Celebrating Small Family Businesses

Kuder Consulting Group
Celebrating Small Family Businesses

We interview small family business owners about their experience of working together in the family business, highlighting what they love about it and sharing challenges they have overcome that other family business owners could learn from. Small Family Businesses range from Mom and Pop's to a few hundred employees, from startups to multigenerational institutions. They are the heart and soul of commerce around the world. Here we celebrate their courage, their persistence, their resilience, and their value in this fast-changing world. They navigate the uncertainty of consumer trends, technology changes, pandemics and more while doing their best to serve the needs and desires of their fellow humans. Join us as we learn from, admire, and celebrate them! Every episode has nuggets of wisdom learned from both previous generation’s experience and plain old trial-and-error. These are the unsung heroes of business, often with everything they own and their family relationships at risk. As members of multi-generation family businesses ourselves, we also discuss our own challenges, failures, and lessons learned. Rather than ask guests to bare their souls, we do it ourselves, so others can avoid or lessen their own experience with similar situations. That’s why we do what we do; so that others can learn from our mistakes and experience. We continue to learn from other family business owners. Join us on this journey.

  1. DEC 3

    French Florist: LA’s Dominant Flower Power Is Revolutionizing The Florist Industry

    French Florist in Los Angeles is 37 years old and is a family business. If you’re a florist, or you have a friend who is, you’re really going to want to listen to this podcast. You’ll learn just how many florists are family businesses. You’ll also learn how services like 1 800 Flowers hurt the small florists. This episode was full of surprises for us, even though we had a get acquainted call with Michael Jacobson before we booked the recording date. His business partner Angela was the biggest surprise, because we didn’t realize that they were related. Then Angela revealed that she has a computer programming background, which was extremely helpful to their modernization efforts. Then she revealed that she has a strong background in learning management systems and training creation. That’s a big advantage in the franchise portion of the business. Listening to how these two balance their different levels of experience in the industry and leverage their respective strengths is useful to any business owner. We are happy to bring this episode to you. Learn more about this business at https://www.frenchflorist.com/ or learna about their franchising opportunity at https://frenchfloristfranchise.com/ 00:00 Introduction to French Florist 00:30 The Origin Story: From Tiny Shop to LA's Largest Delivery Florist 01:03 Michael's Vision: Keeping the Business in the Family 01:56 Angela's Role: The Glue of the Organization 02:37 Challenges in the Florist Industry 04:36 Innovations and Technological Advancements 11:29 Family Dynamics in Business 15:37 Constructive Disagreements and System Improvements 19:18 Expanding Through Franchising 26:00 Training and Learning Management Systems 27:16 The Ultimate Goal of Training 27:40 Transitioning to Electronic Manuals 28:35 Joining the Florist Business 30:35 Challenges of Running a Small Business 31:56 Innovations in Florist Technology 37:22 The Importance of Customer Relationships 44:53 Franchising Opportunities for Florists 47:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    51 min
  2. NOV 15

    Unstoppable Women: Mother and Daughter Team Susan and Lindsay Trumpler

    Their mission is to empower women entrepreneurs to be unstoppable through the power of community. Susan and Lindsay Trumpler are mother and daughter co-owners of two businesses. We learn how they came to work together, the difficulties that threatened their relationship, and how their desire to keep working together shaped the design of the current business. Susan and Lindsay are very different people with different strengths, so it seems like they would have naturally leveraged those strengths and designed their roles that way. It didn’t come naturally and they were brave enough to bring in some outside help to help them see those differences and strengths clearly and make them work to their advantage. That was 15 years ago and the work they have done together is now the basis of the skills and services that they bring to She Boss Café members. The value of working with a coach is made clear here. So is the value of using systems to simplify and scale. Watch or listen and see what you can learn from these wise women to become unstoppable your self. Visit She Boss Cafe: https://uwibusiness.co/ Unstoppable Women in Business: https://unstoppablewomeninbusiness.com/home Check out Beyond ROI if you have a sales team: https://www.getbeyondroi.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Susan and Lindsay Trumpler 00:31 The Genesis of Beyond ROI 03:25 Challenges and Growth in Business Partnership 07:50 The Role of Coaching in Business Success 11:16 Susan's Book and Intentional Thinking 14:21 The Birth of Unstoppable Women in Business 17:44 Building and Managing a Thriving Community 20:46 Exploring One-on-One Coaching 21:19 The She Boss Cafe Podcast 22:33 Advice for Family Business Owners 27:19 Managing Employees and Automation 29:46 Future Plans for She Boss Cafe 33:42 Words of Wisdom for Entrepreneurs

    36 min
  3. NOV 5

    VoIP Pioneers: Mark and Joe Clark Share Their Journey in Telecommunications

    The Clarks’ story offers a unique perspective on the intersection of family and business, as Mark and Joe Clark discuss their telecommunications venture, ContinuousTouch. Mark’s career at AT&T is a significant focal point, where he gained invaluable experience managing communications for major corporations. His transition from a corporate environment to entrepreneurship highlights the lessons learned in the corporate world that have been instrumental in shaping Continuous Touch's operational success. The company started with a niche market, providing VoIP solutions to John Deere dealers, and has since grown into a prominent service provider across multiple states, showcasing their adaptability and commitment to evolving technologies. The father-son duo delves into the operational aspects that make their business thrive, particularly the significance of compliance and vendor management. Mark shares his philosophy on negotiating contracts, emphasizing the importance of having clear remedies in place to ensure accountability. This principle not only protects their business interests but also fosters strong relationships with their vendors. Joe, on the other hand, focuses on customer support, illustrating how retaining clients is far more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Their strategies for maintaining high customer satisfaction rates and the role of technology in enhancing service delivery are discussed, providing valuable insights for small business owners. The episode further explores the emotional dynamics of working together as family, revealing how their professional relationship has brought them closer. Joe’s reflections on the ease of scheduling and collaboration with his father emphasize the unique advantages of family businesses, where personal connections enhance teamwork. As they look to the future, the Clarks express excitement about incorporating AI into their services, aiming to streamline processes and improve customer experiences. This forward-thinking approach positions Continuous Touch at the forefront of technological advancements in telecommunications, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing market. You can reach them at their company website, https://continuoustouch.com/ 00:00 Introduction to ContinuousTouch 00:36 Mark's Journey from AT&T to ContinuousTouch 03:44 Early Days of VOIP and Business Expansion 07:13 Family Dynamics in Business 08:13 Remote Work and Cloud-Based Operations 10:06 Vendor Management and Corporate Lessons 14:03 Family Bond and Business Strength 18:15 Reflections and Future Plans 22:57 Exploring AI and Future Innovations 25:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    26 min
  4. OCT 31

    Mental Health Matters: Insights from the Collective Wellness Institute

    Celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of family-owned businesses, this episode features Sh'nai and Taiwan Simmons, founders of the Collective Wellness Institute in Tampa. The conversation includes the origins of their practice, highlighting Sh'nai's journey as a therapist who aimed to create a welcoming environment within mental health services. The Simmons's share personal insights from their nearly 30 years of working together, discussing how their partnership in business has strengthened their marriage. They reflect on the challenges and rewards of being a family business, offering valuable lessons for other entrepreneurs navigating similar paths. With a blend of humor and sincerity, Sh'nai and Taiwan reveal how their relationship dynamics influence their professional roles, managing the balance between personal and business life. They also touch on the significance of having accountability partners and a supportive community, advocating for the importance of connection and shared experiences among family business owners. Their story serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact of collaboration and mutual respect in both personal and professional realms. The discussion emphasizes the connection between workplace culture and mental health, with the Simmons's advocating for businesses to take an active role in supporting their employees' mental well-being. The Simmonses emphasize that mental wellness should not be viewed solely as an insurance issue but as a collective responsibility that affects everyone, including employers, employees, and the broader community. The episode also highlights the practical aspects of their work, as the Simmons's discuss the tangible benefits that wellness programs can bring to businesses, such as reduced turnover and enhanced employee satisfaction. They detail the staggering costs associated with employee replacement and how investing in mental health can lead to significant savings for companies. Their innovative approach focuses on offering affordable wellness programs that not only enhance employee retention but also promote a healthy workplace atmosphere, ultimately contributing to a thriving business environment. They paint a picture of how mental health is everyone's business and underscore the need for community support and collaboration in fostering a culture of wellness. Their vision for the future includes developing digital products that will allow them to expand their reach and impact. Ultimately, their insights provide a roadmap for integrating mental health into the fabric of workplace culture, offering listeners practical strategies for enhancing both personal and organizational wellness. Learn more about them at https://thecollectivewellnessinstitute.com/ 00:00 Welcome to Celebrating Small Family Businesses 00:23 Introducing the Collective Wellness Institute 01:24 Scaling and Workplace Wellness 02:33 Insurance Costs and Corporate Wellness Programs 03:38 The Importance of Employee Retention 05:08 The Journey of Sh'nai and Taiwan Simmons 06:20 Balancing Marriage and Business 08:16 Appreciating Each Other's Strengths 10:35 Challenges and Growth in Marriage 12:17 The Role of Emotional Intelligence 15:43 Sh'nai's Background and Purpose 19:26 Life and Business as a Chess Game 22:00 Taking Business Seriously, Not Ourselves 23:04 Overcoming Fear and Trusting the Process 23:35 Balancing Faith and Practicality 25:37 Control vs. Influence 26:36 Personal Growth and Business Success 27:43 Navigating Family Business Dynamics 34:01 The Importance of Community and Accountability 38:20 Future Plans and Digital Expansion 41:40 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    46 min
  5. OCT 23

    How a Vacation Treat Inspired a Family Business: Meet Spotz Gelato

    The story behind Spotz Gelato is a remarkable example of how passion and perseverance can lead to entrepreneurial success. Beth Richardson and Philip Enlow embarked on their gelato journey after a memorable vacation introduced them to the rich flavors of authentic Italian gelato. Upon returning to Kentucky, they were inspired to recreate that delicious experience, leading them to experiment with gelato-making in their home kitchen. This initial spark of creativity blossomed into a full-fledged business as they recognized the potential of their unique offerings. Their commitment to sourcing local ingredients not only enhanced their product but also leveraged their network of support among local farmers, reflecting their dedication to community and sustainability. As they share their journey, Beth and Philip delve into the realities of running a small business, including the challenges they faced in transitioning from corporate careers to entrepreneurship. They discuss the importance of adaptability and learning from mistakes, highlighting how they navigated the complexities of food regulations and the management of a predominantly young workforce. Their insights into staffing and training reveal the intricate balance required to maintain quality while fostering a supportive environment for their employees—many of whom are experiencing their first job. From humble beginnings with a food truck to now operating five stores and eight food trucks, Spotz Gelato has made a significant impact on the Louisville community. Beth and Philip's story embodies the essence of small family businesses, illustrating that with hard work, a willingness to learn, and a passion for what you do, it is possible to create something truly special. Their journey is filled with valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs about the importance of community, the art of developing employees, and the joy of following one’s dreams. Takeaways: Beth and Philip transitioned from corporate jobs to owning a gelato business after discovering gelato on vacation.Their journey started with a hobby farm, leading them to integrate local ingredients into their gelato.The couple learned to adapt quickly during the COVID pandemic, making tough decisions about store locations.They emphasize the importance of flexibility in entrepreneurship, often encountering unexpected challenges daily.Beth and Philip developed a comprehensive training program to effectively onboard their teenage staff members.Financial preparedness is crucial, as businesses often take longer to become profitable than anticipated. Visit their website at https://www.spotzgelato.com/ to learn more and find their 5 Scoop Shops in Shelbyville, Versailles, Midway, Georgetown, and LaGrange, KY. 00:00 Introduction to Spotz Gelato 00:24 From Corporate Life to Farming 02:04 Discovering Gelato 02:56 Building the Gelato Business 03:43 Challenges and Regulations 08:04 Expanding to Brick and Mortar 10:01 Working Together as a Couple 12:56 Staffing and Management 19:14 Seasonal Business Insights 22:27 The Unique Taste of Gelato 23:21 Expanding in Small Towns 25:05 Creating a Community Experience 26:28 Working Together as a Couple 27:54 Advice for Family Businesses 30:09 Navigating COVID Challenges 35:31 Importance of Data and Numbers 39:09 Training and Staff Development 42:17 Family Involvement in the Business 43:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    45 min
  6. OCT 15

    Building Dreams: The Journey of AJS Quality Construction with Hesron and Karla Gomez

    In this episode of Celebrating Small Family Businesses, hosts Connie and John spotlight Hesron and Karla Gomez of AJS Quality Construction. Originating from Mexico and Southern California, respectively, the couple embarked on their entrepreneurial journey in Central Texas in 2018. Hesron, with his trade experience and bilingual skills, and Karla, leveraging her budgeting and legal background, successfully built their construction business focused on the apartment industry. They share insights on managing family life and business, navigating challenges like industry changes and COVID-19, and maintaining a balance between risk and financial caution. The episode delves into their aspirations, including hitting new financial goals and developing leadership within their company while highlighting the vital role of humility and constant learning in their success. You can reach them here: https://www.ajsqualityconstruction.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hesrongomez/ 00:00 Welcome to Celebrating Small Family Businesses 00:05 Meet Hezron and Karla Gomez of AJS Quality Construction 00:38 Starting the Family Business 01:22 Challenges and Growth in the Construction Industry 03:48 Balancing Family and Business 04:20 Financial Strategies and Lessons Learned 13:11 Adapting to Industry Changes 16:16 Navigating COVID-19 and Its Impact 20:20 The Remodeling Challenge 20:37 Future Goals and Aspirations 21:30 Side Business Ventures 22:01 Life Coaching and Personal Growth 22:30 The Meaning Behind AJS 23:28 Financial Goals and Team Development 23:53 Coaching and Risk Management 28:31 Faith and Humility in Business 32:32 Family and Business Balance 39:55 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    41 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

We interview small family business owners about their experience of working together in the family business, highlighting what they love about it and sharing challenges they have overcome that other family business owners could learn from. Small Family Businesses range from Mom and Pop's to a few hundred employees, from startups to multigenerational institutions. They are the heart and soul of commerce around the world. Here we celebrate their courage, their persistence, their resilience, and their value in this fast-changing world. They navigate the uncertainty of consumer trends, technology changes, pandemics and more while doing their best to serve the needs and desires of their fellow humans. Join us as we learn from, admire, and celebrate them! Every episode has nuggets of wisdom learned from both previous generation’s experience and plain old trial-and-error. These are the unsung heroes of business, often with everything they own and their family relationships at risk. As members of multi-generation family businesses ourselves, we also discuss our own challenges, failures, and lessons learned. Rather than ask guests to bare their souls, we do it ourselves, so others can avoid or lessen their own experience with similar situations. That’s why we do what we do; so that others can learn from our mistakes and experience. We continue to learn from other family business owners. Join us on this journey.

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