Navigating the Entrepreneurial Abyss: Insights from 3rd Generation Business Owners with John Scepaniak

Director of Aggregate Operations at Wm. D. Scepaniak, Inc., and fellow third-generation entrepreneur, John Scepaniak joins Taylor on the podcast today to explore the dynamic world of family-run businesses and a whole lot more. Sharing his firsthand experiences in managing the complexities of mining and road construction operations, John sheds light on the challenges of contract aggregate processing and adapting to various job sites. His conversation with Taylor here today delves into the significance of legacy, the pivotal role of social media in modern business strategies, and the critical importance of recruiting the right talent. 

Throughout the discussion, John recounts the history of his family business from its modest post-WWII beginnings to its expansive operations across the United States, and reviews the unique difficulties of third-gen business management, including navigating federal regulations and internal company decisions. He and Taylor reflect on the enduring importance of contributing to their family's legacy, the satisfaction derived from building a dedicated team, and the necessity of portraying work positively to children in order to provide a holistic view of entrepreneurial life that is both inspiring and practical. With a focus on balancing professional responsibilities and family life, John offers actionable insights and personal anecdotes that provide listeners with valuable takeaways. Don't miss this episode jam packed with entrepreneurial wisdom and practical advice for both seasoned business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Topics:

• The history and expansion of John’s family business
• John’s engaging online content
• The challenges of managing daily operational issues
• The complexities of contract aggregate processing and working in diverse locations
• Taylor and John’s reflections on the legacy of their family businesses and the importance of contributing to this heritage
• The value of integrating work and family life and portraying work positively to children
• The strategic importance of hiring the right people and the long-term benefits of building a dedicated team
• The unique challenges and opportunities of running a family-owned business

Quotes:

"Be thankful that you can step back, see the big picture, and manage these issues."

"We don't have the same struggles as our grandfathers, but our time will come."

"Every generation adds something and builds onto something. It's about leaving a legacy."

"Work is tremendously rewarding no matter what you're doing. Articulate that storyline to your kids."

"I don't want my kids to grow up having a negative outlook on work. Work is rewarding."

"You don't want to use social media as a tool to unwind. Use it wisely, or it can become a distraction."

"It's not about hiring people. It's about hiring the right people. You need to find the right fit for the long term."

As always, thank you to our good friends over at Komatsu for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.komatsu.com/

Links:

• Taylor White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170/?originalSubdomain=ca
• To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights
• Komatsu: https://www.komatsu.com/
• Wm D. Scepaniak Inc.: https://www.wdscepaniak.com/
• John Scepaniak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scepaniak-7284a4134/
• John Scepaniak on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnscepaniak/
• Wm. D. Scepaniak, Inc. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdscepaniak/