Generation Excellence Podcast

John Carter is an attorney and experienced M&A advisor. He turned to counseling businesses on succession so that they avoid the drama that is the hit show “Succession” on HBO. He named his firm Absolute Succession. It was an absolute pleasure to speak with John Carter on this episode of GENeration EXcellence. John explains how leaving a business via a sale, transfer, gift or any form of exit is a process, not an event and requires planning. I appreciate business owner/operators taking the time to prepare their business and prepare their teams through the objective guidance of John Carter. Please enjoy.

While skimming through the Food & Wine best ice cream in every state story online I reached out to the winner for Pennsylvania, Bassetts Ice Cream in Philadelphia. Why for this podcast? Because Bassetts has been the best ice cream since ... 1861. In this episode we get “the scoop” on this fascinating business story from Alex Bassett Strange, who represents the 6th generation of his family at Bassetts Ice Cream. Alex proudly and knowledgably walks us through the mark each generation has made (or is making) on the product, manufacturing, operations, packaging, and more. Bassetts Ice Cream talks about being “rich in history, richer in flavor.” Enjoy a taste on this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

I received a store grand opening postcard from Premier Pet Supply. (Yes, snail mail got my attention.) I was intrigued and came to learn that Mike Palmer represented the second generation of this fast-growing pet supply store operator. In this episode Mike talks about his involvement in the business from a young age and how he remains as fired up about the opportunity as when he was a teenager. Premier Pet Supply is billed as “the place pets love.” I think you’ll love how Mike Palmer leads a family-run business to outrageous customer service excellence on this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

Episode #31: Stephanie Stuckey, President and CEO, Stuckey’s Corporation by Jamie Michelson

Ron Chapman II is the Chairperson, White Collar Defense & Government Investigations Practice at Chapman Law Group. Chapman Law Group is a firm solely dedicated to representing licensed healthcare providers. I got to know Ron as we were regular early morning gym goers. I’ve since come to learn about Ron’s unique career path and inspiring leadership principles. This is one of my favorite episodes so far. (I say that often.) Get ready for some surprises and fresh takes from attorney Ron Chapman II in this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

I recognize there’s great admiration for founder/entrepreneurs. Silicon Valley lauds those individuals. I would argue stepping into a very successful family business, earning respect when your name is on the door (and 100’s of trucks), and managing a legacy business through times that threaten the organization’s very existence – that takes a special skill set too! Steve Don has humbly done that and more as Chicago-based Edward Don & Co. forges into their 100th year in business. Don is a leading distributor of foodservice equipment and supplies across the U.S. My conversation with Steve spans the generations of the company, goes big picture, recognizes the critical importance of serving the customer all while never losing sight of attention to detail. Please “eat up” this 29th episode of GENeration EXcellence with my good friend Steve Don.

What are the challenges for someone becoming the CEO of a large family-owned business while representing the fourth generation? For answers I turned to Andrew “Bubba” Berenzweig a business leader and change-maker at Hylant, one of the nation’s largest insurance brokers. Berenzweig explains how Hylant is celebrating their 85th year of operations while recognizing the need to commit to significantly different ways of working in the future. He refers to it as, “breaking barriers and borders.” I’m a big hockey fan and Bubba is a former NHL’er. Surprisingly we spent little time talking hockey while enjoying a lengthy time talking business. Please hop over the boards and take in Bubba Berenzweig’s insightful business lessons in this 28th episode of GENeration EXcellence.

The newest GENeration EXcellence episode, #27, spins the 107-year-old tale about the Becharas Brothers Coffee Co. family business. Nick and Dean represent the third generation running the operation and tell us their story - with humility and humor. So, grab a steaming cup and take a listen. Hopefully your coffee is smooth. But it’s worth remembering the reality: the journey isn’t always smooth for long-running businesses.

Mike Hart is the second generation leader of Hart, Inc. a full-service advertising agency with offices in Toledo and Columbus, Ohio. I first met Mike in his original Toledo offices and we exchanged stories about working for our fathers and all of the other unique individuals that one faces in advertising. Mike provides a great perspective on the highs and lows of business. His advice to his two children as they entered the workforce is priceless. (Well actually it’s free.) This is one of my favorite episodes so far. Please enjoy Mike Hart’s family business story in this episode of GENeration EXcellence.

Sanya Weston is an engineer entrepreneur who comes from a family with a legacy of being leaders and innovators in the travel industry. Hear how her family organization dealt with 9/11, the ongoing COVID pandemic and other challenges; never wavering from helping clients with their business and leisure travel plans. Learn about a non-profit Sanya recently formed to provide African-American students an opportunity to travel the world. If you’re in need of a vacation (who doesn’t right now?) please enjoy Sanya’s family business journey in this episode of GENeration EXcellence.