Table Talk with ABFI

ABFI
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Table Talk with ABFI

Table Talk with ABFI Host: Matt Knight, Executive Director of Alberta Business Family Institute Dive into the world of family businesses with "Table Talk with ABFI." Hosted by Matt Knight, this unscripted podcast spotlights Alberta's entrepreneurial families and we'll talk about many aspects including: -Origins & Evolution: Discover the foundation of family enterprises and their transformative journeys. -Personal Triumphs: Hear heartfelt stories of individual ambition and resilience. -Family Dynamics: Navigate the intricate interplay of relationships, transitions, and generational handovers. -Growth & Motivation: Uncover breakthrough moments and strategies propelling these businesses forward. Join the conversation and be inspired by tales of tenacity, innovation, and family legacy.

  1. APR 15

    From One to 14,000 Acres: Angela Santiago's Little Potato Journey

    In this enlightening episode of ABFI Table Talk, host Matt Knight sits down with Angela Santiago, co-founder and CEO of the Little Potato Company, to explore her remarkable journey from a small family venture to a North American agricultural powerhouse. Angela shares the surprising origin story of how, fresh out of university and with no agricultural background, she reluctantly agreed to help her father plant a one-acre test plot of small potatoes in 1996. What began as washing potatoes in a bathtub and selling them to local delis has grown into a company that manages 14,000 acres and distributes to 20,000 stores across North America. Throughout the conversation, three key themes emerge:  Family Values as a Business Foundation: Angela reveals how the company's five core values—with "family" being central—guide everything from hiring decisions to strategic expansion. These values have fostered a culture where product quality and people take precedence over profits, embodying the unique strengths of family businesses.  Innovation as an Entrepreneurial Spirit: From advocating for smaller potato packaging to creative product development stemming from "mistakes and laziness," Angela demonstrates how innovation permeates every aspect of the business. Her willingness to embrace new ideas—whether in automation, AI, or product lines—has kept the Little Potato Company thriving in a declining category. Next-Generation Leadership Development: Perhaps most fascinating is Angela's thoughtful approach to involving her children in the business. By establishing clear ground rules—"enter where you enter," "no exceptions"—and focusing on teaching them to be "good owners" regardless of their career choices, she's creating a legacy that extends beyond the balance sheet.This episode offers invaluable insights for family business leaders navigating the complex interplay of family dynamics and business growth. Angela's experiences balancing her "life buckets"—work, family, self, and marriage—while scaling internationally provide a masterclass in entrepreneurial business family leadership. Learn more about ABFI at https://abfi.ca/, connect with Matt Knight at matt.knight@ualberta.ca or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattknight/  Learn more about The Little Potato Company at https://www.littlepotatoes.com/ This video podcast series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55 - located in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

    1h 1m

  2. APR 2

    Emotional Governance: Franco Lombardo's Journey from Financial Advisor to Family Business Coach

    In this insightful episode of ABFI Table Talk, host Matt Knight speaks with Franco Lombardo, founder of Veritage, about his transformative journey from financial advisor to emotional governance coach for business families. Franco shares how an ABFI event many years ago sparked his interest in family businesses, leading him to discover that even financially successful families often struggle with emotional safety within their relationships. The conversation explores several key themes that are essential for family business success: Emotional Governance: Franco explains how traditional governance documents alone cannot manage family dynamics; families need emotional governance systems that help members feel safe, respected, and included in decision-making.Safe Space Creation: Through his coaching approach, Franco helps family members understand their behaviors, identify emotional triggers, and create environments where authentic communication can flourish.Next Generation Preparation: The discussion highlights the delicate balance between supporting children and allowing them to face challenges, with practical examples of how parents can avoid enabling entitlement.Legacy Beyond Finances: Franco emphasizes that a family's most valuable asset is its human capital, suggesting that the greatest legacy is raising responsible, contributing children rather than simply transferring wealth.This episode offers valuable insights for family business leaders struggling with succession planning, family dynamics, or raising next-generation leaders who will steward the business responsibly. Franco's frameworks provide practical tools for addressing the emotional underpinnings that often determine whether a family business thrives across generations. Listen to the full episode to discover how implementing emotional governance practices can transform your family business relationships and create a foundation for sustainable success. Learn more about ABFI at https://abfi.ca/, connect with Matt Knight at matt.knight@ualberta.ca or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattknight/ or Twitter @mattaknightLearn more about Veritage at https://veritage.ca, connect with Veritage at admin@veritage.ca This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55 - located in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

    46 min

  3. MAR 8

    From Flood to Fire: The Miller Brothers' Journey of Disaster Recovery and Family Business

    Join us for an engaging episode of ABFI Table Talk featuring Kevin and Jason Miller of ServiceMASTER Restore of Edmonton. When catastrophic events strike – from the Fort McMurray fires to the recent Jasper wildfires – these brothers lead and support a dynamic organization that scales from 100 to 1,400 employees virtually overnight to meet community needs. In this episode, discover how the Miller brothers have built on the foundation their father Grant established 22 years ago after transitioning from insurance claims management to restoration services. With complementary skills – Kevin's engineering precision and Jason's business development mindset – they've created a leadership approach that respects their different strengths while maintaining family harmony and building on Grant’s strong foundation. The conversation explores critical family enterprise themes including: The structured ownership buy-in process their father implemented and why it mattersHow they navigate decision-making with a committee approach that includes three non-family partnersThe brothers' candid reflections on joining the family business while maintaining separate reporting structuresTheir commitment to community involvement, with a goal to donate $1 million to children's charitiesWhether you're navigating sibling partnerships, building business resilience, or planning family business transitions, this episode offers practical insights from a family that's made "treating people how you want to be treated" one of their guiding principle. Kevin and Jason emphasize the importance of creating an environment where family members - and everyone receives "no special treatment" and must earn their place in the organization. Tune in to ABFI Table Talk for an authentic discussion about disaster response, franchise relationships, and how the Miller brothers are building on their father's legacy while charting their own course forward. Learn more about ABFI at https://abfi.ca/, connect with Matt Knight at matt.knight@ualberta.ca or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattknight/ or Twitter @mattaknight Learn more about ServiceMASTER Restore of Edmonton at https://www.servicemasterofedm.ca/This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55 - located in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

    46 min

  4. FEB 14

    Risk, Innovation and the Best Dollar Ever Spent: George Cantalini's Cantiro Journey

    Join us for a compelling episode of ABFI Table Talk featuring George Cantalini, President, CEO and Owner of Cantiro, formerly known as the Beaverbrook Group of Companies. In this episode, George shares his remarkable journey from a CA who "wasn't really cut out for accounting" to leading one of Western Canada's most innovative real estate enterprises. Discover how George transformed a struggling land development company he purchased for $1 in 1995 into a diversified organization with over 150 employees and revenues exceeding a quarter billion dollars. Learn how his early partnership with mentor Tony Cairo shaped not only the company's name (Cantiro combines Cantalini-Cairo) but started the foundation for multi-generational collaboration and mentorship that continues today with Tony's son Ben. Whether you're interested in leadership transitions, innovative business models, or building customer-centric organizations, this episode offers valuable insights about evolving from a single-service company to an integrated family enterprise. George shares candid reflections about employee ownership programs, maintaining an innovation mindset, and preparing the next generation for leadership - including how his children's different career paths are shaping succession planning. The conversation explores Cantiro's pioneering projects, from transforming Edmonton's southwest with the Windermere development to introducing mass timber construction while taking on the West Block. George's philosophy of "be Apple, not Blackberry" demonstrates how traditional real estate development can embrace innovation while maintaining strong community connections. Tune in to ABFI Table Talk for an authentic discussion about business growth, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others to build their futures alongside yours. Learn more about ABFI at https://abfi.ca/, connect with Matt Knight at matt.knight@ualberta.ca or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattknight/ or Twitter @mattaknight Learn more about Cantiro at www.cantiro.ca This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55 - located in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

    1 hr

  5. 2024-12-19

    Building Legacy Through Innovation: Bill and Steven Knight on Family Business Evolution

    Join us for an insightful episode of ABFI Table Talk featuring Bill and Steven Knight, the father-son duo behind Mosaic Home Services. They share their remarkable journey from running a successful demolition company to building a multi-brand home services franchise operation spanning from Halifax to Vancouver. In this episode, discover how Bill built B&B Demolition from a $7,000 loan into Edmonton's dominant demolition company, and how an unexpected exit eventually led to a new chapter with his son Steven. Learn how Steven's decision not to take over the family demolition business sparked an innovative approach to home services, growing from a one screen repair company to a thriving enterprise with seven different service verticals and over 100 team members. The Knights candidly discuss their complementary leadership styles - Bill as the "bull in a china shop" and Steven as the thoughtful strategist - and how they've leveraged these differences to build a culture of innovation and accountability. They share valuable insights about maintaining family bonds while growing a business, including their "stay in your lane" philosophy and creating work-free spaces for family connection. Whether you're interested in family business transitions, franchise development, or building customer-centric organizations, this episode offers practical wisdom about evolving from a single-service company to a scalable enterprise. Learn how listening to customer feedback drove their expansion into new services and how their unique approach to company culture - including letting team members create their own job titles - has built employee loyalty. Tune in to ABFI Table Talk for an authentic conversation about family business resilience, leadership evolution, and creating opportunities for others to build their entrepreneurial dreams. Learn more about ABFI at https://abfi.ca/, connect with Matt Knight at matt.knight@ualberta.ca or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattknight/ or Twitter @mattaknight Learn more about Mosaic Home Services at https://www.getmosaic.ca/ This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55 - located in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

    42 min

  6. 2024-12-09

    Community, Culture and Growth: Teresa Spinelli and the Italian Centre Shop

    Join us for an inspiring episode of ABFI Table Talk as we sit down with Teresa Spinelli of the Italian Centre Shop. In Episode 8, Teresa shares her remarkable journey of unexpectedly taking over the family business after losing her brother and father and her journey of transforming a single store founded in 1959 into a thriving community enterprise with five locations and 672 employees across Alberta. In this episode, discover how Teresa navigated the challenging transition from being "the little girl who played cashier" to becoming a respected business leader. She delves into the importance of building authentic community connections, fostering a family-first culture, and maintaining the warmth of a neighbourhood hub while scaling across multiple locations and cities. Teresa shares candid insights about balancing motherhood with business leadership and how her husband has supported the business and became a stay-at-home dad to support her family business. Whether you're interested in family business dynamics, community-based retail, or leadership transitions, this episode offers valuable lessons on leading with heart while driving growth. Learn from Teresa's experiences on building an inclusive workplace culture, managing succession planning, and staying true to core values while embracing innovation. Tune in to ABFI Table Talk for a compelling blend of business wisdom and personal reflection, as Teresa shares how she transformed from reluctantly joining the family business to passionately leading an organization that's not just about "selling salami" but about creating community through food, culture, and genuine human connection. Learn more about ABFI at https://abfi.ca/, connect with Matt Knight at matt.knight@ualberta.ca or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattknight/ or Twitter @mattaknight Learn more about the Italian Centre Shop at www.italiancentre.ca This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55 - located in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

    40 min

  7. 2024-10-16

    Bridging Generations: Conversations for Successful Family Business Succession

    Join us for a compelling episode of ABFI Table Talk as Matt Knight hosts a deep-dive discussion with three experts in family business succession and wealth transition: Tom Deans, best-selling author of "Every Family's Business," "Willing Wisdom," and "The Happy Inheritor"; Jane Halford, president of Halford Consulting specializing in governance and leadership transitions; and Bob Hahn, partner at HLH Chartered Professional Accountants with extensive experience in accounting, tax planning, and wealth management for family enterprises. In Episode 7, our guests explore the critical conversations families need to ensure successful wealth and business ownership transitions across generations. Discover why Tom Deans advocates for selling family businesses to third parties and the transformative power of facilitated family meetings. Jane Halford and Bob Hahn delve into the challenges of engaging family members in succession planning, emphasizing the crucial role of trusted advisors in guiding sensitive discussions. They highlight the importance of initiating conversations, involving all generations and addressing financial and emotional dimensions to prevent conflicts and sustain the family business legacy. Whether you're a family business owner, a successor in waiting, or an advisor in the field, this episode offers invaluable insights into the dynamics of family enterprises. Learn about effective succession planning strategies, the significance of open communication, and how to balance personal relationships with business objectives. Our guests share real-world experiences and practical advice on overcoming common obstacles in wealth transfer and leadership transition. Tune in to ABFI Table Talk for an enlightening and actionable conversation that blends professional expertise with heartfelt stories. Gain the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of managing and transitioning a family business, ensuring its prosperity for generations to come. Learn more about ABFI at https://abfi.ca/, connect with Matt Knight at matt.knight@ualberta.ca or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattknight/ or Twitter @mattaknight This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55 - located in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

    1 hr

  8. 2024-10-10

    Building Success: Rohit Gupta and the Story of Rohit Group

    Join us for an inspiring episode of Table Talk as we sit down with Rohit Gupta, President and CEO of the Rohit Group. In Episode 6, Rohit shares his remarkable journey of stepping into the family business in 2002 and leading it to new heights. From beginning with 16 employees to a diversified enterprise of 260 team members, the Rohit Group has made significant strides in land development, new home building, retail, and healthcare across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. In this episode, discover how Rohit navigated strategic shifts—including exiting the hospitality and industrial sectors—to focus on areas that align with the company's "DNA of capital." He delves into the importance of governance through an advisory board, the challenges of succession planning, and balancing growth while staying true to core values. Rohit also shares insights on family business dynamics, the critical role of philanthropy, and how influential works like the Bhagavad Gita have shaped his leadership philosophy. Whether you're intrigued by entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, or the strategic aspects of business growth and governance, this episode offers valuable lessons on leading a family enterprise in today's evolving market. Learn from Rohit's hard-earned experiences on leadership, the importance of understanding capital structures, and the power of blending traditional values with innovative strategies. Tune in to ABFI Table Talk for a compelling blend of professional wisdom, personal reflections, and the heartfelt story of a leader steering his family business toward a promising future. Learn more about ABFI at https://abfi.ca/, connect with Matt Knight at matt.knight@ualberta.ca or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattknight/ or Twitter @mattaknightLearn more about Rohit Group at: https://rohitgroup.com/ This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55 - located in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

    53 min
See All (14)

About

Table Talk with ABFI Host: Matt Knight, Executive Director of Alberta Business Family Institute Dive into the world of family businesses with "Table Talk with ABFI." Hosted by Matt Knight, this unscripted podcast spotlights Alberta's entrepreneurial families and we'll talk about many aspects including: -Origins & Evolution: Discover the foundation of family enterprises and their transformative journeys. -Personal Triumphs: Hear heartfelt stories of individual ambition and resilience. -Family Dynamics: Navigate the intricate interplay of relationships, transitions, and generational handovers. -Growth & Motivation: Uncover breakthrough moments and strategies propelling these businesses forward. Join the conversation and be inspired by tales of tenacity, innovation, and family legacy.

Information

  • Creator
    ABFI
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 ABFI

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