcast, Tammy sits down with Kelly Kolar and Audrey Eyman of Kolar Design for a candid mother–daughter conversation about building an award-winning design firm while navigating the realities of working together as family.They talk about:• The early days of Kolar Design• Stepping into , and making space for the next generation• Balancing boundaries, empathy, and leadership• What legacy really means when family is at the heart of the businessA thoughtful conversation about growth, values, and designing something that lasts, in business and beyond.🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. #TheBusinessOfFamily #FamilyBusiness #WomenInBusiness #FamilyLegacy #SuccessionPlanning #Design #CreativeEntrepreneurs #FounderToFuture #NextGenerationLeadership #ValuesDrivenBusiness #BlueRoots #KolarDesign

Happy New Year! As we step into a brand-new year, this short episode of The Business of Family offers a simple, practical way to create clarity and alignment, without resolutions.Instead of long list of goals, Tammy Buss invites families to pause and reflect on one powerful question:What does success look like for us this year—as a family and as a business?In this episode, you’ll explore:• Why alignment matters more than resolutions• How defining success reduces conflict and builds trust• A simple five-minute exercise to bring clarity across the family, business, and ownership circlesA thoughtful way to begin the year with intention, connection, and shared direction ✨From all of us at BlueRoots, Happy New Year—here’s to a year of clarity, alignment, and meaningful progress.#TheBusinessOfFamily #FamilyBusiness #NewYearReflections #Leadership #FamilyEnterprise #BlueRoots #IntentionalLiving #BusinessPodcast #Podcast #HappyNewYear #NewYear

Happy Holidays! As we head into the Christmas season, Tammy Buss reflects on the small, but powerful traditions that quietly shape family enterprises.In this short episode of The Business of Family, we explore how shared rituals, at work and at home, create rhythm, belonging, and connection across generations. From meaningful business traditions to simple family moments around the holidays, this episode invites you to pause and reflect on what truly holds your family and enterprise together.A thoughtful listen for anyone leading, working in, or growing a family business this season 🎄From all of us at BlueRoots, Happy Holidays and thank you for being part of this community.#TheBusinessOfFamily #FamilyBusiness #Traditions #Leadership #FamilyEnterprise #BlueRoots #HappyHolidays #Christmas #BusinessPodcast #FamilyTraditions

When family and business overlap, the legal stakes are higher than most people realize. In this episode, Tammy & Yola sit down with Erin Reid of Lerners LLP to unpack where family law and family business collide—and how to avoid the legal pitfalls that can put both your company and your relationships at risk.We dive into:• Why divorce, separation, and major life events hit family businesses differently• Common mistakes that leave businesses exposed• Practical legal tools like shareholder agreements and marriage contracts• How proactive planning and open conversations can save families stress, money, and conflictLegal planning isn’t about expecting problems—it’s about protecting what matters most.🎧 Listen now and learn how to safeguard your family and your business.#FamilyBusiness #FamilyMattersPodcast #FamilyLaw #BusinessContinuity #SuccessionPlanning #Governance #LegalPlanning#NextGenLeadership#EntrepreneurLife #FamilyOwnedBusiness #ProtectWhatMatters #FamilyBusiness #LernersLLP #BlueRoots #LegalPodcast #BusinessPodcast

Legacy on Repeat is back with a conversation every family business owner needs to hear.In this episode, Tammy sits down with Shawn Bellefeuille of Buss Financial Group and Retirement by Design to break down what it really takes to transition out of the business you built.Retire, hand it down, or sell? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but there is a way to plan with clarity.Listen in for practical guidance on preparing for life after the business and protecting the legacy you’ve created.#FamilyBusiness #SuccessionPlanning #RetirementPlanning #WealthPlanning #LegacyPlanning #BusinessOfFamilyPodcast #BlueRoots #RetirementByDesign #BusinessPodcast #Podcast

What does it take to lead a 4th-generation family business into the future—without losing the heart of what made it great?In this episode of The Business of Family Podcast, Tammy sits down with Dottie Chalmers Cutter, 4th Generation Owner and COO of Chalmers Insurance Group, recorded on the road in Maine—our first podcast recorded outside the studio!Dottie shares her personal journey growing up in a family enterprise, her path to leadership, and how she’s transforming the company culture from performance management to people development.They dive into legacy, leadership, and the power of developing people—not just managing them.#FamilyBusiness #Leadership #SuccessionPlanning #Legacy #TheBusinessofFamilyPodcast #BlueRoots #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #NextGen #ChalmersInsurance

Only two things are certain in life — death and taxes.But in family business, how those two collide can shape your family’s future.In this episode of The Business of Family Podcast, Tammy sits down with Anthony Falcone Lawyer at Falcone Law Professional Corporation and Richard Rizzo Tax Partner at Bateman MacKay LLP to talk about what happens before and after the inevitable — and how the right tax planning can protect both your legacy and your loved ones.🎧 Tune in to hear how families can prepare, avoid common mistakes, and make tough conversations easier — before it’s too late.#FamilyBusiness #TaxPlanning #Succession #EstatePlanning #BusinessOfFamily #BusinessPodcast #BlueRoots

When ownership and family collide, things can get complicated. This week, Tammy and Yola sit down with Mitchell Brown, Partner at Lerners LLP, to unpack one of the toughest topics in family business: shareholder disputes.From unclear roles and generational tensions to buyout disagreements and succession battles — Mitchell shares legal insights and practical ways families can protect both their business and their relationships.💡 In this episode, we explore:What causes shareholder disputes in family businessesHow emotions and history complicate conflictThe legal frameworks that can prevent issues before they startWhen to call a lawyer — and when to call a mediatorMitchell’s best advice for families navigating ownership and legacy#FamilyBusiness #SuccessionPlanning #Governance #ShareholderDisputes #ConflictResolution #LegalInsights #TheBusinessOfFamilyPodcast #BlueRoots #LernersLLP #LegalPodcast #BusinessPodcast 

This week we’re revisiting a powerful conversation with Brett Thompson, an expert who knows the impact words—and silence—can have in business.In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest mistakes business owners make: failing to communicate. From navigating family dynamics to managing employees, Brett breaks down the 3 key elements of communication and shares how to keep the lines open to drive positive results.If communication has ever felt like your biggest challenge, this replay is packed with practical insights you won’t want to miss.#FamilyBusiness #BusinessLegacy #Communication #LeadershipPodcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #FamilyEnterprise #TeamLeadership #BusinessGrowth #SuccessionPlanning #BlueRoots

What does it take to build both a business and a legacy? 🏠In this episode, Tammy sits down with Arne and Peder Madsen — the father–son duo behind CCR Build + Remodel.From humble beginnings to a thriving design-build company, Arne shares how CCR was founded and the values that built its foundation, while Peder reflects on growing up in the business and stepping into leadership.Together, they open up about the challenges and rewards of working side by side, navigating succession, and what it truly means to build both a business and a legacy that lasts.Building homes — and building a family legacy — go hand in hand for Arne and Peder. In this heartfelt conversation, they reflect on the moments that defined their partnership and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.🎙️ Listen to this episode of The Business of Family Podcast — available wherever you get your podcasts.#TheBusinessOfFamilyPodcast #FamilyBusiness #NextGenLeadership #SuccessionPlanning #LegacyBuilding #FatherAndSon #CCRBuildRemodel #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipJourney #FamilyLegacy #Podcast #BlueRoots #BusinessPodcast 

In this episode, Tammy sits down with David Simpson, Director of the Business Families Centre at the Ivey Business School, to explore the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, and family legacy.A former professional hockey player turned entrepreneur and educator, David shares how his diverse career shaped his understanding of what makes family businesses thrive—or struggle.From generational dynamics to the emotional side of succession, David offers practical wisdom for founders, next-generation leaders, and anyone passionate about sustaining family enterprises for the long term.#TheBusinessOfFamilyPodcast #BlueRoots #FamilyBusiness #FamilyEnterprise #Entrepreneurship #NextGenLeaders #LegacyLeadership #IveyBusinessSchool #FamilyBusinessEducation#SuccessionPlanning #DavidSimpson

What does Taylor Swift have in common with your family business? More than you think.In this episode, co-hosts Tammy Buss of BlueRoots and Yola Ventresca of Lerners unpack the Taylor Swift machine: family business & legal lessons.💡 We explore:How Taylor’s parents and brother play key roles in her success.The legal side of building and protecting a global brand.What every family business can learn from the Swift enterprise — from contracts to succession planning.Whether you’re running a farm, a retail store, or the biggest pop career on the planet, the rules are the same: protect your business, protect your relationships, and plan for the future.👉 Tune in to The Business of Family Podcast for this fascinating look at fame, family, and law.#FamilyBusiness #Podcast #TaylorSwift #BusinessOfFamily #BlueRoots # Lerners #LegalPodcast #BusinessPodcast 

This week we’re bringing back a powerful conversation with Peder Madsen, owner of CCR Build + Remodel in London, Ontario.In this episode, we dive into the tough realities of second-generation ownership—the mistakes made, the lessons learned, and the achievements that shaped the journey.If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to carry forward a family business legacy, this replay is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.#FamilyBusiness #BusinessLegacy #SecondGeneration #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipPodcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #FamilyEnterprise #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessTransition #BlueRoots #CCRBuild+Remodel

In this episode of The Business of Family Podcast, Tammy Buss sits down with Dean Tansman, Vice President of Operations at A World of Wipes (AWOW), to explore the story of a family business rooted in innovation, responsibility, and legacy.Dean shares how his father, Avi Tansman, founded AWOW in 1991 and how growing up alongside the business shaped his own path. Now working side by side, Dean and Avi navigate the balance between tradition and innovation while scaling the company’s sustainable product lines and operations.Dean opens up about the challenges and rewards of working in a family business, how he and his father divide responsibilities, and what the future might hold for the next generation#FamilyBusiness #NextGenLeadership #BusinessOfFamily #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessPodcast #LeadershipJourney #Entrepreneurship #FamilyLegacy #AWOW #AWorldOfWipes #DeanTansman #BlueRoots #Podcast