Family Business Matters

This Student Voices episode spotlights the undergraduate experience at Carolina through the lens of Molly Malek, a driven student leader whose journey has been shaped by the Family Enterprise Center and the Family Business Club. Molly reflects on her path to UNC, her family business background, and the donor‑supported programs that have helped her find direction, community, and career clarity.   Perfect for prospective students, families, and supporters, this episode captures the heart of what donor generosity makes possible. Join us as we celebrate Molly’s story and look ahead to Giving Day.             Chesney Maniaci Family Enterprise Center Website

Families are powerful systems, and sometimes, they’re anxiety‑creating machines. In this episode of Family Business Matters, host Cooper Biersach sits down with therapist and bestselling author Dr. Kathleen Smith to explore how Bowen Family Systems Theory can transform the way we understand ourselves, our families, and our roles in family enterprises.   Kathleen breaks down how anxiety moves through a family, why we repeat automatic patterns, and how even small shifts in our behavior can change long‑standing dynamics. Together, Cooper and Kathleen discuss real-world examples, including a multigenerational family business scenario, to illustrate how concepts like triangles and differentiation show up in everyday work and life.   Listeners will walk away with: A clear, conversational introduction to Bowen Theory Practical ways to observe and interrupt reactivity First steps for applying these ideas in your family or family enterprise   Whether you’re leading a family business, navigating complex relationships, or simply curious about how families operate, this episode offers tools to help you respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically. Books Everything Isn’t Terrible True to You Family Enterpise Center Links The Family Enterprise Center Get Connected    

In this episode of Family Business Matters, host Chris Maslin sits down with father–daughter duo Jamie McLawhorn and Bess McLawhorn of Marsh Properties for a candid conversation on what it really takes to prepare the rising generation for leadership in a family enterprise. Together, they share their personal journeys, the intentional steps their family has taken to develop next‑gen talent, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. From growing up around the family business to navigating formal development structures, the McLawhorns offer practical wisdom, honest reflections, and stories that bring their experience to life. Listeners will walk away with insights on: Why rising generation development matters now more than ever The long‑term outcomes families should aim for Structures and practices that reduce conflict and create clarity What they wish they’d done differently, and what’s working well today Whether you're part of a multigenerational family business or supporting one, this conversation invites you to reflect on your own family's learning journey and consider one meaningful step you can take forward. Tune in, learn alongside our community, and take your next step toward strengthening your family enterprise. Get Connected  

This episode of Family Business Matters dives into the role boundaries play in creating healthier relationships and stronger family enterprises. With host Cooper Biersach, our guest, Melissa Mitchell-Blitch, author and family dynamics expert, shares why boundaries are often misunderstood, why they matter, and how they can transform the way we lead and live. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, you’ll learn how boundaries clarify roles, reduce conflict, and help individuals and organizations thrive. Expect actionable insights you can apply immediately to navigate complexity with confidence. Learn More! In the Company of Family: How to Thrive When Business is Personal Cooper Biersach Melissa Mitchell-Blitch  

In this episode of Family Business Matters, host Cooper Biersach sits down with Amy Renkert-Thomas, a lawyer, educator, and former president of her family’s fifth-generation manufacturing business. Amy brings decades of experience in family enterprise governance and ownership to the conversation.  Together, they explore what governance really means, why it matters for family businesses, and how it evolves across generations. Listeners will learn: How family business governance differs from public company governance. Why shared purpose and vision are essential for long-term success. The role of owners and boards in creating clarity and alignment. Practical steps for building governance structures that fit your family enterprise. Whether you’re a founder wondering if governance is worth the effort or a next-generation leader preparing for the future, this episode offers actionable insights to help your family business thrive. Featured Notes: Engaged Ownership by Amy-Renkert Thomas Building a Successful Family Business Board The Family Enterprise Center Get Connected  

In this special two-guest episode, Lauren Willets Director of UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School’s The Family Enterprise Center, sits down with brothers Frankie Kelly IV (UNC BSBA ’14, UNC MAC '15) and Stephen Kelly (UNC BSBA '17) to reminisce about their Carolina days as Family Enterprise students and lacrosse champions. They share candid insights on their early career paths, the decision to return to their family business, and the realities of navigating family dynamics. Listeners will enjoy hearing how these two brothers found their way back to Kelly Benefits—and what they’ve learned along the journey.

In this episode of Family Business Matters, host Amelia Renkert-Thomas welcomes Nikin Shah, founding partner at Front Porch Venture Partners. Nikin shares his personal journey of growing up around his family’s business, co-leading it with his brother, and ultimately making the decision to sell.   Together, they explore the emotional, strategic, and financial dimensions of selling a family business — challenging the notion that selling equals failure. Nikin offers insights into how families can redeploy their capital post-sale and how the experience shaped his own path forward.   Whether you're a family business owner, advisor, or student of enterprise governance, this conversation offers valuable lessons on leadership, legacy, and letting go. Get Connected

Host: Steve Miller In this episode of The Family Enterprise Center,host Steve Miller sits down with Craig Stephenson, President and CEO of COC Properties, to explore the transformative power of good governance in family enterprises. Craig shares his leadership journey, the pivotal moment that led to formalizing their board, and how independent directors have helped unlock strategic potential and build trust among family shareholders. Listeners will gain insights into building a board that sees beyond the present and supports long-term value creation. Get Connected

Host: Cooper Biersach In this episode, Cooper Biersach is joined by Chris Maslin — VP of HR and Organizational Development at The Biltmore Company—to unpack the essential elements of a strong family employment policy. Together, they explore how intentional policy design can reduce conflict, clarify roles, and support rising generation development. Listeners will walk away with a practical framework, key questions to ask, and strategies for balancing family harmony with business needs. Whether you're starting from scratch or updating an existing policy, this conversation offers both insights and action steps to help you build a policy that truly works. Additional Resources! The Family Enterprise Center Get Connected

Cooper Biersach chats with Ted Wentz of Quadratec about his unique path back to the family business—one that began with launching his own venture first. Ted shares honest reflections on the gritty realities of entrepreneurship, earning your place in a family firm, and the importance of “doing the time” before stepping into leadership. They also dive into navigating relationships with family members and leading non-family employees in a way that’s both effective and inclusive. Other Episode Notes  The Family Enterprise Center Get Connected

Cooper Biersach interviews Cathy Carroll—author of Hug of War and President of Legacy Onward—for a deep dive into polarity thinking. They explore how to move beyond either/or mindsets into both/and conversations that unlock new possibilities for families and leaders. The episode features real-life examples of common polarity tensions and how to navigate them, plus a walkthrough of polarity mapping with worksheets linked in the episode notes. Episode Notes: The Family Enterprise Center Legacy Onward  Hug of War  Illustrated Polarity Get Connected

Cooper Biersach sits down with Josh Gentine (MBA ’13) to explore his path back to the family business, Sargento, and the parallel journey he’s built as a family business consultant. Josh shares insights on balancing multiple professional identities, fostering two-way communication across generations, and engaging next-gens in ways that reflect their passions and strengths—not just tradition. From personal experience to professional frameworks, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how clarity and curiosity can strengthen family enterprise for the long term. Episode Notes  Josh Gentine Cooper Biersach The Family Enterprise Center Get Connected

Cooper Biersach sits down with Durant Bell to unpack the long road home to the family business, Bell Partners. After building a successful career and reaching the partner track at an outside firm, Durant made the difficult decision to return—but on his own terms. He reflects on choosing not to come back right away, even when his family hoped he would, and how that decision shaped his leadership. From starting over to proving himself within the organization, Durant shares honest insights on building trust, navigating family dynamics, and what it really takes to lead in a multigenerational business. Episode Notes  Durant Bell The Family Enterprise Center Bell Partners Get Connected

Cooper Biersach sits down with Steve Miller to dive into his research on next-generation leaders in family businesses. They share insights on when—and how—to start meaningful conversations with next-gens, the value of gaining outside experience, and the benefits of rotational programs within the family firm. Plus, they explore the critical role emotional and social intelligence play in leadership development. Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation packed with actionable advice for families planning for the future. Episode Notes:  Steve Miller  The Family Enterprise Center Get Connected

Episode Notes  Course Codes for Family Business Curriculum at UNC-Chapel Hill BUSI 503 / MBA 843A: Introduction to Family Business BUSI 512 / MBA 843B: Ownership and Governance  Cooper Biersach Lauren Willets  Steve Miller  The Family Enterprise Center Get Connected